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 August 21, 1953
Full News Archive
- Headline: A Celebration of Dr. Harold R. Keeler. Impact: If Dr. Keeler had never existed, we might have never discovered that 'R.' stands for 'Really Important Person' in academic circles, leading to an alternate universe where scholars are just referred to by their first names and nobody can figure out who's who.. Fact: Did you know that Dr. Keeler was known for his experimental theories? Some say he once proposed a method of teaching that involved interpretive danceβthankfully, nobody took him seriously..
- Headline: Life and Legacy of Lott E. Buckbee. Impact: Had Lott E. Buckbee not been around, the name 'Lott' might have fallen into obscurity, and we could be living in a world where everyone is named 'Bob' or 'Alice.'. Fact: Fun fact: Lott E. Buckbee's first name was almost 'Lotus,' but he decided that sounded too much like a flower shop..
- Headline: Dr. David S. Flynn's Notable Contribution. Impact: Dr. Flynn's contributions to science may have sparked a revolution in medical ethics, resulting in a future where doctors have to ask patients if they want a second opinion before prescribing kale.. Fact: Did you know Dr. Flynn once tried to cure a cold with a mix of honey and pure optimism? Spoiler alert: it didn't work..
- Headline: MRS. MARION N. BRADFORD. Impact: Mrs. Bradford, being a pioneer for women in her community, inspired a future where cats became the preferred pets of single women, leading to the eventual rise of cat memes.. Fact: Did you know that Mrs. Bradford once organized a bake sale that raised enough money to fund a small country? Or at least a very well-fed neighborhood..
- Headline: DR. C. T. CRAIG DIES; DEAN OF SEMINARY; Drew Educator, 58, Helped to Revise New Testament in '46 -- Was Religious Author. Impact: Dr. Craig's passing created a void that left many wondering how the New Testament might have been revised differently, leading to a timeline where biblical figures had Instagram accounts.. Fact: Dr. Craig was known for his deep theological insights, but few know he also dabbled in poetry, leading to some very unusual religious haikus..
- Headline: MA. RK, BRENEMAN'. Impact: If Mark Breneman had never existed, the art of misspelling names in headlines would have remained unchallenged, leading to an alternate reality where all news is indecipherable.. Fact: Did you know that Mark Breneman once accidentally signed his name as 'Breneman, Mark' on a legal document? Chaos ensued..
- Headline: STATE MENTAL CARE OF YOUNG ASSAILED; Crime Clinic Hears Hospitals Are Swamped by Delinquents -- Sex Problems Reviewed. Impact: This critique of mental care sparked a series of reforms that eventually led to the establishment of mental health days, which are now celebrated globally with naps and snacks.. Fact: Mental health care has come a long way since then, with 'nap therapy' being a legitimate treatment option in some regions. Who knew catching Z's could be so therapeutic?.
- Headline: Plan to Federate Europe; Division to Effect Control of Germany and Soviet Union Proposed. Impact: This proposal inadvertently inspired countless conspiracy theories about European unity, leading to a future where people suspect that the European Union is just a front for a secret pizza-ordering syndicate.. Fact: Fun fact: the original plan to federate Europe included a pizza party. Sadly, it was deemed too ambitious..
- Headline: GARFIELD T. WITZ. Impact: Garfield T. Witz's existence ensured that the name 'Garfield' would forever be associated with lasagna-loving cats, thereby influencing countless future cartoonists to follow in his paw prints.. Fact: Garfield T. Witz was known for his love of lasagna but had a secret disdain for Mondaysβjust like that famous feline. Coincidence? I think not..
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)