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 September 9, 1948
Full News Archive
- Headline: Chicago Avoids Power Shortage in 1948. Impact: This moment sparked the great 'Energy Conservation Movement' of the 21st century. Who knew that flicking the switch off could lead to TikTok influencers promoting eco-friendly living?. Fact: Did you know that the average person spends about 90% of their time indoors? So, cutting power for an hour just means more time to scroll through their phones in the dark!.
- Headline: Industry Backs Scrap Agency Proposal. Impact: This decision led to the rise of the 'Scrap Metal Empire,' where one man's trash became another's overpriced sculpture. Art truly is subjective!. Fact: Fun fact: If every scrap metal dealer in the world collaborated, they could build a life-sized replica of the Eiffel Towerβmade entirely of rusty old bicycles!.
- Headline: Nicaragua Addresses Border Tensions. Impact: This denial set off a series of diplomatic dance-offs that would make even the most seasoned politicians cringe. Who knew footwork could be so crucial in international relations?. Fact: Nicaragua's geographic name means 'water surrounded by a big land,' but apparently, that water was too calm for any revolutionary ripples. Go figure!.
- Headline: 18th Child-Care Center Begun. Impact: The opening of this center created a butterfly effect of parents finally getting a break, leading to a sudden surge in coffee consumption and social media memes about 'adulting.'. Fact: Did you know that the first known daycare was started in France in 1840? And yet, here we are, still debating whether or not to pay for it!.
- Headline: NORDIC LEADERS CONFER; Four Foreign Ministers Prepare Attitude for U.N. Session. Impact: This conference inadvertently set the stage for an annual 'Nordic Chill' gathering where leaders now compete to see who can wear the coziest sweater while discussing world peace.. Fact: Did you know that Scandinavian countries are often rated as the happiest in the world? Apparently, itβs all that fresh air and fishβwho knew herring held the key to joy?.
- Headline: VACUUM CLEANERS GET REFINEMENTS. Impact: The advancements in vacuum technology created a new breed of domestic warriorsβthose who could wield a vacuum cleaner like Thor with his hammer, leading to the rise of competitive cleaning championships.. Fact: Did you know that the first electric vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901? And yet, weβre still trying to figure out how to keep the dog hair off the couch!.
- Headline: NEW ENGLAND INQUIRY INTO GAS IS ORDERED. Impact: This inquiry led to a long-standing love affair between regulators and gas companies, resulting in more red tape than an overzealous holiday present. Merry Christmas, consumers!. Fact: Did you know that natural gas is primarily composed of methane? So basically, every time you turn on your stove, you're just having a tiny party with some highly flammable friends!.
- Headline: Bar Freight Going to Atlantic and Gulf Ports When Destined for the Pacific Strike Zone by Water. Impact: This embargo created a massive logistical headache, leading to the invention of the phrase 'you had one job!' that would echo through shipping industries for decades.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'bar freight' actually refers to a shipping restriction? It's not just a fancy term for the latest cocktail craze!.
- Headline: RAILROAD HEAD TO RETIRE; Charles Elsey Will Quit Western Pacific Post on Dec. 31. Impact: Charles Elsey's retirement marked the end of an era for railroads, leading to an unexpected rise in the popularity of train-themed retirement partiesβcomplete with model trains and cake shaped like tracks.. Fact: Did you know that the first steam locomotive was built in 1804? So really, Charles is just following in the footsteps of a long line of train enthusiasts who also wanted to get off the tracks and enjoy life!.
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)