FEBRUARY 5, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Hamilton Alters Admission Rule. Impact: This seemingly mundane change in admission policy led to a chain reaction where universities started competing for students like it was Black Friday. Eventually, we ended up with a generation of students majoring in 'Underwater Basket Weaving' because, hey, it was the hottest new trend.. Fact: Did you know that changing a college admission rule is like tossing a pebble into a pond? Except the pond is the entire education system, and the ripples are student debt..
• Headline: Dividend Meetings of 1940. Impact: This meeting marked the start of an era where dividends became the favorite topic of dinner parties. Investors began to network so hard that they practically invented the concept of 'stock market small talk'—a fate worse than death.. Fact: Did you know that discussing dividends can turn even the liveliest of parties into a snooze fest? I mean, who doesn’t love a good chat about quarterly earnings?.
• Headline: Colonel Donovan Joins Salvation Army Drive. Impact: Colonel Donovan’s involvement in the Salvation Army drive set a precedent for military ranks being involved in charity work, which later led to the bizarre trend of soldiers selling cookies door-to-door. Who knew that the path to world peace involved so many Thin Mints?. Fact: Did you know that the Salvation Army was originally founded to save souls, but now is more famous for its thrift shops? Nothing like saving the world one second-hand sweater at a time!.
• Headline: RENOVATION URGED FOR CUSTOM HOUSE; Durning Makes a 'Desperate' Effort to Get $190,000 From Congress for Purpose PLEA IS SENT TO GLASS Collector Says Valuable Records Are Endangered for Lackof Room for Filing. Impact: Durning's plea for funds became the blueprint for bureaucratic battles over budgets. This led to the invention of the phrase 'It's not about the money, it's about the paperwork'—a phrase that resonates in every government office to this day.. Fact: Did you know that the Custom House is where all the magic happens? You know, the magic of paperwork that nobody ever wants to deal with..
• Headline: Rider, Two Horses Killed In Bridle Path Collision. Impact: This tragic incident sparked a wave of new safety regulations that led to the invention of the equestrian helmet. Little did they know, this would also cause horse riders to start looking like bobblehead dolls.. Fact: Did you know that horse collisions were once a major concern, but now most riders just worry about their Instagram feed? Priorities, right?.
• Headline: 'Mutiny' on Freighter Off Red Hook Flats Turns Out to Be Only Row Over Shore Leave. Impact: What started as a 'mutiny' turned out to be the spark for modern-day labor rights movements, proving that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a bunch of tired sailors wanting some time off.. Fact: Did you know that most 'mutinies' are actually just people getting hangry? Next time you hear 'revolt,' check if the crew hasn't just run out of snacks..
• Headline: Ex-Slave Dies at Age of 100. Impact: The passing of this centenarian serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the ongoing struggle for equality. Each life lived in defiance of oppression ripples through history, inspiring future generations to continue the fight.. Fact: Did you know that reaching 100 years of age is a milestone that not many achieve, especially for those who lived through the trials of slavery? It's a testament to human endurance and the will to survive..
• Headline: FALL KILLS GLASS MAKER; B.F. Hazelton Jr., Ex-Official of Owens-Illinois, Dies in Toledo. Impact: Hazelton's untimely death raised awareness about workplace safety, ultimately leading to the establishment of regulations that made working conditions less hazardous. Who knew a glass maker's fall would shatter so many more than just glass?. Fact: Did you know that glass is not just fragile; it can also be quite deadly? Just ask poor B.F. Hazelton Jr., who found out the hard way that gravity is not a friend to glass makers..
• Headline: MUSIC NOTES. Impact: The music notes of the day influenced future generations to believe that if you can hum a tune, you can totally become a rock star. This has led to millions of karaoke nights and a surplus of tone-deaf singers trying to make it big.. Fact: Did you know that music notes have inspired countless people to believe they can sing? Spoiler: they usually can't, but that doesn't stop them from trying!.