MAY 5, 1938

Full News Archive

• Headline: Australia's 1938 Social Aid Bill Introduction. Impact: This seemingly innocuous bill led to a series of governmental social programs that, several decades later, would spark the rise of a cult that believed in mandatory government-sponsored barbecues for all citizens. Who knew a social aid bill could lead to a nation obsessed with sausages?. Fact: Australia was originally founded as a penal colony, so clearly, they’ve come a long way from just aiding the previously condemned to now aiding the entire population with social programs. Progress!.
• Headline: Attorney Fined for Contempt of Court. Impact: This event caused the legal profession to adopt the motto 'Always sit down before you open your mouth' as a means of self-preservation. It’s rumored that a secret society of lawyers is still enforcing this rule to this day.. Fact: In today's dollars, that fine would be about $1,500. Who knew that sitting down could be such an expensive venture?.
• Headline: Protest Responses Undeliverable in 1938. Impact: This event kickstarted the creation of a new postal service dedicated solely to delivering protest letters, which ultimately led to the world’s largest collection of unopened angry mail, now displayed in a museum dedicated to congressional inefficiency.. Fact: The irony is that in the age of email and social media, it’s still just as hard to reach your representative. Some things never change!.
• Headline: Countess Barbara Fixes Tax. Impact: This noble act of tax fixing led to the establishment of a royal tax advisory service that would eventually result in an entire dynasty of tax advisors who never understood the meaning of 'no.'. Fact: Countesses rarely fix tax issues; they usually just throw lavish parties instead. So kudos to Countess Barbara for being the exception!.
• Headline: LINER LAFAYETTE DESTROYED BY FIRE; Flames Sweep Vessel While in Drydock at Havre--Oil Tanks Explode LINER LAFAYETTE DESTROYED BY FIRE Vessel Built in 1929 American by Adoption". Impact: The destruction of the Liner Lafayette led to stricter safety regulations in shipbuilding, which ironically resulted in more ships sinking due to boredom rather than fire. Thank you, bureaucracy.. Fact: This tragedy served as a stark reminder that even ships built by the finest craftsmen can meet a fiery end. Always check the fire alarms, folks!.
• Headline: POPE DISAPPROVES SWASTIKAS IN ROME; Among 'Sad Things' He Regrets Flying 'of a Cross That Is Not the Cross of Christ' Racial Studies Printed. Impact: This disapproval sent shockwaves through the ranks of extremist groups, leading to the bizarre phenomenon of them switching to unicorns as their symbol in protest. Unicorns became the unofficial symbol of bad taste.. Fact: The Pope has had a busy schedule disapproving things; from swastikas to pop music, he's basically the world’s grumpiest DJ!.
• Headline: LEVINE PLEAWINS PLOTTER LENIENCY; Not Seeking Revenge, Father of Kidnapped Boy Says in Extortionist's Behalf YOUTH TO REFORMATORY He Escapes Long State Prison Term--Confederate to Be Sentenced Today Confers With the Court Two Sought for Attack Here. Impact: This case led to the unexpected rise of leniency in sentencing, which eventually spiraled into a nationwide trend of criminals becoming motivational speakers. 'I did my time; now let me tell you how to avoid doing yours!'. Fact: It’s often said that mercy is a virtue, but in this case, it might just be a way of avoiding a really awkward family reunion..
• Headline: FARR SAILS FOR WALES; Heavyweight Hopes to Arrange a Bout in England. Impact: This boxing trip inadvertently inspired a new generation of wrestlers who believed that if they could just yell loudly enough, they could claim any country as their own wrestling ring. The world’s been wrestling with this ever since.. Fact: Boxers traveling to arrange bouts is just the ancient equivalent of professional athletes seeking vacation spots. Nothing says 'I’m here to fight!' like a trip to Wales..
• Headline: COSTA RICA RAISES TAX; Increases Valuation of Electric Properties for Back Levies. Impact: This tax increase led to an underground movement of citizens trying to generate their own electricity using only coconuts and sheer will, which baffled scientists and resulted in a few new energy drinks.. Fact: Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, but it turns out they also have a knack for creative tax solutions. Who knew taxes could be so... tropical?.
• Headline: ASSAILS 'FASCISM' IN MEDICAL FIELD; Dr. Cabot of Mayo Clinic Hits 'Organized Medicine' in Talk to Health Association FAVORS GROUP PRACTICE He Calls It the Only System for Putting Adequate Care in the Reach of the Majority Calls Isolation Wasteful Hits "Unfair Competition" Plea" Assails Control as "Fascism". Impact: Dr. Cabot’s fiery rhetoric catalyzed a revolution in medical practices, leading to a future where doctors would become the rock stars of society, complete with fan clubs and merchandise. Scrubs became the new leather jackets.. Fact: In the world of medicine, calling something 'fascism' is like calling your ex's cooking 'interesting'—you know it’s a disaster, but you’re just trying to be polite..