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 June 8, 1944
Full News Archive
- Headline: Sister Kenny Receives Honorary Degree. Impact: Sister Kenny's honorary degree inspired a generation of nurses who, in a future twist, would all be trained in yoga and essential oils, thus leading to an uptick in wellness retreats and a global shortage of essential oils.. Fact: Did you know that honorary degrees are basically the equivalent of receiving a high-five from academia? It's like saying, 'You didn't actually do the work, but hey, good job being you!'.
- Headline: Mayor Criticized for School Board Control. Impact: This mayor's ineffective leadership caused a ripple effect that led to a future where mayors are more concerned with their social media presence than actual governance, paving the way for influencers in politics.. Fact: Fun fact: Criticism of school policies by public figures has been a time-honored tradition, much like complaining about the weatherβeveryone does it, yet nothing ever changes!.
- Headline: Ludwig L. Reese's Legacy. Impact: Ludwig L. Reese's lack of historical significance somehow led to the rise of endless online debates about obscure historical figures, resulting in the creation of a popular trivia game app that no one really needed.. Fact: Ludwig's name might not ring a bell, but itβs a great conversation starter at partiesβjust don't expect anyone to stay for the sequel..
- Headline: Eisenhower Holds War Council On Battleship Near Beachhead; EISENHOWER HOLDS COUNCIL NEAR FOE. Impact: Eisenhower's war council aboard a battleship set a precedent for future military meetings, leading to the ridiculous trend of elaborate war rooms that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie.. Fact: Did you know that war councils used to be held in smoke-filled rooms? Now they just use Zoomβprogress!.
- Headline: Allied Fleet Said To Be Near Genoa. Impact: The sighting of the Allied fleet near Genoa created a panic that led to the invention of the 'panic button'βa device that is now used primarily for stress relief during conference calls.. Fact: The only thing more surprising than an Allied fleet near Genoa is the fact that none of them had a GPSβnavigating by the stars was apparently still a thing back then!.
- Headline: HEARD IN PISTOL INQUIRY; Asbury Park Policeman Queried on Ownership of Murder Weapon. Impact: This inquiry set off a chain reaction of police accountability discussions that, much later, led to the creation of reality TV shows where cops investigate their own colleaguesβbecause, you know, nothing says justice like a dramatic reenactment.. Fact: It's amazing how often gun ownership debates come up, yet somehow the only thing we can agree on is that nobody should ever leave their guns lying aroundβtalk about a safety hazard!.
- Headline: HAAKON ASKS ROLE IN PEACE COUNCIL; Insists on Norway's Internal Rights, but Concedes Wide Responsibility to Big Three. Impact: King Haakon's insistence on Norway's rights led to future diplomatic protocols that, ironically, made it even more complicated for small nations to have their voices heardβthanks, buddy!. Fact: Did you know that Norway has a history of being the peacemaker? Itβs like theyβre the Switzerland of Scandinavia, only with better fjords!.
- Headline: Italians Sack Gigli Home, Charge Tenor Is Pro-Nazi. Impact: The sacking of Gigli's home sparked a wave of celebrity activism, leading to a future where singers would be less likely to get sacked and more likely to get politicalβbecause who doesnβt want to see pop stars in a protest?. Fact: Isnβt it ironic that a tenor being accused of pro-Nazi sentiment led to a scandal? Because, you know, nothing screams 'Hitler' like a high C!.
- Headline: BARNARD ALUMNAE MEET; Give $28,235 to College and Elect Officers for Year. Impact: This seemingly innocuous donation led to future generations of Barnard women dominating board meetings and potentially plotting world dominationβone scholarship at a time.. Fact: Alumnae meetings are basically just an excuse for former students to show off how much they've 'grown'βand by grown, I mean their bank accounts!.
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)