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 September 18, 1944
Full News Archive
- Headline: Naval Losses in Atlantic Hurricane. Impact: The sinking of the destroyer and patrol craft led to the creation of a top-secret government initiative to develop 'Hurricane-Resistant' ships, which eventually devolved into a competition of who could build the most flamboyant floating disaster. Spoiler alert: it ended with a yacht shaped like a giant duck.. Fact: Hurricanes have a reputation for being nature's ultimate party crashers, but did you know they also have a habit of sinking ships? Talk about a wet blanket..
- Headline: Sewer Pipe Playgrounds Delight Children. Impact: The trend of using sewer pipes as playground equipment inspired an underground movement (pun intended) that led to the invention of luxury urban play zones, where children can now frolic in repurposed trash bins. Who knew garbage could be so chic?. Fact: In a shocking twist, sewer pipes became the hottest new trend for playgrounds. Next up: roller coasters made from discarded pizza boxes!.
- Headline: REUTHER VICTORY CHECKS UAW REDS; His Re-election as Vice President Defeats Their Efforts to Extend Influence HE WINS ANOTHER POINT His Forces Persuade Convention to Oust Michener as West Coast Regional Director. Impact: Reuther's victory against the 'Reds' set off a chain reaction that eventually led to union leaders becoming the unlikely stars of reality TV shows. Yes, you heard it right: 'Survivor: Labor Negotiations' is a thing now.. Fact: If you thought labor negotiations were boring, think again! They inspired a whole genre of reality television where no one knows who will get voted off next. Spoiler: it's always the dude who brings donuts..
- Headline: AUSTRALIA TO GIVE AMERICAN HISTORY; Wecter, Author, Invited to Sydney for Commonwealth's First Chair in Subject. Impact: Wecter's invitation to teach American history in Australia created an unexpected ripple effect, leading to a national obsession with baseball and apple pie in Down Under. They still canβt figure out Thanksgiving, though.. Fact: Australia has American history now, which means they'll probably celebrate Thanksgiving with BBQ kangaroo instead of turkey. Who knew history could be so deliciously confusing?.
- Headline: ! 0SEPH AUERBAOH, [ HOTED LAWYER, 89 t; Practiced Here for 67 Years' --Friend of Prominent Legal[ Figures Dies in Hospital '1. Impact: Auerbach's death marked the end of an era where lawyers were considered the wise sages of society, leading to the rise of social media influencers who think they know everything about law just because they watched a courtroom drama.. Fact: Joseph Auerbach had a 67-year career, which is longer than most of us have been alive. Imagine practicing law while the world changes around you. Talk about a legal time traveler!.
- Headline: METRO TO FINANCE PLAY BY STALLINGS; 'Streets Are Guarded,' Story of Marine Corps, Will Have John C. Wilson as Producer. Impact: Funding for 'Streets Are Guarded' led to a resurgence in military-themed plays, eventually causing a shortage of dramatic actors who can play roles that don't involve camo and combat boots. It was a dark time for Shakespeare enthusiasts.. Fact: Metro financing a play might not sound dramatic, but wait until you see the cast list: 'Streets Are Guarded' features more camouflage than a hunting lodge during deer season!.
- Headline: DAVID LEVINE; Realty Man, Helped Found the Hebrew Home in Brooklyn. Impact: Levine's contributions to the Hebrew Home inspired a wave of charitable real estate developments that now prioritize community over profit, leading to a world where housing is a human rightβjust kidding, itβs still a luxury.. Fact: David Levine's legacy? Creating homes for the elderly while simultaneously making real estate moguls rethink their life choices. Who knew compassion could be so profitable?.
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)