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 July 6, 1953
Full News Archive
- Headline: Understanding T.V.A. Costs in 1953. Impact: The T.V.A. costs caused such an uproar that it led to a secret society of budget-watchers. They now meet annually to discuss how to save pennies, leading to the development of extreme couponing and the rise of reality TV shows about hoarding.. Fact: Did you know that the average coupon clipper saves over $1,000 a year? That's right, while youβre out living life, someone is out there saving their way to a better toaster..
- Headline: Soviet Policies Under Scrutiny in 1953. Impact: The Soviet acts described as camouflage turned into a decades-long game of international hide-and-seek, eventually resulting in a popular board game that is still played in secret bunkers around the world. The winner gets a lifetime supply of borscht.. Fact: Did you know that borscht is not just a soup? Itβs a lifestyle. You eat it, you wear it, and if youβre really into it, you can even bathe in it..
- Headline: Status of Morocco and Tunisia. Impact: The discussions about Morocco and Tunisia sparked a renewed interest in colonial history, leading to a series of hipster cafes named after former colonial outposts that serve only organic, ethically-sourced, gluten-free tagines.. Fact: Did you know that hipsters have claimed Moroccan tea as their own? They insist it tastes better when served in vintage teapots while wearing berets..
- Headline: TEST ON ALIEN BILL AND TAX SHOWDOWN SLATED IN CONGRESS; Committees Act Wednesday -- Need for White House Aid on Measures Is Noted CONGRESS SLATES TESTS ON 2 BILLS. Impact: The congressional showdown over the alien bill turned into a bizarre sci-fi debate that captivated the nation, eventually resulting in the creation of a political party dedicated to intergalactic rights. Their logo? A flying saucer with a 'Vote for Us' bumper sticker.. Fact: Did you know that in the year 2024, there was a candidate running for office claiming to be an alien? He got more votes than some traditional candidates. Maybe I should start working on my Martian accent..
- Headline: THE POLIO MENACE. Impact: The polio menace led to a global health revolution, resulting in a world where vaccines became the ultimate status symbol. By 2030, people were flaunting their vaccination cards like designer handbags.. Fact: Did you know that polio was so feared, it was once referred to as the 'silent thief'? Today, the only thing more contagious than fear of polio is the excitement of getting vaccinated..
- Headline: Colgate Picks Department Head. Impact: The appointment of Dr. Choquette spurred a renaissance in Romance languages, leading to an unexpected rise in love letters being written in Latin. By 2025, 'Latinitas' became a trending romantic language on dating apps.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'carpe diem' is often misused? Itβs not just about seizing the day; itβs also about making sure you donβt get caught in the rain without an umbrella..
- Headline: About New York; Violinist Who Has Entertained All Living Sultans Can Make His Instrument Play Your Name. Impact: The violinist's unique talent led to an unexpected rise in personalized music, where people began commissioning songs that could only be played on their special occasions. By 2022, birthday songs became an extravagant affair, complete with orchestras at parties.. Fact: Did you know that the word 'violin' comes from the Latin for 'small viola'? So technically, if youβre a fan of the violin, youβre just a fan of tiny instruments with big dreams..
Wall Street Time Machine
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1953, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1953, it would be worth $487,501 today (487.5x return)
IBM
IBM
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1953, it would be worth $205,272 today (205.3x return)