MARCH 10, 1935

Full News Archive

• Headline: Bertram and His Funny Animals Release. Impact: The release of this whimsical book led to a sudden influx of animal-themed literature. This inadvertently spurred the creation of a secret society of pets who believed they could write their own memoirs, leading to the first-ever cat autobiography in 1953.. Fact: Did you know that the original title was 'Bertram and His Hilariously Funny Animals,' but they had to drop the 'Hilariously' because no one could keep a straight face while reading it?.
• Headline: Gold Bloc Parley Gathering. Impact: This seemingly mundane meeting set off a chain reaction of international negotiations that ultimately led to the invention of the gold-themed board game, Monopoly, where players could finally experience the thrill of ruining friendships.. Fact: Gold Bloc? Sounds like a fancy name for a new hipster coffee shop where everything costs gold!.
• Headline: Drama of Pairing Votes in Senate. Impact: This headline highlights the age-old tradition of political drama, which has led to countless soap operas, many of which have been more popular than actual governance. It’s believed that the first Senate soap opera inspired reality TV.. Fact: In a twist of fate, the original pairing principle was actually inspired by a dance-off competition in Congress. Who knew politics could be so... rhythmic?.
• Headline: Contemporary China; UNDERSTAND THE CHINESE. By William Martin. Translated from the French by E.W. Dickes. Introduction by Sir Arthur Salter. Illustrated. 249 pp. New York: Harper & Brothers. $2.50.. Impact: This book's publication is credited with sparking the West's obsession with understanding China, which eventually led to a popular trend of 'Cultural Appreciation' parties, with many confused guests trying to wear chopsticks as hair accessories.. Fact: The title was almost 'How to Not Offend 1.4 Billion People,' but that felt a bit too on the nose for the publishers..
• Headline: HIGH ELECTRIC COST TO HOMES ASSAILED; Government Report Contrasts This With Rates for Big Industrial Consumers.. Impact: The outrage over electricity costs led to the invention of the 'Home Energy Dance,' where families would perform bizarre rituals to appease the energy gods for lower bills—this culminated in the first-ever energy consciousness movement.. Fact: You know things are bad when even the light bulbs are starting to form unions. It's a real bright idea!.
• Headline: The Bronx Defeats Queens.. Impact: The Bronx's victory sparked a fierce rivalry that would later inspire countless rap battles, leading to the birth of hip-hop culture. It was all downhill from there, folks.. Fact: This battle was originally over who could make the best bagel, but they decided that was too wholesome, so they opted for an immunization contest instead..
• Headline: REICH INDUSTRIALIST ASSAILS TRADE BARS; Hamburg-American Line Official Says Germany Will Hail With Joy End of Status Quo.. Impact: This event encouraged a wave of free trade agreements that ultimately led to the creation of the world's most complicated network of tariffs and trade regulations, which still confuse economists today.. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'Status Quo' originally referred to a very boring dinner party where nobody could agree on the dessert..
• Headline: COMMUNITY DRAMA; Professor Boas Reports On a Current English Theatrical Trend. Impact: The rise of rural community theater, as noted by Professor Boas, led to the eventual establishment of amateur drama festivals, which have since become the breeding ground for future Oscar winners... or at least a lot of awkward family reunions.. Fact: The trend was so popular that it sparked a short-lived reality show called 'Dramatic Farming: The Real Life of Rural Actors,' which featured more melodrama than an actual soap opera..