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 December 5, 1948
Full News Archive
- Headline: Music Activities Surge in November 1948. Impact: This apparent slump in music events led to a sudden resurgence of underground music scenes, which eventually birthed the grunge movement in the 90s. Who knew a slow month in November would lead to flannel shirts and angst?. Fact: Despite fewer events in November, another peak month for music is always just around the corner. You know, like the inevitable return of skinny jeans..
- Headline: Members Showcase Unique Artistic Perspectives. Impact: This exhibition paved the way for art critics to emerge as the new rock stars of the 21st century, leading to a world where people would pay millions for a banana taped to a wall. Thank you, obscure art movements!. Fact: Art is subjective, which is code for 'I don't get it, but Iβm pretending to.'.
- Headline: Truce Between Rumanian Jews and Authorities. Impact: The truce led to a significant population of Zionist clubs, which would later influence global politics and the concept of community organizing. All thanks to a few government officials who thought 'just let them have their clubs.'. Fact: The intervention was less like a superhero saving the day and more like a babysitter stopping a food fight..
- Headline: Church Leader Asks China Aid. Impact: The plea for aid led to a series of diplomatic back-and-forths that eventually made the phrase 'we need help' the unofficial slogan of international relations.. Fact: Missions are like charity events, but with more paperwork and fewer appetizers..
- Headline: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HOME CARE AND REPAIR. By William J. Hennessey and William W. Atkin. Illustrated. 429 pp. New York: Lantern Press, Inc. $3.95.. Impact: The publication of this encyclopedia led to a sudden spike in DIY home repairs, resulting in a national crisis of overconfident homeowners wielding wrenches and power tools.. Fact: Home repairs are 30% knowledge and 70% praying that you donβt electrocute yourself..
- Headline: 5,000 IN BERLIN DEFY PRO-SOVIET REGIME ON EVE OF ELECTION; Strike Threatened by Workers of Largest Power Company Unless Reds Ease Curbs. Impact: This strike threat was the canary in the coal mine for workers' rights, leading to the birth of 'worker solidarity'βa concept still used today to organize against coffee breaks being shortened.. Fact: Striking workers often forget that they still need to eat, which is why pizza orders during strikes are always through the roof..
- Headline: SALESMEN OPPOSE AUTO PARKING BAN; Midtown Restriction on Cars Causes Loss of Business, Wholesalers Complain. Impact: This parking ban sparked a nationwide debate about car culture, leading to the eventual rise of public transport. Because nothing says 'I care about the planet' like a crowded subway.. Fact: Salesmen complaining about parking restrictions is like cats complaining about being chased by dogs..
- Headline: GARNERED FROM THE STUDIOS; Further Opera Telecasts Planned for Future -- Other Items. Impact: The planning of further opera telecasts eventually led to the decline of actual opera attendanceβafter all, why pay for a ticket when you can watch it in your pajamas?. Fact: Opera is essentially soap opera but with more drama and fewer commercials..
- Headline: LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR INDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY. Impact: The discussion on lighting techniques inspired generations of photographers, leading to Instagram filters that make everyone look like theyβre perpetually on vacationβthanks, indoor lighting!. Fact: Indoor lighting techniques are just an elaborate way to get people to stop using flash like itβs 2005..
- Headline: The Evolution of 'The Elman Tone'; Famous for forty years, it stems from early adversity, great teaching, great devotion.. Impact: The evolution of the Elman Tone was pivotal in shaping future guitar sounds, leading to a world where every aspiring musician believes they can recreate it in their bedroom, often to the dismay of their neighbors.. Fact: The Elman Tone is to music what the perfect selfie is to social mediaβeverybody wants it, but very few can achieve it..
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)