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 July 8, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: Hartnett's Job Secured Despite Cubs' Struggles. Impact: If Hartnett had been fired, the Cubs might have turned into an unstoppable force in baseball, leading to an alternate timeline where they have won 100 World Series titles and are worshipped as deities. The downfall of the team? Yeah, it's all on him.. Fact: The Cubs' legendary 'curse' might have ended sooner if they just listened to the owner's words instead of their own track record. But hey, who doesnβt love a good tragedy in sports?.
- Headline: 1943 National Headliners Club Awards. Impact: These awards could have spurred America's obsession with recognition, leading to a future where participation trophies are mandatory. Everyone gets a plaque, even your cat.. Fact: In a shocking twist, the actual winners were determined by how many times they could mention 'breaking news' in a single sentence. Spoiler: It was a lot..
- Headline: German Circus Clowns Arrested as Spies. Impact: This event potentially paved the way for the modern spy thriller genre, where clowns arenβt just funnyβthey're double agents. Can you imagine a world where Bozo is a covert operative?. Fact: Who knew that behind the painted smiles of clowns lurked the secrets of espionage? Next time you see a clown, ask them if they're secretly working for the CIA..
- Headline: ASK LEHMAN TO BAR TEACHERS' PAY CUTS; High School Instructors Also Urge Legislators to Kill Economy Proposal. Impact: Had teachers been able to keep their salaries intact, we might have seen a golden age of education, leading to a society populated by geniuses instead of TikTok influencers. But alas, here we are.. Fact: Teachers have been fighting against pay cuts since the dawn of time, or at least since the invention of chalkboards. They should really get hazard pay for dealing with teenagers..
- Headline: Boy at Play Falls 3 Stories. Impact: This incident could have ignited a nationwide debate on playground safety, resulting in completely padded neighborhoods and kids never leaving their bubble-wrapped homes.. Fact: Kids falling from great heights has always been a classic tale, but thankfully, they usually turn out okay. Just remember, gravity is not a friend..
- Headline: Bee Sting Kills F.A. Hazelbaker. Impact: This tragic event might have inspired a worldwide 'Save the Bees' movement decades earlier, possibly preventing the current bee crisis. Itβs a shame it took a life for us to wake up.. Fact: Bees are responsible for pollinating one-third of the food we eat. So, remember, if you see one buzzing around, it's likely not out to get you. Unless you're F.A. Hazelbaker..
- Headline: First Passenger Flight Today On Northern Route to England; Regular 24 -Hour Service to Be Opened-- Number Aboard Limited to 22--Man Is Rushing to Son, Ill in Italy. Impact: This was the dawn of commercial aviation, which eventually led to people cramming into tiny seats and fighting over armrests. Truly, progress at its finest.. Fact: Imagine being on a flight with only 22 peopleβwhat a luxury! Now, good luck finding space for your carry-on with 200 of your closest friends..
- Headline: BEES BEAT PHILS ON WEST'S' TRIPLE; Blow Off Butcher in Sixth After Beck Is Banished Brings 7-3 Triumph. Impact: This game could have shifted the balance of power in baseball, resulting in the Bees becoming a dynasty and the Phillies just... well, being the Phillies.. Fact: The Bees' victory was so unexpected that it momentarily confused sports fans into thinking they were actually watching a bee-themed circus act..
- Headline: $1,800 PAYROLL SEIZED BY 2 MASKED THUGS; Dozen Persons Witness Hold-Up of Builders in Astoria. Impact: This robbery might have led to the rise of security systems, which in turn birthed a whole new genre of crime dramas featuring overly dramatic heists.. Fact: It's not every day you hear about a payroll heist; most people just get excited about the paycheck itself. But hey, the robbers had their priorities straight!.
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)