MAY 9, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tragic Explosion at Swiss Road Mine. Impact: The explosion led to increased scrutiny on road safety, inadvertently causing a nationwide obsession with safer roads. This obsession eventually spiraled into a Swiss tradition of excessive road inspections, leading to the world's first 'road safety dance'—a bizarre spectacle that is now a global meme.. Fact: Did you know that Swiss roads are so safe now that even the cows have their own designated lanes? Moo-ving along!.
• Headline: Mail Fraud Guilty Plea in 1939. Impact: This case inspired a wave of 'creative' criminal enterprises that made mail fraud a trendy topic at cocktail parties for years to come. It's hard to believe, but if this guy hadn’t been caught, we might have seen a reality show called 'Mail Fraud: The Next Top Criminal.'. Fact: Fun fact: Mail fraud is like the hipster of crimes—everyone wants to do it, but no one wants to admit it..
• Headline: Portugal's Pavilion at 1939 World's Fair. Impact: The exhibit sparked a wave of Portuguese nationalism that culminated in a bizarre fad of wearing navigational maps as fashion accessories. To this day, you can find hipsters in Lisbon debating the merits of 16th-century sea charts over craft coffee.. Fact: Portugal was so proud of its seafaring history that they almost made a national sport out of navigating by the stars—until they realized most people preferred GPS..
• Headline: Anglo-Soviet Talks Arouse Japan; Threat of Stronger Axis Tie Made; Foreign Minister Arita Warns That Tokyo Could Not Regard London-Moscow Accord Lightly--Belittles Roosevelt Effort Warns of Totalitarian Warfare Insists on Free Hand. Impact: These talks inadvertently led to a series of diplomatic blunders that caused Japan to reconsider its sushi recipes. As a result, they introduced a bizarre dish called 'Axis Roll' that never caught on—thankfully.. Fact: In the world of diplomacy, 'Axis Roll' sounds suspiciously like a fancy yoga pose..
• Headline: 'Theme Girl" Chosen; Folk-Dancing Set for Today; MISS MANHATTAN NAMED IN CONTEST Cobina Wright Jr., Fifth Ave. Association's Candidate, Wins the Title MANHATTAN WEEK OPENS Girl, 13, Gets Prize for Essay --Melting Pot Ceremony to Be Held Today. Impact: 'Miss Manhattan' winning the title sparked a trend in themed competitions that eventually evolved into the modern reality TV landscape. Imagine a world where 'The Bachelor' started as a contest to find the best folk dancer—what a twist!. Fact: The original theme for 'Miss Manhattan' was supposed to be 'Most Likely to Become a Wall Street Tycoon.' Clearly, they went for the more dance-friendly option..
• Headline: Illinois Votes Women Jurors. Impact: This historic vote sparked a nationwide movement that led to the eventual inclusion of cats as jury members—because why not? The legal system has never been more entertaining, or confusing.. Fact: Women being allowed on juries was revolutionary, but cats being jurors? That’s a whole new level of 'purr-suasiveness.'.
• Headline: ROUND OF PARTIES KEEPS FLEET BUSY; Free Baseball Game, Theatres, Broadcasts and Receptions Make Another Full Day 18,767 VISIT WAR VESSELS Sophie Tucker and Company Present 'Leave It to Me' on Flagship New York Ranger Again Popular Fliers Guests of Legion Post. Impact: The fleet's busy schedule of parties led to the invention of the 'naval rave,' where sailors dance on ships using only sea shanties and glow sticks. It's the stuff of legends—or at least very questionable TikTok videos.. Fact: Sophie Tucker’s performance on a flagship may be the only instance in history where sailors prioritized entertainment over a potential naval battle. Priorities, right?.
• Headline: SENATORS REVIVE LUDLOW WAR VOTE; Western Group to Get Hearing on Referendum Amendment Closely Beaten in House SHOTWELL ON NEUTRALITY As Committee's Final Witness He Backs Thomas Plan and Ban on Treaty Violators. Impact: The revival of this war vote led to a bizarre tradition among senators where they hold mock debates dressed as historical figures. Imagine a Senate floor filled with people dressed as George Washington arguing over pizza toppings—now that’s a show.. Fact: The Ludlow vote's revival is proof that Congress can indeed find ways to make their discussions even more irrelevant. Who needs focus when you can have theatrics?.
• Headline: Britain Has 48 Warships in Egypt. Impact: The presence of warships in Egypt initiated an arms race that saw countries worldwide trying to one-up each other with increasingly ridiculous military displays. At one point, a nation attempted to build a warship made entirely of rubber ducks—because why not?. Fact: Having 48 warships in Egypt probably seemed like a great idea at the time, until they realized it was more of a 'float' than a 'fight.'.