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 March 7, 1954
Full News Archive
- Headline: Leipzig Fair 1954 Announcement. Impact: The decision to set the Leipzig Fair dates led to a chain reaction of trade fairs worldwide, eventually resulting in the modern-day Black Friday sales frenzy. If only the fair attendees knew they were paving the way for people to trample each other over discounted TVs.. Fact: Did you know that the Leipzig Fair is one of the oldest trade fairs in the world? Yeah, it predates your great-great-grandparents by a few centuries..
- Headline: St. Laurent Departing for Korea. Impact: St. Laurent's journey to Korea set in motion a series of diplomatic events that would eventually influence international relations for decades, leading to the modern complexities of East-West tensions. Who knew a trip could have such a global hangover?. Fact: Did you know that St. Laurent was not just a prime minister but also a fan of jazz? Imagine him jamming in Korea; that would have been a history lesson for the ages..
- Headline: REVIVED BRICKER PLAN RAISES COMPLEX ISSUE; President and G. O. P. Leaders Still Faced With Divisive Question. Impact: The Bricker Plan debate opened Pandoraβs box of constitutional crises that would echo through generations, leading to every political debate sounding like a never-ending loop of bad sitcoms.. Fact: Isnβt it lovely how politicians can make simple decisions feel like an episode of 'Survivor'? Alliances formed and broken over a couple of amendments!.
- Headline: C.A.A. Aide Joins Airline. Impact: This seemingly innocuous hiring decision eventually led to the creation of overly complicated airline regulations and the joyous experience of sitting next to a crying baby for hours. Bravo!. Fact: Air travel was once considered a luxury. Now itβs a rite of passage that involves more waiting than a DMV visit..
- Headline: Cornell Appoints Dean Of Its Medical College. Impact: The appointment of Dr. Luckey as Dean catalyzed advancements in medical education that would inspire future doctors to invent more ways to avoid answering your health questions.. Fact: Cornell's Medical College has produced many physicians, but none have ever figured out why they still can't find a cure for your seasonal allergies..
- Headline: BACKS CATHOLIC APPEAL; Dr. Baumgartner Praises Unit for Babies at St. Vincent's. Impact: Dr. Baumgartner's support for the premature baby unit not only improved infant care but also sparked a global trend in neonatal medicine, resulting in countless lives saved and a whole lot of grateful parents.. Fact: The first neonatal intensive care unit opened in 1960. Thanks to pioneers like Baumgartner, babies have a fighting chance at lifeβwho knew that was a revolutionary idea?.
- Headline: A REPLY FROM ALBANY; The Counsel to the Governor Clarifies the Intent of a Bill To Charter Educational Television Stations. Impact: This bill's clarification led to the explosion of educational programming, which ironically left many wondering why they never learned anything from those shows. Thanks, Albany, for the confusion!. Fact: Educational TV: the only place where you can learn about the world while simultaneously ignoring your real-life responsibilities..
- Headline: ARTHUR WEISS. Impact: The mere mention of Arthur Weiss's name caused an entirely new generation of Weisses to wonder if they, too, would be in the news somedayβspoiler alert: they probably won't.. Fact: Arthur Weiss could be anyone; it's the most common name in the universe. Seriously, have you checked?.
Wall Street Time Machine
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1954, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)
IBM
IBM
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1954, it would be worth $205,272 today (205.3x return)
PFE
Pfizer
Pfizer - If you invested $1,000 in 1954, it would be worth $168,691 today (168.7x return)