Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON August 30, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: Farley Kisses the Blarney Stone. Impact: This innocent kiss triggered an unexpected surge in tourism to Ireland, leading to the modern-day phenomenon of people kissing stones for luck. Little did Farley know that his smooch would inspire an entire generation to pucker up for rocks, forever altering the landscape of romantic gestures.. Fact: Did you know that kissing the Blarney Stone supposedly grants you the 'gift of gab'? Clearly, Farley was in search of some serious charismaβand boy did he find it!.
- Headline: Reviving the Art of Carillon Music. Impact: This noble endeavor to revive the carillon art sparked an unexpected carillon renaissance, leading to a world where everyone thinks they can sing like a bell. Spoiler alert: they can't.. Fact: Fun fact: the word 'carillon' comes from the French word for 'bell'. So essentially, this guy was just dreaming about playing with big, noisy toys. How poetic..
- Headline: Catholic Leaders Celebrate Negro Bishops. Impact: The elevation of these bishops not only challenged the status quo of racial hierarchy within the Church but also sowed the seeds for future dialogues on inclusivity and representation in religious institutions. It was a turning point that would echo through the ages.. Fact: In a world where representation matters, this moment marked a critical step towards addressing systemic racismβbecause apparently, it took centuries for the Church to figure out that diversity is a good idea..
- Headline: Cat Left Estate Above $100. Impact: This feline's unexpected wealth introduced a new trend where people began leaving fortunes to their pets, leading to a peculiar rise in cat millionaires. Today, we have cats living in luxury while humans are still debating who gets the last slice of pizza.. Fact: You know your life has hit rock bottom when your pet inherits more money than you ever will. Thanks a lot, Whiskers!.
- Headline: GEORGE GROUPS TO MEET; La Guardia to Open Centenary of Economist Today. Impact: This meeting sparked a series of economic theories that would influence policymakers for decades. Ironically, it may have also led to the founding of more think tanks, where people sit around and think about thinking instead of doing anything useful.. Fact: Fun fact: La Guardia was known for his colorful personality, often referred to as 'the people's mayor.' But let's be honest, he probably just enjoyed the attention more than the actual policies..
- Headline: Road Crash Is Fatal to Three. Impact: This tragic event underscored the urgent need for road safety measures, ultimately leading to stricter traffic laws. The ripples of this sorrowful event would resonate throughout legislation, reminding us of the fragility of life.. Fact: Road safety remains a pressing issue, with countless lives lost each year. Every time you buckle up, remember that somewhere, someone might still be disregarding the rules..
- Headline: REPORTS INSURANCE GAIN; Provident Mutual Life Issues More Policies in Half. Impact: This boost in insurance policies led to an unusual boom in people's obsession with mortality. Suddenly, everyone was insuring everything from their lives to their beloved vintage action figures, spiraling into a culture of paranoia and over-protectiveness.. Fact: Did you know that in the insurance world, more policies mean more premiums? Itβs as if theyβre saying, 'weβd like to keep you alive, but if you donβt, weβre cashing in.'.
- Headline: KILLS HIS SISTER-IN-LAW; George Newkirk of New York Then Shoots Self at Cragsmoor. Impact: This horrifying incident highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and mental health issues, serving as a catalyst for future discussions on gun control and mental health awareness in America.. Fact: Behind every tragic event lies a deep-seated issue that often goes ignored. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and the need for compassionate support systems..
- Headline: BALDWIN FACES BAR MOVE; Amen Studies Action to Disbar Geoghan's Aide. Impact: The struggle for justice in this case led to a broader movement against unethical practices in law, ultimately influencing public trust (or lack thereof) in the legal system. Because who doesn't love a good courtroom drama?. Fact: In legal circles, the term 'disbar' sounds like a fancy way of saying 'youβre fired,' but with a lot more paperwork and drama involved. Who knew lawyers had their own version of high school cliques?.
- Headline: NOTABLES TO SEE AMERICA LAUNCHED; Government, Navy and Ship Men to Attend Ceremony in Virginia Tomorrow FIRST LADY TO BE SPONSOR Largest Liner Ever Built in U.S. Will Go Down Ways at Noon in Newport News. Impact: This grand launch not only marked a significant achievement in shipbuilding but also ignited maritime nationalism, leading to a wave of competitive shipbuilding that would shape naval technology for decades. Everyone wanted to outdo Americaβs biggest liner.. Fact: Launching a ship is essentially a huge party where you get to watch a giant boat slide into water. Itβs like a baby shower, but for vesselsβand no one has to deal with awkward gift-giving!.
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)