Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year β Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON January 12, 1946
Full News Archive
- Headline: Labor Strikes Prompt U.S. Government Action. Impact: If only the U.S. had seized control of the situation, perhaps we would have a timeline where picket lines were replaced with picket fences, leading to a nationwide gardening boom. The irony of laborers growing tomatoes instead of protesting? Priceless.. Fact: Did you know that picket lines are just like fences? They keep people out, but in this case, it's just the people trying to do their jobs..
- Headline: Thief Forces Driver to Escape Crime Scene. Impact: This auto thief's decision to commandeer a vehicle instead of just running away led to a future where carjacking became a popular plot device in movies. Who knew crime could inspire an entire genre of action films?. Fact: Did you know that if this thief had simply walked away, weβd have fewer car chases in Hollywood? Truly a missed opportunity for cinematic history..
- Headline: Legacy of Maj. Gen. Strong's Service. Impact: Maj. Gen. Strongβs passing led to a temporary vacuum in military intelligence, resulting in a series of questionable decisions, like the infamous 'Operation Letβs Wing It.' It taught future generals the importance of having a backup plan.. Fact: Did you know Maj. Gen. Strong once argued in favor of aerial bombardments that were so controversial they could have their own Wikipedia page? History can be a bit dramatic..
- Headline: SMITH, ROTHSCHILD WIN; Gain Quarter-Final Round in Squash Racquets Tourney. Impact: The squash racquets tourney victory led to an unexpected surge in squash popularity, causing a spike in racquet sales and the eventual invention of the squash sandwich β a culinary disaster that haunts us to this day.. Fact: Did you know squash is the only sport where you can get a workout and a side of confusion over whether it's a vegetable or a game? Truly the best of both worlds..
- Headline: LEHIGH COAL GIVES NEW CAPITAL PLAN; 'Final' Set-Up a Modification of the Original Favored by Preferred Stockholders 2 NEW CLASSES PROVIDED Provision Made to Eliminate Corporation's $7,000,000 Profit and Loss Deficit Non-Assenters Protected Voting Powers Specified LEHIGH COAL GIVES NEW CAPITAL PLAN. Impact: This capital plan was like a financial game of Jenga. One wrong move, and the whole thing could have collapsed, leading to a timeline where Lehigh Coal became the world's largest paperweight manufacturer.. Fact: Did you know that 'final' in finance often means 'letβs make a few more modifications before we really call it final'? Itβs the financial equivalent of saying, 'Iβll be ready in five minutes.'.
- Headline: Joel Coffey Gives Piano Recital. Impact: Joel Coffeyβs piano recital inspired a generation of aspiring pianists, leading to a worldwide increase in piano sales, and resulted in more neighbors complaining about 'Chopsticks' being played on repeat.. Fact: Did you know that piano recitals are the only events where you can hear the same song played ten different ways and somehow still be bored? It's an art form!.
- Headline: WORLD BANK MADE GAINS DURING WAR; Assets Here, in Switzerland and Britain Rose 117,000,000 Swiss Gold Francs WORLD BANK MADE GAINS DURING WAR War Costs Up 4 Times. Impact: The World Bank's gains during the war set the stage for a post-war economic boom, but also led to the 80s financial crisis. You know, just a little hiccup in global stability.. Fact: Did you know that the World Bank's profits are basically like the winning lottery ticket that no one knows how to cash in without causing chaos? It's a fine line to walk..
Wall Street Time Machine
PFE
Pfizer
Pfizer - If you invested $1,000 in 1946, it would be worth $168,691 today (168.7x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1946, it would be worth $3,433,942 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1946, it would be worth $586,656 today (586.7x return)