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 14, 1954
Full News Archive
- Headline: Innovations in Science and Speed Testing. Impact: The flexible kite became the blueprint for all future drone technology. Little did they know that a simple kite would lead to the military's obsession with spying on everyone, including your cat.. Fact: Fun fact: the F-100's official speed mark was so impressive that it made speed limits seem like mere suggestions for centuries to come..
- Headline: THOMSON BREAKS ANKLE AS YANKEES DOWN BRAVES, 3-2; Outfielder Traded by Giants to Milwaukee Is Hurt While Sliding Into Second Base. Impact: Thomson's injury led to a chain reaction of bad trades in baseball history, ultimately resulting in the creation of the phrase 'What were they thinking?' in sports analysis.. Fact: Breaking an ankle in an exhibition game is just a fancy way of saying 'Iβm already regretting my life choices.'.
- Headline: JUST A LAND OF UNREHEARSED LOVELINESS; Sans coronation and festival to spike her cup of tourist tea, Britain offers her cathedrals, castles and cottages, plus the joyful disappearance of the last sign of rationing.. Impact: The absence of coronations in Britain gave rise to the idea that people don't need royal pomp to enjoy their country. Hence, the rise of the 'Staycation' was born.. Fact: Britain, known for its crumpets and tea, might actually be more famous for its ability to throw a party without any actual reason..
- Headline: Guatemalan Felons Mutiny. Impact: The inmate riot at San Marcos prison inadvertently inspired the next generation of prison break movies, where every escape plan is a mix of genius and utter ridiculousness.. Fact: Fun fact: 260 inmates rioting sounds like a chaotic flash mob, but with fewer coordinated dance moves..
- Headline: 33 Die in Singapore Crash; 3 Americans Among Victims; Explosions Thwart Rescue Efforts at Air Crash in Singapore. Impact: The tragic crash in Singapore prompted stricter regulations on air travel, ultimately leading to the modern-day TSA, which somehow manages to make flying feel like a trip through a medieval dungeon.. Fact: 33 deaths in a crash is a grim reminder that flying is still statistically safer than driving, despite how we all feel about turbulence..
- Headline: JOB OPPORTUNITIES OFF 33 1/3%IN YEAR; But 'Help Wanted' Ads Show Specialists Still in Demand by Agencies in 114 Cities. Impact: The significant drop in job opportunities led to the rise of the gig economy, where everyone now has 12 side hustles just to make rent. Thank you, economic downturn!. Fact: Fun fact: 'Help Wanted' ads are basically the adult version of 'Looking for friends.'.
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)