Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON February 21, 1940
Full News Archive
- Headline: Cole Brothers' Circus Fire Devastates Quarters. Impact: The tragic fire not only ended the circus but sparked a nationwide movement for animal rights, leading to the eventual emergence of vegan circus alternatives, where the only thing on display was the existential crisis of a tofu lion.. Fact: It's sad to think that this event led to so many changes in animal welfare laws, but let's face itβno one was really going to the circus for the animals; it was all about the cotton candy and the clowns..
- Headline: New Bankers Join C. & O. Board. Impact: The addition of these bankers to the board created a financial ripple effect that eventually led to a bizarre twist in history: a secret society of bankers known as the 'C. & O. Illuminati' emerged, claiming they could predict market crashes by reading tea leaves.. Fact: Did you know that bankers are basically like modern-day wizards? They just wave their wands (or pens) and suddenly you're in debt!.
- Headline: LOUISIANA STAGES A PUBLIC UPRISING; Vote for Jones Marks the End of Years of State Domination by the Long Machine TALE OF GRAFT AND PLOT Late Huey Long, Defeated Governor's Brother, Aspired to Extend Fields. Impact: This uprising not only dismantled decades of corrupt political machinery but also led to the birth of the phrase 'politics as usual,' which would haunt future generations and their voting habits.. Fact: Huey Long was such a controversial figure that he could probably convince you that the sky was green and you'd still vote for him. Talk about charisma!.
- Headline: In The Nation; Senator Donahey Puts a Move Up to Mr. Farley. Impact: This seemingly mundane political maneuver led to future generations of politicians perfecting the art of 'passing the buck,' which eventually became a competitive sport in Washington.. Fact: Politicians have a unique skill: they can turn a simple handshake into a complex web of 'I'll scratch your back if you ignore my latest scandal.'.
- Headline: SUSPECT IS SEIZED IN GEERY TRAGEDY; Identified in the Slugging of Logan and Associate, Who Committed Suicide. Impact: This tragic event led to a deeper societal reflection on mental health, resulting in the establishment of support groups that would later inspire a whole genre of sad country music.. Fact: It's a somber reminder that behind every tragedy, thereβs a story that could fill an entire season of a dark drama series..
- Headline: REALTY MEN URGE TAX REVIEW BOARD; Tell Legislators at Hearing That Assessments Are Far Out of Line With Values HOFFORD LEADS APPEAL Says Present Machinery Falls Short--L.B. Elliman Calls City System 'Browbeating'. Impact: This appeal set off a chain reaction of real estate debates that would eventually lead to reality television shows where people argue over property taxes instead of actually buying houses.. Fact: Did you know that real estate agents have a secret handshake that involves awkwardly discussing taxes? Itβs quite the initiation ritual..
- Headline: 'MERIT RATING' BILL SHARPLY DEBATED; Jobless Insurance Project Brings Divided Views. Impact: The heated debates over this bill eventually spawned a new genre of political memes, where politicians are portrayed as clueless cats trying to figure out how to use a computer.. Fact: Fun fact: 'merit' in politics often means 'how many backroom deals did you make to get here?'.
- Headline: Continues Smith Music Lectures. Impact: These music lectures eventually led to the creation of overly pretentious college courses that teach you how to appreciate music while drinking overpriced coffee.. Fact: Listening to music lectures is great for the soul, but letβs be real: most of us are just waiting for the professor to play 'Wonderwall.'.
- Headline: British Spinsters Object To Giving Age for Pension. Impact: This quirky objection from spinsters led to a baffling trend where age became a closely guarded secret, resulting in a black market for fake IDs that would outlast the trends of the 21st century.. Fact: Isn't it funny how some people will fight tooth and nail to keep their age a secret while others brag about being 'forever young'? Talk about a double standard!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1940, it would be worth $3,433,941 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1940, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1940, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)