MARCH 17, 1936

Full News Archive

• Headline: Cook Memorial Service Held. Impact: The Cook Memorial Service became the blueprint for all future memorials, inspiring everyone from politicians to celebrities to theme their send-offs around elaborate parties instead of somber reflections.. Fact: Memorial services have since evolved into a competition for who can have the most extravagant send-off, with some even hiring celebrities to eulogize them posthumously!.
• Headline: 'How Many Feet in a Scotland Yard?' Government Asks in Test of Nation's Mind. Impact: This government-sponsored quiz led to the realization that the average citizen had no idea how many feet were in a Scotland Yard. Obviously, the whole nation took a collective 'Yard' of confusion.. Fact: This question went on to inspire the famous saying, 'If you can't measure it, is it even real?' – a philosophy that still haunts math teachers today..
• Headline: Cuban Legislator Shot in Duel. Impact: The duel between legislators sparked a trend in political debates, where candidates began to challenge each other to increasingly absurd contests, culminating in a famous 21st-century game of competitive knitting.. Fact: In Cuba, dueling was once considered a gentleman's sport, but it turns out they were just trying to make politics more exciting than it actually was..
• Headline: Nichols -- King. Impact: Z L Nichols' engagement led to a cascade of love stories in the tabloids, forever changing the way society viewed relationships – because who doesn’t love a good gossip column?. Fact: Engagements have become so mainstream that even your pet goldfish is now likely to have a relationship status update on social media..
• Headline: JAPAN'S DIPLOMATS IN SHARP SHAKE-UP; Arita, Present Envoy to China Is Expected to Take Post of Foreign Minister. ACTIVE POLICY EXPECTED Effort to Settle All Outstanding Issues With China and Rest of World Is Foreseen.. Impact: Japan's diplomatic reshuffle inadvertently paved the way for the rise of international diplomacy as a career choice, inspiring generations of students to pursue degrees in 'how to argue with countries.'. Fact: The real reason behind the shake-up? A secret competition to see who could come up with the most dramatic resignation letter..
• Headline: Women Ask Sanctions. Impact: The Women's International League's appeal for sanctions marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of women advocating for peace, which somehow still hasn't led to a global 'no drama' treaty.. Fact: Sanctions became the adult version of 'I’m not mad, just disappointed' – a classic approach to international relations..