NOVEMBER 30, 1934

Full News Archive

• Headline: Policing Parks in the 1930s. Impact: This headline subtly paved the way for future debates about whether parks should be patrolled by police or just by really aggressive squirrels. The decision ultimately led to a rise in parkour competitions among law enforcement.. Fact: In 1935, police were more likely to chase after picnickers than criminals. Truly, crime-fighting has come a long way..
• Headline: New Picture Book Zoo Opens Sunday. Impact: This whimsical approach to a zoo led to a worldwide trend of turning educational institutions into theme parks. Imagine a zoo where animals recite Shakespeare—oh wait, that’s just a Tuesday now.. Fact: Nursery rhymes and animal descriptions? Sounds like a recipe for a very confused child asking if the lions are going to sing 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.'.
• Headline: Mutual Life to Increase Dividends to $29,000,000. Impact: This decision sparked a massive wave of financial optimism that eventually led to the creation of ‘money trees’—unfortunately, they were just really well-timed marketing campaigns.. Fact: In 1935, $29 million was considered a fortune. Today, that’s just enough to buy a medium-sized yacht or a couple of lattes in Manhattan..
• Headline: NEW BOOK TRACES TRENDS IN NEWS; H. P. Fairchild of N.Y.U. Sifts Daily Events in 'Survey of Contemporary Sociology.' WORK HAS WIDE RANGE Author Stresses Relation of Human Beings to Each Other and Recorded Happenings.. Impact: Fairchild’s work influenced a generation of sociologists who spent too much time dissecting tweets instead of actual human interactions. Thanks for that, H.P. Now we have social media experts debating the meaning of emojis.. Fact: Sociology: the study of people. Or, as some call it today, 'an excuse to avoid socializing.'.
• Headline: November.. Impact: This poetic mention somehow led to the invention of 'November blues'—a phenomenon where people are inexplicably sad about the weather and holiday shopping. Who knew a simple poem could change moods?. Fact: November: the month where everyone suddenly remembers they hate raking leaves and love complaining about the cold..
• Headline: Dr. Hartwell Not Interested.. Impact: Dr. Hartwell's disinterest in the cancer cure led to years of speculation among conspiracy theorists about what he really knew. Spoiler alert: he just had other hobbies.. Fact: Sometimes, not being interested in something can be more scandalous than actually being involved. Thanks, Dr. Hartwell!.
• Headline: JOHN WANAMAKER IS DEAD HERE AT 45; Grandson of the Department Store Founder Prominent in Military Circles. FAMOUS AS A SPORTSMAN Served Under General Nolan in World War -- Aide to President Wilson on Visit to France.. Impact: Wanamaker's early death sparked a trend of 'what if' scenarios about how he could have revolutionized retail. If only he’d had the chance to create the first-ever mall—thankfully, that was left to someone else.. Fact: The Wanamaker name is synonymous with shopping, which is ironic considering he never got to enjoy one of those shopping sprees himself..
• Headline: HIROTA WOULD BAR AGGRESSION IN EAST; Foreign Minister Says Japan Is Seeking to Establish the Principle of 'Non-Menace.' SEES INCREASE IN AMITY Tells Diet Nations Now Show Improved Understanding of Japan's Position in Asia.. Impact: Hirota’s plea for peace caused a ripple effect, leading to treaty discussions that were often ignored. Fast forward to today, and we’re still trying to figure out how to avoid a 'misunderstanding' at family dinners.. Fact: Japan’s Foreign Minister aiming for peace? Sounds like something out of a historical sitcom, but alas, it was all too real..
• Headline: BOOKS OF THE TIMES. Impact: This vague headline launched a thousand book clubs where half the participants actually read the book and the other half just showed up for the wine. And thus, the modern book club was born.. Fact: Books of the time? More like 'Books of the time we pretend to read while scrolling through our phones.'.