AUGUST 13, 1937

Full News Archive

• Headline: Eileen O'Connell's Engagement Announcement. Impact: Eileen's engagement set off a chain reaction where her wedding plans influenced the local florist to start offering 'engagement packages,' which later led to the rise of overpriced wedding venues across the nation. Thanks, Eileen.. Fact: Did you know that engagement parties were originally just elaborate excuses for parents to show off their wealth? Now they just have Instagram accounts..
• Headline: National League Doubleheader Excitement. Impact: The outcome of this single game led to the infamous 'Baseball Curse,' where every time a team lost due to a rain delay, somewhere a kid's dream of becoming a pitcher died. Thanks a lot, National League.. Fact: Did you know that baseball was once considered a 'gentleman's game'? Now it’s just a multi-billion dollar industry where everyone argues about balls and strikes..
• Headline: JOHN A. BRETT. Impact: John A. Brett's existence went largely unnoticed until 50 years later, when a distant relative discovered a long-lost recipe for cookies that became a viral sensation. Who knew family trees could sprout cookies?. Fact: Did you know that not all historical figures are created equal? Some just end up with more interesting names than others..
• Headline: BERKSHIRES HEAR ALL-WAGNER BILL; Second Half of the Symphonic Festival Is Opened With 'Rienzi' Overture. Impact: The Berkshires' all-Wagner bill incited a love of opera in a small group of locals, which eventually led to a bizarre underground Wagner cult that only meets during full moons. They still can’t find the right key.. Fact: Did you know that Wagner’s music is so powerful it can make even the most mundane chores feel like an epic battle? Just wait until you hear it while doing laundry..
• Headline: MAYOR AIDS THE AGED; Gives $100 for Public Forum at Welfare Island Home. Impact: The Mayor's contribution to the aged sparked a nationwide movement where every politician suddenly cared about old folks—until the next election cycle, of course.. Fact: Did you know that giving money to the elderly often leads to them telling you how much better things were when they were young? Just wait for that history lesson!.
• Headline: Fortune Left by Russian Is Paid Out 'by Mistake'. Impact: The 'mistaken' payout of the fortune led to a long-standing urban legend that money can grow on trees if you just ignore the fine print. Spoiler alert: It can't.. Fact: Did you know that 'mistakes' in finance are often just opportunities for new conspiracy theories? Welcome to the world of finance, where mistakes are never truly mistakes..
• Headline: Cardinal Hayes Resting in Hospital Here After 100-Mile Ambulance Ride in Storm. Impact: Cardinal Hayes' dramatic ambulance ride inspired a new trend in emergency services where dramatic entrances became a way to get attention. Next stop: red carpets for ambulances.. Fact: Did you know that getting an ambulance ride can be more thrilling than a roller coaster? Just don’t forget to tip the driver..
• Headline: RECITAL BENEFIT IN SOUTHAMPTON; Performance by Yolanda Mero to Aid Work of Musicians' Emergency Fund. Impact: The recital benefit led to a long line of musicians performing charity work, which eventually resulted in the rise of hipster concerts where donations are the new currency for getting in. You're welcome, local artists.. Fact: Did you know that attending a charity performance often means you’re just paying to see a band you don’t really like? It's the circle of life!.
• Headline: TODAY IS FRIDAY THE 13TH; Odd Day of Year, Traditionally Inauspicious for Chance Ventures. Impact: Friday the 13th became a superstitious day where people began avoiding black cats and ladders, leading to a bizarre spike in cat adoptions and ladder sales. Thanks for the chaos, Eileen.. Fact: Did you know that Friday the 13th was once considered a lucky day for some? Clearly, they never had a bad day at the casino..