History Warp (7/16-22): Money & Money

Of course, there are many and varied sports records. Especially in baseball, which, being statistics-heavy, tends to glory in the most, best, longest, etc. To say stats are held in high esteem would be understatement.

In that sport, one record is hallowed.

Joe DiMaggio’s 56 consecutive game hitting streak. “It’ll never be broken,” is a sentence oft heard, especially when a new baseballer makes an attempt and falls, say, 20 games shy.

It was on July 17, 1941 that Mr. Marilyn Monroe’s streak came to an end. It started on May 16 of that year.

Joltin’s Joe couldn’t find the green against Cleveland Indians hurlers, Al Smith and Jim Bagby.

Incidentally, DiMag got a hit the next game and the lucky 13 after that. 70 hits in 71 games. Not bad.

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I shall make no attempt to explain the inner workings of the International Monetary Fund. Because, well, because I haven’t a clue.

What I can pass on is this. It was created on July 22, 1944 at a conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

Here are the IMF’s own words of explanation: “The IMF is an international organization of 183 member countries, established to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; to foster economic growth and high levels of employment; and to provide temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment.”

I also know, if they be doing any of that, they be busy folks these days.