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 August 15, 1961
Full News Archive
- Headline: Senate Approves Judges Ganey and Bryan. Impact: Had the Senate not approved Ganey and Bryan, an alternate timeline would have seen a cataclysmic rise in legal drama shows, with courtroom antics surpassing reality TV ratings β thank you, Senate!. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'judge' is derived from the Latin 'judicare,' which means 'to declare.' So really, theyβre just declaring things all day long!.
- Headline: Morse Advocates for Catholic School Aid. Impact: If Morse had successfully urged Catholics to shift their stance, perhaps we would have seen a rapid increase in public school funding, leading to a global shortage of priests β they would have been too busy tutoring math.. Fact: Catholic school uniforms were once designed to promote discipline. Who knew that a pleated skirt could lead to a PhD?.
- Headline: 2 SIDES HOPEFUL ON SENATE RACES; But Warier Prophets Doubt Major Change in '62 Vote. Impact: If the Senate races had dramatically changed in '62, the ensuing chaos might have created a new political party founded solely on the principle of not wearing socks with sandals.. Fact: In 1962, the term 'political correctness' was still a twinkle in the eye of future activists; back then, it was just 'common sense,' which was in short supply..
- Headline: Vigil at I.C.C. Building. Impact: The vigil at the ICC building might have led to a butterfly effect where people began to pray for traffic lights to change faster. Little did they know, the real divine intervention was in their driving skills.. Fact: Vigils often have more candles than attendees. It's like a party where the guests are too shy to show up, but the ambiance is still lit!.
- Headline: 189 Riders Appeal Jackson Conviction; 189 Riders Appeal Convictions For Breach of Peace in Jackson. Impact: Had the 189 Riders succeeded in their appeal, it could have inspired a trend in civil rights movements where people would unite in large numbers for everything from appeals to pizza toppings.. Fact: The 189 Riders were essentially pioneers in civil disobedience. Who knew that breaking the law could be a group activity?.
- Headline: NEWARK MAY GET SOME JET FLIGHTS; Meyner's Approval Awaited -- Noise and Safety Factors Found Within Standards NEWARK MAY GET SOME JET FLIGHTS. Impact: Had Newark received jet flights sooner, the city might have become a bustling hub for global jet-setters β or at least a popular pit stop for lost travelers looking for directions.. Fact: Jet flights were once considered the future of travel, until we realized they couldnβt fix delays caused by weather or airline food..
- Headline: 5 U.S. MEN DIE IN LAOS; C-46 Crashes While Carrying Supplies to Royal Army. Impact: The tragic crash in Laos could have sparked a change in military logistics, leading to a butterfly effect where all future supply drops included parachutes and snacks β because why not?. Fact: Laos is known for its stunning landscapes, but back in the day, it was also known for its unfortunate aviation mishaps..
- Headline: TRAVEL AIDS HELD NEEDED BY LATINS; Ease of Communications Linked to Development. Impact: By advocating for travel aids for Latins, the U.S. might have unintentionally set off a global quest for better maps, which ultimately led to the invention of GPS β because who doesnβt love a good reroute?. Fact: Before GPS, people actually used paper maps. Yes, they were real, and yes, they were just as confusing as they sound!.
Wall Street Time Machine
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1961, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1961, it would be worth $23,651,354 today (23651.4x return)