AUGUST 27, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Change in Convertible Preference Planned. Impact: When Miller & Hart decided to eliminate the old convertible preference, it inadvertently sparked a global trend in automotive design that led to the bizarre rise of cars that look like they were designed by toddlers with crayons.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'convertible' originally referred to a type of magician's assistant? It's true! They must have been quite the showstoppers..
• Headline: Honoring Tweedsmuir's Legacy. Impact: The tribute to Tweedsmuir led to the formation of 'Canadian Club Appreciation Days' which now sees millions gathering to honor not just politicians, but also the fine art of drinking whisky.. Fact: Canadian Clubs were originally just clubs for people who wanted to avoid the cold—it's a little-known fact that the first meeting was held in a sauna..
• Headline: Malaya Aids Empire Defense. Impact: Malaya's defense bills passed, which unknowingly set off a chain reaction that eventually led to the creation of the world's most confusing board games based on colonial strategy.. Fact: The term 'Malaya' comes from the Sanskrit word for 'hill'. So basically, the area was named after a geographical feature that most people would never want to climb..
• Headline: ON TOUR OF AIRPLANE PRODUCTION PLANTS. Impact: W. S. Knudsen's tour of airplane production plants inspired a generation of people who now think they can build their own planes using YouTube tutorials and spare parts from their garages.. Fact: The first airplane was constructed after a failed attempt to build a 'flying car.' So, really, we've come full circle in our quest for airborne vehicles..
• Headline: Sky Writing Over England. Impact: Mysterious sky writing over England was the first instance of aerial advertising, eventually leading to the modern practice of using drones to deliver pizza, because who needs a ground game anymore?. Fact: Skywriting was originally intended as a way for lost pilots to find their way home—until someone realized it was much cooler to write 'I love you' from the sky..
• Headline: FUNDS FOR WILLKIE SEEN PASSING LIMIT; Flynn Charges Republicans Will Exceed Hatch Figure in National Campaign FINDS VAST MONEY SUPPLY O.R. Ewing Named Assistant to Democratic National Chief --Executive Group Chosen. Impact: Flynn's charges about campaign funds led to the establishment of the modern political fundraising machine, which now operates like a high-stakes bingo game where the prize is just more money.. Fact: Political fundraising has become so elaborate that I wouldn't be surprised if they start holding bake sales with actual bake-offs between candidates. Who doesn't love a good pie contest?.