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 January 5, 1947
Full News Archive
- Headline: My Own Manhattan by H.F. Holland. Impact: This book's publication inspired a whole generation of writers to wax poetic about cities, leading to the birth of countless coffee shops where aspiring authors sip overpriced lattes while staring blankly at their laptops. Thanks, Henriette!. Fact: Did you know that $2.50 in 2023 is approximately the price of a single avocado toast? Who knew literature could be so deliciously expensive?.
- Headline: Moscow's Hidden Real Estate Tycoon Revealed. Impact: This scandal led to a surge in conspiracy theories about who really owns what in Moscow, culminating in a new reality show called 'Beggars to Billionaires' that never actually aired because it was too outrageous, even for reality TV.. Fact: Did you know that in Russia, this revelation made it all the way to a local joke about how even beggars can become tycoons? Apparently, the housing market is just as confusing as a Russian nesting doll..
- Headline: Koestler's Discovery of a Trojan Horse. Impact: Koestler's discovery triggered a wave of paranoia about infiltration, leading to a global trend of excessive security measures. Fast forward to today, and we can't even enter a cafe without a body scan for fear of hidden horses.. Fact: Fun fact: No actual horses were harmed in the making of this metaphor. But if they were, I'd imagine they would be very confused at the whole situation..
- Headline: Menace to All Sports--The 'Fix'; Major sports ore usually clean, but gamblers are always on the prowl to make a 'killing.'. Impact: This headline led to the creation of thousands of 'clean sports' campaigns, which ironically decreased the love for sports by emphasizing the moral high ground rather than the thrill of competition. Who knew ethics could be so boring?. Fact: Did you know that instead of fixing games, gamblers could have just tried their luck at picking lottery numbers? But then again, where's the fun in that?.
- Headline: CONTRACTS SIGNED BY KERR, BLATTNER; CONTRACTS SIGNED BY KERR, BLATTNER. Impact: This mundane headline set off a chain reaction in the corporate world, leading to an era of contract signing parties, where people celebrated what should have been a boring legal formality with cake and confetti.. Fact: Did you know that in some circles, a signed contract is considered the new 'I do'? Because, clearly, who needs romance when you have legal obligations?.
- Headline: The Old Is On Trial, The New Being Tried; The Old Is On Trial. Impact: This headline sparked a cultural revolution where every old idea was put on trial, resulting in a bizarre court system that still debates whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Spoiler: it does.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'old is on trial' has inspired countless hipsters to revive old fashion trends? So, if you see someone in bell-bottoms, just know theyβre making a statementβwhatever that is..
- Headline: AL ROCCO REPORTED HEADING FOR WEST; ' Camera-Gun' Shooting Suspect Said to Be Driving a Car From the Catskills. Impact: Rocco's escapades kickstarted a trend in cinematic thrillers, where every criminal on the run was forced to have a flashy car and a terrible backstory. Thanks to him, Hollywood's car chase budget skyrocketed!. Fact: Did you know that 'Camera-Gun' is actually a terrible name for a movie? But hey, at least it would have involved a lot of running and screaming!.
- Headline: Editorial Cartoon 2 -- No Title. Impact: The absence of a title led to a whole new genre of 'untitled' art, which somehow became celebrated in galleries worldwide. Who knew that confusion could turn into high art?. Fact: Did you know that in the world of editorial cartoons, sometimes not having a title is the best strategy? Just like how sometimes not having a plan is a plan, right?.
- Headline: HUNT FOR 7 IN BREAK PUSHED AS PRISONER ESCAPES BELLEVUE; ESCAPED CONVICT TRAPPED IN NEW JERSEY. Impact: This incident led to a decade-long debate about prison reform, eventually leading to the creation of escape-proof prisons, which ironically made them more like hotels than actual correctional facilities.. Fact: Did you know that the most successful prison escape was actually an art installation? Because, apparently, the line between crime and creativity is thinner than we thought..
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $3,433,943 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)