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 May 6, 1944
Full News Archive
- Headline: Judy Garland Seeks Divorce in 1944. Impact: Judy Garland's divorce filing triggered an avalanche of celebrity divorces, ultimately leading to the invention of tabloid journalism, which has since become a premier source of news about who wore what to the grocery store.. Fact: Fun fact: Judy Garland was a pioneer in the 'let's air our dirty laundry in public' trend. Thanks, Judy!.
- Headline: J. GEo.Q .u___r. AG,:.; Ex-Head of Scranton Brewery] Once New York Policeman. Impact: J. George Hufnagel's transition from policeman to brewery head gave rise to the saying, 'Sometimes you need to arrest your thirst,' which inspired countless beer commercials and perhaps a few regrettable choices on Saturday nights.. Fact: Who knew that one policeman could lead to an entire generation of 'brew-lliant' puns? Talk about raising the bar!.
- Headline: EDWAlD HAYNES. Impact: Edward Haynes' existence has had such little impact on history that he has become a placeholder in timeβlike that annoying pop-up ad you can't close.. Fact: Did you know that if you search for Edward Haynes, you may find more people named Edward than actual information about him? Talk about a historical mystery!.
- Headline: JENNIFER JONES IS SUED; Studio Says 'Bernadette' Refused to Work and Asks $613,000. Impact: Jennifer Jones' contract dispute paved the way for future celebrity contract negotiations, leading to the infamous phrase, 'I want a unicorn in my trailer or I'm not showing up!'. Fact: Fun fact: 20th Century-Fox was known for being strict about contractsβuntil they realized that drama sells more than compliance!.
- Headline: POSSIBLE MISSING TEXT>. Impact: The missing text incident has left historians baffled, giving rise to conspiracy theories about secret societies communicating through missing documents, which ironically became a popular plot for bad mystery novels.. Fact: Did you know that missing texts are the historical equivalent of a magicianβs disappearing act? Poof! Theyβre gone! Now you see them, now you donβt..
- Headline: SPRINTER SAVES WOMAN; Policeman's Foot Work Prevents Leap From Triborough Bridge. Impact: The policeman's heroic act of saving a woman from suicide not only preserved a life but also unintentionally ignited a series of motivational speeches about 'saving lives,' which have since been parodied on every sitcom.. Fact: Did you know that being a hero can lead to a lifetime of awkward encounters with people who think you owe them a life-saving favor? Thanks, police officer!.
- Headline: ARCHDEACON RAMSON. Impact: Archdeacon Ramsonβs existence contributed to the slow but steady growth of organized religion debates, which would later evolve into internet comment wars that could rival any gladiatorial arena.. Fact: Did you know that archdeacons are like the middle managers of the church? They handle all the drama without getting to wear the cool robes!.
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)