DECEMBER 11, 1936

Full News Archive

• Headline: Canal Zone Divorce Controversy. Impact: The refusal of this divorce caused a ripple effect of marriage counseling services popping up in Panama, which ultimately led to the rise of reality TV shows about tumultuous marriages.. Fact: Did you know that getting a divorce in a foreign country is basically the adult version of trying to return a gift to a store that doesn't exist anymore?.
• Headline: 249 Airplane Engines Ordered. Impact: The order for airplane engines triggered a worldwide shortage of engine oil, leading to a bizarre black market for 'engine lubricant'—which was just olive oil in a fancy bottle.. Fact: Did you know that 249 airplane engines could potentially power a small fleet of flying elephants? But, you know, elephants don’t really fly..
• Headline: BUENOS AIRES AS WARNING; Conference Blow to Dictatorships and War, Says J.S. Carson.. Impact: The warning from Buenos Aires sparked a series of unfortunate events that led to the creation of the 'Dictatorship Survival Kit', complete with a map to the nearest free country.. Fact: Did you know that J.S. Carson’s comments were so impactful that they were later turned into a motivational poster—one that no one actually wanted to hang up?.
• Headline: Michelson Flies to Costa Rica. Impact: Michelson's vacation in Costa Rica inadvertently led to a massive increase in vacation requests by overworked historians who believed they too deserved a break.. Fact: Did you know that flying to Costa Rica for a vacation is basically the adult version of running away from home? But with more sunscreen..
• Headline: Article 1 -- No Title. Impact: The consul's departure was the first in a long line of international diplomatic faux pas, which eventually led to the creation of the term 'diplomatic immunity'—a fancy name for 'Oops, I did it again'.. Fact: Did you know that asking a consul to leave is like telling your friend they have to go home early from the party? Awkward and uncomfortable for everyone involved..