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 26, 1947
Full News Archive
- Headline: GOP Club Rejects Macy's Nomination. Impact: If only Macy had been accepted, he might have launched a political career that would result in him becoming President. Instead, Rager's nomination led to a series of unremarkable GOP decisions, culminating in a party that still canβt decide if itβs a club or a circus.. Fact: Macy's rejection is a reminder that even in politics, you can be the most qualified person in the room and still not get invited to the party..
- Headline: B-29 Rescue Mission from the Arctic. Impact: This daring rescue inspired a generation of adventurers, leading to the creation of countless winter sports, including the delightful art of ice fishingβbecause nothing says 'I survived the Arctic' like sitting on a bucket in subzero temperatures.. Fact: The B-29 is like the Swiss Army knife of planesβcapable of dropping bombs and saving lives. Talk about multitasking!.
- Headline: Council Declines Taxi Fare Increase. Impact: Sharkey's prediction sparked a movement against fare hikes that forever altered the course of cab drivers' livelihoods, leading to the rise of rideshare appsβbecause who wouldnβt want to share a ride with strangers who may or may not have showered today?. Fact: Opposing a taxi fare increase is practically a rite of passage in NYCβlike getting your first slice of pizza or dodging tourists in Times Square..
- Headline: Aid to Red Cross Urged. Impact: This push for aid initiated a long-lasting relationship between the public and charitable organizations, resulting in a world where people feel good about donating but still complain about how much they spend on coffee.. Fact: The Red Cross was founded in 1863, proving that helping others is a timeless trendβunlike fads like pet rocks or the Macarena..
- Headline: BRITAIN LENT u37,000,000; Loans Extended to France and Russia Among Others Since War. Impact: This financial generosity set off a chain reaction of loans and debts across Europe, eventually leading to financial systems that make the average personβs credit card debt look like pocket changeβthank you, historical economics!. Fact: This loan was just a drop in the bucket compared to what Britain owes for tea and scones. Seriously, have you seen the price of scones lately?.
- Headline: Bidault to Head French Group. Impact: Bidault's leadership led to a series of diplomatic decisions that would eventually form the basis of modern EU politicsβbecause nothing says 'unity' like endless debates over cheese regulations.. Fact: Being the head of a French delegation is like being the head chef in a Michelin-star restaurantβeveryone expects you to be perfect, and you'll still be critiqued for the bread..
- Headline: REPUBLICANS FEAR OPEN RIFT ON TAXES; House Leaders Say a Flat-Cut Bill Would Provoke Bitter Intra-Party Fight. Impact: This fear of rift resulted in a series of tax policies that have confused voters for decades, ultimately creating a reality where people think 'flat tax' means their favorite pancake breakfast.. Fact: Intra-party fights are basically the political version of family dinnersβeveryoneβs angry, but nobody wants to leave..
- Headline: BRITAIN FIRST U.N., INYERCHAPEL SAYS; Ambassador Tells Yale Group Empire Is Living Example of How Unity Can Succeed. Impact: This proclamation inspired many nations to follow suit, inadvertently leading to a global organization where diplomats gather to discuss important issuesβlike how to make the best tea.. Fact: Britain being the first in the UN is like being the first kid to eat their vegetablesβnobody really wants to do it, but someone has to set a good example..
- Headline: FIRE CHIEF CANCELS GAME; Basketball Fans at N.C. State Gym Refused to Clear Aisles. Impact: This cancellation triggered a series of safety regulations that ultimately led to the modern obsession with safety at public eventsβbecause nothing is more exhilarating than watching a game from a safe distance.. Fact: Canceling a game due to safety violations is just like getting a parent to call off a partyβno one is happy, but at least youβll have the house to yourself..
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)