JUNE 18, 1934

Full News Archive

• Headline: Sigma Phi Centennial Celebration Concludes. Impact: The Sigma Phi 100th anniversary led to the birth of the secret society genre, influencing everything from college hazing rituals to the production of 'Animal House'. Who knew a few guys in togas could cause such chaos?. Fact: Did you know that the founders of Sigma Phi didn't actually expect to create a fraternity? They just wanted a place to complain about their professors..
• Headline: Gold Nugget Discovered in Bolivia. Impact: The $4,000 nugget ignited a gold rush that led to a series of unfortunate events, including the creation of reality TV shows about treasure hunting. Thanks a lot, Bolivian River.. Fact: Fun fact: That nugget could have bought you a small house back then. Now, it might just get you a decent parking spot in a big city..
• Headline: Mrs. Roosevelt's Project Stalled in Congress. Impact: Mrs. Roosevelt's project was doomed, but it inadvertently set the stage for future First Ladies to take on more prominent roles in politics, like the ultimate 'hold my purse' moment in history.. Fact: Isn't it ironic that a jam in Congress prevented a project? You'd think those folks would know how to clear a logjam by now..
• Headline: COURT CENTRE PLAN PRESSED BY LEVY; He Sends Estimate Board the Architects' Drawings for Proposed Skyscraper. JAIL ON 9 OF 24 FLOORS Borough President Points Out Present Buildings in Tombs Group Are Obsolete.. Impact: This skyscraper plan became a symbol of the era's obsession with height, leading to a competition that would ultimately end with a building that no one could afford to live in. Thanks, Levy!. Fact: Did you know that the tallest buildings in the world often serve as a metaphor for how little we actually care about social issues? Just look at those skyscrapers!.
• Headline: !WELLINGTON DEAD; TH DUKE OF LINE; Descendant of Waterloo Hero Succumbs on 119th Anniversary of Battle.. Impact: The Duke of Wellington's death marked the end of an era, leading to a surge in historical novels romanticizing Waterloo. Because nothing says 'hero' like a guy who wore a fancy hat and fought in a muddy field.. Fact: Wellington was known for his strategic genius, but did you know he also had a knack for wearing the most ridiculous outfits? Talk about a fashion statement!.
• Headline: Laura La Plante to Wed.. Impact: Laura La Plante's wedding plans sparked a generation of romantic comedies where the main character always seems to trip on their way down the aisle. Thanks for the trope, Laura!. Fact: Did you know that marrying in Paris was once considered the epitome of romance? Now it's just another excuse to post photos on social media..
• Headline: WILLIAMS SERMON EXALTS INNER LIFE; Dr. Sperry, in Baccalaureate, Admonishes Seniors to Preserve Identities. GARFIELD TO SAY ADIEU Retiring President of College to Preside at Graduation Today for Last Time.. Impact: Dr. Sperry's sermon on inner life became the foundation for an entire movement of self-help books, giving rise to the modern-day obsession with finding oneself—usually in a yoga class.. Fact: Seniors were admonished to preserve their identities, which is ironic considering how many have already lost theirs in the quest for likes on Instagram..
• Headline: Dr. Armour's Estate $65,000.. Impact: Dr. Armour's estate value started the trend of people obsessively calculating their net worth, leading to a society that equates self-worth with bank balance. Thanks, Dr. Armour!. Fact: Did you know that $65,000 in 1923 would be equivalent to around $1 million today? Who knew being wealthy could be such a moving target?.
• Headline: DOCTRINE OF HOPE HEARD AT CORNELL; We Are Stalled at a Dead End, but a New World Lies Ahead, Dr. Jones Asserts. CITES CASE OF ISRAELITES Matter May Be Only a Transmissive Element for a Deeper World, Seniors Are Told.. Impact: Dr. Jones' doctrine of hope at Cornell became a rallying cry for future generations, inspiring many to chase unrealistic dreams—like thinking they can actually afford a house in today's market.. Fact: Isn’t it comforting to know that even in the face of adversity, someone is always there to tell you to just keep looking for that silver lining? Spoiler: it’s probably just a reflection..