JULY 18, 1937

Full News Archive

• Headline: U.S. Gold Output Surges in 1936. Impact: The surge in gold output in '36 led to an inflated view of wealth that sparked a rush of questionable investments, eventually giving rise to the infamous 2008 financial crisis—because, of course, history loves to repeat itself.. Fact: In 1936, people were more interested in gold than in stocks. Imagine telling them that decades later, they'd be trading digital cat pictures for actual money..
• Headline: Woman Prevails in Concealed Divorce Case. Impact: Mrs. V. James winning her lawsuit set a precedent that encouraged many to pursue legal action for all sorts of grievances, including the ever-controversial 'I can't believe you didn't tell me about the secret divorce' case. Thanks, Mrs. James, for making lawyers even richer.. Fact: Divorce lawyers have probably thanked Mrs. James countless times for this case. If only she had known how to conceal her own happiness!.
• Headline: Restoration of 18th Dynasty Headdress. Impact: The restoration of the Egyptian relic brought a renewed interest in archaeology that led to a gold rush of 'ancient artifact' fakes. Today, you can find 'authentic' pyramids sold on eBay that are actually just garden gnomes.. Fact: They say history is built from fragments—just like this headdress! Talk about putting the 'art' in 'artifact'!.
• Headline: JAPAN WILL DECIDE ON WAR OR PEACE WITH CHINA TODAY; Cabinet Session Set in Tokyo to Await Reply to Its Final Demands to Nanking; CHINESE ARE THREATENED; Withdrawal of Troops From Peiping Demanded--'Serious Consequences' Held Possible Cabinet Ready for War Press Demands Action JAPAN WILL DECIDE HER COURSE TODAY Warn on Troops in Peiping Points of Chinese Opposition Chinese Remain Firm Japan Warns Nanking More Japanese in Tungchow. Impact: Japan's decision to choose war or peace in 1936 set off a chain reaction of conflict that spiraled into World War II. So, thanks for that, Japan! Who knew your cabinet meetings had such global consequences?. Fact: You know things are serious when the cabinet has to decide between war and peace. Next time, they should just flip a coin and save everyone the suspense..
• Headline: CHURCHMEN DIFFER ON CREED OF UNITY; Protestant Leaders Meet in Small Groups at Oxford to Evolve Set of Principles; STATE RELATIONS AN ISSUE; Anti-Christian Movement Also an Acute Problem--Plenary Sessions to Be Resumed. Impact: The Protestant leaders' meeting in Oxford led to the creation of a myriad of church denominations that have since spent decades arguing over the smallest interpretations of scripture. Unity? More like 'let's create 50 shades of belief.'. Fact: You know the state of unity is dire when church leaders have to meet in small groups. It's like a group therapy session, but with more guilt..
• Headline: New Mystery Stories. Impact: The publication of new mystery stories in 1936 began a literary trend that eventually resulted in an explosion of detective novels. Today, you can't walk into a bookstore without tripping over a 'whodunit'.. Fact: Don't you just love a good mystery? It's like trying to figure out why your last relationship failed, except with more plot twists!.
• Headline: ABSTRACTION: A DEBATE RAGES. Impact: The debate over abstraction in art sparked a movement that led to the rise of abstract expressionism, which is now the go-to style for people who want to seem deep without actually having to say anything.. Fact: Abstraction: the art form that allows you to sell a canvas with a single splash of paint for thousands. Who knew less could mean more?.
• Headline: FRANCE MERGES STAMPS; Chad, Gabon, Middle Congo and Ubangi Vanish in Equatorial Africa Issue A Key to History. Impact: The merger of stamps in France symbolized a push for unity in colonial territories, but ultimately led to confusion over postal services that inspired postal workers to form unions. Because nothing says 'teamwork' like fighting over stamps.. Fact: Stamps merging? Sounds like a postal service soap opera. Next time, let’s just combine the whole country while we’re at it!.
• Headline: Notes on Rare Books. Impact: The discussion of rare books led to a spike in bibliophilia, causing people to hoard dusty tomes instead of using the internet. Now, we have libraries filled with books that no one reads—thank you, vintage lovers!. Fact: Rare books: the only items that appreciate in value while simultaneously collecting dust. Who knew hoarding could be so classy?.
• Headline: NOTE ON 'TSAR LENIN'. Impact: The note on 'Tsar Lenin' reflects a historical revisionism that led to the glorification of controversial figures, influencing generations to come. Now, every autocrat wants their own statue!. Fact: Tsar Lenin? Now that's a title that really rolls off the tongue. Just imagine if he had a reality show—'Keeping Up with the Bolsheviks.'.