OCTOBER 3, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Hoodlums Attack Willkie Clubroom in Queens. Impact: If the hoodlums hadn't smeared mud on those windows, the official might have become a renowned artist, turning their life into a tragic yet inspiring tale of lost potential.. Fact: Mud smearing was actually a popular art form in the 1940s. Just kidding; it was just vandalism..
• Headline: Board of Scientists Aids Britain's War Efforts. Impact: This board of scientists inadvertently created the first superhero squad. Rumor has it they used their powers to thwart night bombers but ended up distracted by science fairs.. Fact: Public hopes can be wildly misplaced. Just look at reality TV..
• Headline: U.S. Requests Martinique Aircraft. Impact: The quest for Martinique planes sparked a worldwide game of 'finders keepers,' leading to the invention of the phrase and, strangely enough, a surge in plane-themed birthday parties.. Fact: Martinique is not just about planes; it's also famous for its rum. Much more fun than just sitting around waiting for planes..
• Headline: 200 Noted Writers Wield Pens for Willkie, Aiming Epigram Shots to Wither New Deal. Impact: The 200 noted writers wielding pens for Willkie accidentally birthed an entire genre of sarcastic political commentary. They probably didn't see that one coming!. Fact: Epigrams were the original tweets, but with less character limit and more wit—if you can believe it..
• Headline: LEHMAN ANSWERS WILLKIE'S CHARGE; Roosevelt Defeat Is Hope of Dictators, He Repeats, and He Meant 'Exactly That' WONDERS WHO DOUBTS IT Republican Candidate,HeSays, Has to Deal With Appeasers and Extreme Isolationists GOV. LEHMAN'S REPLY Says Fact Is "Clear as Crystal". Impact: Lehman's response to Willkie's charge solidified the age-old tradition of political finger-pointing, which eventually led to social media arguments and memes about 'clear as crystal.'. Fact: If only politicians could be as clear as their crystal. We'd all be a lot better off!.
• Headline: BARON DE VITROLLES DEAD; Body of French Ex-Envoy Found in London Street. Impact: Baron de Vitrolles' death led to the accidental creation of a new French holiday dedicated to appreciating ex-envoys—a very niche celebration.. Fact: Ex-envoys don’t get enough love. They’re like the middle children of diplomacy..
• Headline: Navy Forming New Atlantic Force In One Command for Efficiency; NAVY WILL RECAST ATLANTIC FORCE Navy's Air Strength Told Designs Fitted With British No Asiatic Moves Are Planned. Impact: The formation of a new Atlantic force led to a sudden spike in nautical-themed fashion trends, including sailor hats and anchor tattoos that are still regretted today.. Fact: The Navy's idea of efficiency is always debated—like how quickly you can find the nearest coffee shop on a ship..
• Headline: ITALY MOVES TROOPS TO GREEK FRONTIER; Force on Border Is Estimated Now to Be 200,000 Men. Impact: Italy's troop movement to the Greek frontier inadvertently sparked a centuries-long rivalry between the two nations over who can make the best feta cheese.. Fact: 200,000 men is a lot of people; too bad they weren't all culinary experts..