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 July 9, 1954
Full News Archive
- Headline: Life and Legacy of Axel Levin. Impact: Axel Levin's name got thrown around the time-space continuum, leading to a future where everyone named Axel suddenly became a superhero. You're welcome, comic book fans.. Fact: Did you know 'Axel' is derived from the Old Norse meaning 'father of peace'? Maybe Levin should have been a diplomat instead..
- Headline: Charlie Ruggles Shines on TV. Impact: Ruggles' portrayal led to an explosion of country-themed sitcoms, eventually resulting in the rural renaissance that gave us 'Duck Dynasty'. Who knew wisdom came with a side of camo?. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'adult wit' was coined long before the internet made 'adult' synonymous with something far less wholesome..
- Headline: The Life of Esmond Stiles. Impact: Esmond Stiles' existence sparked a chain reaction that eventually led to an entire generation of people mistakenly believing that having a 'stylish' name could make them interesting.. Fact: Esmond is derived from Old English, meaning 'divine protection'. If only he could protect us from the boredom of history..
- Headline: EX-MAYOR EGGERS DIES IN JERSEY CITY; Nephew and Successor to Hague, 1947-49, Held Commissioner's Post. Impact: The passing of Frank H. Eggers paved the way for a series of political misadventures that would ultimately inspire a hit Broadway musical about Jersey City politics. You just can't make this stuff up.. Fact: Jersey City has a rich history of mayors, and yet, Eggers was the only one who could make a good egg pun. So, kudos to him..
- Headline: Riccardo Manning, Tenor, Dies in Vienna; Sang at. Metropolitan, zn Broadway Show!. Impact: Manning's untimely death led to a shortage of tenors in the musical world, causing a ripple that resulted in the rise of auto-tune. Thanks a lot, Riccardo.. Fact: Manning was known for his incredible vocal range, which is ironic since now everyone just uses a microphone and a computer. Cheers to progress!.
- Headline: Hoffman's Deposit Box Is Gone; Removal Brings New Mystery; HOFFMAN TIN BOX AT BANK VANISHES. Impact: The disappearance of Hoffman's deposit box set off a series of amateur detective novels that captivated the nation. Who knew a tin box could be the start of a literary revolution?. Fact: Safe deposit boxes have been the subject of countless heists in fiction and reality. Maybe Hoffman's box was just trying to get its fifteen minutes of fame..
- Headline: COUPLE TO LEARN BRAILLE FOR GIRLS; Study at the Lighthouse Is to Facilitate Rearing Two Blind Adopted Daughters. Impact: This couple's commitment to learning Braille ignited a movement that made literacy more accessible, leading to a future where even the blind could binge-read romance novels. Truly, a heroic effort.. Fact: Braille was invented by Louis Braille, who was blind himself. If that doesnβt inspire a heartwarming movie, I donβt know what does..
- Headline: F. STUART FOOTE. Impact: F. Stuart Foote's name will forever echo in the halls of time as the one person who made everyone else look bad by simply existing. Cheers to you, Foote.. Fact: The name 'Stuart' means 'steward' or 'keeper of the house'. So, itβs safe to say Foote was probably not invited to any wild parties..
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)