AUGUST 18, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: War's Expansion: Europe and Africa 1940. Impact: The War in Europe and Africa led to an unprecedented global reshuffling of power. Who knew a few skirmishes could inspire a bunch of world leaders to throw tantrums and change borders for decades? Just think, if they had all played a nice game of chess instead, we might not have had to deal with the 20th century's version of 'Guess Who’s Back' with dictators.. Fact: Did you know that 'en route' is just French for 'on the way'? It’s almost like they were too busy to come up with something more dramatic..
• Headline: Mrs. Mars Robbed of Cash and Jewelry. Impact: Mrs. Mars's theft of $18,000 likely sparked a series of increased security measures, leading to the birth of modern hotel safes. Without this incident, we might still be leaving our valuables in the sock drawer during vacations.. Fact: Fun fact: $18,000 in today's money is roughly equivalent to 'I really should have invested in a safe'!.
• Headline: NOTES FOR THE TRAVELER; Canada's Fair--The West Gains in Travel --Indian Dance--New Orleans Ships. Impact: The increase in travel to the West was like planting a seed for the tourism industry. If only they had known that one day, those Indian dances would be replaced by overpriced souvenir shops selling keychains.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more impressive than a dance is the stamina it takes to navigate through an airport? Ah, progress!.
• Headline: NEW AIR-RAIL TICKETS; Joint Service Is Permitted Between Boston and Maine. Impact: The introduction of air-rail tickets signaled a new era of travel convenience, paving the way for future innovations like the 'I can't believe it's not cheaper' flight-and-ride bundles we have today.. Fact: Did you know that combining air and rail travel is still a thing? But now it’s mostly just a way to get stuck in traffic… or the sky..
• Headline: STAND OF WILLKIE MAY AVERT DELAY ON DRAFT MEASURE; Republican Supporters of Maloney Idea Are Likely to Be Influenced. Impact: Willkie’s position on the draft measure was like throwing a stone into a pond, creating ripples that influenced future military policies and debates about service. You know, like political ping pong.. Fact: Did you know that the Marine Corps League backing this bill was basically a 'bro code' moment? Because nothing says 'we've got your back' like a bunch of uniforms..
• Headline: British Tanker Survivors Land. Impact: The survival of British tanker crew members after a torpedo attack became a rallying cry for resilience, leading to a wave of propaganda that convinced everyone that brave sailors were the real superheroes of the war.. Fact: Did you know that being sunk by a torpedo is kind of the maritime equivalent of getting your lunch money stolen? It's not great, but at least you lived to tell the tale..
• Headline: SOUTH AMERICAN CONCERT TOUR. Impact: The South American concert tour might have spread cultural appreciation and led to a fusion of music styles, ultimately resulting in the global phenomenon we know as 'World Music'—or as some call it, 'That one playlist you pretend to like.'. Fact: Did you know that concert tours are just an excuse for artists to visit exotic locations while pretending they’re working? It’s like a business trip, but with more glitter..
• Headline: TRACKING A MORMON TRAIL. Impact: Tracking the Mormon Trail for filming notes could have resulted in a resurgence of interest in American history, indirectly fueling the creation of countless documentaries that no one asked for.. Fact: Did you know that filming on historic trails often leads to someone forgetting the script? Because nothing says 'historical accuracy' like a spontaneous interpretive dance!.
• Headline: NOTES OF CAMERA WORLD; An Improved Film. Impact: The introduction of an improved film for cameras hinted at the beginning of the end for home movie makers everywhere. Who could have predicted that the quest for the perfect shot would lead to endless hours of editing and 'accidental' family drama?. Fact: Did you know that magazine-loading movie cameras were the original 'quick and easy' solution? Kind of like fast food, but for your home movies. Enjoy the grease!.