JUNE 18, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Herbert's Overture Concerts Scheduled. Impact: Herbert's Unpublished Overture sparks a chain reaction of opera enthusiasts, leading to the invention of the air guitar. Who knew singing in a stadium could result in the world's worst air band?. Fact: Fun fact: The first-ever air guitar competition took place in 1970, likely inspired by Herbert's operatic dreams—though no one could confirm this in court..
• Headline: Bennett Airport Plane Crash Injures Three. Impact: The plane crash leads to stricter airport regulations, which ultimately results in the invention of the TSA. You're welcome, travelers!. Fact: Did you know that before the TSA, people could actually see their loved ones off at the gate? Shocking, I know!.
• Headline: Real Estate Deals in Queens, 1939. Impact: The deals in Queens lead to a housing boom, ultimately resulting in the gentrification that turns hipsters into kings of overpriced avocado toast. Truly a royal legacy!. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'gentrification' was coined in the 1960s, but it really took off when people realized they could charge $5 for a cup of coffee..
• Headline: 907 REFUGEES END VOYAGE IN ANTWERP; 272 to Remain in Belgium-- City Authorities Severe in Dealing With Them Refugees Look Well 907 REFUGEES END VOYAGE IN ANTWERP Called "Bravest Woman". Impact: The arrival of refugees in Antwerp sets off a series of humanitarian efforts that eventually leads to the establishment of international aid organizations. Who knew a disaster could bring out the best in humanity?. Fact: Did you know that the term ‘refugee’ has been used since the 14th century? It's almost like we’ve had a long time to figure this out!.
• Headline: HOPES FOR ACCORD REVIVED IN TOKYO; Foreign Office Puts Tientsin Issue Back on Police Basis Despite Army's Demands. Impact: The hopes for accord in Tokyo lead to a bizarre diplomatic game of musical chairs that eventually results in the invention of the peace sign. So, thank you, Tientsin issue!. Fact: Fun fact: The peace sign was originally designed for the British nuclear disarmament movement. So, yes, it’s always been a bit of a hippie sign..
• Headline: POPE LAUDS STATES GUIDED BY RELIGION; Pontiff Tells Bolivian Envoy Present Time Makes Great Demands on Rulers 'GRAVE SACRIFICES' CITED Catholic Paper Stresses Visit of Nuncio to Polish President as Part of Peace Effort Grace Sacrifices" Cited Polish Move Stressed. Impact: The Pope's commendation of religiously guided states leads to an unexpected surge in divine intervention lawsuits. Heaven help us!. Fact: Did you know that the Pope has a team of theologians that advise him? Because just winging it would be too easy..
• Headline: AIR CURRENTS. Impact: The reminiscing about early flights inspires a new generation of aviators, leading to the invention of the in-flight snack—a key moment in human history!. Fact: Fun fact: The first in-flight snack was a sandwich, but now you get peanuts and a side of regret..
• Headline: BRONX APARTMENT SOLD; Bainbridge Avenue Property Is Taken by an Investor. Impact: The sale of the Bronx apartment leads to a real estate frenzy, ultimately causing the housing crisis of 2008. Thanks for that, Bainbridge Avenue!. Fact: Did you know that the term ‘real estate’ comes from the Latin ‘res’, meaning ‘thing’? Because that’s not confusing at all..
• Headline: The Mysteries of Electricity. Impact: The discussions around the mysteries of electricity inspire scientists to create gadgets that lead to the smartphone era, resulting in a global decline in face-to-face conversations. Yay progress!. Fact: Fun fact: Nikola Tesla once claimed he could communicate with extraterrestrial beings through electrical signals. Spoiler alert: he was probably just trying to get a date..