FEBRUARY 19, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: Innovative Nozzle Enhances Firefighter Safety. Impact: This invention led to the creation of the 'Nozzle Olympics,' where firemen competed to extinguish flames with style. Unfortunately, no one ever won because they were too busy saving lives.. Fact: Did you know that firemen were once considered the original superheroes? They didn’t need no fancy gadgets—just a hose and a will to save the day!.
• Headline: Bonus Bill Advances Despite Presidential Warning. Impact: The passage of this Bonus Bill sparked a nationwide craze of 'bonus expectations.' Soon, every American was convinced they were entitled to a bonus, leading to the annual tradition of 'Expect-a-Bonus Day.'. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'Sorry, we can't give you a bonus' has been a staple in corporate America since the dawn of time. Or at least since this bill!.
• Headline: Proposed Brooklyn Library Project of 1931. Impact: The $7,120,000 library plan inspired a new wave of 'library tourism,' where people travel the world to visit the most extravagant libraries, leading to an unanticipated boom in the travel industry.. Fact: Did you know that in ancient times, libraries were just large caves filled with scrolls? Talk about a tough read!.
• Headline: FRENCH TAX RECEIPTS HIGH; Figure for Ten Months Exceeds Estimate by $35,300,000.. Impact: High tax receipts in France led to a sudden influx of new tax collectors, who quickly became the most disliked people in the country, leading to the invention of the phrase 'French tax collector' as an insult.. Fact: Did you know that taxes were once considered a sign of civilization? So if you're upset about paying them, just remember: you're part of the elite club!.
• Headline: Town to Be Razed for Mining.. Impact: The decision to raze the village of Asbestos for mining sparked a trend of naming towns after what people were mining there. This led to the curious existence of towns like Gold Digger, Coal Town, and the infamous Uranium Heights.. Fact: Ironically, the village's name, Asbestos, came from the very material that would later become a public health concern. Talk about a bad PR move!.
• Headline: Motorists Are Rescued Near Crawford Notch After Sixty-Mile Blizzard Buries Four Cars. Impact: The blizzard that trapped motorists near Crawford Notch eventually inspired a new reality show called 'Survivor: Blizzard Edition,' where participants faced off against the elements for cash prizes.. Fact: Did you know that blizzards are just nature's way of reminding us that we should have stayed indoors? Stay cozy, folks!.
• Headline: SHOALS CONFEREES REACH COMPROMISE; 10-YEAR FIGHT ENDS; Government Operation of Power Plant and Lease of Fertilizer Mills Is Now Provided. VICTORY FOR NORRIS SEEN Backed Provision That Mills Be Run by Federal Authorities if Lessee Was Not Found. REECE BALKS AT THE TERMS Administration Spokesman Declines to Sign the Agreement but May Reconsider. Concession by Senate Majority. SHOALS CONFEREES REACH COMPROMISE. Impact: The Shoals compromise resulted in a new era of government involvement in private industry, leading to the phrase 'compromise' being redefined as 'Let's just say yes to everything and hope for the best.'. Fact: Fun fact: The original plan was to have a bake sale to fund the project. Clearly, things escalated quickly!.