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 22, 1945
Full News Archive
- Headline: Ezio Pinza Shines in Gioconda Performance. Impact: Pinza's stellar performance inspired an entire generation of opera singers. In an alternate timeline, his powerful voice caused a massive sonic boom that reshaped the landscape of New York, creating βThe Great Opera Craterβ where Broadway now stands.. Fact: Did you know that Pinza once had a side gig as a pizza chef? Apparently, his biggest hit was a 'Pasta La Vista, Baby' pie..
- Headline: Major Fabbricatore Convicted; Gets 3 Years for Army Frauds; MAJOR CONVICTED FOR ARMY FRAUDS. Impact: Fabbricatoreβs conviction sent ripples through military ranks, unintentionally inspiring a new generation of anti-fraud measures. Unfortunately, this only led to the creation of the world's most boring training videos.. Fact: The FBI once tried to recruit Fabbricatore for his knowledge of fraud, but he declined, saying he preferred his frauds to be 'more hands-on.'.
- Headline: Receives Rare Lily Bulbs. Impact: Receiving those rare lily bulbs not only beautified the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, but also sparked a botanical craze that led to the rise of flower-themed reality shows. One contestant famously tried to grow a lily that could sing opera.. Fact: Did you know that rare lily bulbs have been known to outlive most relationships? They really know how to bloom under pressure!.
- Headline: KIMMEL HAD 'MAGIC,' WAS STARK'S BELIEF; Turner Also Asserts Fleet Was Based at Hawaii to Fight and Not for Its Security. Impact: The belief in Kimmelβs βmagicβ led to the foundation of a secret society dedicated to harnessing the powers of military strategy through sleight of hand. Their motto? 'Now you see our defenses, now you donβt!'. Fact: Turns out, the real magic was just a bunch of miscommunication and a misplaced deck of cards. Who knew the fate of nations could hinge on a game of poker?.
- Headline: A TIME FOR UNITY. Impact: The call for unity sparked a worldwide movement that eventually led to the creation of 'International Hug Day,' where everyone forgot their differences and just squeezed it out. Not surprisingly, it ended with too many awkward encounters.. Fact: Did you know that 'A Time for Unity' was initially the title of a sitcom that never made it past the pilot? It involved a family of rival pizza chefs. Truly a lost gem..
- Headline: BIG 3 CONFEREES MAKING PROGRESS, MOSCOW ASSERTS; Parley Reported in 'Positive' Stage but News to Support Optimism Is Lacking EARLY FINISH IS SURMISED Accord Believed Near Without Recourse to Economic Deals --Four-Hour Talk Held. Impact: The discussions among the Big 3 led to a secret agreement to host an annual 'Big 3 BBQ' where they would settle disputes over grill skills instead of geopolitical issues. This barbecue diplomacy is still rumored to exist today.. Fact: Did you know that the Big 3βs most contentious debate was over whether ketchup is a valid condiment for hot dogs? Spoiler: It wasnβt pretty..
- Headline: Fire Damages Park Arena. Impact: The fire at Park Arena served as a grim reminder of the fragility of cultural landmarks. This incident eventually sparked a movement for better fire safety regulations in entertainment venues across the nation.. Fact: The fire, while tragic, led to the creation of a popular urban legend that the arena was haunted by the ghosts of performers who never got their final bows. Spooky!.
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)