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 February 14, 1944
Full News Archive
- Headline: Young Pianist's Debut at Town Hall. Impact: If only Vera had chosen a career in interpretive dance instead of piano, the world might have been spared countless awkward family gatherings where everyone pretended to enjoy Uncle Bob's off-key renditions.. Fact: Did you know that the first piano was invented in the early 1700s? It's amazing how many people still can't play it, though..
- Headline: Debate on Wage Policy in 1944. Impact: This headline likely caused a ripple effect of confusion that led to the invention of the phrase 'I need to speak to my manager' in every retail store across the globe. Thanks for nothing.. Fact: Fun fact: Many wage policies are just elaborate ways to keep employees from realizing how underpaid they are. Shocking, right?.
- Headline: Legal Aid Drive Led by Women in 1944. Impact: Mrs. Spence's efforts likely inspired a future generation of women to take charge of legal aid drives, leading to the eventual creation of a reality TV show called 'Legal Eagles: Women in Charge.'. Fact: Did you know that legal aid is meant to provide representation for those who can't afford it? Shocking concept, isn't it?.
- Headline: To Discontinue Gun Output. Impact: This decision, while seemingly benign, may have inadvertently led to a shortage of toy guns in the 1950s, causing a spike in childhood imagination and creativity. Thanks a lot, military-industrial complex.. Fact: It's interesting how the discontinuation of anything can lead to a surge in DIY projects. Ever tried making a gun out of duct tape and cardboard? No? Just me then..
- Headline: CONCERT AT LIBRARY; League of Composers Presents Some American Works. Impact: This concert probably set off a chain reaction that eventually led to the rise of hipster coffee shop music in which everyone pretends to appreciate avant-garde compositions while secretly longing for a good old-fashioned pop song.. Fact: Libraries and concerts are a match made in heaven, especially if you consider how many people still shush each other during solo performances..
- Headline: To Start Electric Cooperative. Impact: The inception of the electric cooperative may have sparked the age of 'let's all pool our resources and start a business'βwhich has since evolved into everyone asking for money on GoFundMe for their artisanal cat sweater line.. Fact: Cooperatives were originally created to empower communities, but now theyβre just where people gather to discuss the best local craft beers..
- Headline: $56,965,127 GIVEN AS TAX REFUNDS; Bureau of Internal Revenue in 1943 Made Largest Repayment to Ford Motors. Impact: This monumental tax refund likely set a precedent for every corporation to start filing claims like they were all entitled to a slice of the American pieβan effect still felt in boardrooms today.. Fact: Isn't it funny how tax refunds are like a surprise birthday party that nobody asked forβexcept the IRS throws it and you have to pretend to be thrilled?.
- Headline: U.S. Bombers Step Up Attack On Germans in Pas-de-Calais; U.S. BOMBERS HIT AT PAS-DE-CALAIS. Impact: This military strategy may have inadvertently inspired future generations of video game designers to create endless levels of bomb-dropping missionsβthank you, history, for turning real-life conflict into entertainment.. Fact: During WWII, the Pas-de-Calais was a hotbed of military strategy, but today itβs just a picturesque area where people can enjoy a peaceful day, far removed from the chaos..
- Headline: CHINA PUSH AWAITS HUGE CARGO PLANES; New-Type Craft Will Speed Allied Offensive, Stilwell Says -- Big Fields Built CHINA PUSH AWAITS HUGE CARGO PLANES. Impact: This military logistics push likely laid the groundwork for future global supply chains, making it possible for you to receive your online orders in two days instead of two weeksβthank you, WWII!. Fact: Cargo planes are amazing, but let's be realβnothing beats the thrill of watching a package arrive on your doorstep and pretending you forgot what you ordered..
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)