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 16, 1946
Full News Archive
- Headline: Tauber Cancels Recital Due to Illness. Impact: Had Tauber not fallen ill, he might have inspired a generation of musicians. Instead, his absence led to an unexpected boom in cat videos, as people sought solace in the digital age.. Fact: Did you know that canceling a recital can sometimes lead to a surge in amateur karaoke performances? Just a thought..
- Headline: Nehru Declares India's Independence Plans. Impact: Nehru's bold statement was like dropping a stone in a pond, causing ripples that would eventually lead to decolonization movements worldwide. Who knew one manβs declaration could inspire so many to toss out the tea?. Fact: Did you know that Indiaβs independence was not just about quitting the empire? It was also about finally being able to decide what to watch on Netflix without British influence!.
- Headline: Dutch Seek Economic Stability with Indonesia. Impact: This little economic tΓͺte-Γ -tΓͺte led to the Dutch becoming the worldβs most persistent negotiators. They learned to haggle over everything, including the prices of their famous cheese.. Fact: Did you know that the Dutch are so good at negotiation that they even managed to negotiate their way out of a windmill shortage?.
- Headline: LOCAL BRIDGE TEAM LEADS; Ruth Sherman, Sam Stayman Trailed by Roth, Mrs. Seligman. Impact: The success of this bridge team inspired countless generations to take up card games, leading to the rise of the 'professional bridge player'βa title that definitely impresses at parties.. Fact: Did you know that bridge is the only game where your social skills can be just as important as your card skills? Talk about pressure!.
- Headline: MORE HOMES SEEN WITH CURBS EASED; COST VIEWS VARY; Builders Generally Predict a Construction Boom, but Some Fear Materials Shortage VETERANS ARE CRITICAL Real Estate Men Hesitate to Estimate Price Rise--Think It Will Be Temporary Butler Sees Temporary Cost Rise More Homes Seen With Curbs Off Views of Other Veterans PHILADELPHIA Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. BOSTON Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES. CHICAGO Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. Impact: This prediction of a construction boom triggered a nationwide obsession with home renovation shows. Who knew that easing curbs could lead to an explosion of DIY disasters?. Fact: Did you know that 'home improvement' is often just code for 'letβs see how many tools I can buy before I realize I have no idea what Iβm doing'?.
- Headline: T.J. CURRAN TO BE HONORED; Federal Court Press Group's 'Golden Quill' to Go to Him. Impact: Curran's honor became the spark for countless awards ceremonies, where people gather to appreciate achievements while secretly wondering if they could be nominated next year.. Fact: Did you know that the 'Golden Quill' is not made of actual gold? Itβs just a shiny reminder to keep writing, no matter how bad your last article was!.
- Headline: GATE-TO-GATE PAY GAINS AS CIO ISSUE; Murray Said to Oppose Flat Wage Rise Demand as 'Big 3' Chiefs Gather at Pittsburgh. Impact: This meeting of the 'Big 3' set off a chain reaction of labor disputes and wage negotiations, eventually leading to everyone thinking they deserved a raise for simply existing.. Fact: Did you know that corporate meetings often serve more coffee than solutions? Just a friendly observation!.
- Headline: 'FIXER' JAILED HERE FOR BRIBE OFFERS TO FOOTBALL STARS; $25,000 Bail for Gambler Who Attempted to Hire 2 Players of Giants to Throw Game CHICAGO BEARS WIN. 24-14 Hapes, One of Men Approached. Kept Out of Contest--FilchocK, the Other. Plays Furiously $2,500 Each Promised Called Mere Go-Between Attorney Protests Bail 'FIXER' JAILED HERE FOR BRIBE OFFERS Stands Buzz With Comment Filchock Hurls Scoring Passes Bettors Get "Mexican Standoff" Both Players in Tears Players Learn of Offers Met at a Cocktail Party Both Refused the Bribes. Impact: The fallout from this scandal opened the floodgates for sports integrity reforms. Too bad it didnβt stop the rise of fantasy sports where people still bet on players who sometimes throw games for fun.. Fact: Did you know that bribing athletes is like trying to convince a cat to take a bath? Good luck with that!.
- Headline: SWISS TO CURTAIL TOURIST SPENDING; Restrictions Put on Expenditures to Prevent New Shortages, Further Price Rises Resented by British Export Quotas Curtailed. Impact: This curtailment led to a surge in the 'staycation' trend, where people realized they could enjoy Swiss cheese and chocolate without actually visiting Switzerlandβthanks, pandemic!. Fact: Did you know that 'staycation' is just a fancy term for not wanting to deal with airport security? So relatable!.
- Headline: AIRFIELD IS GIVEN TO EGYPT BY U.S.; American Flag Is Lowered at Payne Station, Now Renamed for King Farouk A Symbol of Sacrifice Thirty Americans There. Impact: This transfer of the airfield marked a significant moment in U.S.-Egypt relations, paving the way for future diplomatic exchangesβand the inevitable misunderstandings that come with them.. Fact: Did you know that renaming places after kings is a time-honored tradition? Just ask any city with a 'King Street'!.
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)