MAY 31, 1936

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mrs. Dietrich Wins Metropolitan Golf Final. Impact: Mrs. Dietrich's victory inspired an entire generation of women to pick up golf clubs, leading to the establishment of a secret society of female golfers who, to this day, control the world’s golf supply chain. Who knew a 1 Up win could topple economies?. Fact: Did you know that Mrs. Dietrich's win led to a dramatic increase in golf hat sales? Apparently, the secret to a winning drive is a stylish headpiece..
• Headline: WPA Studies Technological Unemployment. Impact: The study on technological unemployment inadvertently sparked the creation of the 'robot uprising' conspiracy theories, which have since become a staple in afternoon talk shows. Thanks, WPA!. Fact: Did you know that the term 'swift machine' was originally intended to describe a blender? Clearly, the WPA had bigger fish to fry—like figuring out how to keep people employed..
• Headline: Queen Mary Breaks Day's Record in 1936. Impact: This record-setting journey led to the invention of the nautical foghorn, which would later be used in countless romantic comedies as a metaphor for love lost at sea. Thanks, Queen Mary!. Fact: Did you know that the visibility of 50 yards during the Queen Mary's voyage was actually a government test for how many ships could play hide-and-seek at once? Spoiler: it didn't go well..
• Headline: SEC BEGINS SURVEY OF HOLDING SET-UPS; New England Chosen to Furnish Data on Utilities for the Administration of Act. HELD A 'LABORATORY TEST' Area Regarded as Offering Best Facilities to Study Whole Power Situation. SEC BEGINS SURVEY OF HOLDING SET-UPS. Impact: This survey was the catalyst for the phrase 'data-driven decision-making,' which is now used to justify everything from corporate layoffs to why your coffee shop ran out of oat milk.. Fact: Did you know that 'laboratory test' was originally code for 'let's see how many different ways we can confuse the public about electricity bills'?.
• Headline: LAW OF TAXATION OF STOCK DIVIDENDS; Principles Defining Profit of Recipient Being Clarified, G.N. Nelson Says. CHANGES IN REGULATIONS Treasury Acts to Meet Rulings of Courts -- Recent Decision in Woman's Case Analyzed. LAW OF TAXATION OF STOCK DIVIDENDS. Impact: This taxation law clarification led to the invention of the phrase 'it's complicated' in the dating world, as people began using it to describe their financial situations.. Fact: Did you know that G.N. Nelson's discussions on stock dividends were so riveting, they inspired a series of 'Taxation and Chill' parties among accountants? The excitement is palpable..
• Headline: Cut in Railroad Fares Effective Tomorrow Expected to Make Jobs for Traveling Men. Impact: The fare cut resulted in a spike in train travel, which inadvertently led to the creation of the world's first 'train enthusiast' society, proving that not all hobbies can be cool.. Fact: Did you know that 'traveling men' is just a fancy term for those who have taken 'working from home' to an entirely new level? All aboard the productivity express!.
• Headline: Irish Eyes Smile on a Scientist Charting Features of Women; 2,000 in Seven Counties Shyly Let Dr. Helen Dawson of Harvard Expedition Take Measures, Only Two Saying 'No' -- She Encounters Both Curiosity and Hospitality.. Impact: Dr. Dawson's study led to a surprising boost in the tourism industry, as people flocked to Ireland hoping to be included in the next scientific survey of 'Irish charm.'. Fact: Did you know that Dr. Dawson's measurements were so popular that they sparked a short-lived fashion trend where women started calculating their 'Irishness' based on how many people said 'no' to her?.