SEPTEMBER 8, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Explore the Local Horizon Exhibit. Impact: The exhibit sparked a local art movement that led to a world-renowned artist gaining fame. This artist later became a recluse, only to emerge decades later as a pop culture icon who sold out stadiums for art exhibitions. Fact: Did you know that 'local horizon' is just a fancy way of saying 'the things we pretend are important while ignoring global issues?'.
• Headline: Ringstrasse Renamed for Josef Euerckel. Impact: Renaming a street might seem trivial, but it set off a chain reaction where every city began renaming streets after obscure locals, resulting in a global trend of baffling street names that confuse tourists to this day. Fact: Fun fact: Street names are the universe's way of reminding you that no one cares about your local heroes as much as you do!.
• Headline: ALONG THE FAR-FLUNG AIRWAYS; 'NEW' DEVICE NOT SO NEW Puncture-Proof Gasoline Tank Was First Used Here in 1917. Impact: The revelation about the puncture-proof gas tank led to airplane manufacturers scrambling for new innovations, which eventually resulted in the creation of the inflatable life raft—saving thousands of lives but also giving rise to the inflatable pool toy industry. Fact: In 1917, they thought a puncture-proof tank was a big deal. If only they knew how many inflatable flamingos would come to dominate pools worldwide!.
• Headline: 16 ARTISTS QUIT AS WPA JUDGES; Statement Charges Somervell Uses 'High-Handed' Methods in Ousting Incompetents HE CHARGES 'POLITICS' Local Administrator Says He Hopes to Find 'Courageous' Men to Replace Them. Impact: The mass resignation of artists from the WPA led to a nationwide debate on the role of government in the arts, which eventually transformed into a reality TV show about artist survival that was unironically called 'Project Runway: The Great Depression Edition.'. Fact: High-handed methods? Sounds like someone needs to read the handbook on how to win friends and influence artists—or just stop being so dramatic.
• Headline: INDUSTRIAL GROUP AIDS REFUGEE PLAN; Fund Drive for Children Gets Support of the Non-Ferrous Metals Organization WOMEN PRESS CAMPAIGN Mrs. Gibbons Selects Aide-- 16 Business Men Will Help Cause in Brooklyn. Impact: The support from the Non-Ferrous Metals Organization inadvertently led to the rise of corporate social responsibility, which means now companies feel the need to pretend they care about social issues while still raking in profits. Fact: Did you know that helping children can also be a great PR move? Just ask any corporation with a charitable foundation!.
• Headline: PARADE WILL OPEN PORTERS' CONCLAVE; Fifteenth Convention of A.F.L. Brotherhood to Start in Harlem Next Sunday MRS. ROOSEVELT TO SPEAK Also to Address Negro Union Are Mayor, Governor, Green, Mead and Miss Perkins. Impact: Mrs. Roosevelt's speech at the convention inspired a generation of activists, who then went on to form a secret society dedicated to improving labor rights, which ironically led to them becoming the very bureaucrats they once loathed. Fact: Imagine being so influential that even decades later, people are still trying to figure out how to outdo your speeches. No pressure, right?.