Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON March 29, 1931
Full News Archive
- Headline: Harlem Rally of 500 Communists, 1931. Impact: This event set off a chain reaction that led to Harlem becoming the epicenter of radical thought in America, causing future generations to debate whether a good parade could indeed change the worldβspoiler alert: it didnβt, but it sure was entertaining.. Fact: In case you were wondering, the police presence was likely more about keeping the peace than supporting the 'Reds'βbut hey, nothing screams democracy like a little intimidation!.
- Headline: Hoover Addresses Red Cross on Relief Efforts. Impact: Hoover's speech here would eventually lead to the phrase 'Hooverville' being synonymous with economic despair, proving that sometimes, even the best intentions can backfire spectacularly.. Fact: Did you know that Hoover was actually an engineer before he became president? Apparently, he couldn't engineer a solution to the Great Depression either!.
- Headline: China's Move Against Foreign Warships. Impact: The buoy expropriation was a slippery slope that eventually led to international shipping regulations, which we now blame for higher shipping costs. Thanks, China!. Fact: You know, nothing says 'we're in control' like expropriating buoys. Itβs like the nautical equivalent of claiming a parking spotβgood luck with that!.
- Headline: Vatican to Use Its New Radio To Send "Aerial Newspaper". Impact: This radio innovation marked the Vatican's entry into media, leading to the Church eventually mastering the art of modern communicationβwho knew divine intervention involved a lot of radio waves?. Fact: The Vatican has since evolved to embrace all forms of media, so if you think theyβre out of touch, just wait until you see their TikTokβcoming soon!.
- Headline: LAUDS RESTRICTION ON OUTPUT OF TIN; President of Patino Mines, in Annual Report, Says Pact Will Aid the Industry.. Impact: Tin production restrictions would later be cited in economic textbooks as an example of how to drive up prices by simply limiting supply. Thanks for the lesson in basic economics!. Fact: If you ever wondered why your favorite tin can cost so much, just remember: itβs not just inflation; itβs the legacy of a few mining executives trying to sound important!.
- Headline: THE PROS AND THE CONS; Alfred H. Barr Jr., the Museum of Modern Art's Director, Replies to Robert Macbeth ART OF THE KATZENJAMMER.. Impact: This art spat contributed to the long-standing debate on modern art, making people question if they were looking at a masterpiece or just an overripe banana on canvas.. Fact: They say art is subjective, but who knew that a simple disagreement could lead to decades of pretentious gallery talk? Bravo, gentlemen!.
- Headline: CHICAGO'S NO-JURY SHOW; This Is the Biggest Since 1926 and Artistically the Most Sound--Nudes Predominate. Impact: The no-jury concept launched a thousand debates about the value of art, causing future generations to wonder if they could make a living just painting nudes and calling it βexpressionββthank you, Chicago.. Fact: If only the nudes could vote, maybe theyβd finally get the recognition they deserve. But alas, they just hang around waiting for someone to appreciate their 'artistic merits.'.
- Headline: COSTLY FUNERALS OF OLD CHINA. Impact: The extravagant funerals in ancient China set a precedent for how we honor the dead, showing that even in death, one can make a statementβgood luck competing with that!. Fact: Historically, some of those funerals were so lavish that they could fund a small empireβtalk about going out with a bang!.
- Headline: CORPORATION REPORTS. Impact: These reports have since become the backbone of corporate transparencyβor perhaps a convoluted way for companies to flex their financial muscles while confusing the average investor.. Fact: Corporate reports are the adult version of a report card, only instead of grades, they serve up jargon that makes you feel smart for pretending to understand it. Yay, capitalism!.
- Headline: The Story Of Art. Impact: This narrative shaped the discourse on art history, influencing how generations perceive creativity, and ensuring that even the most bizarre art movements would find some poor soul to defend them.. Fact: Art history books are like the ultimate clickbait: you know you shouldnβt judge a book by its cover, but who can resist flipping through the pages of something that promises to be this scandalous?.
Wall Street Time Machine
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1931, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1931, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1931, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)