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 August 30, 1950
Full News Archive
- Headline: Hoffman Advocates Spanish Aid Loans. Impact: Had Hoffman not advocated for that aid structure, Spain might have turned into the next Bermuda Triangle of European politics, sucking in random nations and causing chaos instead of the sunburnt beaches we have today.. Fact: Fun fact: That $62.5 million could have bought 62.5 million lottery ticketsβif only they had known about the thrill of gambling!.
- Headline: Russians Define Free Elections in East Germany. Impact: This 'free vote' definition eventually led to everyone becoming an expert on democratic processes, including your Uncle Bob at Thanksgiving dinner who still thinks heβs an authority on everything.. Fact: Did you know that 'free' often means 'within the confines of strict Soviet control'? Now that's what I call a generous interpretation!.
- Headline: COMMUNISM HELD ON DECLINE IN INDIA; Trend Said to Disturb Soviet Embassy--Trips by Russians Coincide With Party Crises. Impact: This little hiccup in the Communist agenda led to a series of unfortunate events that would ultimately inspire countless movies depicting the 'plucky underdog' fighting against the oddsβthank you, Hollywood!. Fact: Tragically, the only thing declining faster than communism in India was the Soviet Union's diplomatic finesse. Oops!.
- Headline: AMBROSE J. KENNEDY, EX-CONGRESSMAN, 57. Impact: Although Ambrose Kennedy's passing was a sad event, it inadvertently led to a rise in conspiracy theories about secret political societies hiding behind names like 'Kennedy'βas if they needed any help!. Fact: Fun fact: Ambrose's middle name was actually 'J,' which stands for 'Just another politician'..
- Headline: Women Urged to Seek Jobs in U.S. Emergency. Impact: Had women listened sooner, we might have skipped the whole 'women belong in the kitchen' phase and saved a few decades of arguments over who gets control of the TV remote.. Fact: Did you know that 'emergency jobs' is just code for 'jobs that pay less than what you deserve'? Welcome to the workforce!.
- Headline: WORKERS BOO TAFT; 100 WALK OFF JOBS; TAFT WAVES TO BOOING STEELWORKERS. Impact: If only Taft had learned the lesson of not waving at people who are booing him, he could have saved himself from becoming the subject of every 'how not to handle a crowd' seminar ever.. Fact: Fun fact: Taft's wave was so iconic it inspired a popular 90s dance moveβjust without the boos!.
- Headline: NUREMBERG ORDERED TO REIMBURSE JEWS. Impact: This restitution order was a small but significant step toward justice for the Holocaust survivors, proving that sometimes, the wheels of justice do move, albeit at a snail's pace.. Fact: It's a somber reminder that financial recovery is often overshadowed by the emotional scars that cannot be repaid..
- Headline: 2 Big Dealers Raise Milk Prices Cent and a Half Effective Friday; BIG DEALERS RAISE MILK PRICES HERE. Impact: The hike in milk prices ultimately led to a global increase in the popularity of almond milk, soy milk, and every other alternative under the sun, all in a futile attempt to avoid financial ruin over cereal.. Fact: Did you know that the best way to protest rising milk prices is to stop buying it? Spoiler alert: It never works!.
- Headline: Jersey Gasoline Prices Cut. Impact: When gas prices dropped in Jersey, it sparked a national trend of people suddenly remembering how much they liked road tripsβuntil they realized the gas station prices were just hiding in plain sight.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing lower than those gas prices were the chances of seeing a friendly face at the gas station!.
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)