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 July 18, 1944
Full News Archive
- Headline: The Life of Samuel Slaff. Impact: If only Samuel Slaff had invented a time machine instead of just existing, we might have avoided the entire timeline of mediocre men named Samuel. The ripple effect led to countless future Samuels underachieving across generations.. Fact: Slaff is just one of those names that sounds like it should be a household name, like 'Einstein' or 'Beethoven.' But alas, here we are, stuck with 'Slaff.'.
- Headline: Westchester Establishes Veterans' Service Bureau. Impact: The push for veterans' aid turned into a complex web of bureaucracy, eventually leading to the creation of endless government forms and a cottage industry of lawyers specializing in veteran claims. Who knew helping veterans would create so much paperwork?. Fact: You'd think veterans would get a straightforward process, but thanks to this, the only thing harder than a soldier's service is getting service for their needs..
- Headline: Hotel Racket Charged. Impact: The hotel racket against servicemen catalyzed a wave of distrust towards hotel management, which ultimately led to the rise of Airbnb. Thanks, shady NYC hotels, for inventing the modern vacation rental!. Fact: If only these hotels had focused on good service instead of scamming veterans, we might have never had to endure the 'quirky' host on your next Airbnb stay..
- Headline: NTT.T,T A.M BEARNS. Impact: William Beams' life was so uneventful that he inadvertently inspired a generation of people to strive for mediocrity. His legacy? The motto 'Just Beams It!' became a rallying cry for the uninspired.. Fact: If you ever wondered how boring history can be, just remember: it has room for a guy named Beams who did... absolutely nothing interesting..
- Headline: $4,000,000 FOR THE UNRA; This Country Pays Its Pro Rata Share of Expenses. Impact: The $4,000,000 payment to the UNRA sparked international debates about funding that still echo today. Some say it began the trend of nations arguing over who owes whom what, leading to today's endless diplomatic squabbles.. Fact: The only thing more complex than international finance? Trying to explain it to your relatives at Thanksgiving dinner without falling asleep..
- Headline: JOBS IN FOUNDRIES URGED FOR WOMEN; McNutt Gives Examples of Certain Heavy Industrial Work They Can Handle. Impact: McNutt's push for women in foundries opened the floodgates to women in industries previously dominated by men, leading to the eventual rise of female superheroes and the phrase 'Girl Power' β all thanks to foundry jobs!. Fact: Who would have thought that pouring molten metal could be a stepping stone to gender equality? Next time you see a woman working a foundry, just remember: she may be forging a new future!.
- Headline: ASKS MANICURE SET WORK; Equipment Industry Tells WPB of Lack of Orders. Impact: The manicure equipment industry's plea for orders marked the beginning of a nail salon boom, where people would pay more for nail art than for actual food. This led to the rise of Instagram influencers specializing in nail designs.. Fact: Manicure sets went from a simple grooming tool to a multi-billion dollar industry. If only they had known how many selfies would be taken with their products!.
- Headline: JAPANESE HELP POPULAR IN CITY; Relocation Office Gets 10 to 12 Requests for Every One Who Wants Servant Job. Impact: The influx of Japanese workers into the city sparked a cultural renaissance that eventually led to sushi becoming a trendy food choice, transforming American cuisine into a bizarre fusion of flavors.. Fact: If you think about it, sushi is just a fancy way to say 'Iβll pay extra for a roll of rice and fish.' But hey, at least itβs not 'mystery meat' from your high school cafeteria!.
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)