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 December 3, 1936
Full News Archive
- Headline: Belgium Army Bill Passed in 1936. Impact: The Army Bill goes on to inspire a series of questionable military decisions throughout Europe, leading to an unplanned 'military fashion week' where generals show off their uniforms instead of actual military strategies.. Fact: Belgium's military decisions often seem more focused on waffles than warfare. Maybe they just needed a bigger army to protect their syrup supply..
- Headline: Gold Output Record Influences Economy. Impact: This record-setting gold output leads to a global gold rush, resulting in a series of disastrous reality TV shows about treasure hunting that ultimately bankrupt several small towns.. Fact: Gold was once so valuable that people actually thought it could solve their problems. Spoiler alert: it can't pay your rent..
- Headline: Walsh Defends St. Lawrence Seaway Plans. Impact: This decision inadvertently inspires a new trend in port fashion, with longshoremen donning life jackets as the latest runway look, proving once again that fashion and functionality rarely mix.. Fact: When it comes to ports, 'unduly alarmed' is just code for 'we might need to call in the Coast Guard.'.
- Headline: HOOVER SEES PERIL OF SLUMP LIKE '29; Warns Engineers Cut in Prices Must Come Before Rise in Wages and Profits. FEARS GREATER IDLENESS ' Statesmanship' in Industry Is Need, He Says at Societies' Tribute to Swasey. HOOVER SEES PERIL OF SLUMP LIKE '29. Impact: Hoover's warnings lead to a nationwide obsession with frugality, resulting in the rise of the 'no-spending' challenge that ultimately fails when people realize they still have to eat.. Fact: Herbert Hoover was known for his economic wisdom, which is mostly remembered today as a textbook example of what not to do..
- Headline: PUERTO RICAN BISHOP ASSAILS LIBERTY PLEA; Byrne Says Priests Had No Right to Appeal to Roosevelt as Representatives of Church.. Impact: This conflict spurs a never-ending debate about church and state that continues to generate headlines, leading to a sitcom where priests and politicians hilariously misinterpret each other's intentions.. Fact: In the battle of church versus state, the stakes are high, but the comedy potential is even higher..
- Headline: Madrid Toll Put in Hundreds; MADRID RAID TOLL PUT IN HUNDREDS. Impact: This tragic event leads to the establishment of a new international organization dedicated to protecting cities from being raided, which ironically ends up raiding the budget for better security measures.. Fact: When cities need protection, they often call in the experts... or just put up more 'Beware of Dog' signs..
- Headline: Roosevelt's Speech at Buenos Aires. Impact: FDR's speech becomes the catalyst for a tourism boom in Buenos Aires, where people flock to hear speeches and eat empanadas, proving that a good line can sell anything.. Fact: FDRβs speeches are so impactful that they could probably convince the sun to rise in the west, but they still canβt fix your Wi-Fi..
- Headline: BLEAKLEY PLEADS FOR PARTY REFORM; New and Militant Chairman Is Needed, He Tells 2,000 County Committeemen. HE DOES NOT WANT POST Just a 'Worker in the Ranks,' He Asserts -- Demands More Liberal Attitude.. Impact: Bleakley's plea leads to a bizarre political movement where everyone starts wearing militant-themed outfits to meetings, transforming party reform into a fashion show gone wrong.. Fact: When it comes to political parties, reform often means swapping out the old guard for new faces that still can't agree on pizza toppings..
- Headline: J.G. Harlan Quits Treasury Post. Impact: Harlanβs resignation causes a ripple effect that leads to a series of poorly thought-out financial decisions, ultimately resulting in a national day of mourning for lost pennies.. Fact: Quitting a Treasury post is like breaking up with money β itβs messy, and there are always lingering feelings of regret..
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)