SEPTEMBER 5, 1941

Full News Archive

• Headline: Joseph Naftalowitz's Historical Significance. Impact: The rise of Joseph Naftalowitz inspired countless parents to name their children after him, leading to a global increase in awkward introductions and spelling tests.. Fact: Naftalowitz is a name that has never been on a popular baby name list. Coincidence? I think not..
• Headline: Rail Wage Talks Near Collapse in 1941. Impact: The collapse of these talks led to a chain reaction of labor disputes, ultimately inspiring a new genre of protest songs that no one really wanted to hear but everyone had to endure.. Fact: If only the mediation board had known that 'talking it out' actually involves talking, not just sitting in a room staring at each other..
• Headline: Legacy of Dr. Jesse L. Backer. Impact: Dr. Jesse L. Backer's groundbreaking work unknowingly set the stage for future medical dramas, where doctors somehow manage to diagnose patients in seconds while running through hallways.. Fact: Dr. Backer's name is synonymous with 'I have no idea what I'm doing, but let me Google it.'.
• Headline: Army Footwear Orders Placed. Impact: The army's decision to place footwear orders led to the accidental creation of a fashion trend among civilians, spawning the infamous 'military chic' look.. Fact: Who knew that the secret to stylish boots was actually a contract with the army?.
• Headline: To Extend West Point Airport. Impact: By extending West Point Airport, officials inadvertently set off a series of events that would lead to the world's first 'airborne cadet' competition, where young recruits would race planes while doing push-ups.. Fact: The only thing more inflated than the airport expansion budget was the ego of the architect who designed it..
• Headline: STRIKE STOPS WORK AT CRUCIBLE STEEL; $5,000,000 in Defense Orders Affected by Walkout of 600 at Harrison, N.J., Plant. Impact: This strike caused a ripple effect in the defense industry, ultimately leading to the invention of the phrase 'steel your nerves' as everyone scrambled to find replacements.. Fact: Funny how a $5,000,000 loss can be solved with a single well-placed snack break..
• Headline: AUTO REGISTRATIONS ROSE; Up 24% in July Over Year Ago but Off 11.6% From June. Impact: The sudden spike in auto registrations led to an underground economy of personalized license plate makers, forever changing the landscape of suburban vanity.. Fact: If there were a trophy for most confusing statistics, this one would take home the gold..
• Headline: CALL OF FIRE GONG SPURS PLACID STEED; Junk Wagon Horse Stages Real Runaway on East Side. Impact: This runaway horse incident led to the establishment of 'emergency horse training' courses, which are still wildly popular in urban areas where people have no idea how to handle a panicked pony.. Fact: In the horse world, 'Placid Steed' is code for 'you might want to keep an eye on that guy.'.
• Headline: FRANK LJVERNOIS. Impact: Frank Livernois inadvertently became a symbol for all those who have ever had their names misspelled; his legacy lives on in every awkward introduction and every 'it's actually pronounced...'.. Fact: Livernois is French for 'almost there, but not quite.'.