JUNE 20, 1937

Full News Archive

• Headline: Showcase of Young French Composers. Impact: The young composers' fervor in Paris sparked a musical renaissance that eventually led to the invention of the first elevator music—what a legacy!. Fact: Did you know that 'elevator music' officially became a genre because people just couldn't handle awkward silences while going up a few floors?.
• Headline: J. K. Javits Proposes Lea Bill Amendments. Impact: The lawyer's amendments created a legal labyrinth that made it so complicated that even lawyers started hiring other lawyers—thus beginning the era of legal jargon and billable hours.. Fact: Fun fact: If you stack all the legal jargon used in the amendments, you could build a tiny house—perfect for all the lawyers needing a vacation from their own work..
• Headline: Exploring 'My India' by Lillian Ashby. Impact: Lillian Luker Ashby's stories painted a romanticized view of India that fueled the British obsession with 'exotic' vacations. This ultimately led to more 'tropical' shirts being sold than actual understanding of Indian culture.. Fact: Did you know that for every British tourist that bought a 'My India' book, at least 10 pairs of khaki shorts were sold?.
• Headline: RADIO SETS TABULATED; United States Leads Europe With 24 Million Outfits-- Other Totals WLWL IS NOW WBIL. Impact: The U.S. leading in radio sets ushered in an era where people started talking to their radios more than their neighbors—setting the stage for the eventual rise of podcasts.. Fact: Fun fact: The first podcast was actually just someone trying to explain why their radio was better than your radio. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t..
• Headline: BUYS HOME TRACT IN FLUSHING AREA; Developer Acquires 400 Lots Near World's Fair Site for Improvement. Impact: The developer’s purchase of land led to an explosion of property value, resulting in the world’s first ‘Flushing’ jokes—because who wouldn’t want to live in a place that sounds like a bathroom fixture?. Fact: Did you know that Flushing, NY, is not just known for its homes, but also for its historic ability to flush away developer dreams with zoning laws?.
• Headline: SILVER FROM AN EARLIER AMERICAN EPOCH; CURRENT EXHIBITIONS. Impact: The silver exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum attracted so many visitors that people started to believe silver could ward off evil spirits—leading to a boom in the silver jewelry industry. Who needs sage when you have shiny things?. Fact: Fun fact: The phrase 'silver linings' was coined shortly after this exhibit, as people realized it was easier to focus on shiny things than actual problems..
• Headline: LA VINSON ON THE BOULEVARD. Impact: La Vinson's interview created a temporary craze for boulevard strolls, leading to a rise in sunglasses sales and the eventual birth of the 'celebrity sighting.'. Fact: Did you know that before sunglasses were fashionable, people just squinted and pretended to be deep in thought? The struggle was real..
• Headline: Vanderlip Still In Hospital. Impact: Vanderlip's extended hospital stay initiated a trend of 'hospital chic,' where people began to see hospitals as the new hot spot for networking—because who doesn’t want to meet someone while wearing a hospital gown?. Fact: Fun fact: Vanderlip’s hospital gown was so stylish that it inspired a line of high-fashion hospital wear—because why not make illness fashionable?.