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 May 18, 1954
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.N. Palestine Session Cancellation Explained. Impact: The cancellation of the U.N. Palestine session led to a string of events where diplomats learned that procrastination is an art form, resulting in an entire generation believing that 'let's discuss later' is a legitimate problem-solving strategy.. Fact: Did you know? This session was so important that even the pigeons outside the U.N. were disappointed by the lack of drama..
- Headline: Political Fallout from 1954 Court Ruling. Impact: This ruling caused Southern politicians to splinter into factions, leading to the creation of the 'Southern Strategy' and the eventual rise of countless political memes, proving that every decision can lead to a social media phenomenon.. Fact: Fun fact: Politicians arguing about court rulings is basically the 1950s version of Twitter beef..
- Headline: Brooklyn Landlord Sent for Hospital Observation. Impact: The landlord's hospital visit inspired a new trend of landlords reconsidering their life choices, leading to a fleeting movement of 'landlords for tenant rights'βwhich lasted exactly three days.. Fact: Did you know? Being sent for observation doesn't mean they were observing his terrible landlord skills..
- Headline: SCHOOL LEADERS APPLAUD DECISION; Foresee Few Difficulties -- Southerners Say Time Will Be Needed for Adjustments. Impact: The applause from school leaders for the decision led to a decade of educational 'adjustments,' which basically means teachers got to argue about new textbooks instead of actual teaching.. Fact: Did you know? 'Adjustments' is just a fancy way of saying 'we know this is going to be a mess.'.
- Headline: NEW YORK HOSPITAL 183; Oldest Medical Institution in City Marks Anniversary. Impact: The anniversary of New York Hospital made people realize that some institutions are older than their great-great-grandparents, further proving that age, much like a fine cheese, has its own distinct smell.. Fact: Did you know? At 183 years old, the hospital is basically the grandparent of all hospitals, probably telling younger ones about the good old days..
- Headline: PAY SCALES COMPARED; 3 States in South Give More to Negro Teachers. Impact: The pay scale comparison led to a minor revolution among teachers in the South, sparking debates that would only be rivaled by discussions about pineapple on pizza.. Fact: Did you know? Paying teachers more based on race is like rewarding someone for being the fastest runner in a three-legged race..
- Headline: ITALIAN CHARGE DISPUTED; Times Writer Denies Yugoslav Aide Revealed Trieste Data. Impact: The denial of the Italian charge led to a long-standing tradition of journalists claiming 'fake news' before it was cool, setting the stage for future media wars.. Fact: Fun fact: This incident might have given rise to the phrase 'you canβt handle the truth,' but in Italian..
- Headline: CAPITAL'S NEGROES SLOW IN REACTING; Cab Driver-Preacher Quotes Bible on Equality -- Police Expect Quiet to Prevail. Impact: The slow reaction of Capital's Negroes led to a decade of polite protests, which eventually influenced a sitcom about equality that was more comedic than groundbreaking.. Fact: Did you know? The cab driver-preacher might have been the original Uber driver, just with a lot more scripture and a lot less GPS..
- Headline: Costello Is Sentenced to 5 Years, Fined $30,000 in U. S. Tax Case; 5-YEAR JAIL TERM SET FOR COSTELLO. Impact: Costello's sentence for tax evasion set off a chain reaction of celebrity tax scandals, leading to accountants becoming the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry.. Fact: Fun fact: The $30,000 fine was probably just the cost of one of his extravagant dinnersβbecause who can resist a good meal when on trial?.
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)