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 22, 1934
Full News Archive
- Headline: Germany Implements Export Reductions. Impact: This self-sufficiency policy created a butterfly effect, leading to a dramatic increase in German backyard gardening. Fast forward a few decades, and we find hipsters in Berlin obsessed with heirloom tomatoes, claiming it's a 'return to roots'βliterally.. Fact: Ironically, Germans are now exporting more craft beer than ever, proving that self-sufficiency can mean something entirely different when hops are involved..
- Headline: Mrs. Moody's Wimbledon Aspirations. Impact: Mrs. Moody's determination sparked a long lineage of athletes who procrastinate their fitness tests, leading to the invention of the 'just one more Netflix episode' workout routine. Fitness industry? What fitness industry?. Fact: Spoiler alert: She never did test her fitness and instead opened a bakery, which became wildly successful. Who could resist those pastries?.
- Headline: Government's Gold Plan Approval in London. Impact: This governmental action laid the groundwork for future fiscal policies, eventually inspiring the phrase 'too big to fail'βwhich coincidentally became the motto of banking institutions everywhere, right before they did exactly that.. Fact: The only thing more sound than this gold plan was the sound of bankers laughing all the way to the vault..
- Headline: Czech Finds Ice-Age Musical Instrument; Pipe Held to Be Clue to Origin of the Art. Impact: The discovery of this ancient musical instrument sparked a revival of interest in prehistoric music, leading to a bizarre trend of caveman-themed music festivals where attendees don fur and dance to the sounds of 'authentic' Ice Age jams.. Fact: If only those ancient musicians knew that their pipe would one day inspire a kazoo-playing competitionβtalk about a downgrade!.
- Headline: General Had Pneumonia.; GEN. ARAKI RESIGNS WAR POST IN JAPAN. Impact: General Araki's resignation marked a significant turning point in Japanese military leadership, paving the way for future reforms in the military that would echo through World War II and beyond, illustrating how one man's illness can change the course of history.. Fact: Pneumonia: the silent killer that can take down generals and leave future historians scratching their heads over 'what ifs.'.
- Headline: PRINTS OF BEAUTIES SINCE 1525 SHOWN; Knoedler Galleries Present Portraits of Notable Women Up to 1832. CHANGES IN TASTE SEEN Applying Hollywood Yardstick, Many Reigning Belles Would Now Play 'Character' Bits.. Impact: This exhibition not only highlighted the evolution of beauty standards but also inadvertently set the stage for the rise of social media influencers who would one day redefine 'notability'βwith a filter, of course.. Fact: It turns out, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in 2023, itβs more about the Instagram likes..
- Headline: Bankers and Public Opinion.. Impact: Senator Couzens' criticism was the spark that ignited countless debates about banking ethics, leading to an era where bankers smile while we all frownβa legacy of irony that still resonates today.. Fact: Public opinion has shifted so much that now, the only time you hear a banker say 'trust me' is when you're with a friend who just lost a poker game..
- Headline: OUR SHIPPING SEEN IN STRONG POSITION; State Marine Academy Head Finds Lines Here Resisting Foreign Competition. SHARE OF TONNAGE LARGER Gains in Passenger Field Held More Pronounced -- Popularity of New Vessels Cited.. Impact: This statement led to a wave of national pride in American shipping, inspiring a generation of 'boat enthusiasts' who now think they can sail around the world just because they once watched a documentary on YouTube.. Fact: Spoiler: Most enthusiasts are more likely to get lost in their backyard pool than navigate the high seas..
- Headline: WOLF TRIUMPHS TWICE.; Gains Fourth Round in New Jersey Title Squash Play.. Impact: Wolf's victories in squash led to a national obsession with the sport, ultimately resulting in a bizarre 'Squash Olympics'βwhere the real winners are the ones who manage to avoid eye contact with the racket.. Fact: Squash: the only sport where you can yell 'out!' and still be talking about the ball..
Wall Street Time Machine
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1934, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)
IBM
IBM
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1934, it would be worth $205,272 today (205.3x return)