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 November 19, 1954
Full News Archive
- Headline: Memphis Censors Approve 'Carmen Jones'. Impact: The approval of 'Carmen Jones' led to a massive shift in the film industry, inspiring future filmmakers to explore diverse narratives. Who knew that a movie about a passionate woman would eventually lead to a million more films about complicated relationships and love triangles? Thanks, Memphis!. Fact: Did you know that 'Carmen Jones' was actually a Broadway musical before it hit the big screen? So, in a way, Memphis censors saved us from the horrors of a musical version of 'Carmen Sandiego'!.
- Headline: AEC's Political Influence: A Democratic Dilemma. Impact: Democrats regretting the presence of the AEC in politics is like a cat regretting that it knocked over a vase. The AEC's influence continued to ripple through political decisions, leading to a complicated relationship with nuclear power that we still havenβt figured out. Good luck with that!. Fact: Fun fact: The AEC was established in 1946 and was involved in many shady deals. Itβs like that friend who always crashes your party but somehow becomes the life of it!.
- Headline: A Night of Classical Music Excellence. Impact: B. Walter conducting might not seem like a big deal, but it led to an endless stream of talent shows and 'American Idol' auditions, where dreams were crushed and egos inflated. Thanks, B!. Fact: Did you know that conducting is just waving your arms around while pretending you know what the musicians are doing? Itβs basically the original form of interpretative dance!.
- Headline: AIR FORGE PAY RISE URGED BY TALBOTT; Secretary Would Grant 25% Increment to Personnel at Time of First Re-enlistment. Impact: Talbott's push for a pay rise was a pivotal moment for military compensation, leading to a future where troops would be paid in ramen noodles and thank-you notes. The ripples of this lunch meeting are still felt in cafeteria lines today.. Fact: Did you know that a 25% pay increase for military personnel means they can afford slightly better ramen? Now that's what I call a win!.
- Headline: YOUNGDAHL BIDS U. S. ADMIT ERROR; Asks Government to Disavow Charge That He Is Biased in Lattimore's Favor. Impact: Youngdahl's plea to disavow charges was a precursor to future political drama where everyone keeps insisting they didn't do anything wrong. Spoiler alert: they usually did. This event paved the way for endless political blame games.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'I didn't do it' has been used since the dawn of time? Itβs practically a political motto at this point!.
- Headline: New Phone Book Rings A Bell in Westchester. Impact: The release of a single phone book for Westchester County marked the beginning of the end for neighborhood gossip. Now everyone could look up their neighbors and complain about them with precision. Talk about a communication revolution!. Fact: Did you know that phone books were once considered high-tech? Now they just collect dust and serve as doorstops. Thanks, progress!.
- Headline: U. S. Studies Units in France. Impact: The study of US units in France marked the beginning of many awkward military relations. Itβs like sending your weird uncle to a family reunionβforever uncomfortable and occasionally making headlines!. Fact: Did you know that the US military has spent more time in France than most Americans have vacationed there? Talk about a complicated relationship!.
- Headline: Books of The Times. Impact: Yourcenar's 'Hadrian's Memoirs' opened the door for historical fiction that would later inspire countless adaptations, including the inevitable Hollywood blockbuster where Hadrian is played by a handsome heartthrob. Thanks, history!. Fact: Did you know that Hadrian built a wall? And no, it wasn't to keep people outβit was just a really elaborate way to avoid awkward conversations!.
- Headline: Brown Challenges Cadets. Impact: Brown's challenge to military cadets was the first of many instances where academia attempted to assert dominance over the military. Spoiler alert: it didn't go well, and weβre still figuring out who really calls the shots.. Fact: Did you know that challenging military cadets is like poking a bear? It might seem entertaining until it gets messy!.
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)