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 May 18, 1963
Full News Archive
- Headline: Aging Population Faces Second-Class Status. Impact: This '2D class status' for the aged led to a series of protests that eventually resulted in the invention of stairlifts. Who knew a simple issue could lead to a multi-million dollar industry of assisted living technology?. Fact: The phrase '2D class' was actually a typo; it was meant to say '2nd class', but hey, at least it wasn't a 3D classβa whole new dimension of problems!.
- Headline: Delaware Man Sentenced to Whipping. Impact: This brutal form of punishment sparked a debate that eventually led to the abolition of corporal punishment in many regions, but only after a few more unfortunate lashings were handed out. Talk about a delayed reaction!. Fact: In some cultures, a 20-lash sentence is considered a 'relaxing spa day'. Just kidding; it's still pretty harsh..
- Headline: Enahoro's Bold Stand in Treason Trial. Impact: Enahoro's bold refusal to plead ignited a wave of civil disobedience that rippled through Nigeria, inspiring future generations to stand up for their rightsβthough it didn't come with a guarantee of a happy ending.. Fact: Refusing to plead in court has become a popular tactic for those who enjoy making things awkward for everyone involved..
- Headline: Court Rejects N.A.A.C.P. Plea For Files of U. of Alabama. Impact: This decision solidified the university's reputation as a fortress of secrecy, which ironically led to more transparency efforts decades laterβbecause who doesn't love a good irony?. Fact: The University of Alabama's motto is 'The Capstone of Higher Education'βwhich apparently also means 'We don't want to share our files.'.
- Headline: COURT BARS U.S.SUIT FOR DESEGREGATION. Impact: This ruling set back the desegregation movement, creating a domino effect that would take years to reverse. It's like trying to fix a broken toaster by just ignoring itβspoiler alert: it doesnβt work.. Fact: This case was one of many that made lawyers question if they should have pursued a career in baking instead. At least pies donβt require a civil rights suit..
- Headline: Start Made for Grill at Fair. Impact: The opening of the Century Grill led to an explosion of food truck culture in the years to come. Turns out, people really love grilled foodβeven if itβs served from a rusty truck!. Fact: The 'grill' referenced here is not the one that cooks food; itβs the one that creates drama at family barbecues. Just kidding, itβs definitely about cooking..
- Headline: PARENTS DELAY ON JERSEY SIT-IN; Englewood Protesters Cite Ruling on Orange Schools. Impact: This delay resulted in a prolonged struggle for educational equity, but it also inspired a very popular 'sit-in' movement in cafes around the country, where people just wanted to sit and complain about their lattes.. Fact: Sitting in for a cause is much more productive than sitting in traffic, but somehow both can feel equally frustrating..
- Headline: African Showplace; Addis Ababa fleeting Hall Is Symbol Of Haile Selassie's Goal for Continent. Impact: The construction of the fleeting Hall symbolized a broader pan-African identity, leading to a wave of cultural pride that would echo in future generations. The irony? The hall itself was fleetingβmuch like the attention span of politicians.. Fact: Haile Selassie was not just a political leader; he was also a huge fan of dramatic architecture. Because what says 'I lead a nation' better than a fancy hall?.
- Headline: PARENTS SUE CITY ON LAG IN SCHOOLS; Seek to Bar Interference in Construction and to End Shortened Hours PARENTS SUE CITY ON LAG IN SCHOOLS. Impact: This lawsuit sparked a movement for educational reform that saw parents banding together like superheroesβexcept instead of capes, they wielded legal documents. Talk about a power move!. Fact: The phrase 'lag in schools' actually refers to the time it takes for parents to realize their kids are learning nothing. Spoiler alert: it's usually longer than expected..
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)