In 1997, NEWSWEEK magazine published a page of predictions made over the years by various people. A few examples:
Everything that can be invented has been invented. (Charles H. Duell, US Commissioner of Patents, 1899)
The horse is here to stay, but the automobile is only a novelty–a fad. (A president of the Michigan Savings Bank advising Horace Rackham–Henry Ford’s lawyer–not to invest in the Ford Motor Company in 1903. Rackham ignored the advice, bought $5,000 worth of stock, and several years later sold it for $12.5 million.)
Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau. (Irving Fisher, professor of economics, Yale University, October 17, 1929.)
Computers in the future may…perhaps only weigh 1.5 tons. (Popular Mechanics magazine, forecasting the development of computer technology, 1949.)
We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out. (DECCA Records rejecting the Beatles, 1962.)
There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home. (Kenneth Olsen, president and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977)
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The Calendar…
On Thursday, March 29, 1962, Jack Paar hosted NBC’s “Tonight” show for the final time.
On Wednesday, March 30, 1842, Dr. Crawford W. Long first used ether during a minor operation.
On Monday, March 30, 1964, the original version of “Jeopardy” aired on NBC.
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Signs, signs, everywhere signs…
In a Laundromat: Automatic washing machines–Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.
In a department store: Bargain basement upstairs.
Notice in the window of a health food shop: Closed due to illness.
On a conference bulletin board: For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day care on the first floor.
Notice on a farmer’s fence post: The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges.
On a repair shop door: We can repair anything. (Please knock hard on the door–the bell doesn’t work.)
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Tee shirts…
VENI, VEDI, VISA…I came, I saw, I did some shopping!
First things first, but not necessarily in that order.
If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving is not for you.
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