JULY 8, 1941

Full News Archive

• Headline: Norman C. Willett's Unexpected Passing. Impact: If Norman C. Willett had just stayed home and binge-watched a series instead of vacationing, perhaps the insurance market would have been less chaotic, leading to fewer insurance claims. Who knows, maybe we'd all be living in a utopia of low insurance premiums and no one would ever have to learn about deductibles!. Fact: Did you know that vacationing insurance brokers are the real reason for skyrocketing premiums? Just kidding, but seriously, no one wants to hear about your vacation mishaps on their insurance claims!.
• Headline: Lewis Critiques Roosevelt's Labor Actions. Impact: J.L. Lewis's spirited attack on Roosevelt might have inspired a whole new genre of political insults. Imagine what Twitter would look like today if every politician had to outdo each other in creative name-calling. We could have had historians arguing over who had the best roast of the century!. Fact: Did you know that 'assailing' was once a common pastime? Forget archery; politicians preferred verbal tirades to sharpen their wit!.
• Headline: Senate Considers Increased WWI Pensions. Impact: This bill to pay World War pensions was a turning point that led to every veteran thinking they had a claim to free pizza for life. It's a slippery slope from pensions to pizza parties, folks!. Fact: Did you know that veterans once argued that their service entitled them to free ice cream? That's right, one scoop for bravery, two scoops for valor!.
• Headline: W. G. L. TAYLOR; Educator and Author, Graduate of Harvard, Dies in San Diego. Impact: The death of W. G. L. Taylor marked the end of an era, leading to a sudden shortage of Harvard alumni who could quote Shakespeare while riding a unicycle. The world became a slightly less pretentious place. Fact: Did you know that W. G. L. Taylor's favorite pastime was writing in the margins of books? Because who doesn’t love a little literary graffiti?.
• Headline: NAVY FORCES LAND; Roosevelt Holds Move, on Reykjavik's Bid, Bars Triple Threat AIR SQUADRONS SENT British to Quit Island -- U.S. Forces Also Go to Trinidad and Guiana NAVY FORCES LAND TO OCCUPY ICELAND. Impact: The occupation of Iceland was a strategic move that inadvertently led to the world's first 'Icelandic weather app,' because who wouldn't want real-time updates on how cold it is in a place with more sheep than people?. Fact: Did you know that the U.S. Navy's occupation of Iceland was initially just an elaborate plan to get better fish and chips?.
• Headline: SEES WOMEN CAB DRIVERS; Taxi Official Says Some May Replace Men Drafted. Impact: The decision to hire women cab drivers during the draft probably led to the first ever recorded instance of a woman yelling 'Get in, loser!' at a man who was late to work. Talk about a cultural revolution!. Fact: Did you know that the first female taxi drivers were actually just trying to prove they could parallel park better than their male counterparts? Spoiler: they could!.
• Headline: 400 AT TEA FOR BRITAIN; Cake Plate Owned by Victoria Is Sold at West Orange Event. Impact: The tea event for Britain could have been the moment when cake plates became the unofficial currency of goodwill between nations. Who knew a plate could be so diplomatic?. Fact: Did you know that cake plates are actually highly sought after in the black market of antiquities? Just kidding, but wouldn't that make a great heist movie?.
• Headline: PETER J. DREXELIUS. Impact: Peter J. Drexelius's headline had absolutely no impact on history, but it did serve as a reminder that some people are just destined to be footnotes in the great book of life. Fact: Did you know that if you say 'Peter J. Drexelius' three times in a row, you might accidentally summon a very confused historian?.
• Headline: BOAT RIDES BEGUN FOR CITY CHILDREN; La Guardia Sees First Croup Leave for One-Day Picnic at Staten Island Park. Impact: The boat rides for city children could have led to a sudden surge in young boat captains, creating a new generation of children who thought they could navigate the world, one park at a time!. Fact: Did you know that after this event, boat rides became the number one way for kids to learn that life jackets are not just fashionable accessories?.
• Headline: SOLOMON RECEIVES 4 YEARS' SENTENCE; Tammany Leader Is Penalized for Taking $28,000 Bribes From Printing Concern SAME TERM FOR MULLENS 2-Day Stays Are Granted for Appeals -- Ex-TERA Buyer Jailed for One Year. Impact: Solomon's bribery conviction was a pivotal moment that showed everyone the importance of keeping cash hidden in better places than your desk drawer. Who knew a little criminality could lead to better hiding spots?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more surprising than a Tammany leader being convicted of bribery is that there are still people who think politics is a respectable profession?.