AUGUST 31, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Boxing Showdown in Pompton Lakes. Impact: After this riveting boxing session, a sudden surge of interest in boxing among pastors led to a new sport: Holy Fistfight. This paved the way for the creation of ‘Boxing for the Soul’ tournaments, which are now a staple of church fundraisers.. Fact: Did you know that if every pastor took up boxing, we might have fewer arguments at church potlucks? Just imagine the sermon on 'turning the other cheek' while dodging a left hook!.
• Headline: Books of the Times: Highlights of 1940. Impact: The publication of these books marked the beginning of 'book club wars,' where readers would start fighting over whose pick was superior. This eventually led to the invention of the book-battle arena, where members could literally throw books at each other.. Fact: Fun fact: Book clubs today still can't decide if 'The Great Gatsby' or 'Twilight' is better. Spoiler: It's neither..
• Headline: Thomas Smidt and Commercial Factors Corp.. Impact: Thomas Smidt's leadership on the Finance Committee made him a minor celebrity in financial circles, inspiring future finance gurus to adopt similar last names for credibility. 'Smidty' became a popular moniker for hedge fund managers.. Fact: Did you know that in finance, it's not about how much you know, but how intimidating your last name sounds? Smidt definitely nailed it..
• Headline: U.S. GETS COMPLAINT ON PETRILLO UNION; Department of Justice Also Tells of Charges Made Against A.S.C.A.P. BROAD INQUIRY LIKELY Status of the Radio Industry in Interstate Commerce Would Be Basis. Impact: The complaints against Petrillo’s union triggered a series of events that eventually led to the establishment of the ‘Radio Rights Revolution,’ where musicians demanded royalties for every time a cat walked across their instrument.. Fact: Did you know that complaints are the foundation of all progress? Just look at every sitcom ever created!.
• Headline: French Envoy Says Farewell. Impact: The French envoy's farewell speech was so moving that it inspired a new diplomatic trend: Goodbye parties. This eventually led to nations competing over who could throw the most extravagant send-off, complete with fireworks and a marching band.. Fact: Did you know that farewells are just a fancy way of saying, 'I’m outta here'? Take notes, future diplomats!.
• Headline: ALEXANDER EXPLAINS GEORGIA TECH PLAYS; Veteran Coach Is Final Speaker at Fair Football School. Impact: This football talk led to a renaissance of ‘Fair Play’ initiatives that swept through college athletics, resulting in a generation of players who could tackle but still politely ask for a timeout to share their feelings.. Fact: Did you know that football coaches are basically motivational speakers with whistles? And they still can’t find a way to make tackling sound uplifting..
• Headline: INFLUENCE OF WAR ON CREDIT EASES; As a Consequence the Money Market Is Steadier, Reserve Bank Here Reports RISE IN FOREIGN DEPOSITS Significant Change Seen in Accumulation of Funds in Last Three Months. Impact: The easing of credit due to war led to a bizarre trend known as 'War-time Shopping Spree' where people believed that spending money would somehow end conflicts, resulting in some truly questionable fashion choices.. Fact: Did you know that during wars, people tend to shop like it’s going out of style? Spoiler: It never does… until the next war starts..