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 April 5, 1941
Full News Archive
- Headline: Hull's Firm Stance Against Axis Sabotage. Impact: This fiery note triggered a chain reaction leading to international treaties that are now only referenced in high school history classes. Who knew a stern letter could affect naval policies for decades? Oh, wait, it didn't. But it did inspire the 'how to write a strongly worded letter' course in diplomacy!. Fact: Did you know that writing letters of complaint is a skill that has yet to be recognized by any government as a legitimate form of warfare?.
- Headline: Yugoslav Cabinet Policy Agreement in 1941. Impact: This agreement set off a domino effect that eventually led to a war, countless treaties, and a whole bunch of people wondering if their politicians knew what they were doing. Spoiler alert: they didn't.. Fact: History has shown that when politicians agree on something, it usually means disaster is just around the corner..
- Headline: HATS FOR SUMMER HAVE AIRY QUALITY; Braagaard Creations Achieve Lightness by Use of Frilly Fabrics and Pale Tints TAILORED SAILORS ALSO 'Walking Hats' of Felt to Wear With Tweeds a Specialty of Danish Milliner. Impact: This fashion revelation sparked a summer hat craze that led to an entire generation of people wondering why they ever thought wearing a hat was a good idea. Thanks for the sunburn, Braagaard!. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more uncomfortable than a hat in summer is trying to convince people it’s a fashion statement?.
- Headline: BERNARD ANSPACH. Impact: Bernard Anspach's mere existence may have inadvertently led to an influx of people named Bernard, further complicating future genealogical research. Thanks, Bernard!. Fact: Fun fact: 'Bernard' has been a popular name since the Middle Ages, which means there’s likely a medieval Bernard somewhere judging our fashion choices..
- Headline: MARK A, REEVE. Impact: Mark A. Reeve's name is now synonymous with 'That guy who was kind of important but we don't really know why.' This left historians scratching their heads and future school kids confused.. Fact: Did you know that having a middle initial can sometimes be the only distinguishing factor in a sea of Marks? At least he gets to stand out!.
- Headline: Topics of The Times. Impact: These topics paved the way for the endless debates we now have over breakfast about the merits of political parties. Yes, let's ruin brunch with politics, shall we?. Fact: Fun fact: If you want to clear a room faster than a fire alarm, just bring up politics at breakfast!.
- Headline: VIVIAN RIVKIN OFFERS FIRST RECITAL HERE; Pianist Plays Mozart and Dello Joio Works at Town Hall. Impact: Rivkin's recital sparked a wave of piano lessons across the nation, leading to countless neighbors learning to play just enough to annoy everyone around them. Thanks, Vivian!. Fact: Did you know that most musicians believe that playing the piano is the best way to practice for a career in silent suffering?.
- Headline: Lewis Rated A-1 Physically. Impact: This perfect rating led to the widespread belief that physicality is what matters most, paving the way for gym selfies and the rise of fitness influencers. Hooray for vanity!. Fact: Fun fact: Being rated A-1 physically doesn’t actually guarantee you’ll win at life, but it does make you more likely to get attention at the beach..
- Headline: STATE BANKING RULINGS; Dry Dock Savings Institution Gets Insurance Certificate. Impact: This decision sparked a massive surge in banking regulations that left accountants crying into their spreadsheets. Who knew insurance could be so riveting?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing less exciting than a banking ruling is watching paint dry? At least the paint won’t punish you with fees!.
Wall Street Time Machine
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1941, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1941, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)