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 16, 1952
Full News Archive
- Headline: Union Leader Resigns in Protest. Impact: The Electric Union Chief's resignation sent shockwaves through the electrical industry, causing a butterfly effect that resulted in the invention of the 'silent toaster'βa device so quiet, it never quite toasted your bread.. Fact: Fun fact: Every time a union chief quits, somewhere, a toaster feels empowered to pursue its dreams..
- Headline: Stevenson Critiques Taft-Eisenhower Accord. Impact: Stevenson's declaration of the Taft Accord as a 'great surrender' set the stage for future political debates where hyperbolic language became the norm. This created an environment where, in the future, people could debate whether pineapple belongs on pizza with the same intensity.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'great surrender' was originally intended for dramatic movie trailers? Turns out, politics borrowed it instead!.
- Headline: SIDELIGHTS ON THE FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DAY. Impact: The financial output rate hitting 101.8% of capacity caused an unexpected spike in the production of paper clips, which eventually led to a worldwide paper clip shortage in 2025, causing chaos in offices everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that paper clips were once considered a form of currency? Well, they could have been if they were actually useful in any other context..
- Headline: Coast Industrialist Named Production Agency Head. Impact: The appointment of a Coast Industrialist as Production Agency Head created a ripple effect where coastal cities began to flourish, leading to the eventual rise of the 'Coastal Industrialists' as a political faction, who primarily lobbied for more beach days.. Fact: Fun fact: Coastal industrialists are known for their innovative ways of mixing business with leisure, especially during long meetings at beach resorts..
- Headline: 6 MONTHS' PROBATION GIVEN MRS. MONAGHAN. Impact: Mrs. Monaghan's six-month probation for contempt led to a nationwide reevaluation of what constitutes contempt, eventually leading to the infamous 'Contempt for Mondays' syndrome that plagues workplaces to this day.. Fact: Did you know that contempt of court is much less severe than contempt for waiting in line at the DMV? Just saying..
- Headline: SOVIET MAKES DEAL TO RETAIN ITS HOLD UPON PORT ARTHUR; But It Will Return Changchun Railway in Manchuria to Chinese Communists SETBACK FOR PEIPING SEEN Results of Long Moscow Talks Revealed -- Mutual Amity Is Stressed by Two Nations SOVIET MAKES DEAL OVER PORT ARTHUR. Impact: The Soviet deal to retain Port Arthur while returning the Changchun Railway caused a ripple effect that inspired future international negotiators to use the phrase 'you can keep this, but I want that' as a standard practice in diplomacy.. Fact: Did you know that Port Arthur was once considered a prime vacation spot for spies? They really knew how to negotiate a getaway..
- Headline: CONNALLY IS HOPEFUL; Senator Says Europe Can Have Peace if It Wants It. Impact: Senator Connally's optimism about peace in Europe inspired countless politicians to adopt the mantra of 'peace is possible'βwhich eventually led to a series of peace-themed motivational posters that cluttered offices worldwide.. Fact: Interestingly, the phrase 'peace if it wants it' was later used in a campaign for a new flavor of ice cream: Peace & Cream. It never took off..
- Headline: MISSIONARY IS HONORED; Catholics Dedicate Father Pierz Statue at St. Cloud, Minn.. Impact: The dedication of Father Pierz's statue became a turning point for religious statues everywhere, leading to an era where statues began to complain about being put on display without consent.. Fact: Did you know that in some cultures, statues are believed to have feelings? Just donβt tell the marble onesβtheyβre already too stony-faced..
- Headline: Narriman to See Swiss Doctors. Impact: Narriman's trip to Swiss doctors became the catalyst for a new trend in luxury health retreats, forever changing how the wealthy approached wellnessβnow complete with spa days and chocolate tastings.. Fact: Did you know that Swiss doctors are just regular doctors but with a lot more fondue? Itβs all about the balance of health and indulgence..
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)