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 July 5, 1942
Full News Archive
- Headline: Rare Forms of Buttercup Clan Unveiled. Impact: This rare evolution of buttercups led to the formation of an underground society of flower enthusiasts who, in a twist, later invented a new language based solely on plant puns.. Fact: Did you know that buttercups are known for their incredible ability to thrive in adversity? Kind of like that one friend who shows up to parties uninvited but somehow steals the spotlight..
- Headline: Pro Unificacion: Promoting Aviation in Latin America. Impact: This initiative sparked an unexpected aviation arms race, causing rival countries to compete for the title of 'Best Latin American Airline,' ultimately leading to the rise of a reality show where pilots perform tricks for votes.. Fact: Oh, because nothing says 'unity' like flying around in circles and trying not to crash while arguing about who has the best empanadas..
- Headline: Victory Garden Harvest Shows Celebrated. Impact: The success of these Victory Garden Harvest Shows inspired a global gardening craze that resulted in a world where gardening became the main form of exercise, leading to an unexpected increase in global happiness and a decrease in gym memberships.. Fact: Gardening: the only workout where you can sweat profusely while also getting distracted by butterflies and pondering the meaning of life..
- Headline: FACTORY IN QUEENS GETS BOMB THREAT; Telephoned Message Menaces a Flushing Plant on Fair Explosion Anniversary VICINITY IS EVACUATED 100 Neighboring Families Are Moved Out Until Search of Structure Is Ended. Impact: This incident led to an increase in security protocols that ultimately inspired a generation of paranoid citizens who refused to trust anything that even remotely resembled a bomb threat, including overly enthusiastic party poppers.. Fact: It's always the quiet ones, isn't it? A bomb threat on a factoryβsounds like the plot of a bad action movie, but the stakes were all too real for those involved..
- Headline: FLATBUSH PARADE OPENS CDVO DRIVE; Procession Ends at Brooklyn College Stadium, Where a Patriotic Rally Is Held 25,000 WORKERS SOUGHT Speakers Emphasize That All Have a Duty to Perform in the Present Struggle. Impact: The rally united a community in ways that led to the creation of the world's first 'Patriotic Parade Olympics,' where towns compete for the best float and the most overzealous speeches.. Fact: Ah, nothing says 'patriotism' like a parade full of people trying to outdo each other in fervor, while secretly hoping for free hot dogs..
- Headline: MEET MR. FORTUNE: A Reggie Fortune Omnibus. By H.C. Bailey. 546 pp. New York: Published for the Crime Club by Doubleday, Doran & Co. $2.. Impact: This publication inadvertently inspired a wave of crime fiction that led to the creation of a secret society of amateur detectives, whose members often mistook their neighborhood book club for a crime-solving expedition.. Fact: Only $2? At that price, even the plot twists must have been on a budget. Who knew crime could be so affordable?.
- Headline: Knowledge Gaining Among Civilian Adults and Children, War Fliers and Workers -- 'Good Neighbor' Air Group -- 'Chute Manual. Impact: The rise of air-mindedness led to a world where civilians began to believe they could fly, resulting in an increase in backyard trampoline accidents and a spike in bizarre conspiracy theories about anti-gravity.. Fact: Air-mindedness: because who needs a plane when you've got a trampoline and a dream? Just remember to check the neighbor's fence before you launch..
- Headline: ENVOY TO VICHY IS HOST; Tuck Gives Fourth of July Luncheon for 60 Americans. Impact: This diplomatic luncheon inadvertently sparked a culinary trend, leading to the rise of 'American-themed' restaurants in France that served hot dogs and hamburgers, confusing locals and tourists alike.. Fact: Because nothing says 'freedom' like a bunch of Americans celebrating Independence Day while the rest of the world is wondering what exactly a hot dog is..
- Headline: Design of New "Duck" Stamp. Impact: The new stamp design triggered a wild obsession with duck-related merchandise, leading to an explosion of duck-themed cafes and an entire generation of children convinced they were destined to become duck whisperers.. Fact: Duck stamps: the official currency for bird lovers and a subtle reminder that sometimes, the most serious things in life can be as whimsical as a quacking bird..
- Headline: At the Wheel. Impact: The conversation around gasoline purchases led to a nationwide obsession with fuel efficiency, resulting in the invention of the first 'eco-friendly' car that ran on nothing but good intentions.. Fact: Gasoline purchases: the adult version of a kid with a piggy bankβexcept the adults are just hoping they can afford to fill up before the next gas price hike..
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)