Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON January 26, 1950
Full News Archive
- Headline: Call for Investment Safety in 1950. Impact: This event led to the eventual rise of venture capitalists, who now believe they are the superheroes of the economy. Little did they know, their capes were actually just overpriced suits.. Fact: The term 'venture capital' was first coined in the 1940sβclearly, it took decades for anyone to realize that investing money is a thing people actually want to do..
- Headline: Vandenberg Steps Down Amid Health Issues. Impact: Vandenbergβs departure created a power vacuum that would lead to a series of nuclear policy decisions that make today's nuclear debates look like a kindergarten argument over crayons.. Fact: Interestingly, setting a 6 o'clock curfew never stopped anyone from making questionable decisionsβespecially when it comes to nuclear weapons..
- Headline: Coal Crisis: Emergency Admission by Mine Bureau. Impact: This coal crisis pushed the U.S. to diversify its energy sources faster than a kid switches favorite toys, leading to the energy mix we all love todayβor at least tolerate.. Fact: In retrospect, it's fascinating how a coal shortage led to the rise of alternative energy sourcesβkind of like how a bad breakup can lead to self-improvement..
- Headline: ACHESON RENEWS DEFENSE OF HISS; Says He Won't Turn Back, Cites Bible Passage--Senators Criticize His Attitude Secretary Shows Emotion Incident Year Ago Recalled Mundt Asks 5 Questions. Impact: This incident intensified the Red Scare, pushing paranoia to levels that would later inspire countless spy novels and movies. Thanks to Acheson, we have a whole genre dedicated to mistrusting government officials.. Fact: Citing the Bible to defend someone accused of espionage is a bold move. Next up: using Shakespeare to defend a corporate merger..
- Headline: TRENTON TRIAL DELAYED; Judge Grants Time to 6 Negroes for Decisions on Counsel. Impact: Delays in trials often lead to prolonged injustices. This particular delay served as a reminder that the wheels of justice can spin slower than molasses in January.. Fact: It's ironic how 'justice delayed is justice denied' became a cliche, yet somehow, it still seems to apply to every trial in history..
- Headline: Salvation Army 'Mascot' Named. Impact: A 5-year-old mascot might have inspired future generations to take their roles in charitable organizations seriouslyβthough let's be honest, how many mascots actually do anything?. Fact: The concept of a mascot in charity work is amusing; because nothing says 'giving back' like a kid in a costume..
- Headline: DE GASPERI WORKING ON HIS SIXTH CABINET. Impact: De Gasperi's ongoing cabinet reshuffles showed that political stability is like trying to balance on a unicycleβentertaining to watch, but you know it's going to end in chaos.. Fact: Forming a cabinet is much like assembling IKEA furniture; it often requires more time, patience, and the occasional existential crisis..
- Headline: Mayor Delays Return Until Feb. 10 After Doctor Orders Longer Rest; MAYOR TO CONTINUE REST UNTIL FEB. 10 Bernecker Staying in Florida. Impact: The mayor's extended vacation probably led to a series of questionable decisions by the acting mayor, which shaped local politics for yearsβbecause who doesn't love a little chaos?. Fact: Itβs reassuring to know that even mayors need a break; who knew governing was so exhausting? Maybe they should consider a spa day instead..
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1950, it would be worth $3,433,941 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1950, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1950, it would be worth $23,651,330 today (23651.3x return)