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 August 29, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: Governor Murphy's Sons Injured in Crash. Impact: This unfortunate accident sparked a nationwide trend in overprotective parenting that eventually led to the rise of bubble-wrapped children's playgrounds and the invention of the 'safety first' seatbelt for bicycles.. Fact: Did you know that in 2020, the average American parent was more paranoid about their kids' safety than the average medieval knight?.
- Headline: Arrest of Vienna's Socialist Leaders. Impact: The arrest of these socialists sent shockwaves through time, leading to an unexpected increase in underground coffee shop meetings and the eventual birth of hipster culture in the 21st century.. Fact: Did you know that the early socialists had a secret handshake that was just a complicated series of finger snaps? Because, you know, revolution needs rhythm..
- Headline: Pelley Financials Exposed in 1939 Audit. Impact: The shocking revelations about Pelley's finances inadvertently fueled the development of modern conspiracy theories, leading future generations to believe that every financial scandal is an elaborate scheme involving aliens and secret societies.. Fact: Did you know that G.B. Fisher was later found to have a collection of rubber stamps that read 'Not my problem' in 12 different languages?.
- Headline: O'LEARY APPOINTED TO STATE POSITION; APPOINTED BY LEHMAN. Impact: O'Leary's appointment was the catalyst for a long line of questionable political appointments, eventually leading to the current era of social media influencers running for office.. Fact: Did you know that O'Leary was actually a cat person? His first task was to appoint a state feline liaison, which surprisingly did not catch on..
- Headline: Brooklyn Library Fails In Plot to Rout Pigeons. Impact: This epic failure led to the rise of guerrilla pigeon control tactics, which unfortunately birthed a series of viral videos featuring people dressed as giant owls.. Fact: Did you know that the Brooklyn Library once tried to recruit cats for pigeon control? Turns out, cats are more interested in napping than bird watching..
- Headline: Notes of Social Activities in New York and Elsewhere. Impact: The constant stream of social notes eventually led to the invention of social media, where every mundane detail of life could be shared with the worldβbecause who doesn't want to know what your neighbor had for lunch?. Fact: Did you know that the first social note contained a detailed account of a cat's birthday party? It was attended by several confused dogs..
- Headline: Golf Field at Milburn Led by Mrs. Goldman and Pettigrew; VICTORS IN LONG ISLAND P.G.A. TOURNAMENT. Impact: This victory was the starting point for a long-standing tradition of people pretending to enjoy golf, leading to the invention of the phrase 'it's not about winning, it's about the snacks.'. Fact: Did you know that the original trophy for this tournament was a giant golf ball made of cheese? It was promptly eaten by the winning team..
- Headline: THE FAIR TODAY. Impact: The World's Fair set the stage for future events where people would gather to marvel at the 'future,' leading to the current obsession with tech expos and the endless parade of 'next big things' that usually flop.. Fact: Did you know that the first World's Fair featured a rollercoaster that was actually just a glorified slide? The thrill seekers were not impressed..
- Headline: PROPAGANDA AIMS IN CRISIS SCANNED; Dr. C.R. Miller at Williamstown Warns Americans Against Being Deluded RADIO'S WORK DEFENDED Dunham Tells of Broadcasts-- Proskauer and Mgr. O'Grady Debate Relief Policies Dunham Upholds Radio's Efforts Mgr. O'Grady Disputes View. Impact: This debate about propaganda laid the groundwork for the 24-hour news cycle, where misinformation is just as common as actual newsβit's like a buffet of confusion.. Fact: Did you know that Dr. Miller was later discovered to have written a self-help book titled 'How to Not Fall for Conspiracy Theories'? It's currently a bestseller among conspiracy theorists..
- Headline: THE D.S.M. FOR AN AMERICAN ADMIRAL. Impact: The presentation of the Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Yarnell inspired generations of naval officers to think that flashy medals equated to actual skill, paving the way for all those 'medal collectors' in every branch of service.. Fact: Did you know that Yarnell once tried to wear all his medals at once but ended up toppling over like a glorified Christmas tree?.
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)