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 April 9, 1948
Full News Archive
- Headline: Britain Bans French Horses from Racing. Impact: This horse ban led to a clandestine breeding program where French horses started learning English in secret. They eventually became the world's leading racehorses, only to be foiled by a new trend of horse yoga.. Fact: Did you know that horses were once the primary mode of transportation? Now they mostly just hang out in pastures, judging humans for their poor life choices..
- Headline: Czechs Hijack Plane to Escape Communism. Impact: This midair hijacking set off a bizarre chain of events where airplane seats were eventually replaced with yoga mats and in-flight entertainment became mandatory meditation sessions. Who knew escaping Communism would lead to such a peaceful flight experience?. Fact: Did you know that plane hijackings used to be a serious problem? Now they mostly happen in movies where the plot twist is just another dull family vacation..
- Headline: World Trip in Memory of Maj C H Wilson. Impact: This memorial trip resulted in a worldwide movement for memorial journeys, sparking an industry where people pay to travel in the footsteps of the deceased. Itβs now a lucrative business, with the slogan βTravel with your dearly departed... without the awkward conversations!β. Fact: Did you know that many people take trips to honor loved ones? Just imagine the postcards they send from the afterlife: 'Wish you were here!'.
- Headline: TURKS SEEN WARY OF RUSSIA'S ENVOY; Lavrischev, Taking Long-Open Post, May Re-apply Soviet Pressure, Observers Say. Impact: Lavrischevβs appointment triggered a geopolitical game of chess, where Turkey and Russia began exchanging increasingly ridiculous diplomatic notes, culminating in a bizarre trade deal involving Turkish delight and Russian nesting dolls.. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic relations can sometimes feel like a soap opera? Tune in next week for more backstabbing... literally!.
- Headline: Moscow Charges Violations. Impact: Moscowβs charge against poll watchers inadvertently led to a global increase in surveillance, resulting in an era where everyone began to feel like they were being watched. Thanks, Moscow, for the paranoia!. Fact: Did you know that the term 'Big Brother' wasn't just coined for reality TV? It was actually a warning sign... but who listens to those, right?.
- Headline: CANCER FUND DRIVE OPENS IN BROOKLYN; Institute Director Says City Fails to Provide Facilities Commensurate to Needs. Impact: The opening of the cancer fund drive made Brooklyn the unofficial capital of fundraising, leading to a bizarre trend where every local event now doubles as a charity function. Who knew a bake sale could save lives?. Fact: Did you know that fundraising is sometimes more competitive than the actual causes? It's like the Olympics for do-gooders..
- Headline: HAIL SCHOOL RELIGION BAN; Methodists Meeting in State Call Action Boon to Church Freedom. Impact: The push to ban religion in schools sparked an underground movement where students secretly held religious studies in basements, leading to a new genre of rebellious teen literature titled 'The Secret Life of Sunday School.'. Fact: Did you know that banning something often makes it more popular? Just ask any teenager what happens when you restrict their phone usage..
- Headline: COSTA RICA REPORTS GAIN; Puts All Policemen and Customs Guards Under the Army h)0*0*0*i. Impact: Costa Rica's consolidation of forces under the army led to an unexpected rise in military-themed tourism. Tourists now flock to experience 'military boot camp' vacations, thinking they'll become action heroes. Spoiler: they don't.. Fact: Did you know that military vacations often end with more sunburns than glory? Who knew running in sand could be so exhausting?.
- Headline: ITALIANS GIVE DATA ON YUGOSLAV ARMS; Communist Leaders Said to Have Met Representatives From Belgrade at Chioggia. Impact: The report of Yugoslav arms smuggling inadvertently led to an international fishing competition where boats were equipped with fishing rods as well as rocket launchers. Because why not make fishing a bit more exciting?. Fact: Did you know that some fishermen still believe in the 'big one that got away'? In this case, it might have been armed with more than just a hook!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1948, it would be worth $3,433,943 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1948, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1948, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)