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 16, 1944
Full News Archive
- Headline: New Definitives for France Libre. Impact: The introduction of these new definitive stamps somehow led to a global obsession with collectible postage. Imagine a future where stamp collecting becomes the national pastime, and stamp shows are the new Super Bowls.. Fact: Fun fact: Stamp collectors call themselves 'philatelists,' which sounds far more prestigious than it is. Just wait until they start wearing tuxedos to their next convention!.
- Headline: Peru Uncovers 1944 Revolt Plot. Impact: This plot to incite chaos led to a suspiciously efficient coffee-making process in Peru, as everyone needed caffeine to stay alert for the next uprising. Who knew revolution and espresso could be linked?. Fact: Did you know that the Germans and Japanese were plotting in Peru? This sounds like the worst sequel to 'The Great Escape' ever made..
- Headline: Free Gardening Lectures in 1944. Impact: These gardening lectures ultimately resulted in a massive increase in backyard vegetable gardens, which led to a global crisis of too many zucchinis and a radical shift in the economy toward homemade pickles.. Fact: Did you know that 'victory gardens' were a thing? Because nothing says 'I support the troops' like a well-tended tomato plant!.
- Headline: HAILS NEW RYAN PLANE; Navy Man Calls It 'the Hottest Thing on Wheels or Wings'. Impact: The praise for this plane led to a massive recruitment drive for the Navy, resulting in a future where every child dreams of becoming a pilotβuntil they realize they get motion sickness.. Fact: Fun fact: When they called it the 'hottest thing on wheels or wings,' they clearly hadn't seen a toddler's toy car set..
- Headline: Senate Puts 'Field Amendment' In Tax Bill, Cutting Loss-Taking; SENATE APPROVES 'FIELD AMENDMENT'. Impact: This amendment caused a legal loophole that allowed cabaret performers to claim tax deductions for their costumes, leading to a flamboyant era in tax evasion that would inspire countless 'how to' videos.. Fact: Did you know that tax amendments can sometimes be more entertaining than the actual cabarets? Who knew financial regulations could be so... colorful?.
- Headline: GEORGE T. REEVE JR.. Impact: The mere mention of George T. Reeve Jr. in headlines led to a series of bizarre conspiracy theories claiming he was a time traveler, which ultimately sparked a reality show that changed reality TV forever.. Fact: Fun fact: George T. Reeve Jr. was not, in fact, Superman, despite what his name might imply. Sorry to disappoint fans of caped crusaders!.
- Headline: CANADA CONFIDENT SHORES ARE SAFE; Sending of Army, Navy and Air Force Chiefs to Europe Indicates Removal of Peril. Impact: Canada's confidence created a ripple effect, causing every Canadian to suddenly believe they were immune to danger, leading to an increase in overly optimistic maple syrup festivals.. Fact: Did you know that Canada often acts like itβs the peaceful cousin of the world? You can always count on them to bring poutine to a fight..
- Headline: SPADE, RAKE AND HOE; These and a Few Other Tools Will Do The Necessary Gardening Jobs. Impact: The advice on gardening tools caused a nationwide shortage of spades, leading to a mysterious underground market where people traded garden tools like they were gold bars.. Fact: Fun fact: If youβre ever in need of a gardening tool, just remember the three essentials: a spade, a rake, and a hoe. Because who doesnβt need a hoe in their life?.
- Headline: MRS. CHARLES E. KINNE. Impact: Mrs. Charles E. Kinne's mention in the headlines sparked a wave of societal interest in womenβs rights, leading to an absurd future where every woman insisted on being recognized by her own name, not just as someoneβs spouse.. Fact: Did you know that women weren't always recognized by their own names? Go ahead, call your mother by her first name and see how that goes!.
- Headline: AUSTRALIANS DRIVE TO SIO'S OUTSKIRTS; Seize Much Booty in Push to Last Japanese Base on Huon Coast in New Guinea AUSTRALIANS DRIVE TO SIO'S OUTSKIRTS. Impact: The Australians' successful push against the Japanese led to an unexpected rise in the popularity of surfboards in Australia, as soldiers returned home wanting to trade weapons for waves.. Fact: Did you know that Australia is known for its laid-back beach culture? Nothing says 'we just fought a war' like catching a wave after battle!.
Wall Street Time Machine
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1944, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1944, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)
PFE
Pfizer
Pfizer - If you invested $1,000 in 1944, it would be worth $168,691 today (168.7x return)