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 July 10, 1951
Full News Archive
- Headline: GM Opens Assembly Plant in Belgium. Impact: This plant kickstarted Belgium's automotive renaissance, leading to a global obsession with fries served in paper cones — because who needs good health when you have fried potatoes and cars?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more complicated than assembling a car is trying to explain to Belgians why we don’t already have a car fry holder?.
- Headline: Westchester County Facilities Survey Initiated. Impact: This study resulted in a decade-long debate on whether a new coffee machine in the center could boost productivity — spoiler alert: it didn’t. But the county made a lot of friends at the coffee shop.. Fact: Did you know that studying the needs of big centers is just a fancy way of saying, 'Let’s assess how we can waste taxpayer money more efficiently'?.
- Headline: KOREA FOE REPELS ADVANCE BY ALLIES; Counter-Attack in East Curbs 'Limited Offensive'--U.N. Planes Hit Supply Centers. Impact: The stalled advance led to a series of coffee breaks for generals, resulting in an increase in donut consumption and the eventual rise of the office snack culture.. Fact: Did you know that counter-attacks are just military code for 'Oops, we forgot to check the map'?.
- Headline: President Urges Premier of Iran To Reconsider on Court Oil Action; TRUMAN APPEALS TO IRAN'S PREMIER. Impact: This appeal set in motion decades of oil negotiations that made everyone involved rich, while other countries scratched their heads wondering how to get a cut of that sweet, sweet oil money.. Fact: Did you know that asking someone to reconsider usually means you’ve already lost the argument, but you’re just trying to sound persuasive?.
- Headline: PRIEST IN ARGENTINA ASKS SOCIAL JUSTICE. Impact: The priest’s call for social justice inspired generations of activists, leading to a worldwide movement that made 'social justice' a buzzword — and a popular hashtag.. Fact: Did you know that advocating for social justice can sometimes be as revolutionary as trying to convince your cat to stop knocking things off the table?.
- Headline: BEVAN FOR BRITAIN TO CURB U.S. ARMS; Left-Wingers' Manifesto Would Set Terms for Cooperation of 2 Allies in War and Peace. Impact: This manifesto laid the groundwork for future protests, where people would gather to chant slogans while holding signs made from recycled pizza boxes — because saving the Earth is always in fashion.. Fact: Did you know that writing a manifesto is just a really dramatic way to say, 'I have a lot of opinions and I need you to hear them'?.
- Headline: Burglars Take Railroad Safe. Impact: This robbery sparked a series of poorly planned heists, inspiring amateur criminals to think they could outsmart the law — spoiler: they couldn’t. The only thing they successfully outsmarted was common sense.. Fact: Did you know that stealing a railroad safe is just an elaborate way of saying you really wanted a train set for your living room?.
- Headline: I.C.C. HEARS PLEAS FOR RAIL RATE RISE; Industry Spokesman Argues 15% Increase in Freight Justified by Rising Costs. Impact: The rate increase led to the infamous 'Freight Wars' of the 1960s, where rail companies competed to see who could charge more while still delivering lukewarm coffee to passengers.. Fact: Did you know that discussing freight rates is the adult equivalent of arguing about who has the better Pokémon?.
Wall Street Time Machine
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1951, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1951, it would be worth $23,651,345 today (23651.3x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1951, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)