JULY 27, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: Smith Advocates for Wet Platform in 1931. Impact: Smith's insistence on a 'wet platform' inadvertently led to a spike in cocktail consumption across America, which then inspired the 1950s Tiki culture. Thanks, Smith, for making umbrella drinks a thing!. Fact: The term 'wet plank' sounds like a bad cocktail, but it actually refers to a pro-alcohol stance. So, if you ever find yourself at a party discussing state rights, just know you're not invited to my next soirée..
• Headline: New Jersey's 1931 Mosquito Battle. Impact: The Mosquito War in New Jersey led to the creation of a secret society dedicated to mosquito rights, which later evolved into a bizarre cult that believes mosquitoes are the true rulers of the animal kingdom. Beware of the buzzing overlords!. Fact: New Jersey's officials were more concerned with mosquitoes than with the Jersey Shore's nightlife. Priorities, right?.
• Headline: Wickersham Report Critiques U.S. Prisons. Impact: The Wickersham Report's critique of prisons set off a revolution in reform that, ironically, led to the rise of reality TV shows about prison life. Who knew that watching inmates would become a thing?. Fact: Prison systems have been failing longer than most of your favorite sitcoms have been on air. Maybe we should just start casting inmates for our next big Netflix hit!.
• Headline: STUDY SACANDAGA FOR FISH; Scientists to Investigate Possible Use of Reservoir for Breeding.. Impact: The study of fish breeding in Sacandaga Reservoir inadvertently led to the development of the first fish-themed reality show, 'The Real Housewives of Fish.' The drama was quite slippery!. Fact: Scientists have long debated whether fish can feel emotions. Spoiler alert: they can't, but they sure do know how to make a splash!.
• Headline: LINKS FAITH TO THE WILL.; Bishop Shayler Saya It Is of the Heart, Not of the Mind.. Impact: Bishop Shayler's connection of faith to the heart sparked a wave of overly sentimental greeting cards that ultimately confused people into thinking that Hallmark was a religion in itself.. Fact: If faith is of the heart, then my heart is definitely on coffee and pizza. Maybe there’s a religion for that?.
• Headline: Man Swept Over Horseshoe Falls.. Impact: The unfortunate incident at Horseshoe Falls led to the invention of the 'Cannonball Dive' competition—where competitors try to make the biggest splash without the risk of actually going over the falls. Safety first, folks!. Fact: Going over the falls is not a recommended activity unless you're looking for an extreme form of a wake-up call. Talk about falling into adventure!.
• Headline: BILES OUT OF RACE; HIPS MUD SLINGING; He Withdraws as a Candidate for Republican Nomination for Philadelphia Mayor. ROPER MAY TAKE HIS PLACE Vare's Political Fortunes Turn for the Better as He Casts Support to Moore. Look for New Candidate. 'Stings and Heartaches.'. Impact: Biles’ withdrawal from the race not only shifted political dynamics but also inspired a slew of 'No Mud-Slinging' campaigns across the nation, leading to a bizarre era of clean politics where candidates were more worried about their hair than their policies.. Fact: Withdrawing from a political race to avoid mudslinging is the 1920s version of ghosting. Just a little less dramatic, but still pretty messy!.
• Headline: TREXLER DEDICATES NEW QUEENS EDIFICE; Sees Striking Evidence of the Church's Vitality in Expansion in Time of Depression.. Impact: Trexler's dedication of the new edifice during a depression showed that even in tough times, people can still get excited about building things they might never use. This trend eventually led to the rise of overpriced coffee shops in the most depressing neighborhoods.. Fact: Churches expanding during a depression is like your friend who keeps buying shoes while struggling to pay rent. Priorities, people!.