NOVEMBER 10, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fire and Explosion Devastate Midtown Building. Impact: The destruction of this building led to a series of overzealous building regulations that ultimately resulted in the creation of the world's most boring architectural guidelines. If only they'd just invested in fire extinguishers instead!. Fact: Did you know that this incident inspired the phrase 'Do not play with fire'? Because obviously, common sense wasn't on the guest list..
• Headline: Dickinson Rejects Auto Strike Involvement. Impact: Dickinson's refusal to engage in the auto strike somehow led to the invention of the phrase 'It's not my circus, not my monkeys' in labor negotiations, forever altering the landscape of workplace responsibility.. Fact: Fun fact: In the world of politics, refusing to act is often considered a bold stance... or just complete laziness..
• Headline: Chamberlain Doubts Peace with Hitler. Impact: Chamberlain's pessimism paved the way for countless history teachers to use him as the prime example of how NOT to negotiate with dictators—a legacy that still resonates today.. Fact: Did you know that 'peace in our time' became a phrase so overused that it was almost as effective as a Netflix password? Spoiler: It wasn’t..
• Headline: GUGGENHEIM HEIR ENDS LIFE BY SHOT; Son of Simon Killed by Rifle Bullet in Hotel Room Here-- Suffered Nervous Disorder. Impact: The tragic end of this Guggenheim heir set off a wave of concern about mental health that eventually led to increased awareness and support—proof that sometimes tragedy can spark change, even if it’s a bit too late.. Fact: Did you know that the 1930s were a real party for mental health awareness? Just kidding, they were a nightmare..
• Headline: 'TEST STRIKE' ENDS AT SELZNICK LOT; Union Calls 125 for a Few Hours to Force a Salary Increase of 10% CONFERENCE NEXT WEEK International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes Wants Status Determined. Impact: The brief strike at Selznick's lot inspired generations of technicians to remember that even the smallest voice can be heard—if only because it’s yelling for a raise.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'test strike' was later adopted by high school students everywhere who wanted to skip class? Coincidence? I think not..
• Headline: CAROL BACKS PEACE PLEA; King Appeals to Heads of State of Britain, France and Germany. Impact: King Carol’s peace plea did absolutely nothing, but it did lead to a series of 'charming' postcards that no one ever sent, proving that diplomacy sometimes feels like throwing paper airplanes into a hurricane.. Fact: Fun fact: Kings sending peace messages to other kings is basically the medieval equivalent of 'Let’s stay friends' on Facebook..
• Headline: JURY GIVES ACTOR $37,000; Timothy J. McCoy Wins Award for Breach of Contract. Impact: Timothy J. McCoy’s court victory set a precedent for actors everywhere, leading to the eventual rise of celebrity lawsuits that would dominate tabloids and confuse the average person trying to understand contract law.. Fact: Did you know that $37,000 in 1930s money could buy you a decent house? Or, you know, a really fancy jacket—priorities!.
• Headline: TESTIMONY ENDS IN MARTIN TRIAL; Both Sides to Sum Up Next Wednesday, With Vote by the Senate Following FINAL WITNESSES HEARD Judge's Acceptance of Petit Larceny Plea in a Theft Case Is Discussed. Impact: The Martin trial created a ripple effect that led to the idea that all trials should be as dramatic as a soap opera, thus beginning the era of courtroom dramas that are still confusing judges today.. Fact: Did you know that courtroom dramas often have more twists than a pretzel factory? Spoiler: No one ever really wins..
• Headline: Incidents in European Conflict; Blackouts Aid Anti-Nazis. Impact: The European conflict blackouts inspired countless spy novels and films, showing that sometimes the best way to resist is to turn off the lights and hope for the best.. Fact: Did you know that blackout curtains became the most sought-after home decor item during wartime? Talk about a fashion statement!.
• Headline: 4 Irishmen Dying on Hunger Strike in Jail; De Valera Tells Dail They Cannot Be Freed; 4 IRISHMEN DYING ON HUNGER STRIKE. Impact: The hunger strike of the Irishmen became a rallying point for future activists, demonstrating that sometimes, the most powerful weapon is a refusal to eat—though I wouldn't recommend it for losing weight.. Fact: Did you know that hunger strikes are the ultimate way to get attention? Who knew skipping lunch could lead to historical significance?.