FEBRUARY 19, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: E. Powell's Hula Dancing Commentary. Impact: E Powell's hula dancing comment sparked a worldwide hula craze, leading to the invention of the hula hoop and an entirely new occupation: professional hoopers. The world was never the same again. Thanks, E Powell!. Fact: Did you know that hula dancing was considered 'too scandalous' in the early 1900s? Just imagine the shock if they had seen TikTok..
• Headline: Bank of Canada Reports 1938 Profit. Impact: The Bank of Canada's 1938 profit led to a series of financial regulations that would later be ignored during the 2008 financial crisis. So, basically, thanks for nothing, Canada.. Fact: Fun fact: $1,665,300 in 1938 is like a drop in the bucket compared to the trillions we throw around today. Who knew inflation could be so... inflated?.
• Headline: Mr. Pulaski: Broadway's Own IBEE THE MUGG. Impact: Pulaski's Broadway legacy inspired a generation of wannabe performers, leading to the rise of karaoke bars and the tragic fate of many tone-deaf individuals trying to relive their glory days.. Fact: Mr. Pulaski's real name was actually Billy Bob. But who needs a real name when you're a Broadway legend?.
• Headline: IN THE WHIRL AGAIN; Phonograph, Disks and Piano Tossed High On Flood Tide of Radio Music. Impact: The rise of radio music brought about the decline of live performances, which, ironically, led to the eventual resurgence of vinyl records. Thanks to radio, we all became vinyl hipsters about 70 years later.. Fact: Did you know that the first radio broadcasts were more about news than music? I guess they didn’t realize that people actually want to be entertained, not informed..
• Headline: Miscellaneous Brief Reviews; Memories of Ireland. Impact: Countess Fingall's memoirs inspired countless readers to explore Ireland, inadvertently causing an uptick in Irish pubs worldwide. The hangover effects are still felt today.. Fact: Seventy Years Young? That's just a polite way of saying she's been dodging age like a pro. Respect!.
• Headline: Roig Heads Airways Concern. Impact: Roig's leadership in the airline industry led to the widespread acceptance of air travel, ultimately resulting in modern-day airport security lines that make you question your life choices.. Fact: Did you know that before airlines became a thing, people actually had to ride horses or take trains? Who knew travel could be so... slow?.
• Headline: Constitution Rally Set; Delegates From 42 Schools Meet at St. Elizabeth's. Impact: The U.S. Constitution anniversary rally became a tradition that ultimately led to the annual 'Constitution Day' awkwardly celebrated by schools nationwide. Because who doesn’t love a good document?. Fact: Ironically, most of the delegates probably didn’t even read the Constitution. But hey, who needs to know the rules when you can just celebrate them?.
• Headline: Golden Gate Fair Opens With Glittering Spectacle; Gayly Costumed Crowd of 100,000 Is Welcomed on Treasure Island on a Day of Bright Sunshine and Benign Breezes. Impact: The glittering spectacle of the Golden Gate Fair inspired a generation of event planners, leading to the modern-day obsession with extravagant celebrations and the rise of Instagram influencers. Thanks a lot, San Francisco.. Fact: 100,000 attendees for a fair? That's like a small city showing up for a really fancy picnic. I hope they had enough hot dogs!.
• Headline: Book on Torrens System. Impact: The publication of the book on the Torrens System led to widespread property ownership reforms, which eventually spiraled into today's housing market crisis. So, thanks for that, M Byrne!. Fact: The Torrens title system is basically the world's way of saying, 'Let's make owning land as confusing as possible!'.
• Headline: Firemen Fight 2-Button Blaze. Impact: The 2-button blaze incident led to stricter fire codes in tailor shops, which ironically increased the number of button-related accidents in the following decades. Who knew buttons could be so dangerous?. Fact: Firemen fighting a blaze caused by buttons? Talk about a hot mess. I guess some days you just can’t button up your problems!.