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 May 30, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: J.M. May Takes Charge in Brooklyn Campaign. Impact: J.M. May stepping in for Paige created a ripple effect, leading to an unexpected Brooklyn renaissance in fundraising. Little did they know, this would inspire a future generation of street performers who would ultimately fund a time-traveling pizza delivery service.. Fact: In the world of fundraising, the replacement of one leader can lead to the rise of countless questionable donation drives, including 'Pancakes for Puppies.'.
- Headline: First Lady's Regal Gown Preview. Impact: The First Lady's gown preview was such a hit that it sparked a global trend of fashion reveals, culminating in the eventual creation of 'Reality Fashion Shows' where everyone pretends to care about haute couture.. Fact: Fashion shows have a long history of making people wear ridiculously impractical clothing. Just wait until you see the next season's 'Wearable Art' collection!.
- Headline: Reserve Balances Surge Amid Economic Shifts. Impact: The rise in reserve balances set off a chain reaction of bank confidence, leading to the 2008 financial crisis where everyone suddenly decided to take out loans for things like artisanal ice cream shops and cat cafes.. Fact: Banks love when their reserve balances rise. It’s like a financial version of eating your vegetables—nobody really wants to do it, but it’s good for you… sort of..
- Headline: Wills for Probate. Impact: The probate of A.E. Uihlein's will paved the way for future legal battles over inheritances, igniting a family feud that would inspire a Hollywood blockbuster titled 'Will Wars: The Family Feud Strikes Back.'. Fact: Probate court: where family secrets go to die and relatives come to argue over who gets Grandma's ceramic cat collection..
- Headline: VANDENBERG TELLS AIM IF CANDIDATE; ASKS 1-TERM VOW; Reply to Colleagues' Call to Him to Run for Presidency Urges Coalition in 1940 READY TO DARE NEW TASKS Senator 'Hopes to Proceed With Whatever Responsibilities' Lie Ahead of Him. Impact: Vandenberg's one-term vow inspired countless politicians to make similar promises, leading to a future where no one trusts a politician who says they'll only serve one term—except for that one guy who actually meant it and ended up a meme.. Fact: Politicians and their promises are like unicorns—everyone hopes they exist, but deep down, we know it’s all just smoke and mirrors..
- Headline: TOWNSEND PLAN VOTE SET; House Agrees to Act Thursday After 5-Hour Debate. Impact: The Townsend Plan vote was the spark that ignited numerous social security reform debates, ultimately leading to an avalanche of memes about retirees living their best lives—thanks to their 'free' government checks.. Fact: Debates about social security are like family gatherings: everyone has an opinion that no one wants to hear, and someone inevitably brings up politics..
- Headline: JEAN WHITTLESEY ENGAGED TO MARRY; Pittsfield, Mass., Girl Will Be Bride of William Birnie in Fall Ceremony MASTERS SCHOOL ALUMNA Great-Grandniece of Samuel J. Tilden, One-Time Governor of New York. Impact: Jean Whittlesey's engagement marked the beginning of a trend where every small-town announcement would somehow lead to a reality TV show about love, drama, and who forgot to send an invite.. Fact: Engagements are just a fancy way of saying, 'We’ve decided to annoy each other for the rest of our lives.'.
- Headline: New Lincoln Stamp Urged. Impact: The push for a new Lincoln stamp became a quirky obsession, eventually leading to a bizarre collection of stamps featuring historical figures dressed as popular cartoon characters—because who wouldn’t want a stamp of Lincoln as Batman?. Fact: Stamps are just tiny pieces of art that we stick to things to show we actually paid for them. It's like saying, 'Look, I support the postal service!'.
- Headline: JEWS SEE TRIUMPH OVER PERSECUTION; Power of Religion and Liberty Will Prevail Over Paganism and Bigotry, They Declare. Impact: The Jewish triumph over persecution declared in this event laid the groundwork for future interfaith dialogues and the ultimate creation of 'Unity Festivals' where everyone eats too much kugel and sesame chicken.. Fact: Celebrating triumph over persecution is like the ultimate group therapy session—only with more bagels and less actual therapy..
- Headline: BUCKNER TRIAL JUNE 12; Six Film Stars to Testify in Mail Fraud Case Here. Impact: The Buckner trial brought together film stars and legal drama, leading to an entire genre of courtroom movies where justice is always served with a side of popcorn and a dash of melodrama.. Fact: Court trials involving celebrities are like reality TV—everyone’s watching, but no one really knows what’s happening..
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)