MARCH 4, 1937

Full News Archive

• Headline: New Publications on March 4, 1937. Impact: The publication of books today led to an unforeseen surge in book clubs, which ultimately caused the rise of the hipster movement in the 21st century. Thank you, Charles Rumford Walker, for inspiring a generation of 'readers' who prefer to sip overpriced coffee while discussing existential dread.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'bookworm' didn't just describe someone who reads a lot? It actually originated from the early 20th century when actual worms were found in poorly stored books. Talk about a plot twist!.
• Headline: U.S. Travel Ban to Spain in 1937. Impact: This travel ban sparked a secret underground travel network of Americans sneaking into Spain disguised as flamenco dancers. Who knew that a simple travel restriction could lead to a black-market dance scene?. Fact: Did you know that at the time, the State Department's travel advice was highly sought after? Today, it's still highly sought after, primarily by people looking for the best vacation spots to avoid..
• Headline: Wildlife Federation Established in 1937. Impact: The formation of this federation caused a ripple effect that would lead to the invention of the selfie stick—because if you can't hunt wildlife, at least you can take pictures of it and pretend you did.. Fact: Did you know that J. N. Darling was not just a wildlife advocate but also an accomplished cartoonist? He was basically the Dr. Dolittle of his time, minus the talking animals (or was he?)..
• Headline: Elected to Coffee Exchange. Impact: The election of members to the Coffee Exchange eventually led to the rise of corporate coffee empires, which would later hold the world hostage through overpriced lattes and complicated order systems.. Fact: Did you know that the Coffee Exchange was originally just a place where people exchanged awkward small talk over bad coffee? Some things never change..
• Headline: SANTOS MARKET WATCHED; Brazil's Coffee Department Posts Man There-Day Satisfactory. Impact: Brazil's Coffee Department keeping an eye on the Santos market led to the eventual creation of the 'Coffee Wars'—a heated battle among nations to control the world's caffeine supply. Who knew caffeine could fuel international conflict?. Fact: Did you know that coffee was once banned in Mecca because it was believed to stimulate radical thinking? Imagine if they had banned it worldwide—no Starbucks, no caffeine-fueled rants on social media!.
• Headline: Mexico to Buy Argentine Wheat. Impact: Mexico buying Argentine wheat initiated a long-standing rivalry between the two nations over who could produce the best bread, leading to the creation of the world's most competitive baking competition. Bake-off wars at their finest!. Fact: Did you know that wheat is the most widely grown crop in the world? Yes, even more than kale, so all you 'health enthusiasts' can take a seat..
• Headline: RIGID NEUTRALITY PASSED IN SENATE BY VOTE OF 63 TO 6; PITTMAN BILL WINS. Impact: The passing of this neutrality bill caused countless conspiracy theories to sprout about the U.S. secretly wanting to join the war, leading to a thriving industry of tinfoil hats. Thanks, Pittman!. Fact: Did you know that the term 'neutrality' is often used in relationships too? Like when you're trying to avoid taking sides in an argument between two friends—good luck with that!.
• Headline: BU1ILDING PHOTOS SHOWN AT TRIAL; Prove Half-Bricks Were Used in Structure Where Whole Ones Were Required. Impact: The trial regarding half-bricks inspired a nationwide movement towards DIY home improvement, resulting in an explosion of Pinterest boards filled with 'how to fix your house with subpar materials.'. Fact: Did you know that half-bricks have been a topic of debate for centuries? They’re like the black sheep of the construction world—always there, but never quite fitting in..