DECEMBER 12, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Vichy Government Tightens Winter Food Rations. Impact: The tightening of food rules sparked a culinary revolution. If you think the Michelin star ratings are tough now, just imagine chefs in Vichy France trying to impress with three-course meals that were basically just different types of potatoes.. Fact: The French have a long history of making gourmet meals out of limited ingredients; necessity truly is the mother of invention—or in this case, the mother of potato dishes..
• Headline: Ponzi Triumphs in Pocket Billiards. Impact: This riveting pocket billiards match made history by inspiring a future generation of hustlers who would later turn their attention to the stock market, proving that if you can win at billiards, you can definitely win at 'creative accounting'.. Fact: Ponzi schemes and pocket billiards share a common theme: both require a certain level of deception to keep the game going!.
• Headline: AIR EXPORTS UP 36%; October Sales Rose in Month, Spurted 937% Over 1939. Impact: This surge in air exports led to an unforeseen future where we now have to deal with airport security as a 'fun' part of traveling, all thanks to that one month in 1941 when people couldn't get enough of flying things.. Fact: Air export numbers skyrocketing is just a fancy way of saying people suddenly realized they could send stuff without having to deal with the post office!.
• Headline: CHILE SHORT OF DOLLARS; Exchange Now Available Only for the Most Vital Imports. Impact: The dollar shortage in Chile caused such desperation that it inspired future generations to invent trading systems based on anything from rocks to collectible spoons, effectively creating the first barter economy since the Stone Age.. Fact: When countries run out of dollars, they often resort to 'I.O.U's. Maybe that’s where the phrase ‘money talks’ originated—because when it’s gone, all you have left are whispers..
• Headline: ROTHSTEIN AIDE DIES; Sidney Stajer Once Was Bodyguard for Slain Gambler. Impact: The untimely demise of Stajer had a ripple effect that led to a series of bad decisions among those in the gambling community. Had he lived, he might have prevented at least three bad poker games that ended in disaster.. Fact: Being a bodyguard for a gambler must have been a stressful job; you're literally guarding someone's life while they double down on their bad choices!.
• Headline: WORLD PEACE SEEN IN RECONCILIATION; That, Not Appeasement, Will Attack Cause of War, Dr. Buttrick Asserts CHURCH'S ROLE STRESSED Atlantic City Session Receives Report Emphasizing Need to Relieve Suffering. Impact: Dr. Buttrick's call for reconciliation might have inspired future peace talks and global summits—though some would argue that it largely led to a lot of people sitting around in a circle, singing 'Kumbaya'.. Fact: The phrase 'peace through reconciliation' is often used, but it's hard to reconcile when you're still arguing about who left the dirty dishes in the sink..
• Headline: MAYOR DUE TO LOSE APPEAL ON DRAFT; Deferments for Police and Firemen as Groups Are Not Likely to Be Granted EACH CASE ON ITS MERITS Brown and McDermott Leave for Washington for Conference of Administrators. Impact: This draft debacle led to future mayors being extra cautious about their appeals, probably leading to a slew of new laws about how to avoid any semblance of accountability—because who wants to be the mayor who didn’t read the fine print?. Fact: Politics often resembles a game of musical chairs—except when the music stops, no one wants to be the last one standing, especially if it means going to war!.
• Headline: MAIL PLANE PICKS UP PRESIDENT'S CRUISER; Transfer Made at Small Island, Then Tuscaloosa Goes On. Impact: This event marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of politicians relying on unconventional methods to avoid actual work, paving the way for future presidents to send their messages via drone—because who wants to deal with traffic?. Fact: Imagine being the pilot who had to deliver mail to a sitting president; it’s like being the kid who has to deliver bad grades to a parent, but with a lot more pressure!.