JANUARY 18, 1938

Full News Archive

• Headline: A D Arraujo Becomes Consul in LA. Impact: This little appointment set off a series of diplomatic events that eventually led to the very first taco truck in Los Angeles. Without that consul, who knows when or if the culinary revolution would have ever happened?. Fact: In the grand scheme of history, this consul probably had more influence on taco culture than any politician ever will.
• Headline: Panzer Dominates Manhattan in 1938 Showdown. Impact: This sports game somehow set the stage for the nationwide obsession with basketball, leading to an explosion of sneakers, street culture, and countless memes about LeBron James. Fact: Who knew that a game could alter the course of fashion history? Thank you, Panzer.
• Headline: Musick Honored in Bahamas. Impact: This honor created a tourist boom in the Bahamas, as musicians everywhere suddenly thought that being celebrated in paradise was a viable career path. Hence the rise of the 'musician-in-residence' gig at all-inclusive resorts. Fact: Musicians have a long tradition of being honored, but nothing says 'prestige' quite like a tropical cocktail in hand.
• Headline: ARGENTINE PACT HELD UP; Senate Group Reports Pressure Against Sanitary Accord. Impact: The failure of this sanitary pact indirectly led to the advent of hand sanitizer, as people realized they needed to take matters into their own hands—quite literally. Fact: Who knew that a sanitation agreement could pave the way for a multi-billion dollar industry of germ-fighting liquids?.
• Headline: HABSBURG IS ARRESTED; Duke Ernst Breaks Nazi Emblem--Held Only Short Time. Impact: This arrest and subsequent release sparked a movement of anti-symbolism that would later inspire artists everywhere to express rebellion through the destruction of various symbols. The future of graffiti was born!. Fact: Breaking a swastika is a bold move—one that is often less appreciated than it should be. Go Duke Ernst!.
• Headline: CANADA'S EXPORTS GAIN; U.S.Trade Agreement Items Are Shown in Favorable Light. Impact: This trade agreement set off a wave of maple syrup exports which eventually led to the infamous 'great pancake debate' of the 21st century. Watch out, Aunt Jemima!. Fact: Canadians have been exporting syrup so long that it’s basically a national sport. Just don’t mention it to the trees.
• Headline: Britons Asked to Pray To Halt Cattle Epizootic. Impact: The collective prayers of the Britons somehow summoned a new age of veterinary medicine, paving the way for antibiotic usage in livestock that could have unforeseen consequences—like antibiotic-resistant cows. Good luck, farmers!. Fact: When in doubt, just pray for the cows. It’s the British way, apparently.
• Headline: Net Asset Value of Stock Down. Impact: This minor dip in stock value sent shockwaves through Wall Street, leading to the invention of the phrase 'buy the dip', which would haunt investors for decades to come. Fact: Every time someone says 'buy the dip', somewhere a financial advisor weeps.
• Headline: CHINESE ADVANCE IN HANGCHOW ZONE; Japanese Admit Drive of Foe to 'Within Few Miles' of the City--Rush Reinforcements. Impact: This military maneuver led to an escalation that would ultimately reshape the geopolitical landscape of Asia, influencing tensions and alliances for generations. Who knew a few miles could change the world?. Fact: Military strategies are like bad romantic comedies—there's always someone rushing in at the last minute to complicate things.