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 December 10, 1945
Full News Archive
- Headline: Southern Society's 60th Anniversary Dinner. Impact: The Southern Society's extravagant anniversary dinner became the template for all future anniversary bashes, leading to a cataclysmic rise in lavish parties, ultimately contributing to the invention of the hangover cure industry. You're welcome, aspirin.. Fact: Did you know the Waldorf-Astoria wasn't always a fancy hotel? At one point, it was a very elaborate treehouse. Just kidding, but wouldnβt that be a fun twist?.
- Headline: Pianist Alexander Siloti Passes Away. Impact: Siloti's death marked the end of an era for classical music, which subsequently led to the rise of 'what even is this noise?' music genres that have baffled generations. Thanks a lot, Siloti.. Fact: Did you know that Alexander Siloti was one of the last surviving pupils of Liszt? Imagine him in class: 'Alright, class, today weβll learn how to not be a mere mortal on the piano.'.
- Headline: REDEMPTION NEED IS ADVENT THEME. Impact: The Archbishop's appeal for the needy during Advent led to a series of charitable events that spiraled into the creation of what we now call 'overly ambitious holiday charity drives'βwhere people donate just enough to feel good while still ignoring the real problems.. Fact: Did you know that the need for redemption is a consistent theme throughout history? Itβs like the worldβs longest soap opera, and it just keeps getting renewed for more seasons!.
- Headline: DR. LUCAS, SURVIVED 'PHARAOH'S CURSE'; Last of Party Entering Inner Chamber of Tut-ankh-Amen's Tomb in 1923 Dies at 79 21 Others in the Party Much Detail in the Work. Impact: Dr. Lucas surviving the 'Pharaoh's Curse' became a legendary tale, inspiring a whole generation of conspiracy theorists to believe that every historical artifact might be cursed. This led to a massive decline in interest in archaeologyβbecause who wants a job where you might be haunted?. Fact: Did you know Dr. Lucas was the last survivor from the tomb expedition? Talk about a 'survivor's guilt' that would make any horror movie look like a walk in the park!.
- Headline: Will Support Potato Prices. Impact: The Department of Agriculture's decision to support potato prices led to the unexpected rise of potato-themed art, cuisine, and even fashion. Who knew that spuds could inspire a whole cultural movement? Next thing you know, there would be potato couture on the runway.. Fact: Did you know that potatoes are the only vegetable that can double as a weapon? Just ask any kid whoβs ever thrown one in a food fight!.
- Headline: BRITISH ALTAR SET RESTORED TO KING; ALTAR PLATE RETURNED TO KING'S CHAPEL. Impact: The return of the altar plate to King George's Chapel set off a series of royal restoration projects, ultimately leading to the world's most over-the-top renovation shows. Who knew royalty was just like us, obsessively restoring their homes?. Fact: Did you know that this altar plate was once lost in a game of royal poker? Just kidding, but wouldnβt that make for a great historical fiction plot?.
- Headline: REV. DR. ARTHUR B. RHINOW; Ridgewood Presbyterian Pastor Since 1916, Minister 50 Years. Impact: Rev. Dr. Rhinowβs long tenure marked the beginning of a trend for pastors to stick around longer than the average sitcom. This led to a whole new genre of church drama: 'Will He Stay or Will He Go?' Spoiler: he stayed.. Fact: Did you know that Rev. Dr. Rhinow was a master at dodging church politics? Itβs like a game of dodgeball, but with more scripture and less physical activity!.
- Headline: PEACE ENDOWMENT HAILED BY LEADERS; Dual Tributes Paid to Carnegie Group and to Dr. Butler, Retiring President Attlee Sends a Message Vital to Future Peace Hull Praises the Agency. Impact: The peace endowment celebration became a fashionable gathering for leaders, leading to an annual tradition where politicians gather to make peace, then argue over who brought the best hors d'oeuvres. The world is still waiting for the real peace talks to begin.. Fact: Did you know that peace summits are basically just adult versions of schoolyard negotiations? 'You get the last slice of pizza, and Iβll agree to the treaty!'.
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)