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, 1947
Full News Archive
- Headline: Babe Ruth's Recovery Amidst Health Concerns. Impact: If Babe Ruth had decided to take a sick day instead of playing baseball, we might have never had the 'Curse of the Bambino' and the Red Sox could have just won everything. Who would have thought a nap could change the course of history?. Fact: Did you know that Babe Ruthβs actual diet consisted mainly of hot dogs and beer? Ah, the original 'healthy lifestyle' influencer!.
- Headline: Colombia's Devastating Plane Crash of 1947. Impact: This tragic event led to stricter aviation regulations worldwide, but in a bizarre twist, it also sparked an underground movement of conspiracy theorists claiming the plane was actually a UFO. Because, of course, aliens are always the answer.. Fact: Plane crashes often lead to advancements in safety technology, but thatβs cold comfort for the victims' families. History really has a knack for turning tragedy into progress..
- Headline: DR. J. B. FOTSDAMER. Impact: Though Dr. J. B. Fotsdamer's contributions seem trivial, if he had invented the smartphone instead of just existing, we could have avoided the whole 'selfie culture'βand all the cringe that comes with it.. Fact: With a name like βFotsdamer,β one canβt help but wonder if he was destined to be a doctor or a stand-up comedian. Spoiler alert: probably the former..
- Headline: MRS. SUSAN UPP; Distant Relative of Abraham Lincoln Dies in Illinois. Impact: The death of a distant relative may seem insignificant, but it sparked a genealogical frenzy where every American suddenly became a 'distant cousin' of Lincoln. Who knew family trees could grow into a national obsession?. Fact: Abraham Lincoln had a total of 26 known relatives. So, if youβre ever feeling down, just remember: you could be related to a president, or at least a distant cousin of a cousin of a cousin..
- Headline: J.ffl'GONNOGHIE.AIDE OF ICE CREAM FIRM; Board Chairman of the Good Humor Corp., Former Agent for U. S. Treasury, Dies. Impact: The death of an ice cream mogul paved the way for the rise of gourmet ice creams. Without him, we might still be stuck with plain old vanilla and chocolate, instead of the avocado-cilantro swirl we never knew we didnβt need.. Fact: Good Humor's ice cream trucks could be credited with the start of the 'ice cream truck jingle' phenomenon, which is basically just a childhood version of a doorbell that haunts you as an adult..
- Headline: GOOD-WILL APPEAL MADE BY O'DWYER; Start of Brotherhood Week Is Marked by Broadcast--Plea by the Jewish Congress. Impact: This goodwill appeal set off a chain reaction of brotherhood movements that eventually led to people hugging it out instead of arguing over parking spaces. Who knew a week could inspire so much love?. Fact: Brotherhood Week is a clever reminder that humanity can come togetherβuntil someone steals the last donut at the office, and then all bets are off..
- Headline: ROYAL TOUR GARB SHOWN IN LONDON; Hartnell, Molyneux, Ford and Tharrup Designed for the Queen and Daughters. Impact: The unveiling of royal garments not only kept fashion alive but also solidified the concept that dressing like royalty is a surefire way to feel better about wearing pajamas in public. Fashion is a cycle, after all.. Fact: Queen Elizabeth's wardrobe has been known to influence fashion trends, proving that even a crown canβt hide some questionable style choices. Just wait for the '90s revival!.
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)