NOVEMBER 8, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: Furniture Collections Maintain Stability. Impact: In a bizarre twist of fate, the success of furniture collections led to a worldwide obsession with home decor, sparking a reality television craze where people compete to have the most extravagant living rooms. You're welcome, America.. Fact: Did you know that the average person spends 5 years of their life deciding on furniture? That's right, 5 years! You could have learned another language in that time..
• Headline: Swiss Study on Civilian Gas Protection. Impact: The meticulous listing of poison gases inadvertently inspired a generation of overzealous party planners who took 'themed parties' to a whole new level. Thanks to this study, 'gas mask chic' briefly became a fashion trend.. Fact: Fun fact: the Swiss are known for their neutrality, yet they have an entire catalog of poison gases. It’s like having a fire extinguisher while insisting you’re a non-smoker..
• Headline: Tesla's Sea Power Plant Innovation. Impact: Tesla's ambitious sea power plant plans were so ahead of their time that they inspired a movement of eco-warriors in the 21st century who think that hugging trees will solve climate change. Spoiler: it won’t.. Fact: Did you know that Tesla once claimed to have invented a 'death ray'? No wonder people thought he was a mad scientist; he was trying to power the world and possibly conquer it at the same time!.
• Headline: MISS SANTA CLAUS" BUSY.; Westchester Recreation Official Fixing Toys for Needy Children.. Impact: The tireless efforts of Miss Santa Claus led to the creation of the modern nonprofit sector. Little did she know, her dedication would inspire a million 'do-gooders' to hold bake sales for everything from animal shelters to political campaigns.. Fact: Fun fact: Santa is rumored to have a workshop in the North Pole, but Miss Santa Claus just has a really cluttered garage in Westchester. Priorities!.
• Headline: 12,000 FACE MINE PAY CUT.; Nova Scotia Parley Halts as Coal Operators' Proposal Is Refused.. Impact: The refusal of a pay cut in Nova Scotia sparked a labor rights movement that would echo through time, ultimately inspiring future generations to believe that negotiating for fair wages was, in fact, a good idea. Shocking, I know.. Fact: Coal mining has been a source of both energy and controversy. It’s kind of like that friend who brings snacks to the party but always shows up late..
• Headline: Children of 1931 Go to School Two More Years Than in 1914. Impact: This increase in schooling led to a dramatic rise in educated adults who promptly forgot everything they learned in math class, proving that the education system really just prepares you for trivia night.. Fact: Did you know that by 1931, kids were essentially learning the same things we still struggle with today? Math, history, and the existential dread of adulthood..
• Headline: MAYOR WALKER IS HOST.; Gives a Luncheon for Joan Bennett at Central Park Casino.. Impact: This extravagant luncheon set a precedent for future politicians to host lavish events that would lead to a culture of schmoozing and backdoor deals, leaving us with the current state of affairs that we all know and love.. Fact: Luncheons used to be a big deal, but now the only time we gather for lunch is to complain about our jobs and scroll through social media. Progress?.
• Headline: OF LINE AND SUBSTANCE; Sculptors' Drawings in Brooklyn Museum Show--Matisse Sculpture and Drawings. Impact: This exhibition sparked a renaissance of modern art appreciation, leading to a world where hipsters can now charge you $5 for a cup of artisanal coffee while debating the merits of abstract versus realism.. Fact: Did you know that Matisse was once told that his work looked like it was painted by a child? He reportedly replied, 'Thank you, I was aiming for that!'.
• Headline: HOOVER PLANS AID FOR HOME BUILDERS; Conference of Bankers, Builders and Architects to Be Held in Washington Dec. 2.. Impact: Hoover's plan inadvertently laid the groundwork for the American dream of homeownership, which later became a nightmare for many when they realized they also had to mow lawns and pay taxes.. Fact: The only thing more complicated than home building is understanding the housing market. Good luck with that!.
• Headline: GAY FRENCH GAMBLING RESORTS ARE FALLING UPON EVIL TIMES; Taxed Heavily by State and Commune, With Patrons Risking Only Petty Sums, the Big Casinos May Have to Close Poor Business and High Taxes. Other Days, Other Customs. The Profits of Gambling. The Lure of Gambling. A Typical French Casino.. Impact: The decline of these gambling resorts led to the rise of online gambling, where people could lose their money from the comfort of their own homes. Truly, the French revolutionized laziness.. Fact: Did you know that gambling has been around since ancient civilizations? It's one of the few things that hasn't changed—except now, you can lose your money while wearing pajamas..