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 23, 1936
Full News Archive
- Headline: Knoxville Labor Unions Stand Up. Impact: The Knoxville unions protesting led to a chain reaction where workers across the country realized they could actually have a voice. This eventually inspired a new generation of labor activists, which later resulted in a massive increase in coffee consumption during meetingsβbecause whatβs more important than caffeine when discussing your rights?. Fact: Labor unions have been fighting for workers' rights since before it was cool, which is basically the 1800s. So really, kudos to them for keeping it going!.
- Headline: Britain's Naval Innovations and Japan's Diplomacy. Impact: Britain's new naval class and the proposed pact with Japan sparked a naval arms race. This indirectly caused a spike in pop culture references to pirates, which led to the creation of countless movies where Johnny Depp is the most famous pirate... a far cry from reality.. Fact: Fun fact: Naval pacts are just like those awkward agreements you make with your neighbors about lawn careβonly way more complicated and with fewer barbecues..
- Headline: Edwards-Wallace Marriage Ceremony. Impact: The marriage of Edwards to Wallace was the catalyst for a series of love stories in small towns across America. In an alternate timeline, this union sparked a reality show that eventually led to the invention of online datingβthank you, Edwards and Wallace for the Tinder generation!. Fact: Weddings have been the leading cause of awkward family gatherings since, well, forever. And they all have one thing in common: someone gets too tipsy..
- Headline: ROOSEVELT DRAFTS A NEW ALIGNMENT OF FEDERAL BOARDS; Independent and Quasi-Judicial Agencies Will Be Fitted Into the Departments. AIM TO BE BUSINESS-LIKE Economy Ceases to Be Primary Purpose in Drive to Foster Executive Efficiency. ROOSEVELT DRAFTS SHIFTS IN BOARDS. Impact: Rooseveltβs alignment of federal boards led to a more structured government, but it also resulted in a secret society of bureaucrats known as the 'Efficiency Ninjas,' who met in basements to optimize paperwork. Spoiler alert: they still havenβt found a way to make it fun.. Fact: When efficiency becomes the goal, itβs amazing how many paperclips get counted as productivity. The real winners? Office supply companies..
- Headline: SIX HELD IN FRAUD ON WPA; Accused of Conspiring to Present False Bills for Lumber.. Impact: The fraud on the WPA was a small crack in a larger system, leading to increased scrutiny of government contracts. Little did they know, this would eventually lead to the rise of conspiracy theorists who suspect that every government project is just a cover-up for a secret alien base.. Fact: Fraud in government programs: it's like reality TV for accountants! Everyone loves a good scandal, especially when it involves mismanaged funds..
- Headline: NEW 'DEADLINE' SET TO END GEM THEFTS; Valentine Orders All Known Crooks Barred From Night Clubs, to Protect Women. HE SUSPECTS TWO 'MOBS' Police Suspend License of Taxi Driver as Inquiry Into the Mathis Hold-Up Goes On. NEW 'DEADLINE' SET TO END GEM THEFTS. Impact: The crackdown on gem thefts inadvertently created a black market for gem-encrusted accessories, leading to a long-standing trend of gaudy jewelry that would make even a peacock blush. Thanks, Valentine!. Fact: Whenever you hear about gems being stolen, just remember: they always come with a story, usually involving a very angry mobster and a very poor getaway plan..
- Headline: Sherr -- Gluckman. Impact: The engagement of Sherr and Gluckman was a spark that ignited a series of matchmaking events. Little did they know, their love story would lead to the creation of a dating app based solely on mutual friendsβbecause nothing says romance like being set up by your bestie.. Fact: Engagements are just like a game of Monopoly: someone always ends up feeling cheated, and at least one person will end up in jail (figuratively, of course)..
- Headline: Brother's Slayer Jailed. Impact: The slaying of the brother and the subsequent sentencing created a ripple effect of crime dramas in the media, which unintentionally led to a generation of armchair detectives who can solve a mystery faster than the policeβat least in their minds.. Fact: True crime stories have been captivating audiences for centuries. Theyβre like reality shows, but with a lot less drama and a lot more courtroom sketches..
- Headline: KNUDSEN HAS TALK WITH UNION LEADER; Motors Executive and Martin Confer for Several Hours on Labor Complaints. FORD MAY MAKE BRAKES Acts to Regain Machinery Now Held by Strike-Closed Plant -- Mayor's Mediation Fails.. Impact: The talk between Knudsen and the union leader did absolutely nothing to resolve the labor complaints, resulting in countless memes about corporate executives who just can't seem to get it right. The legacy? A never-ending cycle of labor disputes and bad puns.. Fact: Mediation in labor disputes is like trying to fix a leaky faucet with duct tape: it might work temporarily, but eventually, youβll need a professionalβ¦ or just a bigger roll of duct tape..
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)