JUNE 27, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Captain Bartlett's Arctic Expedition. Impact: Captain Bartlett's journey to the Arctic inspired countless adventurers, leading to a modern-day obsession with ice fishing and the creation of 'Ice Capades'. Who knew a voyage could lead to sequined skating shows?. Fact: Did you know that 'Morrissey' in this context has nothing to do with the moody singer? It's just a sailor's name, proving that maritime adventures have always had their own drama..
• Headline: Governor Hoey Advocates for Fraternalism. Impact: This speech by Gov. Hoey sparked a secret society of Woodmen who believed they could influence democracy with tree-hugging rituals, ultimately leading to the rise of eco-political influencers. Thank you, nature!. Fact: Fun fact: Fraternal organizations were so popular back then that even your average lumberjack felt he needed a brotherhood to complain about his axe..
• Headline: New Postmasters Nominated in 1939. Impact: The postmaster nominations led to a secret underground network of postal workers who conspired to deliver mail faster than anyone else. This is where the term 'snail mail' ironically originated.. Fact: Did you know that postmasters have historically been the unsung heroes of communication? Because nothing says 'importance' like delivering bills and love letters..
• Headline: TWO BRITISH SHIPS BARRED AT SWATOW; Japanese Navy Orders Them Not to Approach Wharf and They Leave Soon Thereafter BAN MADE MORE GENERAL Mail and Provisions Excepted --Shanghai Says One Vessel a Week Will Be Allowed. Impact: The blockade at Swatow caused a ripple effect of naval tensions, leading to the creation of the world's first 'Don't Come Here' signs, which now line many beaches around the globe.. Fact: Fun fact: The Japanese Navy's assertiveness here was so effective that it inspired the phrase 'No Trespassing' on private property, a phrase we've all come to love..
• Headline: Special Rail Rates for CCC Barred. Impact: The refusal to grant special rail rates for the CCC led to a nationwide movement to create the 'You Can't Ride for Free' policy, which still haunts public transit systems today.. Fact: Did you know that the ICC could have saved a ton of money by just offering free popcorn instead of rail rates? Priorities, people!.
• Headline: Puerto Rico Asks Statehood. Impact: Puerto Rico's bid for statehood launched a series of debates that are still going on today, ultimately inspiring people to write really long letters about why they should or shouldn't be a state. Thanks, bureaucracy!. Fact: Did you know that the push for statehood has led to more slogans than actual votes? 'PR for the Win' was a particularly popular one among the coffee shops..
• Headline: GOVERNORS DEBATE MADE-WORK MERITS; Divide Along Party Lines at Parley After Baldwin Calls WPA Political Menace. Impact: The debate on 'made-work' merits inspired a generation of politicians to create jobs that literally had no purpose, paving the way for today's most confusing job titles.. Fact: Fun fact: The WPA was actually a precursor to many modern-day jobs like 'Chief Happiness Officer'. Because who doesn’t want to be the boss of smiles?.
• Headline: WASHINGTON FRIGID TO PLEA BY BONNET; Suggestion That America Join Britain and France in Peace Front Is Resented DECLARED 'UNFORTUNATE' Administration Backers and Isolationists in Congress Agree in Attitude. Impact: Washington's chilly response to Bonnet's peace plea sparked a series of isolationist movements that eventually led to people thinking that avoiding conflict meant avoiding social gatherings. Thanks for the introvert revolution!. Fact: Fun fact: The U.S. has a long history of being the 'cool kid' who refuses to join the group project, leading to many missed opportunities and awkward silences at the lunch table..
• Headline: GOERING DEMANDS VAST WOOD OUTPUT; As Chief Forester He Orders 50% Rise in Production as 'Vital to Nation's Fate' TELLS OF PRESSING NEEDS Reich to Use 80,000,000 Cubic Meters This Year, He Says --Fuel Curb Is Imposed. Impact: Goering's demand for increased wood output resulted in a bizarre obsession with lumberjack aesthetics, culminating in the creation of hipster coffee shops that serve drinks in wooden mugs today.. Fact: Did you know that Goering had such a love for trees that he once tried to start a lumberjack reality show? It was called 'Survivor: The Forest'. Spoiler: Nobody survived..