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 December 5, 1952
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.S. and Finland Sign Historic Pact. Impact: The signing of this pact led to Finland becoming the go-to destination for American tourists seeking a taste of the Nordic lifestyle. Little did they know that all those selfies with reindeer would eventually lead to a global demand for reindeer-themed merchandise.. Fact: Did you know that Finland has more saunas than cars? So, if you ever feel the need to sweat out your life problems, just hop on over!.
- Headline: Welfare Council Commends Alcoholism Study. Impact: This commendation on alcoholism led to an unexpected surge in public interest about alcohol's effects, ultimately resulting in a wildly popular reality TV show about sobriety. Who knew sobriety could be so entertaining?. Fact: Fun fact: The average American consumes about 2.3 gallons of alcohol per year. So much for moderation!.
- Headline: MAXIMUM OUTPUT VITAL, N.A.M. HEARS; Pleas to Protect the Rights of Union Members, Curb Federal Powers Received MAXIMUM OUTPUT IS URGED ON N. A. M.. Impact: The focus on maximum output led to the infamous 'more work, less pay' motto that haunts the workforce to this day. The ripples of this meeting can be felt in every office coffee break!. Fact: If only 'maximum output' applied to actual coffee consumption, we might actually make it through our workday without needing a nap!.
- Headline: Presidential Vote in the City. Impact: The official NYC count unwittingly set off a chain reaction of conspiracy theories about election fraud that would echo through decades, leading to more reality TV shows based on political drama than we can count.. Fact: Did you know NYC's election results are almost as confusing as trying to navigate its subway system? Good luck!.
- Headline: Marble From Parthenon Is Presented to Truman. Impact: Truman receiving a piece of the Parthenon inadvertently sparked a wave of American obsession with ancient Greece, leading to the creation of several chain restaurants offering 'Greek' food that is as authentic as a cheeseburger.. Fact: Fun fact: The Parthenon was originally painted in vibrant colors, which would have been a shocking contrast to the white marble we see today. So much for the 'classical' look!.
- Headline: SCANDALS INQUIRY ASKS ETHICS ACTION; ' Drastic Measures' Demanded to End Justice Lawyers' 'Fee-Splitting, Bribe-Taking'. Impact: The inquiry into ethics in law led to a generation of lawyers who perfected the art of 'creative accounting'βa skill that would later be applied to every tax return for years to come.. Fact: Did you know that 'fee-splitting' is a fancy term for 'let's make sure the money flows smoothly'? No wonder lawyers have a reputation!.
- Headline: TAFT REPORTED LOATH TO BOLT EISENHOWER. Impact: Taft's reluctance to bolt Eisenhower marked the beginning of a political trend where leaders would cling to their parties like a lifebuoy, thereby ensuring that the circus of American politics would remain as entertaining as ever.. Fact: Did you know that Taft was once so big he got stuck in a bathtub? Maybe he was just trying to avoid the whole political drama!.
- Headline: New U. N. Bid Seeks Israeli-Arab Peace; New U. N. Plan for Near East Peace Offered in Arab-Israeli Dispute. Impact: The UN's bid for peace in the Middle East led to an endless cycle of negotiations and failed treaties, proving that sometimes diplomacy is just a fancy word for 'let's sit down and agree to disagree'.. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'peace talks' might as well be a euphemism for 'let's have a really long argument over snacks'..
- Headline: G. O. P. SAID TO SHIFT VIEW ON CONTROLS; DiSalle, After Talk With Lodge, Says Foes of Curbs Have Lost Their Enthusiasm. Impact: The GOP's shift in views on controls became the ultimate political chess game, where every piece moved only to confuse the public more than resolve any issues. The real winner? Political commentary shows!. Fact: Did you know that political parties change their platforms more often than most people change their socks? Maybe we should start keeping a chart!.
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)