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 September 23, 1938
Full News Archive
- Headline: New Czech Cabinet Formed Amidst Crisis. Impact: This cabinet formation led to a chain reaction where every Czech citizen suddenly started wearing berets, convinced they were now part of a revolutionary movement. Spoiler alert: they were not.. Fact: Czechoslovakia once had a president who was a professional pilot. As if navigating politics wasn't hard enough, they decided to add flying to their resume!.
- Headline: Seattle Unions Unite Against Strike Bill. Impact: The fear of a strike bill united unions in Seattle, inadvertently leading to the rise of baristas who now hold more sway than elected officials. Coffee really does run the world, folks.. Fact: Seattle's unofficial slogan is 'We put a little love in our lattes.' Because who needs political stability when you've got heart-shaped foam?.
- Headline: FIGHT ON CAREY OPPOSED; Secretary of Broadway Group Praises Sanitation Work. Impact: The fight on Carey unexpectedly led to a Broadway revival about sanitation workers saving the city, which ironically became the most successful show of the decade. Who knew cleaning up could be so glamorous?. Fact: Broadway once had a show about a talking cat. Spoiler: it was not well-received. Cleaning up after that must've been a nightmare!.
- Headline: TAMMANY LEADER REJECTED BY LABOR; Trades Council Here Refuses to Indorse Representative Sullivan for Re-Election. Impact: Sullivan's rejection led to a rise in independent labor leaders who now host weekly karaoke nights, where they sing about their grievances. Labor meetings have never been so entertaining.. Fact: Did you know the term 'labor unions' originates from the Latin word 'unio' meaning 'oneness'? It also means 'a great excuse for a karaoke night!'.
- Headline: BUYS TOBACCO FOR FRANCO; Juan March's Nephew Effects 12,000-Bale Puerto Rican Deal. Impact: The tobacco purchase for Franco eventually resulted in a secret underground network of cigar aficionados who believed they were part of a revolutionary plot, all while just enjoying a good smoke.. Fact: Cigars were once considered a status symbol in the 19th century. Because nothing says 'I'm important' like puffing on a rolled-up leaf..
- Headline: NEW BUSINESS ERA PICTURED BY ROPER; Self-Control Will Be Based on Social Responsibility, Management Congress Is Told UNFAIR MINORITIES' HIT Speakers at Session Stress Production and Initiative for Better Living Standard Deterrents to Initiative Time Payment Imposing Debt Function of Advertising Responsibility of Business Self-Regulation by "Conscience". Impact: The management congress sparked a movement that led to businesses adopting a 'social responsibility' policy, which was later interpreted as 'responsibly ignoring social issues while selling overpriced coffee.'. Fact: In the 1970s, a management guru once suggested that businesses should be run like a game of Monopoly. So essentially, the more you cheat, the more you succeed!.
- Headline: UNREST REPORTED IN FRANCO'S FORCES; Captured Spanish Rebels Are Quoted as Predicting Early Change in Command. Impact: The unrest in Franco's forces led to a bizarre spike in rebel-themed fashion, with people across Europe sporting fatigues as if they were in a never-ending war-themed runway show.. Fact: Franco was known for his strict regime, but did you know he once banned the use of the color red? Probably because it reminded him too much of stop signs and he just couldn't handle it..
- Headline: MAY CONTEST DODGE WILL; Widow of Heir to Auto Fortune Considers Suit, Says Lawyer. Impact: The widow's contest of the will inspired a slew of reality TV shows about rich heirs squabbling over fortunes, eventually leading to a global obsession with watching people argue about money.. Fact: Did you know that the longest court case in history lasted over 3 years? Thatβs like binge-watching a really boring series on repeat!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1938, it would be worth $3,433,940 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1938, it would be worth $586,656 today (586.7x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1938, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)