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 March 20, 1952
Full News Archive
- Headline: London Bus Stopped by 3D Ave. 'El'. Impact: This bus's refusal to pass under the el led to a citywide uprising where buses demanded lower bridges and better treatment. Eventually, this sparked the 'Bus Rights Movement', which remains a hot topic in public transport debates.. Fact: The bus was simply trying to avoid a bad hair dayβif only it had known that being a public transport vehicle means never having to worry about such trivialities..
- Headline: Housing Developments Approved in NYC. Impact: The approval of these housing units inadvertently triggered a real estate boom that led to Brooklyn being the hipster capital of the world. If only they knew their future was filled with artisanal pickles and overpriced lattes.. Fact: In 2023, the term 'affordable housing' is as mythical as Bigfootβgood luck finding it!.
- Headline: MOVE IN WISCONSIN ON TO BAR WARREN; Taft Man Starts to File Suit, but Senator and Friends Disclaim Any Part of It. Impact: This legal drama spiraled into a series of political battles that would confuse generations of Wisconsin voters. The legacy? A long-standing tradition of political finger-pointing and lawsuits that have nothing to do with actual governance.. Fact: Wisconsin's motto should probably be 'We're not fighting; we're just really passionate about our disagreements.'.
- Headline: Chinese Red Seized for Graft. Impact: This scandal rippled through the government and inspired countless conspiracy theories that claimed the color red was somehow linked to corruption. And thus, a new stereotype about red paint being a sign of trouble was born.. Fact: In a twist of fate, the seized 'Chinese Red' became a trendy color in home dΓ©cor. Who knew graft could be so glamorous?.
- Headline: TEN SUTTON JURORS PICKED, NOT SWORN; Chosen From 33 Veniremen, Group Still Faces Challenges -- Defense Assails De Venuta Ten Prospective Jurors Are Chosen In Sutton Trial; De Venuta Assailed. Impact: This jury selection process highlighted the inefficiencies of the legal system, leading to a new reality show concept: 'Jury Selection: The Real Trial.' Ratings soared, but justice? Not so much.. Fact: Choosing a jury is a lot like datingβeveryone has a list of deal-breakers, and everyone ends up regretting their choices..
- Headline: DEWEY CLEARS WAY FOR PASSAGE TODAY OF CITY-AID BILLS; MEASURES READY But Special Messages Are Needed to Permit Immediate Action COMPROMISE IS REACHED 2 1/2% Realty Tax Limit Agreed On -- Action to Raise Pension Allowances Here Speeded DEWEY CLEARS WAY FOR CITY-AID BILLS. Impact: This moment of political maneuvering paved the way for future politicians to master the art of saying a lot while actually doing very little. The legendary 'Dewey Dance' was born and remains a favorite in political circles.. Fact: In politics, a compromise often means everyone leaves the room unhappy, but with snacks. Who doesnβt love snacks?.
Wall Street Time Machine
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1952, it would be worth $23,651,352 today (23651.4x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1952, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1952, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)