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 April 17, 1945
Full News Archive
- Headline: Doubt Cast on Wainwright's Message. Impact: Wainwright's message was doubted, leading to the invention of the first 'Message Authenticity Verification Institute' by an enterprising entrepreneur who wanted to cash in on people's trust issues. This eventually evolved into today's social media verification badges. Thanks, Wainwright!. Fact: Did you know that an unverified tweet can cause more chaos than a room full of cats on a laser pointer hunt?.
- Headline: Paris Unrest Due to Rising Bread Prices. Impact: The bread price increase in Paris ignited unrest, which set a precedent for future food price protests worldwide. Little did they know their efforts would result in the 'food truck revolution' decades later. Who knew complaining about bread would lead to gourmet tacos?. Fact: Fun fact: The French Revolution was partially sparked by similar bread shortages. So, when in doubt, always blame the carbs!.
- Headline: 18,000 Workers Vote for Phone Strike. Impact: The phone strike led to a surge in carrier pigeons and smoke signals as alternative communication methods, which nearly resulted in a pigeon-led government. Spoiler alert: it didn't go well.. Fact: Did you know that '18,000' is just a fancy way of saying 'a lot,' and that 'phone strike' is code for 'everyone's going to be really lonely for a while'?.
- Headline: ANTI-U.S. CANARDS SUBSIDE IN FRANCE; Grief Over Roosevelt and Our Swift Transport of Former Captives Further Amity. Impact: The subsiding anti-U.S. sentiment in France made way for a decades-long love affair with American culture, which eventually resulted in French fries being served at every diner. Youβre welcome, world.. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'French fries' is a total misnomer; the French call them 'frites' because they clearly knew fries were too good to be associated with the French!.
- Headline: LEE SUCCEEDS MILLER ON NIMITZ'S STAFF. Impact: Capt F Lee's ascent to Nimitz's staff sparked a revolution in military PR that eventually led to the modern-day strategy of using social media influencers to boost military morale. Because nothing says 'fear me' like a well-timed Instagram post!. Fact: Did you know that military PR is just a fancy term for making sure everyone thinks you're cooler than you actually are?.
- Headline: BRONX FAMILY LOSES ITS ONLY TWO SONS. Impact: The Bronx family losing their two sons marked a somber moment that rippled through their community, serving as a reminder of the cost of war. This tragedy contributed to a growing awareness of the human toll in conflicts, ultimately leading to movements advocating for peace.. Fact: In times of loss, communities often band together, proving that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can shine brightest..
- Headline: Tulsa World Is Tabloid Mondays. Impact: By switching to a tabloid format, the Tulsa World inadvertently paved the way for sensationalist journalism. This shift laid the groundwork for today's reality TV obsession, where every mundane detail of life is worthy of a headline.. Fact: Did you know that tabloid journalism is just like a soap opera, but with a lot more questionable facts and a lot less emotional depth?.
- Headline: EARLY LANDSCAPES SHOWN AT WHITNEY; Chicago Art Institute Helps to Sponsor Exhibition of Hudson River School Paintings. Impact: The Hudson River School paintings exhibit influenced generations of artists and art lovers, leading to the modern trend of 'Instagrammable' art exhibits. Who knew landscapes could become the ultimate backdrop for brunch selfies?. Fact: Fun fact: The Hudson River School artists were essentially the original influencers, convincing everyone that nature was the place to be long before anyone thought of taking it to the 'Gram.'.
- Headline: Tea for Silver Cross Aides. Impact: The tea for Silver Cross aides became a blueprint for future charity events, leading to the modern phenomenon of high-society brunches where the tea is served along with a side of social status.. Fact: Did you know that every time you sip tea at a fancy event, you're just following in the footsteps of people who were probably just as confused about social norms as you are?.
- Headline: SWEDISH PHOTO EXHIBIT; New Work in Architecture and Furnishings Shown. Impact: The Swedish photo exhibit inspired a wave of Scandinavian design appreciation that transformed homes worldwide. Who would have thought minimalist furniture could lead to binge-watching Nordic noir series for decades to come?. Fact: Fun fact: If you ever wondered why your IKEA furniture comes with confusing instructions, it's because they want you to feel like you're part of a Swedish design mystery!.
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)