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 29, 1942
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.S. Steel Achieves Record Q1 Shipment. Impact: The announcement of U.S. Steel's earnings set off a chain reaction where everyone suddenly thought they could be financial experts, leading to the dot-com bubble where people invested in companies that sold pet rocks online.. Fact: Did you know that back in the day, dividends were a way to lure in investors, not just a way for CEOs to buy their third yacht?.
- Headline: City Lights Dimmed During Army Tests. Impact: The dimming of lights due to army orders led to a worldwide trend of 'hazy mood lighting' in urban areas, resulting in a surge of candle sales and a revival of the 'romantic' dinner date.. Fact: Fun fact: Army orders for dimmed lights were really just an elaborate excuse to let the city catch up on its sleep!.
- Headline: United Aircraft Sees Major Growth in 1942. Impact: United Aircraft's shipment increase led to a dramatic rise in air travel, which eventually turned into the glorious experience we know todayβlong lines, lost luggage, and the joy of being crammed into a flying tin can.. Fact: Did you know that doubling shipments might just mean that they found an extra warehouse full of planes? Surprise!.
- Headline: COAST RAIDS TRAP MORE JAPANESE; Buddhist Priest and Reporter Among California Prisoners -- Radio Set Is Taken PORTLAND TO BE CLEARED Evacuation of All Nipponese in the City Will Be Effected by Next Tuesday. Impact: The capture of Japanese prisoners in California sparked a nationwide paranoia that led to the founding of 'Neighborhood Watch' programs, which eventually spiraled into a society where people take pictures of their neighbors' lawns.. Fact: Fun fact: This incident is a prime example of how fear can lead to the weirdest forms of community bonding, like judging each otherβs gardening skills..
- Headline: MME. CRESPIN DU GAST; Head of French Humane Society Early Flier and Racing Driver. Impact: Mme. Crespin du Gast's achievements in aviation led to a surge of women entering the field, resulting in a future where female pilots are finally recognizedβespecially when they land planes without crashing them.. Fact: Did you know that she was not only a flier but also a racing driver? Talk about multitaskingβguess she just couldn't decide which way to break the sound barrier!.
- Headline: WALL ST. UNSHAKEN BY ROOSEVELT PLAN; Message Discounted, Market Shows No Direct Effects, Brokers Declare NO PLUNGERS ANY MORE'. Impact: Wall Street's indifference to Roosevelt's plans inadvertently created a culture of skepticism that persists to today, where every major announcement is met with a collective eye roll.. Fact: Did you know that brokers claiming 'no plungers anymore' probably meant they were just tired of watching their investments dive without a parachute?.
- Headline: C.P.A. DUTIES LISTED; They Can Aid War Effort by Help on Priorities, WPB Men Say. Impact: The listing of CPA duties helped accountants realize they could have a say in war efforts, which ultimately paved the way for accounting firms to create the world's most boring yet important meetings.. Fact: Fun fact: CPAs are the only superheroes whose powers include making numbers dance... but only on tax forms..
- Headline: Henderson Will Brook No 'Politics' in Price Curb. Impact: Henderson's aversion to 'politics' in price control may have inadvertently led to more under-the-table deals, creating a world where everyone suddenly became an underground economist.. Fact: Did you know that trying to keep politics out of economics is like trying to keep glitter out of a craft project? Spoiler alert: it never works!.
- Headline: Elected as a Trustee Of Modern Art Museum. Impact: J.T. Soby's election as a trustee of the Modern Art Museum sparked a wave of avant-garde art that would leave future generations wondering, 'What were they thinking?'. Fact: Did you know that being a trustee at a modern art museum means you get to nod thoughtfully at paintings that look like a toddler's finger painting?.
- Headline: MOTHER ELECTED TO PHI BETA KPA; .43-Year-0.1d .S-tudent Among the .Thirty-fou? Choser at New York University :21 oN ROLL AT. BARNARDTM President. of united Chapters of Society Sees Threat to Liberal Arts Units. Impact: The election of a 43-year-old student to Phi Beta Kappa signaled a shift in academic norms, where being a late bloomer became the new trend, inspiring countless people to go back to schoolβonly to realize they still hate homework.. Fact: Fun fact: Phi Beta Kappa is the academic equivalent of being told you're special for showing up on timeβcongrats!.
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)