MAY 15, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Hi-Neighbor Day Celebration in Flushing. Impact: The Hi-Neighbor Day led to an explosion of neighborly events, eventually causing the rise of a global 'Neighbor Olympics' where people compete in lawn-mowing and potluck planning.. Fact: California's obsession with friendly neighborliness is so intense that they even have a day dedicated to it. What's next? A week for awkward small talk?.
• Headline: Conflict Over White Paper in 1939. Impact: The conflict over the White Paper led to a series of negotiations that somehow resulted in the invention of the stress ball, which became a staple in offices worldwide, helping people cope with the aftermath of political chaos.. Fact: It's ironic that while people were protesting, the rest of the world was busy creating stress relievers. Priorities, right?.
• Headline: MUSSOLINI'S TONE WELCOMED IN PARIS; French Believe His Moderation Is Result of Realization He Could Not Win in War Other Factors for Moderation Call for French Parley Seen MUSSOLINI'S TONE WELCOMED IN PARIS. Impact: Mussolini's moderated stance was so shocking that it inadvertently inspired a generation of dictators to take up knitting as a peaceful hobby, believing it would soften their public image.. Fact: Who knew that a dictator embracing moderation would lead to a global knitting craze? Talk about a stitch in time saving nine!.
• Headline: 'LITTLE WPA' PLAN VETOED BY LEHMAN; Action Bars Use of Home Relief Recipients on SpecialLocal Work Projects. Impact: Lehman’s veto of the 'Little WPA' plan triggered a series of protests, ultimately leading to the establishment of a cult dedicated to finding work for home relief clients through interpretive dance.. Fact: Vetoing a plan to help people find work led to the birth of a dance movement. Who knew politics could be so... rhythmic?.
• Headline: VIRGINIA CABELL A BRIDE; Wed to Lt. Wilmer Benson Jr. in Canal Zone Ceremony. Impact: Virginia Cabell's wedding in the Canal Zone led to an unexpected trend of tropical-themed weddings, which would later result in a shortage of Hawaiian shirts in the early 2000s.. Fact: Getting married in the Canal Zone sounds romantic, but the real question is: did they have a luau reception?.
• Headline: LITHUANIA'S ENTRY WELCOMED AT FAIR; LITHUANIAN PAVILION DEDICATED AT THE FAIR. Impact: Lithuania’s entry into the fair set off a chain of pavilions dedicated to every country imaginable, leading to the invention of the 'World’s Fair Passport' that became a coveted item for travelers.. Fact: The only thing more colorful than the Lithuanian Pavilion? The bizarre souvenirs people brought home. Who doesn't want a three-foot-tall wooden soldier?.
• Headline: BACK SILVER ACT REPEAL; Economists' Committee Says Our Purchases Are Unnecessary. Impact: The repeal of the Silver Purchase Act was the catalyst for a nationwide debate about the value of shiny objects, ultimately leading to an underground market for glitter that still persists today.. Fact: When economists say our purchases are unnecessary, they clearly haven't seen the glitter aisle at a craft store. It’s a glittering economy!.