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 9, 1942
Full News Archive
- Headline: Major Julian De Court's Legacy. Impact: Had Major Julian de Court not existed, the world might not have had the same level of ennui during military briefings. His absence could have led to a surge in creativity among officers, resulting in a series of award-winning war-themed musicals instead.. Fact: Major Julian de Court was so influential that even his coffee breaks were scheduled in military strategy meetings..
- Headline: Utica Welsh Eisteddfod Canceled in 1942. Impact: The cancellation of this festival led to an unexpected boom in competitive knitting and extreme chess tournaments, as locals sought alternative forms of entertainment in a time of war.. Fact: The Eisteddfod is traditionally a celebration of literature, music, and performanceβclearly, war knows how to ruin a good time..
- Headline: 1,572 Enroll as Air Wardens. Impact: The sudden influx of air wardens turned out to be a great excuse for a new trend: 'Air Warden Fashion'βa look that remains popular among those who want to appear prepared for any airborne emergency at a moment's notice.. Fact: In a bizarre twist, some air wardens took their roles too seriously and began charging for 'air safety' tips on social media..
- Headline: Rectors Hear War Message. Impact: The rectors' decision to listen closely to the war message inadvertently led to a surge in theological debates over divine intervention in military strategyβwho knew war could spark such existential pondering?. Fact: Rectors are known for their sermons, but this year, they were just as likely to organize a bake sale for the troops..
- Headline: WOMEN ACCEPT JOBS IN AIRPLANE PLANT; Twenty Join Curtiss-Wright Experiment at Columbus. Impact: The entry of women into the airplane industry marked the beginning of a series of events that would ultimately lead to aerial yoga classesβbecause why not combine relaxation with the thrill of flying?. Fact: These women were so good at their jobs that they inadvertently started a trend of airplane-themed beauty contests..
- Headline: COMPLAINTS BY FTC TOTALED 357 IN '41; 219 Charged Misleading Ads, Labels, Etc., Annual Report to Congress Shows CONTINUED COURT VICTORY Won 40 of 42 Cases -- Agency Is Carrying On Inquiries in Several Fields COMPLAINTS BY FTC TOTALED 357 IN '41. Impact: This avalanche of complaints led the FTC to consider launching a new reality TV series: 'Mad Men: The FTC Chronicles,' where they would expose the dark underbelly of advertising.. Fact: The FTC once considered a complaint about a cereal that claimed to make you 'as strong as a bear'βthankfully, they decided against it after realizing bears don't actually eat cereal..
- Headline: MEDAL PRESENTED TO DAVID WARFIELD; Veteran Actor Rewarded by Associates for Distinguished Service to Theatre HIS ARTISTRY IS PRAISED Members of New York Academy and the Lambs Club Join in Paying Tribute. Impact: Warfield's recognition sparked a theatrical renaissance that led to the creation of an entirely new genre: 'Warfieldian Tragedy,' which involved excessive melodrama and interpretative dance.. Fact: Itβs said that David Warfieldβs acceptance speech was so dramatic that it inspired a new line of award-winning soaps..
- Headline: BISHOPS AMPLIFY PAPAL PEACE AIM; Acceptance of 'Law of Nations' Throughout World Is Declared 'the Prime Necessity' NOSOVEREIGNTY INFRINGED America Is Backed in War to 'Outlaw Forever' Rule by 'Brute Force, Lying Propaganda'. Impact: This declaration led to a worldwide movement that eventually resulted in the establishment of 'Peace Day,' a day where everyone collectively forgets about politics and just focuses on cat videos.. Fact: The bishops' meetings turned into a surprise hit on social media, leading to a series of viral memes featuring doves and olive branches..
- Headline: Postoffices to Begin Sale Of Car Tax Stamps Jan. 26. Impact: The introduction of car tax stamps caused a nationwide panic, leading to an underground market of counterfeit stampsβwho knew taxation could be so thrilling?. Fact: People often joke that the only thing worse than paying taxes is paying for the privilege of paying taxes!.
Wall Street Time Machine
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1942, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1942, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)