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 August 21, 1936
Full News Archive
- Headline: Understanding Rabies in 1936. Impact: The widespread concerns about rabies led to a global surge in the popularity of pet vaccinations. Ironically, this made pets more pampered and less prepared to fend for themselves, resulting in the first ever 'doggy spa' opening in 1952. You’re welcome, America.. Fact: Did you know that rabies has a 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear? So, uh, maybe get your pets vaccinated?.
- Headline: Rex the Dog's Great Escape. Impact: Rex's repeated escapes inspired a new genre of 'pet adventure films' in the 1990s, leading to a whole wave of movies where dogs outsmart their owners. Spoiler alert: They always win.. Fact: Did you know that dogs can sense human emotions? Rex obviously sensed he was missing out on the excitement of being lost..
- Headline: Bobby McLean Injured in Car Accident. Impact: McLean's crash incident prompted a reevaluation of Cleveland's road safety measures, which led to the introduction of the world's first 'Don't Text and Drive' campaign. Ironically, it was still ignored by the majority.. Fact: Did you know that car accidents are one of the leading causes of death worldwide? But hey, who needs a seatbelt when you can blast your favorite tunes instead?.
- Headline: THE PLAY; The Mikado'. Impact: The production of 'The Mikado' sparked a revival of interest in Gilbert and Sullivan operas, leading to a short-lived cultural phenomenon where every college tried to outdo each other with absurdly modern adaptations. Spoiler: They all failed.. Fact: Did you know that 'The Mikado' was so controversial it was banned in Japan? Guess they didn’t appreciate the musical stylings of British humor..
- Headline: 14 'INVITED' TO COURT; Motorists Receive Warning In Lawrence Court Experiment.. Impact: The court experiment of inviting motorists instead of summoning them led to a generation of people thinking that they could just RSVP their way out of responsibilities. The legal system has never been the same.. Fact: Did you know that in some cultures, ignoring a summons is considered an art form? Just kidding, that’s illegal everywhere..
- Headline: MAHONEY ATTACKS OLYMPIC OFFICIALS; U.S. Team 'Inefficiently Led by Individuals Seeking Own Aggrandizement,' He Says.. Impact: Mahoney's rant about Olympic officials inspired a series of reality TV shows focusing on the behind-the-scenes drama of sports teams, which ultimately led to the rise of influencers posing with medals they didn't earn. Thanks, Mahoney!. Fact: Did you know that Olympic athletes have to train for years for just a few minutes of competition? Meanwhile, influencers train for years by just... existing..
- Headline: Franck -- Conover. Impact: Franck and Conover's marriage set off a bizarre chain reaction of 'couples who met in college' stories and wedding-themed reality shows that have plagued TV ever since. Thank you for that, Franck.. Fact: Did you know that nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce? So, maybe consider a long engagement instead?.
- Headline: FLANAGAN BEATS MEDICA; Wins in Meet at Bielitz, Germany -- Fick Home in Front.. Impact: Flanagan's victory at the meet in Bielitz brought attention to the U.S. team, leading to sponsorship deals that ultimately funded a series of bizarre Olympic sports, including 'extreme ironing.'. Fact: Did you know that extreme ironing is a real sport? Because why wouldn’t you want to iron your clothes while hanging off a cliff?.
- Headline: MISS B. M. WHEL BECOIE5 ENGh; Grantwood, N. J., Girl, Student at Trinity College, Will Be Wed to Lieut. J. E. Watters, 14E iS ON WAY TO HAWAII Fiance Alumnus of West Point and Signal Corps School at Fort Monmouth.. Impact: Whelan's engagement became a social media sensation decades later, leading to the rise of hashtag #EngagedGoals where everyone pretends their love life is as perfect as a staged Instagram post. Thanks for the pressure, Whelan.. Fact: Did you know that the average engagement lasts 14 months? Just enough time for the couple to realize they actually can’t stand each other..
Wall Street Time Machine
IBM
IBM
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1936, it would be worth $205,272 today (205.3x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1936, it would be worth $3,433,942 today (3433.9x return)