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 June 20, 1954
Full News Archive
- Headline: First Supertanker Arrives in NYC. Impact: The introduction of the 38,000-ton tanker was the first step towards an ocean filled with giant vessels, leading to the eventual rise of marine-themed reality TV shows, where captains become celebrities and their ships a source of drama.. Fact: If you think $9.5 million is a lot for a ship, wait until you see what they cost now! Spoiler: it's more than your house..
- Headline: Guatemala's Turmoil Amidst Anti-Reds Invasion. Impact: The anti-Red invasion sparked a series of events that ultimately led to the invention of the phrase 'at least it’s not the Red Scare'—which, ironically, scared no one at all.. Fact: Neighbors always seem to have the most drama, don't they? No wonder Arbenz felt the need to assail them..
- Headline: On Your Own Wins Gazelle Stakes. Impact: The victory of On Your Own at the Gazelle Stakes inspired countless underdog stories throughout history, including the invention of the phrase 'it’s not whether you win or lose, but how much you can dodge the press afterward.'. Fact: Winning a horse race is like winning the lottery—except the horse doesn't get a cut of the winnings..
- Headline: Genus: Summer Renter; Hab.: Connecticut; This passing stranger, like the May fly, exists in great numbers and is similarly defenseless -- against clam diggers, commuters and geniuses.. Impact: The arrival of summer renters led to an increase in iced coffee consumption, setting off a chain reaction that would eventually result in every city having a Starbucks on every corner—oh, the joy!. Fact: Commuters and geniuses: the two forces of nature fighting for the same beach chair. Spoiler: the geniuses usually win..
- Headline: New Dean of Bridgeport College. Impact: The appointment of a new dean at Bridgeport College heralded a new era of academic excellence, leading to the eventual creation of a popular meme: 'That’s not a degree, that’s a piece of paper!'. Fact: Being a dean is like being a principal but with less chance of running into students in the hallway—unless it's a college party..
- Headline: BACKS INSPECTION BILL; Maritime Group Asks Senate for 24-Hour Ship Service. Impact: The push for a 24-hour ship service was a pivotal moment in maritime history, leading to the eventual realization that ships can also be late—just like that friend who always shows up an hour late.. Fact: Imagine being so dedicated to your job that you want to inspect ships 24/7. Now that’s commitment, or just a really boring job..
- Headline: Criminals at Large. Impact: The 'Criminals at Large' headline foreshadowed the rise of crime dramas in television, where criminals are not just at large but also have their own backstories worthy of a Netflix series.. Fact: Criminals at large just means they’re really bad at playing hide and seek..
- Headline: U. S. Jets to Visit Thailand. Impact: The arrival of U.S. jets in Thailand marked the beginning of a love affair between America and the jet-setting lifestyle, leading to future generations believing that flying is as easy as hopping on a bus.. Fact: Four jets may not sound like much, but in the world of air travel, that’s basically a small fleet about to become very, very cramped..
- Headline: A. A. U. MEET MARK SET BY WHITFIELD; Mal Wins 880 in 1:50.8 -- Los Angeles A. C. Takes Title at St. Louis. Impact: Whitfield's record in the 880 yards set a new standard for athletic excellence, inspiring future generations to run faster, jump higher, and ultimately, complain about their gym memberships.. Fact: The Los Angeles A.C. team title? It’s just another reminder that even in sports, location is everything—especially when it comes to getting sponsorships..
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)