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 22, 1948
Full News Archive
- Headline: Machine-Gun Innovator L. V. Benet Dies. Impact: Laurence V. Benet's improvements in machine-gun technology inadvertently set the stage for future engineers to invent increasingly complex and lethal weaponry. Who knew a better firing speed could lead to a never-ending contest of 'who can build the scariest toy'?. Fact: Fun fact: Benet's work contributed to the 'Arms Race', which is just a fancy way of saying countries competed for the best toys to destroy each other with. Yay, humanity!.
- Headline: Counter-Attack Launched; EGYPTIAN ADVANCE NEARS BETHLEHEM. Impact: This counter-attack could be considered the moment when the Middle East decided it was time to play a never-ending game of musical chairs with borders, leading to a global fascination with geopolitical chaos and reality TV.. Fact: Fun fact: If you thought your last family holiday was dramatic, you should see how families in the Middle East have navigated their history. Talk about a real-life soap opera!.
- Headline: Jerusalem Suburbs Strafed. Impact: The shelling of Jerusalem suburbs intensified tensions that would ripple through history, eventually leading to decades of conflict, a lot of broken promises, and a genuine need for a group therapy session for everyone involved.. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'stray bullets' was coined shortly after this event, proving that sometimes, you just can't avoid getting caught in the crossfire of history..
- Headline: U.S. Demands Release of 40 Taken Off Ship by Lebanese; Removal of American Citizens Protested in Note to Minister in Beirut -- Copies Sent to Missions in Other Arab Countries U.S. ASKS RELEASE OF 40 BY LEBANON. Impact: The U.S. demand for the release of American citizens set a precedent for future diplomatic notes that would make every room full of diplomats feel like they were playing a game of 'who can sound the most serious while doing nothing'.. Fact: Did you know that the U.S. just loves sending strongly worded letters? It's like their version of sending a passive-aggressive birthday card. 'Happy birthday, but please stop detaining our citizens, thanks!'.
- Headline: FRED . BLITZEL, 70, DETROff ATTORNEY; Lawyer for Nearly 50 Years Dies -- Civio Leader Aided Many Jewish Charities. Impact: Fred Butzel's contributions to Jewish charities marked a significant moment in community support, inspiring countless others to donate and volunteer, paving the way for a future where social media influencers could turn philanthropy into a trend.. Fact: Fun fact: If Fred were alive today, he would probably be baffled by the concept of 'influencers' using charity for clout, and likely say, 'I just wanted to help people, not sell them overpriced candles.'.
- Headline: THOMAS B, GALLAHER. Impact: Thomas B. Gallaher's life may have been quiet, but it was a reminder that not all heroes wear capes; some just live their lives and hope history remembers them for something other than the fact they had a common name.. Fact: Did you know that if Gallaher had a dollar for every time someone confused him with a different Thomas, he could have funded a small nation's economy too? Common names are a real struggle..
- Headline: ADELINE P. BAKER. Impact: Adeline P. Baker's passing left a notable gap in her community, reminding everyone that life is fleeting and, eventually, someone will have to step in to take over the 'nice elderly person' role.. Fact: Fun fact: Adeline probably had more wisdom in her pinky finger than all of us combined. But don't worry, we'll continue to ignore the wisdom of our elders for as long as we can!.
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)