DECEMBER 13, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Dedication of New Church Building. Impact: The dedication of this church led to a series of community events that eventually sparked a national 'Church Bake Sale' competition, which, after many decades, resulted in the world's largest cupcake. The cupcake was so large it caused local seismic activity, which ironically led to a church fundraising event for earthquake victims. Talk about full circle!. Fact: Did you know that church bake sales have been scientifically proven to improve community morale by approximately 47%? Or maybe that's just the sugar talking..
• Headline: H D Gibson Leads Banquet Committee. Impact: Gibson heading the banquet committee resulted in an endless culinary legacy, eventually inspiring a reality TV show called 'Banquet Wars,' where chefs compete to create the best rubber chicken. Who knew a simple banquet could lead to televised culinary disasters?. Fact: Did you know that the average person consumes 1.5 rubber chickens per year at banquets? Just kidding, but it sure feels like it sometimes..
• Headline: 6 BRITISH SHIPS SUNK, 4 DAMAGED, NAZIS SAY; Four in One Convoy Reported Destroyed by Submarine. Impact: The sinking of these British ships eventually led to a dramatic increase in the production of naval-themed video games, which made more people experts on submarine warfare than actual submariners. Talk about a twist in the plot!. Fact: Did you know that the British Navy once considered changing their motto to 'Sink or Swim' after this incident? Thankfully, they reconsidered and went with something a bit more dignified..
• Headline: Wang Names Envoy to Japan. Impact: Wang's decision to name an envoy to Japan inadvertently sparked an obsession with sushi in the United States, leading to the sushi roll becoming a staple at every suburban party—because who doesn't want raw fish on a platter with a side of awkward small talk?. Fact: Fun fact: Sushi was once considered an exotic delicacy. Now, it’s the go-to food for every hipster trying to impress their date..
• Headline: COORDINATION HELD BIG DEFENSE NEED; Tolischus and Baldwin of The Times Picture Nation's Lag to Detroit Industry HITLER'S MACHINE VS. OURS Kettering Notes Need of 'Make Ready' Time in Plant Shifts to Arms Production. Impact: The discussions on defense production led to an unforeseen spike in DIY home improvement projects. A generation later, everyone was suddenly convinced they could build their own bomb shelters out of cardboard and duct tape, because, you know, that’s how you survive an apocalypse.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'make ready' is often used in military jargon? It’s also what I say every time I see my laundry pile—defense production at its finest!.
• Headline: $10,494 for Injured Workers. Impact: The awards for injured workers brought attention to labor rights, which gradually led to the creation of an entire movement dedicated to workplace safety. Who would have thought that a few bucks could spark a revolution?. Fact: Did you know that being injured at work can be a great conversation starter at parties? Just don’t lead with it, or you might clear the room..
• Headline: Orders Defense Road Survey. Impact: The survey for the proposed turnpike extension became a never-ending saga of bureaucratic delays, ultimately resulting in the invention of the 'Park and Wait' app, which allows you to find the best places to sit in your car while you wait for infrastructure that may never arrive.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing longer than the wait for that turnpike extension is the line at your local DMV. Seriously, pack a snack..
• Headline: R.A.F. NIGHT FLIERS HAMPER NAZI RAIDS; But Berlin Reports Sheffield Heavily Pounded--Many Other Areas Attacked. Impact: The RAF's efforts against Nazi raids led to an uptick in bomb shelter architectural design, which ironically led to the modern basement remodeling craze. Today, everyone has a 'man cave' with a history of wartime necessity behind its drywall.. Fact: Did you know that bomb shelters were once considered 'the place to be' during the war? Now they’re just where people hide from in-laws during family gatherings..