Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year β Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON June 11, 1952
Full News Archive
- Headline: Jersey's Brave Battle Against Mosquitoes. Impact: This valiant battle against mosquitoes led to the invention of bug spray, which in turn sparked a worldwide obsession with outdoor summer barbecues, where people could now enjoy their burnt hot dogs in peaceβuntil the mosquitoes evolved to carry tiny forks.. Fact: Apparently, mosquitoes never got the memo about Jersey's bravery. They must've thought it was a 'bring your own blood' party..
- Headline: Revising the Ages of Our Worlds. Impact: The revelation of the Earth's true age led to a series of existential crises among the youth, who realized they had no excuse for not pursuing their dreams, given they technically had 'forever'βand also prompted a surge in online conspiracy theories about ancient civilizations having better Wi-Fi.. Fact: So, turns out, Europe isnβt the ancient relic we thought it was. Sorry, Europeβyouβll just have to keep your old castles and pretentious art..
- Headline: House Bill to Increase Benefits. Impact: This vote sparked a continuous cycle of political promises and disappointment, ultimately leading to the rise of social media memes about politicians getting more vacation days than actual work done.. Fact: Voting on benefits is apparently a great way to pretend you're doing something about poverty while still saving money for that sweet, sweet campaign fund..
- Headline: Busy Bees Bother British. Impact: The swarms of bees in London sparked a national debate on the merits of bee preservation versus the right to enjoy a quiet afternoon tea. This culminated in the popular phrase 'buzz off' becoming the go-to response for unwanted guests.. Fact: Bees may be a nuisance, but they also help pollinate about a third of the food we eat. So next time you're swatting, rememberβthey're just trying to help you have a more diverse diet!.
- Headline: Eden Bids Zarubin Farewell. Impact: This seemingly mundane farewell lunch marked the beginning of an era of diplomatic handshakes that later led to the creation of the awkward 'air kiss' greeting prevalent in modern-day politics.. Fact: Farewell lunches: where diplomatic niceties meet the unspoken agreement that nobody actually wants to leave the buffet line..
- Headline: SHERWOOD PLANS TO WRITE FOR TV; Noted Playwright May Sign for Series of One-Hour Dramas for New Television Show. Impact: Sherwoodβs foray into TV turned into a slippery slope, leading to a golden age of television drama where every plot twist eventually devolved into a cliffhanger, robbing viewers of sleep and sanity.. Fact: Before binge-watching was a thing, playwrights were probably just as confused about how to keep audiences engaged. Welcome to the future of storytelling: more drama and less sleep!.
- Headline: U. S. Indictments Name Four. Impact: The indictments not only highlighted corruption but also paved the way for reality TV stars who would later claim they were just 'playing the game'βthus ensuring that Americaβs obsession with scandal never dies.. Fact: In the world of politics, being indicted is basically the new 'getting a promotion.' Who knew crime could be such a career booster?.
- Headline: HUGH GIBSON IN NEW ROLE; Heads World Group Backing European Migrant Move. Impact: Gibson's leadership in supporting migrants initiated a global conversation about migration that continues to influence policies and inspire countless documentariesβproving once again that heroes can emerge from the most unexpected places.. Fact: Leading a world group is like herding catsβexcept the cats are people with dreams, hopes, and a penchant for bureaucracy..
- Headline: EISENHOWER FIGHT ON SEATING MAPPED; Backers to Demand That TV and Radio Cover Credentials Discussions at Chicago. Impact: This fight over seating arrangements at the convention led to decades of political theater where seating charts became more dramatic than the actual policies being discussed. Who knew politics could be so... cozy?. Fact: Nothing says 'democracy' quite like arguing over who sits where while the rest of the nation watches in disbelief from their couches..
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)