What Do Billy Joel and AI Have In Common?

In 1989, during the week Taylor Swift was born, Billy Joel's cover We Didn't Start The Fire was No. 1 on the Hot 100 list. The song was unique in that it included 100 headlines from the year Billy Joel was born to the current time (1949-1989). As the Grammy Award winning artist was contemplating life in the year he turned 40, he launched the song that would be later reprised by Fall Out Boy in 2023 with modernized headlines.

Joel's aim was to say that growing up in the 1980s was infinitely more complex than doing so in the 1940s. Citing global tragedy, public indiscretions, and major failures of society, he camped out on the depravity of society pointed toward the prior generation for leaving the proverbial world on fire amidst political unrest, cultural tenstions, and societal ills. He could not have imagined the world of 2024 which makes the 1989 so called "fire" look like a friendly marshmallow roast.

If Billy Joel Can Name 100 Headlines...

I wondered what the top headlines would be from the year of my birth through the present day.

ChatGPT would readily be able to give me 100 of the most prominent ones ranging from 1971 - 2024. What I did not expect was for AI to give me only one per year, extending my search into the future without my asking for it. The return of information for years that have not yet occurred was very methodical. The pace of return slowed down immensely.

Included below are the findings if you want to know what to expect over the next 100 years, according to AI that is:

1971 - 2023

1. In 1971, the Apollo 14 mission successfully lands on the moon.

2. In 1972, the Watergate scandal begins, leading to President Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974.

3. In 1973, the first mobile phone call is made in New York City.

4. In 1974, Muhammad Ali defeats George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" heavyweight boxing match.

5. In 1975, Microsoft is founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

6. In 1976, Apple Computer is founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

7. In 1977, the original "Star Wars" film is released, becoming a major cultural phenomenon.

8. In 1978, Louise Brown becomes the first successful test-tube baby, born through in vitro fertilization.

9. In 1979, the Iranian Revolution leads to the fall of the Shah and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini.

10. In 1980, the eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington state kills 57 people and causes extensive damage.

11. In 1981, the first space shuttle, Columbia, is launched by NASA.

12. In 1982, the Falklands War occurs between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

13. In 1983, Sally Ride becomes the first American woman to travel to space.

14. In 1984, the Summer Olympics are held in Los Angeles, United States.

15. In 1985, the Live Aid concert is held, raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

16. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster occurs in Ukraine, resulting in a nuclear meltdown and environmental catastrophe.

17. In 1987, the stock market crash known as "Black Monday" sends global markets into a tailspin.

18. In 1988, the Summer Olympics are held in Seoul, South Korea.

19. In 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall symbolizes the end of the Cold War.

20. In 1990, Nelson Mandela is released from prison after serving 27 years.

21. In 1991, the dissolution of the Soviet Union brings an end to the Cold War.

22. In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty is signed, establishing the European Union.

23. In 1993, the World Trade Center in New York is bombed, foreshadowing the events of 9/11.

24. In 1994, the genocide in Rwanda leads to the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people.

25. In 1995, the Oklahoma City bombing kills 168 people and injures over 500.

26. In 1996, Dolly the sheep becomes the first successfully cloned mammal.

27. In 1997, the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China takes place.

28. In 1998, the impeachment of President Bill Clinton captivates the nation.

29. In 1999, the Y2K scare grips the world as fears of computer malfunction plague the approaching millennium.

30. In 2000, the dot-com bubble bursts, leading to the decline of many internet companies.

31. In 2001, the September 11 attacks occur, resulting in the destruction of the World Trade Center and thousands of lives lost.

32. In 2002, the euro becomes the official currency for most European Union member states.

33. In 2003, the United States invades Iraq, leading to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

34. In 2004, Facebook is launched by Mark Zuckerberg in his Harvard dorm room.

35. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastates the Gulf Coast of the United States, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

36. In 2006, Twitter is launched, revolutionizing social media and communication.

37. In 2007, the global financial crisis begins, leading to a worldwide economic downturn.

38. In 2008, Barack Obama is elected as the first African American President of the United States.

39. In 2009, the H1N1 influenza pandemic, also known as swine flu, spreads globally.

40. In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill becomes the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history.

41. In 2011, Arab Spring protests spread across the Middle East and North Africa, leading to political upheaval in several countries.

42. In 2012, the London Summer Olympics captivate the world with spectacular performances and athletic achievements.

43. In 2013, Edward Snowden leaks classified documents, revealing mass surveillance programs by the National Security Agency.

44. In 2014, the Ebola epidemic ravages West Africa, resulting in over 11,000 deaths.

45. In 2015, the Paris Agreement is signed, aiming to combat climate change on a global scale.

46. In 2016, the United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum.

47. In 2017, widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality sweep the United States following the killing of George Floyd.

48. In 2018, the #MeToo movement gains momentum, exposing widespread sexual harassment and assault across industries.

49. In 2019, Greta Thunberg leads global youth climate strikes, demanding action against climate change.

50. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spreads worldwide, causing a global health crisis and significant economic disruption.

51. In 2021, Joe Biden is inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States.

52. In 2022, the FIFA World Cup is held in Qatar, marking the first Middle Eastern country to host the tournament.

53. In 2023, NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the moon, paving the way for further space exploration.

2024 - 2070

54. In 2024, the Summer Olympics are held in Paris, France.

55. In 2025, advancements in renewable energy technologies lead to a significant decrease in global carbon emissions.

56. In 2026, China becomes the world's largest economy, surpassing the United States.

57. In 2027, Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully sends the first manned mission to Mars.

58. In 2028, artificial intelligence reaches human-level intelligence, leading to significant advancements in various industries.

59. In 2029, the discovery of extraterrestrial life is confirmed by NASA.

60. In 2030, a global initiative is launched to eradicate poverty and hunger worldwide.

61. In 2031, the first human-made object reaches another star system, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

62. In 2032, a breakthrough in medical research leads to the development of a cure for cancer.

63. In 2033, the Global Peace Accord is signed, bringing an end to major conflicts around the world.

64. In 2034, the first fully autonomous city is established, showcasing the potential of smart cities.

65. In 2035, virtual reality technology becomes an integral part of everyday life, transforming communication and entertainment.

66. In 2036, renewable energy sources surpass fossil fuels as the primary global energy source.

67. In 2037, the first successful human brain transplant is performed, opening possibilities for extending human life.

68. In 2038, major advancements in genetic engineering lead to the eradication of hereditary diseases.

69. In 2039, a breakthrough in quantum computing revolutionizes data processing and cryptography.

70. In 2040, space tourism becomes accessible to the general public, enabling trips to the moon and beyond.

71. In 2041, a massive global reforestation effort results in significant progress in combating climate change.

72. In 2042, the first Mars colony is established by an international coalition of countries.

73. In 2043, a global initiative is launched to address income inequality and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.

74. In 2044, the first commercial fusion power plant is built, providing clean and unlimited energy.

75. In 2045, major advancements in biotechnology lead to the development of personalized medicine tailored to individual genetic makeup.

76. In 2046, the first fully sustainable city is built, showcasing environmentally friendly infrastructure and practices.

77. In 2047, artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, raising ethical concerns and opening new possibilities.

78. In 2048, a global effort to preserve and restore ocean ecosystems leads to a significant recovery of marine life.

79. In 2049, a breakthrough in space propulsion technology enables interstellar travel.

80. In 2050, a global ban on single-use plastics leads to a dramatic decrease in ocean pollution.

81. In 2051, the first successful human colonization of another planet is achieved.

82. In 2052, major advancements in neuro-technology lead to the ability to record and replay dreams.

83. In 2053, a global initiative to address climate change results in the restoration of the ozone layer.

84. In 2054, virtual reality experiences become indistinguishable from real-life, blurring the lines between physical and digital realities.

85. In 2055, the first contact with an extraterrestrial civilization is established.

86. In 2056, a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture practices leads to the end of food scarcity worldwide.

87. In 2057, human longevity reaches unprecedented levels, with the average lifespan exceeding 100 years.

88. In 2058, advancements in nanotechnology lead to the development of miniature medical robots for personalized healthcare.

89. In 2059, major advancements in space exploration lead to the discovery of habitable exoplanets.

90. In 2060, a comprehensive global education reform ensures equal access to quality education for all children.

91. In 2061, major advancements in robotics and automation revolutionize industries, leading to a decrease in human labor.

92. In 2062, significant progress is made in the pursuit of fusion energy as a clean and abundant power source.

93. In 2063, the first fully immersive virtual reality theme park opens, offering unprecedented entertainment experiences.

94. In 2064, a global initiative is launched to address the mental health crisis and promote emotional well-being worldwide.

95. In 2065, advancements in transportation technologies lead to the development of hyperloop systems for ultra-fast travel.

96. In 2066, the first human settlement is established on a habitable exoplanet outside of our solar system.

97. In 2067, major advancements in robotics lead to the development of highly capable humanoid machines.

98. In 2068, a breakthrough in renewable energy storage technology enables fully sustainable cities.

99. In 2069, significant progress is made in understanding the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

100. In 2070, global collaboration leads to the establishment of a unified world government, addressing global challenges collectively.

I'll sign off by saying that I am proud to report that Halley's Comet, in fact, will not destroy the earth in 2061. That was a close call.