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 May 13, 1948
Full News Archive
- Headline: Heads Jersey Press Election Meeting. Impact: This meeting sparked a chain reaction where the phrase 'Heads Jersey' became synonymous with local gossip, leading to a 21st-century trend of 'local news influencers' who have way too much power over what the community thinks.. Fact: Did you know that the Associated Press was almost called the 'Associated Presses,' but they figured they didn't need to confuse people any more than necessary?.
- Headline: Travelers Warned on Baggage Rules. Impact: This warning about baggage led to the infamous 'mystery suitcase' trend, where tourists now try to sneak in snacks disguised as personal items, resulting in a worldwide shortage of potato chips on planes.. Fact: Fun fact: the only thing worse than finding a mysterious suitcase is the smell that comes from it when you finally open it..
- Headline: O'Dwyer's Conditional Support for Truman. Impact: This political indecision inspired countless political memes through the ages, leading to the rise of TikTok influencers who specialize in 'awkward political moments'βa true gift to procrastinators everywhere.. Fact: If only mayors knew that indecision was the original form of social media engagementβimagine the 'likes' they could have garnered!.
- Headline: House Votes to Fine and Jail Cabinet Chiefs Refusing Data; HOUSE ACTS TO GET DATA FROM CABINET. Impact: This bill ignited a relentless quest for transparency that eventually led to the creation of 'Cabinet Confidential,' a reality show where cabinet members had to reveal their most embarrassing secrets while dodging fines.. Fact: Did you know that the concept of 'data' in politics used to refer to the number of times a politician could change their mind in a single speech?.
- Headline: BRITISH AND GERMANS SIGN; Details of Record Trade Pact Will Be Announced Today. Impact: This trade pact was the butterfly that flapped its wings, eventually leading to the rise of 'trendy British-German fusion cuisine,' which nobody asked for but somehow became a thing.. Fact: The first item traded in this pact was actually tea for bratwurst, which historians say was the true beginning of the 'continental breakfast' craze..
- Headline: Analyst to Retire From SEC. Impact: This retirement sent shockwaves through the financial world, causing a brief panic that led to a spike in people buying stocks based solely on cat memes.. Fact: Retirement is like a stock market crashβeveryone pretends it won't happen to them until it does!.
- Headline: ADMIRAL WHITEHEAD INSPECTS AIRFIELD. Impact: Admiral Whitehead's inspection inadvertently inspired a series of airfield-themed theme parks, where guests could experience the thrilling life of an admiral without the pesky responsibilities.. Fact: The airfield inspection was so thorough that it became the basis for a popular board game where players compete to find the best parking spots..
- Headline: FELLOWSHIPS OPEN TO NEGRO STUDENTS. Impact: The establishment of these fellowships paved the way for countless future leaders and innovators, proving that education is the true equalizer in the fight for equality.. Fact: This initiative was so impactful that it inspired similar programs worldwide, reminding us that the fight for education and opportunity knows no borders..
- Headline: WESTERN GERMANY TO GET PROTECTION; Pakenham Says Britain, Others Will Prevent Any Reprisals if State Is Established. Impact: This assurance of protection created a ripple effect, leading to an entire generation of students misinterpreting 'Western Germany' as a trendy new band name for their garage rock group.. Fact: The term 'Western Germany' once made more headlines than any pop star, which is a testament to how priorities have shifted since then..
- Headline: Taxi Fleet Owner's Scholarships Of $6,000 Go to Drivers' Children; CHILDREN OF TAXI DRIVERS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS. Impact: This generous act of scholarship funding led to a dramatic increase in the number of future taxi drivers who could afford to pursue higher education, thus kicking off a revolution in taxi service quality (or at least, we can hope).. Fact: In a surprising twist, the scholarships led to a spike in taxi drivers majoring in 'driving' as an art formβwho knew it could get so pretentious?.
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)