Here is a rough outline for the ATL:
1973: Kouhoutek comet dazzles audiences around the world. UFOs are condemned as "transports to hell" and extraterrestrials are seen as "hellspawn" by Christian conseratives. Great Britain anounces its refusal to join into the European Economic Community (EEC) despite heavy political pressure.
1974: Benjamin Creme proclaims the arrival of the messiah "Maitreya" in London, England, sparking religious unrest.
1975: U.S. Metric-system conversion campaign launched in Washington D.C. Mood rings become popular. Share International, based in London, England, begins distributing the spiritual mesages of "Maitreya" worldwide. Famine and drought devastates India, sparking a massive international refugee crisis. Christian conservatives in the United States launch a campaign against the United States and "one-world government". Christian conservatives launch a campaign against television broadcasts starting. U.S. State Department warns of Communist-backed terrorism throughout Asia and Africa, targetting primarily Americans.
1976: Human Cloning is discovered, sparking massive flux in ethical debates worldwide. "Stretch Armstrong" dolls become popular with children. "Maharishi Effect" proven; Maharishi Mahesh Yogi proves scientifically that mass meditation/prayer can cause massive reductions in crime and violent behavior. Christian conservatives launch a campaign against astrology, demanding the removal of horoscope columns in newspapers.
1976-1979: Swine Flu Pandemic grips United States, Russia, China. Cold War finally ends as USSR and PRC regimes implode.
1977: Citizen's Band (CB) radio becomes a popular trend. Marijuana is legalized within the United States.
1977-1978: Fire ant scares begin throughout the American Southwest
1978: ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) ratified. Killer bee scares begin throughout the American Southeast. Star Wars: Holiday Special (CBS-TV) makes its hit debut. Christian conservatives launch a campaign against Freemasons as a "threat to Christianity". Pope John Paul II calls for greater European political unity, sparking tensions in Central and Eastern Europe.
1979: Susan B. Anthony dollar coins become the official currency (U.S.). Monty Python's The Life of Bryan is banned after massive protest by Christian fundamentalists nationwide. Scotland secedes from Great Britain sparking tensions throughout Western Europe and the NATO alliance. United States loses permanent control of the Panama Canal, amidst great political controversy. Shah of Iran orders the formation of a covert nuclear weapons program, raising tensions within the Middle East.
1980: Betamax dominates the market. John Anderson elected President. Can't Stop the Music starring the Village People and Bruce Jenner, makes its hit film debut. Lyndon LaRouche (D-NY) wins the Democratic Party presidential nomination amidst great controversy. WHO/CDC officials report c. 150 million deaths annually due to mass starvation, drought and famine, the average lifespan falls to 42 years of age worldwide, according to the United Nations. "Tracksuits" (a.k.a. "Shell Suits") become popular worldwide, especially in Great Britain and the United States.
1981: La Toya Jackson makes her hit musical debut with her single "If You Feel The Funk".
1982: Inchon directed by Mitsuhara Ishi, starring Laurence Olivier as Douglas Macarthur. "Deely Bobbers" (a.k.a. Martian antennae) become popular. Christian fundamentalists led by Robert Byrd (D-WV) win passage of the School Prayer Amendment (U.S.), allowing school prayer in public schools. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis occur across the globe due to the alignment of planets, called "the Jupiter Effect". Argentinean forces defeat British naval forces for the Falkland Islands. Labor MP Tony Benn is elected Prime Minister after a "no-confidence" vote of PM Margaret Thatcher.
1983: Emergence of Satanic cults across America; Heavy metal music is reported to contain "subliminal messages" regarding suicide. Latin American pop music becomes a major world craze, starting with Menudo. Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Dolls become popular. E.T., the Extraterrestrial (Atari) video game makes its hit debut, becoming a major bestseller. New Age "Past-Life Regression" becomes popular, after being introduced by actress Shirley Maclaine. Soviet military forces proclaim victory in Afghanistan. Doctor Detroit starring Dan Ackroyd and Howard Hesseman, makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise.
1984: Mirage comics makes its hit debut. Gary Hart elected President. Senator and former astronaut John Glenn runs for the Democratic Party nomination. La Toya Jackson debuts her hit music single "Heart Don't Lie" amidst great competition. Iranian government officials announce the development of a nuclear weapons technology in Tehran, sparking regional tensions. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension starring Peter Weller and Jeff Goldblum, makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise.
1985: New Coke makes its debut; old Coke formula re-christened "Classic Coke." Balanced Budget Amendment ratified to the U.S. Constitution. Air pollution has reduced the amount of sunlight reaching the surface of the planet by 50% according to health officials. Soviet-backed military forces threaten to attack Israel, raising tensions throughout the Middle East.
1986: Movement for the "English-only" Amendment (U.S.) begins. Halley's Comet inspires "comet parties" across the globe. Americans connect in a human chain from New York City, New York to Los Angeles, California in "Hands Across America".
1987: Amerika (ABC-TV) television mini-series about Soviet occupation of the United States actually becomes a major hit. "Pogoball", along with the Segway (2001), one of the biggest divergences in transportation. Civl unrest and violence erupt in Egypt due to oil shortages. Former porn actress Anna Ilona Staller is elected Prime Minister of Italy amidst great controversy. Oceanographers uncover a growing "dead zone" caused by deadly algae blooms within the Gulf of Mexico.
1988: Gary Hart re-elected President. "One Australia" policy announced by PM John Howard, calling for a ban on Asian immigrants. RJR Reynolds introduces "Smokeless Cigarettes". The Last Temptation of Christ directed by Martin Scorsese is banned due to massive protests by Christian fundamentalists. Game show personality Vanna White makes her hit film debut with Goddess of Love, becoming a major celebrity. "Harmonic Convergence" of planets is celebrated across the globe as the "mankind's shift from warlike to peaceful". Senator Dan Quayle (R-IN) wins the Republican Party nomination in an effort to appeal to youth.
1989: Killer Bee infestations become more pronounced; Power-Glove becomes top selling item. Shintaro Ishihara is elected Prime Minister citing an ultra-nationalist platform for Japan. Brian "The Boz" Bosworth leads the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl, amidst controversy for "trash-talking" against the Denver Broncos.
1990: "Cold Fusion" being confirmed by Pons/ Fleischmann in Salt Lake City, Utah. Vanilla Ice introduces rap music to the mainstream. Lambada Brazilian dance becomes popular worldwide. Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba wins the right of international intervention for Japanese military forces. Famine has spread to all of India, Pakistan, Middle East, and all of Africa, despite international humanitarian aid efforts. Dick Tracy starring Warren Beatty, makes its hit debut, launching rides at Disneyland parks and launching a film franchise. Author Mario Vargas Llosa is elected in presidential elections on a socialist platform, sparking tensions with the United States.
1991: "Flag-Burning" Amendment to the U.S. Constittution. U.S. POWs/MIAs are discovered in Vietnam and Laos. Indonesia suffers civil unrest and violence amidst reports of oil shortages in Indonesia, sparkng tensions throughout SE Asia. The Rocketeer starring Jennifer Connelly, makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise.
1992: Crystal Pepsi makes its debut, soon devouring up more of the market share. Ross Perot elected President. Valiant and Image Comics make their hit debuts amidst a booming independent comics industry. Japanese-led Asian Pacific Economic Community (APEC) and German-led European Union (EU) launch an "economic cold war" against the United States. Canadian magician Doug Henning establishes "Maharishi Veda Land" amusement park in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) become a major bestseller and are seen as a major technological leap. Israeli officials led by Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres report that Iran has begun production of nuclear weapons during a press conference in Tel Aviv.
1993: The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield sparks a religious renaissance, as people begin to create a "more spiritual society". Maharishi Mahesh Yogi proves scientifically that mass meditation/prayer can effectively reduce violence in conflict regions.
1993-1994: Blind Melon makes their hit debut, signaling explosion of "grunge" genre. Internet dead as AOL network spreads.
1994: Vladimir Zhrinovsky, Russian ultra-nationalist comes to power in Moscow. Quebec independence. David Caruso becomes a movie star. The Shadow starring Alec Baldwin and Penelope Ann Miller, makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise. "English-only" Amendment is established (U.S.). Pro-football/baseball player Bo Jackson dazzles the sports world. Heavy metal music is reported to contain "subliminal messages" leading to a national ban. "Sky Dancers" (Galoob) dolls become popular. Patrick Ewing leads the New York Knicks to the NBA Championship. Second Korean War; Japan and North Korea clash after a naval incident in the Sea of Japan. Actor Rubén Blades is elected President of Panama. Russian-backed Bulgarian forces enter into Macedonia, escalating fighting within the Balkans region. Tensions mount nationwide as severe droughts and famine occur across Australia.
1995: Nintendo VirtuaBoy console makes its hit debut, part of a new wave of VR. Controversy over unauthorized pornographic content spreads - 2nd Sexual Revolution underway. Waterworld makes its hit debut. Actress Elizabeth Berkley, becomes a star after the film Showgirls launches her career. South Africa falls apart due to Afrikanner-led "war for homeland". Michael Jordan leads the Baltimore Orioles to a World Series. Charles Barley leads the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Championship. Food riots are reported nationwide due to drought in the Midwest; Last portions of rainforest destroyed in Madagascar. 1945 alternate-history novel by Newt Gingrich and William R. Fortschen, becomes a major bestseller. Rush Limbaugh is named Speaker of the House of Representatives in a highly partisan anti-Perot vote. Deepak Chopra establishes "Chopra Center for Well Being" across the globe, starting in Los Angeles, California as "spiritual alignment centers". Pakistan and Russia begin sending scientists to aid Iran's nuclear program, sparking international tensions.
1996: Ross Perot re-elected President. Comics crash averted. Heroes Reborn (1996/1997)- Todd McFarlane and Jim Lee restart the Marvel Universe. The Phantom starring Billy Zane makes its hit film debut, launching a film franchise. "Macarena" dance craze goes worldwide. Platte River in Nebraska dries up due to the greenhouse effect; Reports of "black blizzards" of prarie topsoil causing traffic jams, computer and power failures throughout the Midwest. NASCAR legend Richard Petty (R-NC) wins the gubernatorial election in North Carolina. NASA announces the completion of Space Station Freedom at Cape Canaveral, Florida as a major technological achievement. Doctor Who (FOX-TV) starring Eric Roberts as "the Master" makes its hit television debut. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) wins the Democratic Party presidential nomination based on a populist platform.
1997: Microsoft Web-TV takes off, creating competition for the cable and satellite dish companies. Clonaid is established, providing commercial human clones for infertile and LGBT persons amidst great religious controversy. Major flooding begins to occur in Central Europe along the Elbe and Oder Rivers, sparking a refugee crisis. Action movie star Joseph Estrada is elected in presidential elections in the Philippines on a populist platform.
1998: Dean Devlin/ Roland Emmerich launch the Godzilla film franchise, sparking renewed interest in the genre, "Gojira purists" launch suicide bomb attacks against theaters showing the American version of Godzilla. The Avengers starring Uma Thurman and Ralph Fiennes, makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise. "WWJD" bracelets (e.g. "What Would Jesus Do") and "Promise Keepers" become popular. Economic collapse of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen occurs. Iran begins developing long-rang missiles for its nuclear weapons program against international pressure.
1999: The Phantom Menace makes its hit debut. Wild, Wild West starring Will Smith and Kevin Kline makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise. The Mod Squad starring Claire Daines, Giovanni Ribisi and Omar Epps, makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise. Sega Dreamcast solidifies Sega as video game industry leader. Australia becomes a republic after a national referendum. "Amero", North-American currency, is ratified by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, amidst great debate. Great Britain erupts in civil unrest and violence, amidst reports of oil shortages. Dogma directed by Kevin Smith is banned due to massive protests by Christian fundamentalists. Lee Carroll and Jan Tober begin proclaiming children born starting in 1999 as "Indigo Children" (spiritually-enlightened).
2000: Y2K virus signals economic crash. Ralph Nader elected. XFL makes its hit debut. "O-Town" forms signaling pop-punk revival (note: different band than OTL). Battlefield Earth starring John Travolta makes its hit film debut, amidst concern of Scientologists. Oman reports oil shortages, sparking regional and economic tensions throughout the Middle East. Austerity measures are imposed in Great Britain and the United States in response to oil shortages, offset by cold-fusion technology. General Colin Powell (R-NY) is named the Republican Party presidential nominee. Controversy erupts when British Prince William announces that he is engaged to American singer Brittney Spears. "Big Mouth Billy Bass", animatronic fish becomes a popular household item and toy.
2001: India and Pakistan border conflict over Kashmir goes nuclear. U.N. officials report the loss of the last portions of the rainforest worldwide. Segway PT vehicles become popular upon introduction, becoming major bestsellers. Planet of the Apes directed by Tim Burton, starring Mark Wahlberg, makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise
2002: Friendster and Zune make their hit debuts. Vanilla Coke makes its hit debut. "Freedom Fries" make their debut. Anna Kournikova dazzles the tennis world. The Adventures of Pluto Nash starring Eddie Murphy. Chris Webber leads the Sacramento Kings to the NBA Championship. Atkins Diet, consisting of low carbohydrate diets, becomes popular. Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) becomes popular nationwide. Jean-Marie Le Pen elected President of France, sparking riots. Plug and Play Videogames grow in popularity. Pepsi Blue is released. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has sexual relations with former Italian Prime Minister Anna Ilona Staller in exchange for United Nations weapons inspectors to enter into the country for "weapons of mass destruction". Massive famine and drought are reported throughout China, sparking riots and civil unrest nationwide.
2003: SARS virus signals further trouble for global economy. Daredevil starring Ben Afleck, Michael Duncan Clark and Jennifer Garner makes its hit debut, launching a film franchise. Actor Ben Affleck and Actress Jennifer Lopez are married in Beverly Hills, California, sparking international attention. Iraq gains the nuclear bomb. Jerry Springer (D-OH) announces his U.S. Senate bid in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Championship. Riots and civil unrest erupt as reports of oil shortages take place in Mexico. New Hampshire proclaims itself a Libertarian "free state" after a mass migration of Libertarian Party members. Michelle Wie sparks national interest in the LPGA and women's golf after winning the U.S. Women's Open. Iranian military officials announce that they have nuclear ICBM capability, raising tensions between Iran and Israel.
2003-2007: "Flexisexuality" trend spreads as "3rd Sexual Revolution" occurs.
2004: War in the Balkans collapses in "Vietnam War fashion" for the United States and Russia; Howard Dean elected President amidst global political turmoil. Hugo-Chavez led ALBA challenges FTAA, effectively dividing all of Latin America into 2 political/military camps. With the loss of Quebec, Canadian Alliance led by MP Stephen Harper, leads a conservative government. Action movie star Fernando Poe Jr. is elected in presidential elections in the Philippines on a populist platform. Former NBA Player Charles Barkley wins the Alabama gubernatorial campaign in 2004, touted as the "new face of the GOP". Jerry Springer (D-OH) wins his bid for the U.S. Senate.Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka (R-IL) wins the U.S. Senate seat. OPEC reports "oil production plateau", sparking regional and economic tensions. Amidst great controversy, inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, constitutional amendment allowing for citizens not born in the United States to become president is ratified. Film What The #$%& Do We Know? directed by William Arntz, starring Marlee Matlin, popularizes the spiritual idea of "We create our own reality..." Actor Ben Affleck wins a seat in the House of Representatives representing Boston, Massachusetts.
2005: OPEC reports "peak oil" production, sparking an economic crisis. Danica Patrick wins the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first woman to win the race in the event's history. Tupperware parties are revived through viral marketing in the United States and Canada.
2006: South Beach Diet, identifying "good fats" and "good carbs", becomes popular. "Unite the Right" movement occurs in Canada. Chinese government suffers civil unrest and ethnic violence as the goverment begins to collapse. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne popularizes the "law of attraction" as a spiritual belief. HD-DVDs become a major bestseller for personal film home entertainment. Former Italian Prime Minister Anna Ilona Staller has sexual relations with Osama bin Laden in an effort to prevent war from spreading in the Middle East.
2007: David Horowitz warns of the dangers of "Islamofascism" in Washington D.C., sparking international tensions. Islamic fundamentalists launch terrorist attacks against the United States. Jamie Lynn Spears promotes virginity and chastity across the United States. David Beckham's arrival to the Los Angeles Galaxy, sparks "Soccermania" across the United States. Greenhouse temperatures rise as methane levels soar due to the rise in temperatures in Siberia. Tensions mount as Iran announces thar it has pointed its nuclear weapons at Israel, raising tensions throughout the region. Actor Mel Gibson announces his candidacy for the U.S. presidency, based on social conservative ideas, in Los Angeles, California. Soda-Stream, home carbonation units for soda, become popular as a means to create inexpensive soft drinks.
2008: presidential bid Sarah Palin is elected President of the United States. Dmitry Medvedev successfully heads up the Russian transition to pro-Western democracy. Chessmaster Garry Kasparov becomes the leader of the democratic underground in Moscow, sparking international attention. Construction begins on the NAFTA superhighway, across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Saffron Terror; Indian Hindutva ultra-nationalists overthrow the government. France reports massive oil shortages, sparking civil unrest and violence. Portions of New York City, New York experience flooding. Massive flooding causes 50% of London to be submerged underwater, despite massive tide barriers. Major flooding occurs along the major rivers of Germany, sparking civil unrest and violence. Iranian military forces launch attacks against Israel, amidst the threat of a nuclear war in the region. Russian military forces enter into the Middle East, Israel launches a pre-emptive strike into Iran, Syria launches attacks throughout the region, Russia threatens nuclear strikes against the United States. Iceland is upheld as a model of political and economic stability. Speed Racer directed by the Wachowski Brothers, starring Christina Ricci and John Goodman, makes its hit debut. Tamagotchi: The Movie makes its hit film debut, reviving interest in Tamagotchi artificial pets
2009: FAIR Tax amendment signed into law under President Palin, repealing the 16th amendment and replacing all federal taxes with a national sales tax of 23%. Collapse of U.S. auto industry. "Restore Honor" rally of Glenn Beck is held in Washington D.C. British Nationl Party (BNP) comes to power amidst concerns over European Union. Russia and China suffer civil unrest and violence due to oil shortages. Himalayan Glacier disappears due to global warming. Gold reaches c. $1900/ounce and oil reaches $300/barrel, causing many to consider socialism as a viable political idea. Ireland (a.k.a. "the Celtic Tiger") is upheld as an emerging economic powerhouse. Tamagotchi: The Happiest Story in the Universe makes its hit film debuts for young people world.
2010: M. Night Shamlayan launches the blockbuster franchise The Last Airbender. U.N. officials report c. 200 million refugees worldwide due to environmental damage worldwide; Panama Canal reports massive delays and shutdowns due to traffic. Actor Alec Baldwin (D-NY) is elected to the U.S. Senate amidst rumors of marrital discord and financial problems. Singer Wyclef Jean is elected president of Haiti. Tensions mount nationwide as Russian and Chinese leaders back secessionist movements within the United States. European debt crisis in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal triggers a worldwide economic collapse.
2011: "Friday" by Rebecca Black makes its hit musical debut. The Playboy Club (NBC-TV) makes its hit television debut. Lebron James and Dwayne Wade lead the Miami Heat to the NBA Championship. Massive flooding in Ocean City, Maryland blamed on the greenhouse effect; Tuvalu's 9 main islands are submerged due to flooding. Atlantic City, New Jersey suffers massive flooding; WHO/CDC officials report 2 million new cases of skin cancer per year worldwide.
2012: Vice-President Herman Cain promises to shake up the economy with his "9-9-9" tax plan. Tim Teebow leads the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl. Algeria reports oil shortages, serving to destabilize the North African region.
