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 December 3, 1940
Full News Archive
- Headline: Defense Post for Chinlund. Impact: Chinlund's new defense post heralded the dawn of a bureaucratic dynasty, inspiring a future where paperwork and red tape became the true weapons of choice.. Fact: Chinlund's appointment was so thrilling that it almost led to spontaneous celebrationsβif only people could find the right forms to fill out first..
- Headline: Army Stove Strike Ended. Impact: The conclusion of the stove strike ensured that soldiers could finally enjoy warm meals, which, in turn, led to a massive increase in army morale and the invention of the campfire sing-along.. Fact: It's said that the army stove was so popular it inspired a new saying: 'A warm meal is worth a thousand battles.' Because, you know, nothing beats a good stew in wartime..
- Headline: GOLDEN GOPHERS NO. 1 IN DICKINSON RATINGS; Minnesota, Three-Time Victor, Takes Rockne Trophy. Impact: The Gophers' victory sparked a frenzy of mascot competitions, leading to an era where universities were judged more on their mascots than their academic prowess.. Fact: The Rockne Trophy was so coveted that it was rumored to have its own fan club. Yes, trophies need fans tooβwelcome to the age of inanimate object celebrity..
- Headline: RITES HONOR JERVIS BAY; Memorial Service on Warship Held Near Scene of Exploit. Impact: The memorial served as a solemn reminder that every great naval exploit comes with its share of tragedy, possibly inspiring future sailors to invest in life jackets instead of bravado.. Fact: Memorial services on warships have a way of making everyone feel both honored and slightly seasick at the same time. Who knew respect came with a side of nausea?.
- Headline: ITALIANS FALL BACK; Central Defense Line of Fascisti Reported to Have Collapsed DRIVE ALONG COAST GAINS Greeks Penetrate to Positions Above Delvino--Troops Also Push On in Northern Area. Impact: The collapse of the Italian defense line created a ripple effect, leading to a future where Italy embraced pasta as its primary defense strategyβbecause who could resist a good carb?. Fact: Fascism's decline was such a spectacle that even the pasta factories started holding 'we're sorry' sales, offering discounts on spaghetti to make up for the turmoil..
- Headline: The International Situation. Impact: As four German divisions headed to Romania, a future where maps became the ultimate collectible began, with people obsessively tracking troop movements like they were trading cards.. Fact: The 'international situation' was so vague that it could refer to anything from troop movements to a particularly bad weather forecast for picnics..
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)