Facts & Figures

Durable Boom. The Federal Reserve Board reported that its index of industrial production dropped slightly from a postwar peak of 192 in November to 191 in December. Despite the general decline, however, durable goods continued to advance; steel, autos, and freight cars reached new peaks.

Dignity, Inc. In Philadelphia, used car dealers solemnly agreed to ban the use of such names as "More Money Max" and "Top DollarJoe" as out of keeping with the industry's "desire to maintain a dignified attitude."

Confusion, Ltd. Standard Oil Co. (N.J.), a holding company, and its operating subsidiary, Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey, made it easier to tell them apart. The operating company changed its name to Esso Standard Oil Co.

Scared. It was a mixed week for Henry Kaiser and Joe Frazer. They announced that K-F had decided not to go through with its proposed issue of 1.5 million more shares of stock (TIME, Jan. 19). K-F was scared off by the poor market for new issues. Two days later, Henry & Joe were honored by initiation into Manhattan's Circus Saints & Sinners Club. Sinner Joe chased Saint Henry around with a fork until he agreed to buy a Frazer car.

Muffed. In near-zero Newark, the W.A.A. advertised 224 electrically heated muffs. But prospective buyers were chilled by a full description. It said that an airplane was needed to make use of the muffs, which plug into its electrical (24 volts) system.

Going, Going . . . W.A.A. will try a new idea to get rid of the large number of surplus war plants left. Three of the plants --in Toledo, Harrisburg, and Rochester-- will be auctioned off in April, at the sites, by Manhattan's Joseph P. Day, Inc. If they bring a fair price, auctioneers will sell the rest of W.A.A.'s real estate.

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