JANUARY 3, 1941

Full News Archive

• Headline: Alexander Hurh: Korean Student Leader. Impact: If only Alexander Hurh had chosen a career in interpretative dance instead of the Y.M.C.A., the world might have been spared countless awkward group activities. Or maybe he would have sparked a global dance revolution. Who knows?. Fact: The Y.M.C.A. once offered a 'sweaty sock' award for the most dedicated member. Spoiler: no one ever wanted it..
• Headline: First Patients Admitted in 1941. Impact: The first patients admitted could very well have led to the creation of the world's first hospital reality show. Imagine the drama of 'ER: The Early Years'.. Fact: In the early 1900s, hospitals often doubled as places for social events—because nothing says 'party' like a room full of ill patients!.
• Headline: New Orleans Racing Drama Unfolds. Impact: When that $525,000 check was posted, it sent shockwaves through real estate, causing a butterfly effect that led to an overabundance of realty shows and people thinking they could become instant millionaires by flipping houses.. Fact: New Orleans was once considered the 'Venice of America'—and not just because of the gators in the bayou, but more so for the real estate scams!.
• Headline: Blind Students to Give Comedy. Impact: The comedy show by blind students possibly created a ripple that led to the invention of the 'blind date'—because if they can make you laugh, maybe you can get through awkward social interactions too.. Fact: Blind humor has been a thing for centuries, often leading to the phrase 'seeing is believing'—but who needs sight when you have wit?.
• Headline: ROME CALLS FLIERS BACK FROM FRANCE; Nazi-Augmented Air Force to Concentrate on Foes in Mediterranean Area ROME CALLS FLIERS BACK FROM FRANCE. Impact: The call back of fliers from France potentially led to the invention of the 'office memo'—a way of saying, 'Stop having fun in France and get back to work!'. Fact: Nazi-augmented air forces had the motto 'We fly, therefore we are.' But they were also known for their excellent, albeit questionable, organizational skills..
• Headline: Jersey Man Dies After Fall. Impact: The unfortunate fall of Jersey man Taylor set off a chain reaction of safety regulations that would eventually lead to all those 'Caution: Wet Floor' signs you've learned to ignore.. Fact: The phrase 'slipped on a banana peel' was once taken very seriously. It’s the original slapstick before anyone thought of filming it..
• Headline: MEDICINE FOR FREE CHINA. Impact: The work on medical relief for Free China could have inadvertently led to the rise of international medical tourism, where people now travel for 'wellness' instead of just surviving.. Fact: In the 1940s, the concept of a 'medical vacation' was pretty much unheard of. Now, you can get a nose job in Thailand and sunbathe all in one trip!.
• Headline: PIG OWNERS SUMMONED; Bronx Housewives Complain of Sanitary Code Violations. Impact: Bronx pig farm owners being summoned for violations might have sparked the infamous phrase 'Don't let the pigs run the farm', leading to many political metaphors we use today.. Fact: In the Bronx, it was once believed that pigs were better at keeping secrets than politicians. Spoiler: they were right..
• Headline: FORDHAM PLAYERS ON ALL-BOWL TEAM; De Filippo, Ungerer Picked by United Press -- Kimbrough, O'Rourke Outstanding. Impact: The selection of Fordham players for the All-Bowl team likely set off a chain of mediocre sports documentaries in the future, where every player thinks they're the next big thing.. Fact: The All-Bowl team selection process has historically been more dramatic than some reality TV shows, with less actual drama and more people wearing helmets..
• Headline: CURRAN PURGE ON; KAPLAN QUITS POST; Republican Chief Gets Head of Law Committee to Resign. Impact: Curran's purge and Kaplan’s resignation likely inspired future political dramas where the plot twist is always someone dramatically quitting their job.. Fact: Political purges have a knack for making great headlines, but they’re about as effective as cleaning your house with a garden hose—lots of mess, little result..