Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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The biggest hits of the year β Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON December 16, 1939
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring Corporate Reports of 1939. Impact: Had this corporate report been written in a more legible font, it could have sparked a revolution in corporate transparency. Instead, we got a slew of unreadable documents that no one wants to touch, thus allowing shady dealings to flourish in the shadows.. Fact: Did you know that corporate reports are often more complex than a crossword puzzle? But hey, at least they donβt ask you to find a hidden word!.
- Headline: NLRB Boycott Controversy in 1939. Impact: E.S. Smith's clash with the House group over a boycott was so intense that it inspired future NLRB members to become professional conflict avoiders. The butterfly effect? A world where corporate meetings are dominated by 'letβs all just get along' vibes.. Fact: Did you know that boycotts are often just like group projects in school? One person does all the work while everyone else just argues about how to do it!.
- Headline: Charles H. Van Wie's Dedicated Marches. Impact: Charles H. Van Wieβs marches dedicated to Roosevelt and Lehman may have accidentally influenced the future of political campaign musicβleading to overly dramatic tunes that make even the most mundane speeches sound like epic battles.. Fact: Did you know that composing music for politicians is like creating the soundtrack for a reality show? It's all about the drama!.
- Headline: BOOKS OF THE TIMES; Painters of a Crowded Decade We Have It, but Is It Art? Upholding the Right to Disagree The Sources of American Painting. Impact: The debates about whether something is art or not have persisted through time, leading to modern-day influencers who sell their 'artistic' selfies for thousands. Thanks to this discussion, nearly anything can be claimed as artβjust ask your local barista!. Fact: Did you know that 'Is it art?' is basically the hipster's version of 'Do you even lift, bro?'.
- Headline: DANIEL W. ROBERTSON; Showman, 81, Said to Have Given First Movie in Brooklyn. Impact: Daniel W. Robertson's first movie in Brooklyn laid the groundwork for the cinematic explosion that followed, leading to the creation of an entire industry obsessed with reboots and sequels. Thanks, Daniel, for kickstarting our endless cycle of remakes!. Fact: Did you know that in the future, people will still argue over the best version of a movie? Spoiler: itβs usually the first one..
- Headline: AIRPORT'S INCOME IS PUT AT $873,833; La Guardia Gives Estimate for Next Year to Committee From City Council Asks Secrecy on Details Dubious on Fair Funds. Impact: La Guardia's estimate of airport income was so underwhelming that it set a precedent for future estimates. This led to a series of 'if we just keep our expectations low, we can only be pleasantly surprised' mentalities that still haunt budget meetings today.. Fact: Did you know that asking for secrecy on financial details is just code for 'We have no idea what weβre doing'?.
- Headline: $17,000 IN LIQUOR STOLEN; Hijackers Bind Truck Driver and Take 502 of 698 Cases. Impact: The hijacking of $17,000 in liquor turned into a cautionary tale for the transportation industry, leading to far more secure delivery methods. Who knew that liquor heists could inspire better truck locks?. Fact: Did you know that liquor thieves have more elaborate plans than most heist movies? They really should get their own reality show!.
- Headline: CURB SEES STEEL FILM; Speaker Tells of Link to the Chemical Industry. Impact: The steel film showcased at the NYC Curb Exchange probably inspired dozens of engineers to dream about linking industries, resulting in the modern age of cross-industry innovation. Who knew steel could be so influential?. Fact: Did you know that linking industries is just a fancy way of saying 'Hey, letβs collaborate so we can both get rich!'?.
- Headline: JULIETTE HOWELL BECOMES A BRIDE; HAS CHURCH BRIDAL. Impact: Juliette Howell's wedding may have sparked a wave of elaborate church weddings, leading to countless Pinterest boards dedicated to 'the perfect day.' Her special moment turned into a pressure cooker for future brides everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that the average wedding now costs more than a small car? Talk about priorities!.
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)