NOVEMBER 13, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring 1939's Literary Landscape. Impact: The publication of 'Gentlemen Behave' led to the establishment of an underground society of gentlemen who believed the book was a manual for how to act like a complete jerk, resulting in a centuries-long debate over what it means to have good manners.. Fact: Did you know that if gentlemen actually behaved, we might not have the phrase 'gentlemen's agreement' to justify shady deals?.
• Headline: Interned British Flyer in 1939. Impact: The internment of the British flier sparked a secret society of fliers who vowed to never be captured, leading to the invention of the world's first 'fly under the radar' school, which also operates a tea club.. Fact: Fun fact: Most British fliers prefer tea over coffee, even when being interned. Priorities, right?.
• Headline: New Directors Join Metropolitan Opera Board. Impact: The appointment of Manice and Strauss to the opera board led to a dramatic increase in opera attendance, mainly because people were curious if they could actually sing or if they were just there for the free champagne.. Fact: Did you know that opera directors often spend more time arguing over costumes than over the actual music? The drama truly never ends!.
• Headline: KEEPS OUT RELATIVES BY BLOWING UP HOUSE; Blast Wrecks Woodside Home --Police Hold Owner's Son. Impact: This unfortunate event resulted in a ripple effect where people began to consider extreme measures to keep family gatherings to a minimum, eventually inspiring the invention of the 'family-proof' smart home.. Fact: In the history of family disputes, blowing up a house is still considered a bit over the top. Who knew family reunions could be so explosive?.
• Headline: PLANES AND U-BOATS. Impact: The combination of planes and U-boats led to a secret arms race where both sides tried to outdo each other with crazier military inventions, ultimately resulting in the creation of the flying submarine—a concept that was as impractical as it was hilarious.. Fact: Did you know that no one actually knows how to pilot a flying submarine? It's one of those things that sounds great until you realize you can't swim in the sky..
• Headline: JEWISN CHARITIES LAUNCH JOINT PLEA; 1,200 Leaders Mark Start of Third Drive for New York and Brooklyn Federations 116 AGENCIES TO BE AIDED Medalie Says New Spirit of Philanthropy Is Growing Among Individuals Others Who Spoke Pays Tribute to Pioneers. Impact: The joint plea for charity brought together a plethora of New York's finest, leading to a massive influx of funds which inadvertently funded the rise of artisanal bagels, changing brunch culture forever.. Fact: Fun fact: The ‘new spirit of philanthropy’ was just a fancy way of saying ‘everyone wanted to outdo each other in charitable donations for the best brunch spots.’.
• Headline: ABOUT NEW YORK. Impact: The discussion about bait in New York started a trend where New Yorkers began using creative bait to lure tourists into their shops, leading to an entire industry of 'tourist bait' that includes everything from overpriced hot dogs to selfie sticks.. Fact: Did you know that New Yorkers have been 'baiting' tourists long before social media? It’s the original hustle!.
• Headline: DICKINSON UPHOLDS MEDIATION BOARD; He Denies That It Advised Him Closed Shop Was Sole Aim of Garment Strike SENDS WIRE TO DUBINSKY Answers Protest Over Reported Findings in Alpena Case, Involving 1,000 Workers. Impact: Dickinson's upholding of the mediation board set off a chain reaction of labor disputes that led to the formation of what would eventually be known as the 'National Union of People Who Just Want to Take a Nap During Meetings.'. Fact: Did you know that the majority of labor strikes are actually just people trying to avoid working past 5 PM? It's true!.