JANUARY 2, 1942

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tragic Jumping Accident Claims Boy's Life. Impact: If only J Dey Jr had a trampoline, the butterfly flapping its wings might have saved him from a rather unfortunate fate. This incident led to the invention of safety gear that still doesn't prevent people from jumping into dangerous situations.. Fact: This tragedy prompted a nationwide rethink on safety regulations, because apparently, letting kids jump around was just too risky..
• Headline: Civilians Join War Efforts in Aviation. Impact: The decision to let civilians fly planes was the start of a series of events that eventually led to that one guy at your local airport who thinks he can fly a Cessna after a few YouTube videos. Thanks, military!. Fact: This was basically the start of the 'anyone can be a pilot' movement, which is why your cousin thinks he can get a pilot's license for his birthday..
• Headline: 1942 Sugar Quotas Increased by 20%. Impact: Increasing sugar quotas in 1942 led to a national sugar rush that caused a spike in sugar-related shenanigans, including the infamous 'sugar high' parties of the late 1940s. Who knew sweeteners could cause such havoc?. Fact: This was probably the last time anyone thought raising a price ceiling would actually help anyone but the sugar barons..
• Headline: Hears From Midway Defender. Impact: The message from Midway defenders sparked a flurry of motivational speeches, leading to the modern-day practice of sending inspirational memes instead of actual letters.. Fact: Midway became a legendary battle, but this message? Not exactly the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters..
• Headline: RUSH TO ENROLL AS NURSES GROWS; Rapid Increase in Enlistment Sequel to the Attack on Pearl Harbor 1,237 JOINED IN DECEMBER Response to the Campaign for Volunteers Cheers Official of the Red Cross. Impact: The rush to enroll as nurses post-Pearl Harbor marked the beginning of the 'Nursing is the New Black' trend, ensuring that every nursing recruitment poster would eventually feature a smiling baby and a heroic nurse.. Fact: This was the moment when nursing went from a humble profession to a glamorous calling—thanks to a little war and a lot of recruitment campaigns..
• Headline: Baby Suffocated by Blankets. Impact: The tragic suffocation of the baby led to an increased awareness of safe sleeping practices, which eventually resulted in the birth of the 'Safe Sleep' campaign. Because who knew blankets could be so deadly?. Fact: This incident, although heartbreaking, did lead to more parents learning about safe sleep environments, so at least something good came of it..
• Headline: Colombia to Launch Works Plan. Impact: Colombia's Works Plan was the start of many ambitious development projects that would eventually lead to the construction of roads that still have potholes big enough to swallow a small car.. Fact: This plan was less about economic development and more about ensuring that politicians had plenty of ribbon cuttings to attend..
• Headline: GETS TIRE RATIONING POST; A.B. Weller Nominated for Administrator in Nassau. Impact: A.B. Weller's nomination as tire rationing post administrator opened the door for future bureaucrats who would find innovative ways to ration everything from doughnuts to Wi-Fi.. Fact: This position was so important that it made A.B. Weller the most popular guy in Nassau—until someone needed to borrow his car..
• Headline: OEM MOVES TO FIND NEW RUBBER SUPPLY; Synthetic Substitute Is Called Most Promising as Japanese Hit at East Indies Sources. Impact: The search for a new rubber supply led to the creation of synthetic materials, which in turn paved the way for every questionable product ever sold on late-night infomercials.. Fact: They say necessity is the mother of invention, but in this case, it was more like desperation wearing a rubber suit..