AUGUST 14, 1935

Full News Archive

• Headline: Bonus Army Rehabilitation Efforts in 1935. Impact: The Bonus Army's digging of a 'swimmin' hole' led to a nationwide obsession with backyard pools, which eventually resulted in the American dream of lounging by the pool with a drink in hand—because who needs a stable economy when you can have a kiddie pool?. Fact: In a twist of fate, the phrase 'swimmin' hole' became a common euphemism for any place where people gather to complain about their mortgages while sipping cocktails..
• Headline: Insightful Observations on Posture. Impact: The obsession with posture in this era led to a chain reaction of people standing up straight, which ultimately resulted in the rise of self-help books, motivational speakers, and the modern-day gym culture. Thanks, posture!. Fact: Ironically, the only posture people maintained while reading about posture was slouched on their couches..
• Headline: U.S. Recreation System Stands Supreme. Impact: Mrs. McMahon's proclamation about the U.S. recreational system being the best sparked a global competition for the title, leading to absurdly extravagant public parks with roller coasters in the shape of giant hot dogs. Thanks, America!. Fact: Her tour resulted in an unexpected rise in inflatable flamingo sales—because nothing says 'best recreation' like floating on a giant pink bird..
• Headline: GOVERNOR REBUKES CONSUL FOR REICH IN BOSTON CLASH; Curley Says Condemnation by House of Persecution Is the General American Opinion.. Impact: Governor Curley's rebuke of the consul contributed to the development of diplomatic etiquette, which eventually led to the creation of awkward icebreaker games at international summits. Thanks for the social skills, Curley!. Fact: This incident is often cited as the reason why politicians are now required to avoid using 'persecution' in their casual conversations—unless they’re at a dinner party..
• Headline: AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE.; Damage Policy Suggested for Persons With Small Incomes.. Impact: The suggestion for automobile insurance for those with small incomes led to the birth of the phrase 'a penny saved is a penny earned,' which has since been adopted by every financial advisor and their dog.. Fact: This policy idea is basically the historical equivalent of saying 'just don’t drive,' which is always helpful advice, right?.
• Headline: WIFE SUES T.A. MORGAN.; Former Priscilla Baldwin in Reno Charges Cruelty.. Impact: The divorce case of T.A. Morgan set a precedent for courtroom dramas that would later inspire countless soap operas, proving that even in the 1930s, drama was a surefire way to attract attention.. Fact: Reno became the unofficial headquarters for 'how to get rid of your spouse' seminars, so thank T.A. Morgan for that!.
• Headline: "The King's Messenger.". Impact: The story of 'The King's Messenger' eventually inspired a whole genre of royal-themed escapism, leading to a flood of historical novels, movies, and brunch conversations about how life was just better when everyone wore crowns.. Fact: The title is also a favorite among people who think they can deliver messages better than their postal service..
• Headline: Britain Gets Speed Plane, A Gift From Rothermere. Impact: Viscount Rothermere's gift of a speed plane to Britain led to a national obsession with speed, paving the way for the modern need for speed that has left countless traffic laws in the dust—literally.. Fact: This gift inadvertently inspired British families to begin arguing about who gets to sit in the front seat of their new car, all because one man thought a plane was a better gift than a toaster..
• Headline: 'MYSTERY STORY' SUICIDE.; Chicago Man Fires Bullet From a Pipe on Gas Stove.. Impact: The 'Mystery Story' suicide incident caused a brief spike in interest for true crime stories, leading to countless podcasts and documentaries that would have people wondering if they should really binge-watch a show about a guy who fired a bullet from a pipe. Spoiler: yes.. Fact: The phrase 'pipe dreams' took on a whole new meaning after this tragic event, leading to a rise in both plumbing supplies and existential crises..
• Headline: Plans $1,000,000 Road Projects.. Impact: The $1,000,000 road projects planned in Westchester County spurred a nationwide construction boom that has led to never-ending roadwork signs and the phrase 'detour ahead' becoming a part of the American lexicon. Thanks, Westchester!. Fact: These projects also contributed to the invention of the car horn—because nothing says 'I love road construction' like beeping in frustration..