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 October 7, 1948
Full News Archive
- Headline: Japanese Cabinet Resigns Amid Bribery Scandal. Impact: The resignation of the cabinet caused a chain reaction of political instability in Japan, leading to a series of questionable alliances and bizarre political parties forming. Little did they know, this would eventually result in a secret society of politicians meeting in basements to hash out their plans over cold coffee and expired takeout.. Fact: In Japan, the term 'bribery' translates to 'Tuesday.' Just kidding, but it does feel like a weekly occurrence!.
- Headline: Wallace Supports West Coast Strikes in 1948. Impact: Wallace's support for strikes sparked a wave of labor empowerment that eventually led to unions demanding nap time and snack breaks. Who knew labor rights would evolve to include mandatory cake days?. Fact: Wallace's speeches were so compelling that even the chairs in the audience started cheering. Talk about a standing ovation!.
- Headline: Colombian Wage Pact Prevents Strike. Impact: The averting of the strike led to a temporary peace that allowed workers to focus on the art of coffee brewing instead of picketing. This small victory, however, sowed the seeds for a future where people fought over the best brew method.. Fact: Colombia is home to some of the best coffee in the world, proving that sometimes workers just need a good cup of joe to avoid chaos!.
- Headline: DULLES RETURNS TO PARIS; Satisfied With Visit Here and Talk With Governor Dewey. Impact: Dulles' satisfying visit to Paris led to a flurry of diplomatic agreements that would later turn into a game of 'who can out-fancy the other' at international summits. Spoiler: they all lose, but the catering is great.. Fact: Dulles was known for his charm; in fact, he once convinced a Parisian waiter to give him a free dessert just by discussing foreign policy..
- Headline: OPENING FOR SPRING GETS BIG RESPONSE; Garment Showrooms Crowded by Out-of-Town Buyers, With Bookings Begun at Once. Impact: This garment show marked the beginning of the relentless cycle of fashion trends that would lead to the invention of skinny jeans and crop tops. Yes, thanks to this event, humanity suffered for decades in the name of style.. Fact: Fashion shows are basically just a way for rich people to parading around in clothes no one can afford, while the rest of us just nod along pretending we understand haute couture..
- Headline: BURMA FRONT QUIET; NEGOTIATION GOING ON. Impact: Negotiations in Burma led to a peace that was so quiet, it sparked a nationwide trend of people whispering instead of talking. This ultimately culminated in a generation of overly polite individuals who couldn't raise their voices.. Fact: In Burma, silence can be a virtue, but it's also the reason why many people have mastered the art of mime..
- Headline: PSYCHIATRY URGED TO SPEED THERAPY; Dr. L.H. Smith Tells Doctors Techniques Are Too Slow and Still Too Uncertain. Impact: Dr. Smith's call for quicker therapy techniques led to the invention of the 'one-hour therapy' session, which, ironically, just gave people enough time to decide they needed more therapy.. Fact: Quick therapy is like fast food for your brainβsatisfying but likely to leave you craving something more substantial afterward..
- Headline: MURRAY DENIES PLEA OF CITY CIO COUNCIL. Impact: Murray's denial of the plea caused a reshuffling of political alliances that eventually resulted in everyone just agreeing to disagree over coffee, leading to a national shortage of sugar.. Fact: Denying pleas is a lot like denying dessertβeveryone's disappointed, but you still feel like a responsible adult..
- Headline: CONSERVATIVES AIM FOR DISTRICT GAINS; Party Head Tells Opening of British Convention 'Miniature' Elections Are Important. Impact: The focus on 'miniature' elections led to an odd trend of people taking politics less seriously, resulting in local candidates promising free ice cream and lawn gnomes if elected. Because nothing says governance like garden decor.. Fact: In British politics, the term 'miniature elections' simply means they couldn't find a venue big enough to fit all the hot air that was going to be blown around..
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)