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 January 7, 1932
Full News Archive
- Headline: Suspended Sentence for Slot Machine King. Impact: The Slot Machine King's suspension led to an explosion of slot machines in backrooms across America, which ultimately birthed the Vegas Strip and countless bad decisions over the next few decades.. Fact: Did you know slot machines were originally designed to be a fun way to lose your money? Who knew that would become so popular?.
- Headline: DUTCHMAN INVENTS AID IN RADIO TELEPHONING; Device Permits the Broadcasting of Several Messages on One Wave From a Single Station.. Impact: This invention led to the chaos of modern radio, where now everyone can have a podcast, resulting in a world where every person thinks they should have a talk show.. Fact: Before this invention, the only thing people could broadcast was their opinions to a suspiciously silent room..
- Headline: Bomb at Consulate in Lugano.. Impact: The foiled bombing attempt emphasized the growing tensions in Europe, serving as a grim precursor to the conflicts that would shape the continent for decades to come.. Fact: In a world where diplomatic relations are supposed to flourish, nothing says 'letβs be friends' like an attempted bombing..
- Headline: WAGNER ASKS JOBS BUREAU; He Resubmits Bill That Hoover Vetoed, to Join With States.. Impact: Wagner's persistence eventually led to the establishment of more comprehensive employment programs, showing that sometimes the squeaky wheel really does get the grease (or at least a job).. Fact: If only every veto could be followed by a dramatic re-submission, we could have turned Congress into a reality TV show..
- Headline: MERCHANT DIES IN LEAP.; Plunges From Window Through the Skylight of 44th Street Store.. Impact: This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the struggles faced by merchants during economic downturns, highlighting the fragility of success and the human cost behind business failures.. Fact: Historically, the phrase 'jumping into the deep end' has taken on a much darker meaning in the world of retail..
- Headline: Article 6 -- No Title. Impact: The explosion and subsequent fire not only destroyed a building but also served as a stark reminder of the need for better safety regulations, sparking a movement that would save countless lives in the years to come.. Fact: When your building literally goes up in flames, it's usually a sign you should've opted for fire drills over 'how to build a better bonfire' workshops..
Wall Street Time Machine
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1932, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1932, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)