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 21, 1953
Full News Archive
- Headline: Illinois State Fair Showcases Atomic Energy. Impact: The inclusion of atomic energy at the fair led to a nationwide obsession with all things nuclear, ultimately resulting in the creation of an annual 'Nuclear Fair' where kids compete to build the best model reactor. Spoiler: it never ends well.. Fact: Fun fact: In future state fairs, the 'Atomic Corn Dog' becomes a delicacy, and people argue whether it’s better deep-fried or irradiated!.
- Headline: MACFADDEN RUNS at 85 Years Old. Impact: Macfadden’s candidacy inspired a future trend where octogenarians dominate local elections, leading to a generation of energetic seniors who make yoga a requirement for political office. The phrase 'Get fit to get elected' became a common slogan.. Fact: Did you know that future elections require candidates to complete a marathon before they can even file paperwork? Talk about fitness goals!.
- Headline: U. N. AND KOREA FOE PUSH FINAL DETAILS FOR TRUCE SIGNING; Members of Military Armistice Commission Confer on Ways of Policing Cease - Fire STAFF GROUP MEETS ALSO Discuss Setting Up a Neutral Nations Group and the Line Between Opposing Armies WORK IS SPEEDED FOR TRUCE SIGNING. Impact: This pivotal truce signing laid the groundwork for future diplomatic engagements, birthing the phrase 'Let's just put a pause on the fighting'—which ironically became the most popular way to start wars.. Fact: The negotiations were so tense that future diplomats took to using interpretive dance to express their disagreements. It’s surprisingly effective!.
- Headline: Union Council Fights Film. Impact: The Union Council's fight against the film set a precedent for future censorship debates, leading to a time where the phrase 'That's anti-Amer' is used to ban everything from movies to breakfast cereals.. Fact: In the future, cereals such as 'Anti-Amer O's' will be banned, leading to an underground movement of breakfast rebels who seek the 'truth in crunch'!.
- Headline: SENATE APPROVES NEW LOAN AGENCY; Slump Fears Voiced as Bill Is Voted to Kill R.F.C. and Set Up Small Business Body. Impact: The creation of a new loan agency inadvertently triggered a series of economic booms and busts where small businesses became the new 'it' thing—think pop-up shops but with more debt and less gluten-free options.. Fact: Fun fact: The new agency's motto is 'Loan now, panic later.' Because who doesn't love a little financial suspense?.
- Headline: Modified Canberra Jet Tested. Impact: The successful test flight led to a future where jets are so reliable that they are used for everything from pizza delivery to intergalactic tourism. Who knew aircraft could become so versatile?. Fact: The future version of the Canberra Jet is so advanced that it can even take you to the moon—right after you pick up your pepperoni pizza!.
- Headline: Tokyo Grants U. S. Theatre Use. Impact: This decision paved the way for future military bases to turn into cultural hubs, where soldiers become reluctant actors in local productions—making 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' an unexpected hit among troops.. Fact: In the future, military theater will be so popular that there will be awards for 'Best Supporting Sergeant' and 'Outstanding Performance in a Combat Role!'.
- Headline: Books of The Times. Impact: The coverage of 'The Hastening Wind' sparked a literary revolution where all books became mandatory reading for politicians. Future debates will be won by quoting obscure novels rather than facts.. Fact: Did you know that in the future, politicians will be graded based on their book recommendations? Spoiler: 'Twilight' is a hard pass!.
- Headline: Tokens on Sale Tomorrow But Only 2 to a Customer. Impact: This token limit led to a future where black market tokens flourished, creating a thriving economy of token trafficking that would make even the most seasoned mobster raise an eyebrow.. Fact: In the future, limited edition tokens will be the new Bitcoin, and there will be underground token exchanges happening in basements everywhere!.
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)