On Sept. 20, 1973, over 30,000 people crowded into Houston’s cavernous Astrodome. At the same time, TV viewers around the world switched on over 90 million sets.

It was on a stormy Thanksgiving Eve in 1971 that a person who called himself Dan Cooper leaped into legend in a bizarre escapade that remains history’s only unsolved commercial-airline hijacking.

Can you imagine a TV series changing the fortunes of a major business?

Sometimes a promotional stunt can work too well.

Sometimes a promotional stunt can work too well.

Late in 1975, there would have been no reason for you to know the name of Gary Dahl.

Late in 1975, there would have been no reason for you to know the name of Gary Dahl.

The Nike “Swoosh” symbol is so well recognized worldwide that it can stand alone without naming the Oregon sports-apparel empire.

“Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true.” – Aesop’s Fables