FEBRUARY 12, 1942

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tragic Plane Crash in New Jersey. Impact: The tragic crash drew attention to the dangers of stunting, leading to a series of increasingly bizarre aerial regulations that eventually resulted in a nationwide ban on stunts over farms, which, ironically, caused farmers to adopt more traditional (and far less exciting) methods of pest control.. Fact: Did you know that in 1947, a farmer in New Jersey was so traumatized by a plane crash over his cornfield that he started a 'no-fly zone' for all aircraft? His corn never tasted sweeter!.
• Headline: Boscobel Mansion's Demolition Delayed. Impact: The stay of demolition for Boscobel mansion sparked a years-long debate over architectural preservation, resulting in the creation of a secret society of mansion defenders who believe they are the guardians of history—and also really enjoy tea parties.. Fact: Did you know that the most heated arguments in this secret society are about whether to serve scones or biscuits? Riveting stuff!.
• Headline: WARNS ON WAR APATHY; Defense Official Says We Must Not Wait for Falling Bombs. Impact: The warning against war apathy kicked off a nationwide movement that led to the creation of numerous pamphlets and posters, which eventually inspired a line of motivational posters that today grace the walls of every cubicle in America.. Fact: Ever wondered why 'Hang in there!' became a thing? Thank the Defense Official who decided to play the role of motivational speaker during a time of impending doom!.
• Headline: HOUSING BOARD SWORN; New Newark Authority Takes Up Work of Dissolved Group. Impact: The swearing-in of the new Newark Authority inadvertently set off a series of bureaucratic changes in the U.S. that led to the establishment of an entire industry dedicated to creating acronyms for government agencies, resulting in some of the most confusing signs ever.. Fact: Did you know that the first acronym ever created was 'N.E.W.A.R.K.'? It stands for 'Not Every Waffle And Really Kooky.'.
• Headline: CONNALLY TO SPEAK HERE; Democrats at Feb. 23 Dinner to Hear Senator. Impact: Senator Connally's dinner speech was so riveting that it inadvertently inspired a generation of Democrats to host boring dinner events that would eventually lead to the invention of the 'political dinner party'—where conversation is as lively as a tax return.. Fact: Did you know that the first known political dinner party was so dull that attendees actually started discussing the weather as a thrilling alternative?.
• Headline: HEROIC SANCTITY' HELD NEED OF HOUR; British Priest Addresses Interfaith Luncheon Here. Impact: The British priest's interfaith address sparked a movement toward greater religious tolerance, which eventually led to people realizing that arguing over which holiday is more important is a lot less fun than just sharing food.. Fact: Did you know that the first interfaith potluck was such a hit that they accidentally created a new tradition? Now everyone just shows up for the food and not the theology..