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 January 3, 1962
Full News Archive
- Headline: Midwest Utilities Sue for Price Fixing. Impact: The price-fixing lawsuits sparked an underground movement of rogue utility workers who started 'DIY electricity' workshops, leading to a spike in home-based power generation and a resurgence of the 1970s DIY culture.. Fact: Did you know that 'price fixing' is just corporate speak for 'let's all agree to charge more and hope nobody notices'?.
- Headline: PENTAGON SEEKS RISE IN RENT ALLOWANCES. Impact: The Pentagon's quest for higher rent allowances inadvertently led to the creation of a national 'Rent Control' movement, which then inspired several sitcoms about quirky landlords and their tenants.. Fact: Did you know that the Pentagon asking for more money is about as shocking as a cat video going viral? It's just expected at this point..
- Headline: INQUIRY IN SHAKEDOWN; Bronx Jury Hears Charges Against Police Captain. Impact: The investigation into police corruption not only brought to light systemic issues but also inspired a hit Netflix series that made 'shakedown' the new buzzword for all sorts of undercover operations.. Fact: It's ironic that a police captain would be involved in a shakedown, considering they're usually the ones shaking down the community for tickets!.
- Headline: MAYOR OF PARAMUS RESIGNS ABRUPTLY. Impact: The sudden resignation triggered a series of events that ultimately led to the creation of a reality TV show called 'Mayoral Meltdown.' A classic case of life imitating art.. Fact: Fun fact: In Paramus, the mayoral chair is actually a hot seatβliterally. Itβs equipped with a heating pad to keep the next mayor warm during their inevitable ouster..
- Headline: WEEK-END BURIAL CURTAILED HERE; Several Cemeteries Act on Overtime--Jews Protest Several Cemeteries Limit Burials On Week-Ends to Cut Overtime Exceptions Explained Problem Not as Great Undertakers Protest. Impact: The restriction on weekend burials led to an unexpected rise in 'midweek memorials,' which became the hottest trend in funeral planning, complete with themed events and catering.. Fact: Did you know that the busiest day for burials is actually Monday? Apparently, everyone wants to get back to work as soon as possible!.
- Headline: U.S. to Give Food to Cyprus. Impact: This generous act of food aid inadvertently led to the establishment of 'Cypriot Food Festivals' in the U.S., where people learned that halloumi is the real hero of the cheese world.. Fact: Did you know that 'Food-For-Peace' is just a fancy way of saying 'Let's make sure they have enough snacks while we negotiate?'.
- Headline: U.S. Denies a Deal With Guatemalans; U.S. DENIES DEAL WITH GUATEMALA Recollection Is Denied 'Great Favor' Cited Ydigoras Stands on Speech. Impact: The U.S. denial of a deal led to a breakdown of trust in diplomatic relations, which inspired future leaders to adopt more theatrical gestures and vague promises, ultimately resulting in a lot of confused headlines.. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic denials are basically like saying, 'It's not you, it's me'? Spoiler alert: Itβs always them..
Wall Street Time Machine
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1962, it would be worth $23,651,354 today (23651.4x return)
DIS
Disney
Disney - If you invested $1,000 in 1962, it would be worth $1,960,745 today (1960.7x return)