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 October 27, 1940
Full News Archive
- Headline: Alderman's Legacy Explored by Dumas Malone. Impact: If Alderman hadn't been such a big deal, we might all be speaking in monotone and considering 'education' a fancy word for 'indoctrination.' His influence kicked off a chain reaction where southern universities had to play catch-up, leading to the creation of some questionable degree programs. Thank you, Edwin!. Fact: Did you know Alderman's favorite color was 'red tape'? Because nothing says progress like layers of bureaucracy!.
- Headline: Cities Tackle Parking Challenges in 1940. Impact: This headline marks the moment when cities decided that accommodating cars was more important than, say, accommodating pedestrians. The ripple effect? Our love affair with parking lots and road rage was born, paving the way for countless car horns and overpriced parking meters.. Fact: Did you know that the average American spends about 17 hours a year looking for parking? That's like a part-time job, but with more swearing!.
- Headline: Exploring Latin America Through Music. Impact: This tourist adventure led to a domino effect of cultural exchange, resulting in an increase in awkward salsa lessons and over-enthusiastic travel blogs. Who knew one person's vacation could inspire thousands to mispronounce 'Buenos Aires'?. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more terrifying than a tourist in Latin America is a tourist trying to play a maraca without rhythm!.
- Headline: Sale of Rolls-Royce Here To Aid British Red Cross. Impact: This sale set off a chain reaction where luxury cars became synonymous with charity events. Now, every time you see a fancy gala, you can bet thereβs a Rolls-Royce involved, because nothing screams 'I care' like a $200,000 car being auctioned off.. Fact: Did you know that every Rolls-Royce comes with a complimentary sense of superiority? Just kidding! It's actually just the leather seats..
- Headline: COLOMBIAN COURT UPSETS OIL RIGHTS; Decision Says 80% of Lands Thought Private Should Be Returned to the State SHELL COMPANY IS LOSER 2 Most Important Producers Are Not Affected, Holding Government Concessions. Impact: This court decision sent shockwaves through the oil industry, creating a ripple that would later inspire oil companies to invest in underwater drilling and more questionable practices. Environmentalists are still recovering from the hangover.. Fact: Did you know that oil rights disputes are like soap operas? Full of drama, betrayal, and people yelling 'It's mine!'.
- Headline: MATERIAL PRICES 'ON AN EVEN KEEL'; Building Costs Show Smaller Charges Than Other Goods in Recent Years. Impact: This headline suggests a calm before the storm of inflation. The impact? A future where home builders will still complain, but now with fancier jargon about 'material efficiency' while they charge you an arm and a leg.. Fact: Did you know that 'on an even keel' is also how your wallet feels after a trip to the hardware store?.
- Headline: BRAZIL SCENES ON STAMPS; Industrial and Agricultural Vignettes on Series to Aid National Census. Impact: This initiative led to a delightful obsession with collecting stamps that pretty much nobody cares about today. Who knew a few postage stamps could spark such a profound lack of interest in census data?. Fact: Fun fact: Collecting stamps is the only hobby where you can spend a fortune to be reminded of how little you actually matter!.
- Headline: Rubber Union Officer Says Lewis, in Talk, Barred Willkie, Sought Roosevelt Trade. Impact: This little tiff helped to further the divide between political factions, resulting in rubbernecking at political debates and a future where everyoneβs too busy arguing to actually understand the issues at hand.. Fact: Did you know that rubber unions have been around longer than most people's attention spans during a political debate?.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1940, it would be worth $3,433,941 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1940, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1940, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)