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 March 4, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: Henry Kerbaugh, Renowned Rail Contractor. Impact: Henry Kerbaugh's ambitious railway projects inadvertently led to the popularization of train-themed board games. Yes, Monopoly and Ticket to Ride trace their origins back to his construction plans.. Fact: Did you know that if railroads were built today, the trains would probably still be late? Thank you, modern technology..
- Headline: Dispute Over Newark Land Valuation. Impact: The overpriced land in Newark set a precedent for future real estate disasters, including overpriced avocado toast. Thanks, Kerbaugh for the high stakes!. Fact: Did you know that in Newark, the price of land is inversely proportional to the number of potholes? It's a scientific fact... sort of..
- Headline: Willie Turnesa Aims for Amateur Glory. Impact: Willie Turnesa's pursuit of the British Amateur Crown led to an unexpected rise in golf club memberships, causing a spike in plaid pants sales. Fashion history was forever altered.. Fact: Did you know that golf was once considered a game for the elite? Now, it's just a reason for middle-aged men to escape their responsibilities..
- Headline: URGES DEMOCRACY FIGHT; Father Curran Asks Catholics to Lead Way for Cause. Impact: Father Curran's call for democracy saw a ripple effect that eventually led to countless memes about democracy, proving that even the most serious topics can be turned into viral content.. Fact: Did you know that asking Catholics to lead the democracy fight is like asking cats to lead a dog show? Good luck with that!.
- Headline: SPECTOR RELEASED IN BAIL OF $17,500; Pleads Not Guilty to Charge of Conspiring With Manton to Obstruct Justice GRAND JURY IS DISCHARGED County Body Completes Work --Former Judge Resting in Hospital After Operation. Impact: Spector's bail saga inadvertently inspired future courtroom dramas and reality TV shows, leading to the modern obsession with legal dramas. Thank you, Spector, for 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'obstruction of justice' is often used in legal settings, but I prefer to think of it as 'creative problem-solving'..
- Headline: BARNARD DANCE IS HELD; First Such Party Given for the College's Freshman Class. Impact: The Barnard Dance became an annual tradition that eventually resulted in decades of awkward dance moves being passed down through generations. Thanks for the cringe, Barnard!. Fact: Did you know that the awkward shuffle has been scientifically proven to be the most universal dance move? You can thank freshman parties for that..
- Headline: Aunt of Duchess Arrives. Impact: The arrival of the Duchess's aunt sparked a series of royal gossip columns that still influence tabloids today. Who knew a family visit could lead to an avalanche of gossip?. Fact: Did you know that royal family members have more drama than a reality TV show? It's like 'The Crown', but with more tea and less historical accuracy..
- Headline: $8,802 Furniture Auctioned. Impact: The auction of furniture for $8,802 inadvertently inflated the value of all second-hand goods, leading to the rise of hipster thrift stores and overpriced vintage shops. Thanks a lot, auction!. Fact: Did you know that people now pay more for used furniture than for new? So much for the 'new car smell'..
- Headline: CAPT. W.F. M'KIERNAN; Head of Ozone Park Precinct Was on Force Since 1908. Impact: Captain McKiernan's long tenure became a benchmark for future police chiefs, leading to an entire generation of officers who think being on the force for over a decade is a badge of honor.. Fact: Did you know that being on the police force since 1908 means you've probably seen more changes than the average smartphone user? Talk about commitment!.
- Headline: Max Won't Form Belgian Cabinet. Impact: Max's refusal to form a cabinet sparked a series of political debates about leadership that ultimately resulted in many people wondering if they could do a better job. Spoiler alert: they can't.. Fact: Did you know that forming a government is like assembling IKEA furniture? Everyone has an opinion, but no one really knows what they're doing..
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1939, it would be worth $3,433,942 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1939, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1939, it would be worth $474,913 today (474.9x return)