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 December 26, 1942
Full News Archive
- Headline: Munda Air Raid: 24 Enemy Planes Downed. Impact: The destruction of those planes not only weakened the Japanese air force but also led to the U.S. investing heavily in aviation technology. This eventually resulted in the creation of flying cars, which ironically still can't avoid traffic.. Fact: Interestingly, every time a plane gets shot down, a new conspiracy theory about UFOs gets born. So thank you, enemy planes!.
- Headline: Utilities Face Increased Federal Regulations. Impact: Increased federal control over utilities post-war led to the creation of today's bureaucratic nightmares. Who knew that regulating electricity would lead to endless phone calls on hold?. Fact: Fun fact: the only thing more tangled than a utility company's red tape is the actual wiring in your homeβgood luck with that!.
- Headline: PROF. DAVID B. LICHTY. Impact: Prof. Lichty's contributions to academia inspired generations of students to think critically, which unfortunately led to a few too many conspiracy theorists in the wild.. Fact: The 'B' in Lichty's name stands for 'Brilliant'βobviously, because he had no choice but to be smart with a name like that!.
- Headline: ABBOTT, COSTELLO TOP AT BOX OFFICE; Comedians Lead Screen Stars in the Motion Picture Herald Survey -- Gable Again 2d YEAR'S BEST FILMS LISTED Review Board Puts 'In Which We Serve' First, 'One of Our Aircraft Is Missing' Next. Impact: Abbott and Costello's popularity not only brought laughter during tough times but also led to the rise of comedic duos, setting unrealistic expectations for friendships everywhere.. Fact: Their best films were so good that they almost made people forget about the war. Almost. But who can resist a good laugh over a good crisis?.
- Headline: GEORGE F. FERIAN. Impact: George F. Ferianβs legacy may not be well-remembered, but it reminds us that not every name needs to be in lights to leave an impactβlike that one guy you always forget at parties.. Fact: George F. Ferian: the name you didn't know you didn't know. Heβs like the backup singer of historyβalways there, but never in the spotlight..
- Headline: TWO DIE IN BOMBER CRASH; Two Others Are Hurt and One Escapes in Florida Mishap. Impact: The tragic loss of life in bomber crashes underscores the risks of war, ultimately leading to stricter safety regulations in aviation that might just save your life somedayβunless you're on a red-eye.. Fact: Flying: the only thing riskier than letting your friend try to parallel park your car. And just like that, we still can't seem to get it right!.
- Headline: COFFEE ALMOST KILLS MAN; It Boils Over as He Sleeps and Extinguishes Gas Flame. Impact: The near-death experience of this man serves as a reminder that kitchen disasters can lead to serious consequences, inspiring countless safety campaigns in homes everywhere, yet still failing to prevent burnt toast.. Fact: Coffee: the only thing that can wake you up and almost kill you at the same time. Talk about a double shot of reality!.
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)