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 October 23, 1951
Full News Archive
- Headline: Minimal Nuclear Blast Leaves Observers Unimpressed. Impact: The unimpressive nuclear test caused a ripple effect leading to a generation of scientists who were either bored or deeply traumatized, inspiring a future trend of 'let's blow things up but make them look cool' in movies. Not quite the 'wow' factor they were hoping for.. Fact: Did you know that sometimes less is more? This was clearly not the case for the AEC, who thought a flicker of light was sufficient justification for nuclear experimentation in the desert. Bravo!.
- Headline: Morey Amsterdam's Speeding Trouble. Impact: Morey's speeding charge led to the creation of a new comedy genre: 'Traffic Court Comedy', where aspiring comedians would try to make mundane legal issues funny. Spoiler alert: it never worked.. Fact: How fast do you have to go to get a speeding charge as a comedian? Apparently faster than the jokes land on stage!.
- Headline: BRITISH CANDIDATE FEARS TO PAY A TIP; Rules Are So Strict Nominee Would Be Suspected of Step to Bribe a Voter EXPENSES ARE CURTAILED Campaign, Outwardly Placid, Seethes With Class Hatreds Alien to U.S. Politics Campaigning Is Restricted Every Penny Is Included Applies to Everything Broadcasts Canceled. Impact: The strict campaign rules led to a surge in creative 'under-the-table' campaign financing ideas, paving the way for future political scandals. Who knew that fear of tipping would tip the scales of political corruption?. Fact: Tip the waiter, tip the candidateβoh wait, that's illegal! Welcome to British politics, where even generosity has its price!.
- Headline: PRICE RAIDERS FIND 62 MEAT VIOLATIONS; Federal and City Units Join in the First of Investigations of Markets and Trucks 62 MEAT VIOLATIONS ARE FOUND IN RAIDS. Impact: This raid sparked a nationwide obsession with food safety that led to the creation of reality TV shows about inspecting foodβbecause who doesn't want to watch someone check meat for violations?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing worse than finding 62 meat violations is finding out your favorite restaurant was on that list? Bon appΓ©tit!.
- Headline: PICKETED IN 6 LANGUAGES; Chicago Berlitz School Accused by Teachers on Ousters. Impact: The multi-lingual picketing sparked a global movement for teacher rights, proving that when it comes to education, it's best to speak upβespecially if youβve got a crowd of angry teachers behind you.. Fact: Did you know that teachers picketing in six languages can create a truly baffling scene? Just imagine the confused passersby trying to decipher what they want!.
- Headline: Guard Bureau Names Abendroth. Impact: Brig Gen Abendrothβs appointment shifted the dynamics of the National Guard, leading to a chain of events that resulted in military jargon becoming the new trendy language at dinner parties. Thanks, military!. Fact: Did you know that being named head of a bureau might not come with a cape but does come with a lot of paperwork? Because apparently, saving the world is a full-time job!.
- Headline: Plea on Reservists' Liability Set. Impact: This plea set a precedent that would make reservists the poster children for legal loopholes, leading to countless future legal dramas and a new wave of courtroom thrillers. Hollywood loves a good loophole!. Fact: Did you know that reservists have to navigate liability like it's a game of hopscotch? One wrong move and they could be hopping straight into a courtroom!.
- Headline: Opposition to Vatican Envoy Stirs Doubt of Confirmation; Recalls Rapido River Attack CRITICISM IMPERILS LINK WITH VATICAN Fight on Nomination Planned. Impact: The backlash against the Vatican envoy created a wave of skepticism that continues to affect Church-state relations today, reminding everyone that sometimes, diplomacy can feel like a bad reality show.. Fact: Did you know that political nominations can be more dramatic than soap operas? Just when you think itβs safe to tune in, someone gets βvetoedβ!.
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)