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 September 17, 1951
Full News Archive
- Headline: Traditional Scottish Festivity in New Jersey. Impact: The raucous sounds of bagpipes and drums ignited a secret society of Scottish dancers who, upon hearing the tunes, decided to overthrow the world's stiffest formal events with spontaneous Highland Fling competitions. This led to an unexpected rise in kilts sales, which ultimately caused a global shortage of plaid fabric in 2045.. Fact: Did you know that bagpipes were originally used to summon the sheep? Because nothing says 'Let's get the flock out of here' quite like a good skirl!.
- Headline: Guatemala Launches Water System in Peten. Impact: The opening of this water system led to a series of events where people discovered the joys of hydration, eventually culminating in the invention of flavored water, which in turn created an entire generation of 'water connoisseurs' who took their hydration way too seriously.. Fact: Fun fact: before this water system, people in Guatemala thought 'water' was just a fancy term for 'the stuff you boil your beans in.'.
- Headline: Act to Speed 'Bazooka' Output. Impact: The push to speed up bazooka production led to an unexpected arms race among contractors, where they began creating increasingly absurd weaponry. This culminated in the infamous 'Bazooka of Peace,' which just shot out confetti instead of shellsβthankfully, it was never taken seriously.. Fact: Did you know that the bazooka was initially just a name for a musical instrument? Imagine if we had a world where musicians instead of soldiers were the most feared!.
- Headline: Autos Jam Bridges and Tunnels As Balmy Sunday Entices Drivers; HIGHWAYS JAMMED IN AND AROUND CITY. Impact: The traffic jam caused by balmy weather led to the invention of the car jam dance, where drivers would exit their vehicles and perform impromptu dance-offs to pass the time. This sparked a cultural revolution, making 'Sunday Drivers' the new trendsetters in urban areas.. Fact: Did you know that traffic jams are just nature's way of reminding you how much you love your carβuntil youβre stuck in one?.
- Headline: LATHAM ASKS CHANCE TO GUARD CITY FUNDS. Impact: Latham's request for a chance to guard city funds ignited a political firestorm that led to the famous 'Guardians of the Budget' movement, where citizens began donning superhero costumes and patrolling city halls. This movement ultimately resulted in the world's first 'Budget Festival,' celebrating fiscal responsibility.. Fact: In politics, asking for a chance is just a euphemism for 'I have a great idea that may or may not involve more meetings.'.
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)