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The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON April 4, 1945
Full News Archive
- Headline: State Department Opposes Unification in 1945. Impact: This little communication kerfuffle set off a chain reaction of bureaucratic confusion that led to the invention of the phrase 'Can you hear me now?' 50 years later. Thanks, State Department!. Fact: The State Department's stance reversal is a classic example of political ping-pongβbecause who doesnβt love a good game of indecision?.
- Headline: Muriel Rahn's Debut Recital in 1945. Impact: Muriel Rahnβs recital sparked a mini renaissance of cultural appreciation, leading to a future where people actually discuss the difference between a soprano and a tenor, rather than just humming along.. Fact: Sopranos: because every great opera needs a diva who can hit notes that make your dog howl..
- Headline: Nazi Looting of Europeβs Libraries. Impact: The pillaging of libraries by Nazis not only devastated cultural heritage but also ironically inspired future authors to write epic tales of heroism against tyranny, as if to say, 'Nice try, but weβll remember!'.. Fact: Turns out stealing books is not just an act of desperation; itβs also a great way to ensure future generations have the worst library system ever..
- Headline: Tanham Resigns From the WLB. Impact: Tanham's resignation set off a domino effect leading to a complete overhaul of the WLB, which somehow eventually resulted in a reality TV show about labor disputes. You're welcome, America.. Fact: Resigning from the WLB is like breaking up with a bad boyfriendβyou think it will solve your problems, but then you're just left with more drama..
- Headline: Five Elected to Lock and Key. Impact: The 'Five Elected to Lock and Key' event inadvertently popularized secret societies, leading future generations to believe that if youβre not in a fraternity, are you even living?. Fact: Fraternities: because nothing says 'brotherhood' like locking yourself in a room with a bunch of questionable decisions..
- Headline: Case Against Security Talks Delay; Stettinius Making Public Two Reasons Is Backed by Officials in Washington Who Offer Five More Views Voiced by Officials Tie With Britain Stressed. Impact: Stettiniusβ delay in security talks led to the infamous phrase 'Letβs circle back' becoming the corporate buzzword of the century. Thanks for that, Stettinius!. Fact: They say good things come to those who wait, but in politics, it usually just means more paperwork..
- Headline: Louisiana State Head Pardoned. Impact: Dr. J.M. Smith's pardon created a ripple effect in the justice system, leading to future debates on the ethics of pardoning. Who knew fraud cases could be so riveting?. Fact: Pardoning someone is basically the governmentβs way of saying, 'Letβs pretend this whole mess never happened.'.
- Headline: DOMINIONS DEMAND BIGGER PEACE VOICE; Seek British Support for Changes in Oaks Plan at Empire Talks Opening Today Canada's Position Supported Recall Chapultepec Agreement. Impact: The Dominions demanding a bigger voice created a future where the phrase 'more input' became synonymous with endless meetings and zero results. Bravo, Empire Talks!. Fact: When it comes to political talks, itβs not about what you say, but how many times you can say it without actually saying anything..
- Headline: Youths of Public Library Branch in Harlem Will Open Their Own Clubhouse Tonight. Impact: The opening of the clubhouse for youths in Harlem inspired a generation of community centers, which eventually led to the rise of both youth empowerment and countless debates over the best pizza toppings.. Fact: A clubhouse for youth: where the only rule is to have fun... and maybe to remember to clean up after yourself..
- Headline: GERMANS BACK DOWN ON SURRENDER OFFER. Impact: The Germans backing down on their surrender offer created a pivotal moment in the war, proving that sometimes a good bluff can lead to a whole lot of nothing before the inevitable collapse.. Fact: Surrendering is like giving up on a game of pokerβsometimes you just have to know when to fold..
Wall Street Time Machine
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1945, it would be worth $487,501 today (487.5x return)
PFE
Pfizer
Pfizer - If you invested $1,000 in 1945, it would be worth $168,691 today (168.7x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1945, it would be worth $3,433,942 today (3433.9x return)