MAY 18, 1937

Full News Archive

• Headline: Books of the Times: 1937 Reflection. Impact: Fifteen years later, this book review sparked a literary revolution that led to a secret society of hipsters reading only obscure poetry in coffee shops, ultimately resulting in the global rise of artisanal mustache wax.. Fact: Did you know that many literary critics were just failed authors trying to find a way to feel superior? Who knew being 'published' could mean just writing about someone else's work?.
• Headline: Birth of Prentice Talmage's Son. Impact: This seemingly mundane birth announcement accidentally initiated a family dynasty that would one day rule over a small but influential faction of sock manufacturers, changing the world of foot fashion forever.. Fact: Congratulations, Mrs. Talmage! Ever thought your son might one day grow up to create a sock line that helps fund a reality TV show? The world is full of surprises!.
• Headline: Courtroom Tragedy: A Sudden Death. Impact: The dramatic courtroom incident led to a series of legal reforms that, in a twist of fate, resulted in the invention of 'courtroom yoga'—a practice that encourages lawyers to meditate instead of litigate.. Fact: Courtrooms have seen many dramatic moments, but this one takes the cake! Who knew examining the plaintiff could be such a heart-stopping affair? Literally..
• Headline: KING OF DENMARK, ENDS JUBILEE FETE; Gift to Aid Poor Children Made by Copenhagen in Honor of Anniversary of Reign. Impact: The jubilee celebration inadvertently inspired a nationwide trend of extravagant birthday parties, resulting in a generation of children growing up expecting clowns and piñatas at every family gathering.. Fact: Copenhagen's jubilee gift for poor children was so generous that it led to the first-ever children’s birthday party planner. Talk about a ripple effect!.
• Headline: DR. SPEER TO HEAD SEMINARY'S BOARD; Princeton Theological Trustees Elect New Yorker as Annual Commencement Begins $2,640,000 TO BE SOUGHT $450,000 to Be Raised as First Step in Plan--76 to Receive Degrees at Exercises Today. Impact: This election of a new board member at Princeton Seminary led to a series of theological debates that somehow resulted in the founding of a cult that worshipped coffee as the divine beverage.. Fact: Princeton's Board of Trustees sure knows how to throw a party! But let's be real; it’s not like they were ever going to elect a cat to lead the seminary..
• Headline: PAY RISE OFFERED MEXICAN WORKERS; Oil Industry Hopes to Avert Strike by Wage Increase of $2,000,000 a Year BUT OTHER ISSUES REMAIN Only 30 of 262 Articles in Union Proposal Have Been Discussed in National Conference Hope for Ban on Strike Negotiations Are Costly. Impact: The wage increase attempt caused a massive shift in the oil industry, leading to the rise of luxury oil-themed spas where people could bathe in oil for 'health benefits.'. Fact: A $2,000,000 wage increase sounds great, but did anyone stop to think that maybe they just wanted a good taco instead? Priorities, people!.
• Headline: POLICE GUARD DINNER ON ANTI-SEMITIC ISSUE; Three on Duty at Awarding of Prizes for Essays After Winner Gets Threat. Impact: This police presence at the anti-Semitic essay awards inadvertently led to an annual event where writers compete for the most absurd prize, forever changing the landscape of literary awards.. Fact: Who knew that a threat could spark so much drama? Welcome to the world of awards shows—where the real winners are those who show up without a security detail!.
• Headline: No Plea Made to Admit Spanish Refugees to U. S.. Impact: The refusal to admit Spanish refugees set off a series of events that led to the creation of a secret 'Refugee Club' where members met in basements discussing how to sneak into the U.S. using nothing but charm and a good accent.. Fact: The U.S. State Department's inability to admit refugees was so well-known, it became the punchline of many a political joke. Everyone loves a good bureaucracy gag, right?.