Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON December 16, 1942
Full News Archive
- Headline: Surge in RFC War Funding Announced. Impact: The massive increase in war funds not only fueled the WWII effort but also set the stage for the military-industrial complex. It's like they created a money printer with a 'limited edition' sticker!. Fact: By the end of the war, the RFC had contributed so much to the economy that it could probably have funded a small moon landing—too bad they were busy funding tanks instead!.
- Headline: Early Stamp Buying Suggested by Postmaster. Impact: Goldman's suggestion to buy stamps early sparked a nationwide frenzy, leading to people hoarding stamps like they were toilet paper in 2020. Who knew postal preparedness could cause such chaos?. Fact: In an ironic twist, stamp collecting eventually became a popular hobby, turning the very items Goldman urged people to buy early into collector's items worth more than their weight in gold!.
- Headline: Tough Club Honors Burchill. Impact: This honor solidified Burchill's status as a local hero, paving the way for future 'Tough Clubs'. Soon, every small town had its own Tough Club, leading to an explosion of mediocre steak dinners and bad jokes.. Fact: The Tough Club's motto might as well have been 'We lift heavy things and eat steak', which really sums up a lot of social gatherings, doesn't it?.
- Headline: SOPRANO AT TOWN HALL; Marguerite McDonald Gives 2d Recital Here in 13 Years. Impact: McDonald's recital sparked a resurgence in local arts, resulting in towns across the country investing in cultural events. Who knew that one soprano could create a chain reaction of mediocre talent shows?. Fact: The last time McDonald performed, people brought their own snacks. This time, they remembered to bring earplugs!.
- Headline: 'Ouch, It Hurts!' Some Say, Learning of 1943 Taxes. Impact: The shock of new taxes turned into a nationwide groan, leading to a series of anti-tax protests and the creation of the modern tax advisor. Thank you, 1943, for giving birth to the profession of tax evasion specialists!. Fact: Interestingly, the phrase 'Ouch, it hurts!' has been used ever since, primarily during tax season and when checking the balance of a checking account..
- Headline: Loew's Again to Give Bonuses. Impact: Loew's bonuses became a tradition, resulting in an entire culture of 'bonus envy' where employees judged each other's bonuses more than their actual salaries. Don't worry, it didn’t lead to any office dramas or anything!. Fact: Rumor has it that the bonus announcement was really just a way to distract employees from the terrible coffee in the break room..
- Headline: 17 OUT OF 19 DIE IN AIRLINER CRASH; One Marine and a Civilian Survive Fall of Westbound Craft in Utah CREW MEMBERS KILLED IN CRASH OF AIRLINER 17 OUT OF 19 DIE IN AIRLINER CRASH. Impact: This tragic event led to stricter aviation safety regulations, ultimately saving countless lives in the decades to come. Sometimes, it takes a tragedy for the wheels of progress to turn.. Fact: Ironically, this crash highlighted the need for better safety protocols, which, while somber, paved the way for today's stringent aviation safety standards..
- Headline: DISBURSES RAIL TAXES; Jersey Controller Pays Out the Largest Share to Jersey City. Impact: Jersey City’s windfall from rail taxes led to a boom in infrastructure spending—just in time for the potholes to appear! Truly a cycle of urban renewal and decay.. Fact: It's said that the rail taxes were so large they could have funded a small country... or at least a really extravagant train-themed amusement park!.
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)