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 February 17, 1946
Full News Archive
- Headline: Egypt in Turmoil: Riots of 1946. Impact: The chaos from these riots inspired a new line of Egyptian street food called 'Revolutionary Falafel' that became a worldwide sensation, leading to the rise of hipster falafel shops in every major city. Who knew a little unrest could spice up global cuisine?. Fact: Did you know that Farouk was actually a big fan of Western pop music? His obsession with Elvis might have contributed to his downfall, as the citizens preferred revolutions to rock 'n' roll..
- Headline: Senator Wagner's Post-Hospital Trip. Impact: Wagner's trip to Florida inadvertently inspired a wave of politicians to take vacations, leading to a trend where public service became synonymous with sandy beaches and cocktails. Who needs governance when you have sunbathing?. Fact: Did you know that Florida was known as the 'Sunshine State' long before it became the land of retirees and theme parks? It was actually a marketing scheme gone wrong!.
- Headline: Fritz Kuhn's Possible Release from Internment. Impact: Kuhn's potential release led to a new trend in therapy for ex-interned individuals, focusing on 'managing your brokenness'βa concept that later inspired countless self-help books and a billion-dollar industry.. Fact: Kuhn's life reads like a tragic novel, but did you know he was once a leader of a Nazi group in America? Talk about a plot twist!.
- Headline: A Twentieth-Century Jeremiad. Impact: Jordan's manifesto somehow made its way to a college campus, inspiring a new generation of angst-ridden poets who would later contribute to the world's most pretentious coffee shop conversations.. Fact: This manifesto is considered a precursor to today's online rants. So, thanks to Jordan, we can blame our social media feeds on him!.
- Headline: STATE OWNERSHIP FACES NEW TESTS; Election in Belgium Tomorrow Opposition by Sofina Seen as Barriers to Policy. Impact: The political back-and-forth in Belgium set the stage for the rise of 'political memes' as a form of protest, paving the way for the digital age where nobody could take anything seriously again.. Fact: Fun fact: Belgium has more types of beer than it does political parties. So, why not drown your political sorrows in a nice Trappist ale?.
- Headline: ICKES ACT A CLIMAX IN ONE OIL PROBLEM; Federal Government and State of California Clash Over Tideland Petroleum LEGAL CLAIMS REVIEWED Argument Made That the State Had No Under-Water Rights Before Joining Union. Impact: This clash over tideland rights led to an unexpected boom in underwater real estate, inspiring a new generation of ocean-dwelling entrepreneurs who would eventually start selling 'beachfront' properties underwater.. Fact: The Ickes Act sounds dramatic, but did you know itβs also the name of a popular party game among oil tycoons? You just have to guess who can extract oil the fastest without getting sued!.
- Headline: The Elisted Man's Newspaper; Enlisted Man's Paper. Impact: The emergence of a paper dedicated to enlisted men eventually resulted in the creation of the 'Enlisted Man's Guide to Life,' giving rise to a plethora of questionable life hacks that still circulate today.. Fact: This paper is considered the original 'guy's guide'βbefore the internet made it way too easy to find out how to fix a leaky sink or cook a steak!.
- Headline: Clare Boothe Luce Becomes a Catholic. Impact: Luce's conversion sparked an unexpected wave of celebrity conversions, eventually leading to a reality TV show about famous people finding 'spiritual enlightenment.' It was as riveting as it sounds.. Fact: Clare Boothe Luce was not only a playwright but also a diplomat. Imagine trying to negotiate peace treaties while writing a comedyβtalk about multitasking!.
- Headline: More Canadians Rounded Up As King Implicates Russians; INVESTIGATING ALLEGED CANADIAN SPY RING. Impact: The round-up of Canadians sparked a cultural renaissance in Canada, where they embraced their spy-themed identity and began producing a series of popular espionage films that would eventually win multiple Oscars.. Fact: The Canadians are so polite that even in a spy scandal, they probably apologized before rounding each other up. 'Sorry, eh, but we have to investigate!'.
- Headline: ADVANCED TO PRESIDENCY; W.F. Wheeler Elected by the American Chain and Cable Co.. Impact: Wheeler's ascension to presidency was so inspiring that it resulted in a nationwide movement advocating for 'Chain and Cable Appreciation Month,' where Americans were encouraged to embrace their inner industrialist.. Fact: Wheeler's election was less about the individual and more about the fact that his name sounded impressive enough to be on a business card. Talk about marketing!.
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)