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 August 7, 1947
Full News Archive
- Headline: N.Y.U. Students Seek More Retail Experience. Impact: This innocent request for an extra week of work led to an unending cycle of students perpetually asking for more time, which eventually inspired the creation of the 'procrastination industry' where professional procrastinators teach students how to avoid work altogether.. Fact: Did you know that if students had asked for a week off instead, we might have invented a vacation industry decades earlier? But no, let's just work ourselves into an early grave!.
- Headline: Navy Eases Re-Enlistment Regulations. Impact: By easing re-enlistment, the Navy inadvertently sparked the trend of 'Navy Dad' jokes that would plague comedians for generations, making it socially acceptable to find humor in maritime mishaps.. Fact: Did you know that without this shortage, we might not have had the iconic Navy 'whistle while you work' campaign? Because nothing says 'I love my job' like a shortage of petty officers!.
- Headline: Spanish Communist Leaders Resign in Exile. Impact: This resignation fueled the belief that political coalitions are as stable as a house of cards, leading future politicians to embrace chaos as their secret weapon in governance.. Fact: Did you know that if the Spanish Reds had stayed in power, we might have avoided the entire 'politicians resigning because they can't agree' meme? But then again, where's the fun in that?.
- Headline: AMERICANS VISIT STEPINATZ IN CELL; Statement Released Through Yugoslav Agency Cites His Good Health and Privileges. Impact: The visit of clergymen to Stepinatz went on to inspire a wave of 'celebrity prison visits', which eventually led to reality TV shows where the 'real' drama unfolds behind bars.. Fact: Did you know that clergymen visiting prisoners is basically the original 'keeping up with the Kardashians'? Because nothing screams 'good health' like being in a cell!.
- Headline: CABLESHIP OVERHAULED; Gen. Mills Resumes Service After Long Repair Job. Impact: The overhaul of the cable ship set a precedent for all future ships to be treated like high-maintenance celebrities, requiring constant pampering and repair to keep them afloat in public opinion.. Fact: Did you know that ships are like divas? One minor repair and they're back for more attention, just like your friend's Instagram feed!.
- Headline: FORMER SLAVE, 100, DIES. Impact: The passing of a former slave at 100 reminded people that history can be both a burden and a celebration, influencing social movements for generations to come, as they realized that time doesn't erase struggles but can amplify voices.. Fact: Did you know that Mrs. Clay's life spanned over a century of change? Talk about being a living history book! If only her memoirs could have been published!.
- Headline: NATIVES STARTLED BY KON-TIKI RAFT; Reassured, They Board Craft and Voice Joy -- Drift Bars Landing at Amgatu. Impact: The natives' joy upon seeing the Kon-Tiki raft led to an unforeseen tourism boom, as adventurous travelers began flocking to Amgatu, hoping to catch a glimpse of the next big thing floating by.. Fact: Did you know that if the natives had been less startled, they might have formed a welcoming committee that could have revolutionized the hospitality industry? Thank you, Thor Heyerdahl!.
- Headline: Italy Gets Seized Ships And Property From U.S.. Impact: This resolution set a precedent for post-war reparations that would haunt international relations for decades, resulting in the classic 'we'll pay you back' debate that no one actually wants to revisit.. Fact: Did you know that returning seized property is just like giving your friend back their favorite shirt after borrowing it for two years? Itβs all fun and games until someone wants compensation!.
- Headline: TAKES MEDIATION POST; Cyrus S. Ching of U.S. Rubber Company to Head Service. Impact: Cyrus S. Ching accepting the mediation post became a pivotal moment in labor relations, inspiring future mediators to don hard hats and take on their roles as the unsung heroes of corporate America.. Fact: Did you know that without Ching, the U.S. Rubber Company might have been known for their literal 'rubber duck' negotiations instead? Thank you, Cyrus, for steering clear of quackery!.
- Headline: WILLIAML GERST1&, COAST CIVIC LEADER. Impact: William Gerstleβs emergence as a civic leader led to the rise of countless, often hilarious, local initiatives, many of which were completely unrelated to civic duty, such as 'Make Your Own Pickle Day'.. Fact: Did you know that when William Gerstle became a civic leader, he probably didnβt sign up for all the bake sales and community clean-ups? Just wait until the next election cycle!.
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)