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 11, 1949
Full News Archive
- Headline: Washington Headliners Event of 1949. Impact: The senator's illusory headliner status led to an epidemic of politicians wearing outrageous hats to gain publicity. This hat fashion trend eventually spiraled into a worldwide obsession with novelty headgear, resulting in the invention of the 'political sombrero' for campaign season.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing politicians can agree on is the need for an eye-catching accessory? Who needs policies when you have a flashy hat?.
- Headline: Bingler Tours: Sunday Sightseeing Launch. Impact: Bingler Vacation Tours sparked an unexpected revolution in leisure travel, leading to the invention of the 'staycation' as people realized they could just lounge at home instead of dealing with tour groups. This ultimately contributed to a global increase in cat videos.. Fact: Fun fact: The average person spends more time planning their vacation than actually enjoying it. So, good luck with that Sunday sightseeing trip!.
- Headline: The Fascinating World of Neckties. Impact: The rise of ludicrous neckties caused a brief spike in the popularity of 'tie-tionaries'βdictionaries specifically for interpreting the jokes on ties. This led to a new era of fashion communication, resulting in the first tie-based language.. Fact: Did you know that in some cultures, wearing a tie is considered more important than actual competence? Welcome to business casual!.
- Headline: ADA, PAC IN DETROIT FACE NEW POLL TEST; Both Groups Back Edwards of UAW Among 11 in Mayoralty Race -- Primary Tuesday. Impact: The fierce competition for the mayoralty in Detroit created a butterfly effect, leading to the establishment of the 'political debate dodgeball' league, where candidates had to dodge questions and balls simultaneously. This sport remains a highlight of election years.. Fact: Did you know that political campaigns are basically just glorified popularity contests? Itβs like high school, but with more money and less maturity..
- Headline: LYSENKO'S BROTHER TAKES REFUGE HERE; Research Chemist, Kinsman of the Biologist, Exiled by Soviet Clamp on Science. Impact: Lysenko's asylum in the U.S. sparked a secret society of scientists who believed they could outsmart the bureaucratic systems globally. This led to the founding of 'Science Club,' which eventually morphed into the modern-day 'conspiracy theorist' movement.. Fact: Did you know that bureaucracy has been known to ruin more scientific discoveries than any natural disaster? It's the real enemy of progress!.
- Headline: Torments of Childhood; CHILDREN NEVER TELL. By Gwendolen Freeman. 274 pp. New York: The Macmillan Company. $2.50.. Impact: Freemanβs work led to a cultural shift where adults began to appreciate the complexities of childhood, unintentionally spawning a wave of overly-dramatic parenting styles. This resulted in the invention of the 'helicopter parent' and an infinite number of therapy sessions.. Fact: Did you know that childhood trauma can sometimes lead to a flourishing career in adult therapy? It's like a two-for-one deal on emotional baggage!.
- Headline: Multi-Million-Dollar Aluminum Plant Held Likely for Alaska or Western Canada; ALUMINUM PLANT IN NORTHWEST SEEN. Impact: The potential establishment of an aluminum plant initiated a chain reaction of 'aluminum-themed' sports, including aluminum foil wrestling and the infamous 'can crush challenge' that still haunts family gatherings.. Fact: Did you know that aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust? Clearly, it has no shortage of opportunities for business venturesβor terrible puns!.
- Headline: 9 Lost, 2 Saved as a Yacht Sinks In Stormy Sea Off Nantucket Isle; 9 LOST IN SINKING OF CABIN CRUISER. Impact: The tragedy of the yacht sinking prompted a surge in safety regulations for recreational boating, which ultimately led to the invention of the inflatable life-sized 'crew member' doll, designed to give the illusion of safety while out at sea.. Fact: Itβs a grim fact, but maritime disasters have historically led to the most ridiculous regulations. Just think of the safety vest fashion show that resulted!.
- Headline: DOLLAR CRISIS TIED TO INDUSTRY HERE; Batt Back From Study Abroad Holds Mass Employment and Production Vitally Involved. Impact: The dollar crisis discussion triggered a chain reaction of economic theories that eventually birthed the 'get rich quick' scheme industry, which is now a multi-billion dollar market for dubious advice and empty promises.. Fact: Did you know that the dollar crisis is basically the adult version of running out of money for snacks? Panic ensues, and suddenly everyone is a financial expert!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1949, it would be worth $3,433,939 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1949, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1949, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)