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 September 3, 1961
Full News Archive
- Headline: Spain Withdraws Troops from Moroccan Territory. Impact: Spain's garrisons leaving Morocco triggered a chain reaction that led to the establishment of modern tourist hotspots. Without the draw of Spanish soldiers, local towns had to diversify, and voilΓ , tapas bars and flamenco shows took center stage. Who knew military withdrawals could lead to sangria sales?. Fact: Did you know that if Spain had kept their troops there, we might never have discovered the joys of paella? Just imagine a world without Spanish cuisine!.
- Headline: Taxi Fare Increase Under Consideration. Impact: City's decision on a 10-cent fare increase led to an outcry that birthed the modern ride-sharing app. If cab fares had stayed low, we might still be hailing cabs instead of swiping right on our phones. Thanks, Mayor Wagner!. Fact: Fun fact: That 10-cent increase could have bought you a whole lot of nothing in todayβs taxi world. Welcome to inflation, folks!.
- Headline: Exploring Professional Photography Techniques. Impact: The revamping of professional photography manuals paved the way for influencers to flood your feeds with selfies. Had these manuals not been updated, we might still be living in a world where photography involved more than just a smartphone and a duck face.. Fact: Did you know that before this manual was revised, taking a picture required an actual degree in sorcery? Just kidding⦠or am I?.
- Headline: TERRORISTS' RING BROKEN IN FRANCE; Foes of de Gaulle on Algeria Set Up Regime in Spain. Impact: The dismantling of the terrorist ring in France had a domino effect of increased security measures across Europe. Ironically, it also led to the rise of 'no-fly' lists and the age of airport security, where taking off your shoes became a global pastime.. Fact: Respectfully, itβs interesting to note that one of the outcomes of this crackdown was the creation of a bunch of movies where the hero saves the day without even needing to wear shoes!.
- Headline: NEHRU SAYS SOVIET TESTS INCREASE DANGER OF WAR; ASKS U.S.-RUSSIAN PARLEY; NKRUMAH AGREES Tells Neutrals Atomic Peril Makes Arms Treaty Vital NEHRU SAYS TESTS RAISE RISK OF WAR. Impact: Nehru's call for U.S.-Russian talks sparked a dialogue wave that eventually led to the end of the Cold War, proving that sometimes all it takes is a polite request to save the world from nuclear annihilation.. Fact: Did you know that Nehru once ordered a large pizza for peace talks? Just kidding, but wouldn't that have made the negotiations more appetizing?.
- Headline: U.S. Moving to Denounce Soviet in U.N. on A-Tests; U.S. ACTS TO TAKE ATOM CASE TO U.N.. Impact: The U.S. denouncing the Soviet Union at the U.N. stirred the pot of international politics, leading to decades of finger-pointing and blame games that would make a reality TV show look tame. Who knew diplomacy could be so entertaining?. Fact: In a shocking twist, some say that the more heated the U.N. debates, the more likely the diplomats were to order takeout. Nothing says βweβre seriousβ like a box of cold pizza!.
- Headline: Ruanda Tribal War Intensified As Africans Struggle for Power; 300 Killed in 2 Months -- Bahutu Press Political Advantage as September Vote Nears in U.N.-Guided Area. Impact: The intensification of the tribal war in Ruanda served as a tragic precursor to the international community's focus on humanitarian interventions. Unfortunately, it also paved the way for endless debates on how to 'fix' Africa while ignoring the roots of the issues.. Fact: It's sobering to think that this conflict would lead to major global discussions about intervention, yet still, here we are, decades later, with the same problems. Itβs almost as if history repeats itselfβ¦ but whoβs keeping track?.
- Headline: 2 KEY CONGO JOBS ARE FILLED BY U.N.; Tunisian Heads Civil Unit -- Ghanaian Gets Army Post. Impact: The filling of key U.N. jobs in Congo marked a pivotal moment in international peacekeeping efforts, leading to a future where everyone suddenly had an opinion on who should run things. Because clearly, the more the merrier when it comes to bureaucracy!. Fact: Ironically, these appointments were supposed to create stability, yet they often led to more confusion than a family reunionβeveryone has an opinion, but no one knows whatβs going on!.
- Headline: City Keeping Sharp Watch Over 'Distress' Sales; It Insists 'Going Out of Business' Signs Mean Just That Aim Is Protection of Consumer and of Honest Retailers. Impact: The crackdown on 'distress' sales in NYC was a catalyst for consumer protection laws. Little did they know that years later, this would lead to a whole new industry of couponing and extreme bargain hunting, where people would fight over a discount like it's the last piece of cake.. Fact: Fun fact: The next time you see a 'going out of business' sale, just rememberβsomeone probably got a stern talking-to from the city about their signage!.
- Headline: Dressen Is Dropped As Pilot of Braves; Tebbetts Successor; Braves Drop Dressen for Tebbetts DRESSEN DROPPED AS BRAVES' PILOT. Impact: The firing of Braves manager Dressen and the hiring of Tebbetts sent shockwaves through the baseball world, proving that sometimes, a change in leadership can either lead to a championship or a long, dark tunnel of mediocrity. The suspense is thrilling!. Fact: Did you know that this managerial change was just a warm-up for the countless managerial shake-ups that would ensue in sports? Itβs almost like reality TV, just with more sweat and fewer scripted lines!.
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)