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 4, 1963
Full News Archive
- Headline: FTC Challenges Radio-TV Ratings Integrity. Impact: The F.T.C. questioning radio-TV ratings led to a chain reaction in media trust issues, eventually resulting in the rise of social media influencers who claimed to have the 'real ratings'βbecause who needs facts when you have charisma?. Fact: Did you know that Nielsen ratings are still used today? Because nothing says 'I trust you' like letting a random sample of people determine what the rest of us watch!.
- Headline: Allegheny Steel Price Reduction Announcement. Impact: Allegheny Steel's price cut sparked a never-ending game of 'who can lower prices faster', resulting in a world where consumers expect everything to be at rock-bottom prices, including their self-esteem.. Fact: Did you know that this price cut was so intense that it led to a brief renaissance in home DIY projects? People thought they could afford stainless steel sinks, but ended up with dented cans instead!.
- Headline: Heads Southwest Potash. Impact: The appointment of F.H. Stewart as president of Southwest Potash heralded an era of potash production that would inspire farmers everywhere to try their hand at 'potash poker', betting on the next big crop!. Fact: Did you know that potash is basically potassium carbonate? So next time you eat a banana, thank F.H. Stewart for making sure your potassium levels stay high!.
- Headline: Supersonic Escape Capsule Tested. Impact: Testing the supersonic escape capsule inadvertently accelerated the development of personal safety devices, leading to the invention of the 'panic button' in your smartphoneβbecause who doesn't want to escape a bad date with style?. Fact: Did you know that escape capsules are like the adult version of hiding under your bed when you hear a scary noise? Except now, theyβre engineered to save your life instead of just your pride!.
- Headline: FRANCE DELAYING POLARIS DECISION; De Gaulle Tells Kennedy Aim Is Still National Force-- U.S. to Propose Aid Bohlen Begins Talks FRANCE DELAYING POLARIS DECISION. Impact: De Gaulle's indecision over the Polaris decision created a ripple of uncertainty in NATO relations, making future meetings feel more like awkward family dinners where nobody wants to bring up politics.. Fact: Did you know that De Gaulle was known for his strong will? Just imagine him at a restaurantβ'No, I will not have the soup of the day; I demand a full course meal!'.
- Headline: CARGO RULES SET ON REDUCED RATES. Impact: The Maritime Commission setting cargo rules on reduced rates was the start of a long and twisty road in shipping regulations, eventually resulting in the phrase 'free shipping' becoming a beacon of hope for online shoppers everywhere!. Fact: Did you know that reduced cargo rates are often a sign that someone is trying to get rid of really old stock? Because nothing says 'buy me' like a clearance sale on last year's trends!.
Wall Street Time Machine
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1963, it would be worth $33,061,595 today (33061.6x return)
DIS
Disney
Disney - If you invested $1,000 in 1963, it would be worth $2,434,960 today (2435.0x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1963, it would be worth $387,746 today (387.7x return)