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 May 11, 1945
Full News Archive
- Headline: Sister Ruth Kreuzer Passes Away. Impact: Sister Ruth's death led to a sudden shortage of nun-led music classes, causing a rise in pop music popularity and the eventual creation of boy bands in the 1990s. Who knew nuns could be such powerful influencers?. Fact: Did you know that some of the greatest composers were inspired by the sounds of convent choirs? Imagine a nun with a clipboard, a metronome, and a dream..
- Headline: Col. Bradley Retires and Donates Casino. Impact: Col. Bradley's generous gift inadvertently led to the rise of public parks being filled with slot machines, forever changing the way people enjoy natureβnow with a side of gambling.. Fact: Did you know that Colonel Bradley probably thought a park was just a fancy name for a garden where you could also lose your life savings?.
- Headline: RUSSIA POSES AIM OF 'INDEPENDENCE' FOR ALL COLONIALS; Objective Proposed at Meeting of Big Five Puts New Factor in Trusteeship Controversy TREND TO CURB ON VETO In Regional Disputes Support Gains in Our Delegation for Change in Voting Procedure Proposal Presented Orally Bid to Labor Group Reversed Russia Urges as an Objective 'Independence' for All Colonials Trusteeship Problem Clearing. Impact: This bold move by Russia set off a chain reaction that would eventually lead to decades of geopolitical chess, resulting in the Cold Warβbecause who doesnβt love a good standoff in the name of freedom?. Fact: Surprisingly, the phrase 'independence for all colonials' was later used by a band as the title for a song about breaking free from boring dinner parties..
- Headline: 146 DAYS OF RACING LISTED IN NEW YORK; Dates Assigned From May 21 to Nov. 6--Victory Meeting Again Likely to Follow JAMAICA STAKES CARDED Experimental Opening Fixture --Wood Memorial Slated for May 26 or 30 Empire-at-Jamaica Likely Snark Purse Fourth on Card Preakness Same Day as Dixie. Impact: The sheer number of racing days led to an explosion of betting, which in turn inspired the idea of office poolsβtransforming the workplace into a high-stakes gambling arena. Thanks, racing calendar!. Fact: Did you know that horse racing is the only sport where the horses are the least likely to bet on themselves?.
- Headline: Amityville Minister's Son A Casualty in Germany. Impact: The loss of this young life resonated deeply, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of war, and igniting a collective yearning for peace that would echo through generations.. Fact: It's tragic but true: the impact of such losses often inspires movements toward peace, as humanity reflects on the price of conflict..
- Headline: House Votes to Members $2,500 Tax-Free Expense. Impact: This decision set a precedent that allowed politicians to justify their extravagant lifestyles by labeling them as 'business expenses.' The ripple effect? The birth of the phrase 'it's just business' in every corporate office.. Fact: Isn't it funny how the only thing that seems to be taxed less than politicians is our collective patience with their spending habits?.
- Headline: Farley Goes to San Francisco. Impact: Farleyβs trip sparked an influx of tourists to San Francisco, who all thought they could find the next big thing, leading to the modern tech boomβthanks for nothing, Farley.. Fact: Did you know that 'Farley goes to San Francisco' was almost the title of a cult classic film before they realized it was just about a guy looking for good sourdough?.
- Headline: CLYDE BRUCE CAMPBELL; Consulting Engineer to A., T. & T. Company Dies at Age of 45. Impact: Clyde's untimely passing left a void in telecommunications engineering, delaying the invention of the smartphone by a decade and forcing us to endure more years of flip phones and awkward ringtones.. Fact: It's a sad irony that the man who helped build communication networks couldn't communicate his own health issues..
- Headline: A CENTURY FOR SEAMEN. Impact: Celebrating a century for seamen inadvertently led to a revival in maritime culture, inspiring a generation of sailors who decided they could make a living by looking good in stripes and drinking rum.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'seaman' has been a source of endless puns? Clearly, nautical humor has a deep, rich historyβmuch like a fine rum!.
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)