JULY 11, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: England Triumphs Over Czechoslovakia in Davis Cup. Impact: England's victory over Czechoslovakia in tennis set off a chain reaction, leading to the awkward moment when every pub quiz master in the UK decided they were suddenly experts in both tennis and obscure Eastern European trivia.. Fact: Did you know that Czechoslovakia no longer exists? But hey, at least they still beat England in the 'Who Can Make a Better Beer' contest!.
• Headline: Weekly Tabloid for Newspaper Men Launched. Impact: The launch of the new weekly tabloid ignited the age of sensationalism, ultimately resulting in reality TV—because who doesn't want to see newspaper men gossiping about their lunch choices?. Fact: W.R. Hearst Jr. really thought he could give the Kardashians a run for their money. Spoiler alert: he didn't..
• Headline: Insull's Generosity Saves Chicago Opera. Impact: Insull's hefty donation not only saved the Chicago Opera but also inspired a whole generation of wealthy patrons to think they could buy cultural legitimacy with their checkbooks. And they were right!. Fact: Fun fact: This incident led to many opera singers developing a fondness for rich benefactors, which remains a common trope in operas today!.
• Headline: VREELAND RETAINS JUNIOR GOLF TITLE; Ridgewood Entry Victor Over His Club-Mate, Clark, 7 and 5. in New Jersey Final. IS 5 UP ON FIRST 7 HOLES Climaxes His Steady Round With a Birdie 3 on Tenth Green at Hackensack Club.. Impact: Vreeland's golf victory triggered a series of events that convinced teenagers everywhere that they could also be champions in sports, provided they had a trust fund and a private club membership.. Fact: Did you know that winning a golf title can be just as fulfilling as getting a participation trophy? Only difference is, one comes with a fancy trophy and the other with a pat on the back..
• Headline: WASHINGTON MAKES APOLOGY TO MEXICO; Regret at Sentencing of Consul in Chicago Is Voiced in Note by Castle. GOVERNOR SENDS REPORT Explanation Stresses Expunging of Record--Mexican Envoy Holds Incident Closed.. Impact: The U.S. apology to Mexico paved the way for future diplomatic relations, including an awkward moment at every subsequent international gathering where someone inevitably brings up the 'great consul incident.'. Fact: Did you know that apologies are often followed by awkward silences? This one was no exception, especially when the judge was still a hot topic!.
• Headline: BRITAIN FAVORED BY CUBA.; Duty on Whisky Is Reduced as a Reciprocal Measure.. Impact: Britain's favor in Cuba set off a series of negotiations that led to the world's greatest debate: 'Which country has the best rum?' Spoiler: it's still up for discussion.. Fact: Did you know that reducing duties on alcohol is the closest thing to a diplomatic hug? Cheers to international relations!.
• Headline: WINS CHORAL MUSIC PRIZE.; Adrian Vanderbiit's Setting Gets Chicago Contest Award.. Impact: Vanderbilt's win in the choral music prize not only secured his family's status in the arts but also inadvertently created a family rivalry that led to a series of dramatic opera battles—think 'The Godfather' meets 'American Idol.'. Fact: Did you know that the Vanderbilts were practically the Kardashians of their time? Only instead of selfies, they had symphonies..
• Headline: LAYS SLOW RECOVERY TO PUBLIC WORK DELAY; Senator Fletcher Blames Administration for Not Having Constriction Plans Ready.. Impact: Senator Fletcher's blame on the administration for public work delays inspired the timeless political tradition of pointing fingers, ensuring that no one ever really takes the blame for anything ever again.. Fact: Did you know that public works delays are like a fine wine? They get better with age, and everyone loves to complain about them!.