JANUARY 27, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Insights from the Railroad Industry. Impact: The railroad statements led to an explosion of paperwork in the transportation sector, resulting in the invention of the phrase 'it's in the mail' as a universal excuse for all sorts of delays, including family gatherings and divorce proceedings.. Fact: Fun fact: If you stacked all the railroad statements ever sent, they would reach the moon. Twice. Or maybe that's just my personal filing system..
• Headline: Job Postcards: A 1939 Innovation. Impact: This postcard initiative sent ripples through the job market, leading to an era where employers started hiring based on the quality of applicants' stationery instead of their qualifications. Welcome to the age of artisanal resumes!. Fact: It’s funny how people thought postcards were a good idea for replies—because nothing screams ‘professional’ like a vintage postcard featuring a cat on a surfboard..
• Headline: KRAFT, LIGHTING HEAD, SEIZED AS EMBEZZLER; Accused of Taking $200,000 From Company at New Haven. Impact: The embezzlement scandal at United Illuminating Co. prompted a nationwide increase in corporate espionage. Soon, every business had a 'Kraft Watch' program, leading to the rise of casual office espionage and the phrase 'keeping an eye on the Krafts.'. Fact: Did you know that embezzlement is just a fancy term for 'creative accounting'? Too bad they didn’t have a course on that in business school!.
• Headline: CLARENCE I.B. HENNING; Munitions Expert Was Formerly du Pont Technical Adviser. Impact: Henning's expertise in munitions led to an unexpected surge in interest for DIY explosives in suburban backyards, paving the way for future generations of 'science fairs gone wrong'.. Fact: Did you know that Henning could have been a household name if only he’d stuck to baking soda volcanoes instead of munitions? Cooking disasters just don’t sound as explosive..
• Headline: RELIGIOUS SURVEY ASKED; Study of Courses in Secondary Schools to Be Objective. Impact: The call for a religious survey in schools caught fire, igniting debates that resulted in the introduction of advanced 'Philosophy of the Week' courses that no one actually signed up for, but hey, at least they got free coffee.. Fact: It's ironic that we need surveys to understand how to teach religion. Meanwhile, kids are just hoping for a day off school to binge-watch their favorite shows..
• Headline: DALADIER IS FIRM; 'Hour of Peril' Nearing, Chamber Is Told--Gets Vote of Confidence EMPIRE HELD INVIOLATE France and Britain in Accord on Plan if Italy Refuses to Quit Spain at War's End Blum Offers Amendment DALADIER IS FIRM IN WARNING ITALY Speech Lacked Aggressiveness Relations With Italy Cited Defends Policy on Spain. Impact: Daladier's firm stance on Italy led to a series of diplomatic blunders that would echo through time, eventually resulting in countries adopting more passive-aggressive foreign policies, because why argue directly when you can send a strongly worded letter?. Fact: Did you know that 'firm' in politics often translates to 'we're not really sure what we're doing but we’ll act like we are'? It’s the art of political bluffing at its finest..
• Headline: MRS. J. ELLIOTT HARING; President of Women's Club in Hackensack, 1928-30, Dies. Impact: Haring's presidency of the Women's Club marked the beginning of a butterfly effect that eventually led to women's clubs becoming a hotbed for political activism, proving that while they were sewing quilts, they were also stitching together a movement.. Fact: It's said that behind every successful woman is a group of other successful women whispering, 'You can do it!' and probably a lot of tea..