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 February 17, 1962
Full News Archive
- Headline: Life and Legacy of Msg. Aloysius S. Karl. Impact: The rise of MSGR. ALOYSIUS S. KARL led to a chain reaction of increasingly unpronounceable names in the clergy, thus making it harder for future generations to win at Scrabble.. Fact: The title 'Msgr.' is actually short for 'Monsignor,' which means 'my lord' in Italian. So technically, he was a lord in the church hierarchy, which is just a fancy way of saying he had a corner office with a lot of holy paperwork..
- Headline: Anonymity Increasing Highway Littering Issues. Impact: Blaming 'lost' individuals for littering spawned a movement that eventually led to the creation of the first ever 'lost and found' signs, which ironically, became the most littered item on highways.. Fact: 'Lost' individuals may not be the sole cause of littering, but they sure made it easier for everyone else to blame someone else for their trashy behavior..
- Headline: John J. Boland Jr.: A Pioneering Figure. Impact: The legacy of JOHN J. BOLAND JR. has resulted in an endless supply of people named John who are destined to be known as 'Jr.' and forever live in the shadow of their fathers, because who needs a unique identity anyway?. Fact: The tradition of naming sons after their fathers is so common that it might as well come with a 'how to be less interesting' manual..
- Headline: Best Man Out. Impact: The 'Best Man Out' editorial sparked a revolutionary shift in wedding dynamics, leading to the eventual rise of the 'Maid of Honor' as a title thatβs just as confusing as it sounds.. Fact: Best men are typically known for being the most reckless and least responsible at weddings, which is why theyβre chosen for the role. Because nothing says 'I love you' like a drunken toast!.
- Headline: Scientist Discovers How Penguins Keep Feet Warm at 60. Impact: The discovery of how penguins keep their feet warm at 60 degrees led to a flurry of fashion trends where humans tried to replicate the look, resulting in a very odd year for foot fashion.. Fact: Penguins are masters of warmth and style, which is why they've been stealing hearts and the show at zoos for decades. Who knew black and white could be so chic?.
- Headline: Topics. Impact: Chichester, England, became a hub for time travelers eager to witness medieval architecture, completely unaware that the real attractions were the tea shops offering questionable pastries.. Fact: Chichester is often mistaken for Chester, which makes for some very confused tourists who show up expecting a different city entirely..
- Headline: MILLARD FISHER. Impact: The name MILLARD FISHER sounds like it could have inspired an entire generation of people to start naming their kids after fish, leading to a bizarre trend of aquatic names in schools.. Fact: Millard is a name that peaked in the early 20th century, which is probably why you wonβt find many Millards swimming around today..
- Headline: KIRSTEN IS SUCCESS IN BOLSHOI 'FAUST'. Impact: KIRSTEN's success in Bolshoi 'FAUST' ignited a global obsession with opera, leading to a bizarre era where everyone thought they could hit high notes after a couple of glasses of wine.. Fact: Bolshoi means 'big' in Russian, which is fitting, because the performances are so grand they could probably wake up the ghosts of opera past..
- Headline: JOHN GRIFFIN, 68, OFFICIAL OF R.C.A.; Ex-Victor Sales Head in East Dies Ran Motorboat Races. Impact: The death of JOHN GRIFFIN, an RCA official, marked the end of an era where motorboat racing was not just a pastime but also an extreme way to avoid awkward conversations at family gatherings.. Fact: Griffinβs dual career in music and motorboats is a reminder that you can indeed have your cake and eat it too, provided youβre not racing against time..
- Headline: 20C FARE IS ASKED BY NEW CHAIRMAN OF 5TH AVE. LINES; Weinberg Assumes Control --Seeks Reinstatement of Transfers for 5c SEES 5 MILLION LOSS Mayor Still Opposed to Rise --Tenney Will Discuss Finances With Concern Asks Immediate Relief Mayor's Position New 5th Ave. Bus Chief Asks 20c Fare and Use of Transfers Weinberg Named Chairman Has Wide Holdings. Impact: The chaos surrounding the 20C fare proposal led to the creation of the term 'fare evasion,' which would later inspire countless memes and a whole genre of stand-up comedy.. Fact: Fares have been rising since the dawn of public transport, proving that inflation is the true star of the show, while we just keep paying the price for our convenience..
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)