NOVEMBER 5, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Community Forum on Syphilis Awareness. Impact: The Great Syphilis Awareness Movement of the 1940s was sparked by this meeting, leading to the invention of the first-ever 'penicillin-themed' dance party. Dancers wore pill-shaped hats and grooved to tunes like 'Syphilis Shuffle'.. Fact: Did you know that syphilis was once considered a fashionable disease among the elite? It was like the Instagram of ailments—everyone wanted to show off their 'distinguished' symptoms..
• Headline: Plastics Awards Recognize Innovative Uses. Impact: The 'Plastics Revolution' began with this contest, eventually leading to the invention of the plastic straw. It became a symbol of environmental catastrophe, inspiring a movement that would leave future generations shaking their heads in disbelief.. Fact: Fun fact: the first plastic straw was invented in 1888. So, if you think your reusable straw is saving the planet, just remember that those pesky plastics have been around way longer than your last three relationships combined..
• Headline: GARNER: GAG MAN Unveiled. Impact: The rise of 'Gag Man' comedy led to the establishment of the National Gag Day, which ironically went uncelebrated because everyone was too busy trying to come up with the best punchline.. Fact: Gags have been around since the dawn of humor. Ever heard of the time a caveman slipped on a rock? Yeah, that was the original 'slapstick'—and it was a total hit!.
• Headline: BY WOMEN ARTISTS. Impact: The exhibit of women artists inspired the creation of a secret society of female artists who vowed to overthrow the art world, one abstract painting at a time. Spoiler: they still meet in basements.. Fact: Did you know that women artists often had to disguise themselves as men to get their work recognized? Talk about painting with a disguise!.
• Headline: New Mystery Stories. Impact: The publication of 'New Mystery Stories' paved the way for millions of plot twists in literature and TV, leading to the creation of the cliffhanger trope that keeps viewers yelling at their screens.. Fact: Mystery writers often find inspiration in the most mundane places. Who knew that the lost sock in a dryer could lead to an epic whodunit?.
• Headline: AIR CURRENTS. Impact: Standard Oil Development Co's 1939 award led to the eventual rise of the oil tycoon stereotype in Hollywood, inspiring a generation of villains in films that still haunt our screens today.. Fact: Air currents are like the gossip of the weather world—always swirling around, spreading rumors about what’s happening up in the sky!.
• Headline: EXPECTS OUTPUT TO HOLD; But Fenner & Beane Fear Dip During First '40 Quarter. Impact: Fenner & Beane's predictions of output dips sparked a chain reaction of economic panic that led to the invention of the 'Doomsday Clock'—which was not as dramatic as it sounds.. Fact: If you think economic forecasts are confusing now, just wait until you see the predictions from the 1940s. Spoiler: they were mostly wrong, just like your uncle's lottery tickets..
• Headline: FOR A LAKES SEAWAY; Consideration of St. Lawrence Project Is Revived in Ottawa and Washington Approaches From Sea Summer Playground For and Against. Impact: The revival of the St. Lawrence Project discussion led to decades of debates over whether it was a good idea or a terrible one—much like most family dinners in America.. Fact: The St. Lawrence Seaway is so long it could stretch from here to your cousin's house, and just like family gatherings, it involves a lot of navigating through awkward conversations..
• Headline: LINE SEEKS NEW ROUTE; American Export Airlines Ask CAA for Right To Fly Atlantic Two Routes Planned. Impact: American Export Airlines' request for new routes inadvertently created a rivalry between airlines, leading to the modern 'who can fly the fastest' race that eventually left everyone forgetting to enjoy the actual journey.. Fact: Air travel used to be a luxury for the elite. Now, it’s a cattle call where you get to sit in a cramped space next to someone who thinks armrests are optional..