OCTOBER 6, 1942

Full News Archive

• Headline: Bans on Aerial Bombs for Warnings. Impact: In a surprising twist, banning air bombs led to the invention of the inflatable bomb. This harmless but visually confusing device caused countless air raid drills to spiral into hilarious chaos, as everyone mistook them for beach balls.. Fact: Did you know that air raid warnings used to include a high-pitched siren? Now they just rely on the sound of your neighbor yelling, 'Get to the basement!'.
• Headline: M'Kay Cleared of Fraud Charges. Impact: Clearing Frank D. McKay of his charges set off a chain reaction, inspiring a whole generation of people to attempt to live their lives like they were in a courtroom drama, resulting in an increase in legal jargon in everyday conversation.. Fact: Fun fact: Being cleared of federal charges doesn’t automatically make you a hero. It just means you have more time to plan your next questionable business venture..
• Headline: Inactive War Unit Advertised in 1942. Impact: Advertising an inactive war unit led to an unexpected boom in the 'lazy soldier' fashion line, which showcased comfy uniforms perfect for lounging on the couch while pretending to care about the war effort.. Fact: Did you know that many designing department workers could have been productive in actual jobs, but instead they were just busy creating the next great American nap?.
• Headline: BENNETT ASSAILS 'POWER BLOCKING'; Democratic Candidate Charges That Republicans Have Resisted Development 35 Years BACKS ST. LAWRENCE WAY In Watertown Speech He Says Need of War Must Come First at This Time. Impact: Bennett's speech about the Republicans blocking development turned into a classic political game of blame, leading to a centuries-long debate over which party can claim the title of 'Most Likely to Sabotage Progress.' Spoiler alert: They all win!. Fact: Did you know that political speeches often involve more drama than soap operas? At least with soap operas, they have the decency to include a villain wearing a cape..
• Headline: Beecham Sues for Divorce. Impact: Beecham’s divorce suit sparked a nationwide trend of couples filing for divorce in entirely over-the-top ways, including hiring marching bands to announce it. Marital breakdown became the new American pastime.. Fact: Did you know? Filing for divorce is often more stressful than planning a wedding. At least you can return a wedding gift!.
• Headline: NEW ALEUTIAN BASE USED TO POUND FOE; Japanese Camp Area Blasted, 5 Seaplanes Bagged in Two Raids From Andreanofs NEW ALEUTIAN BASE USED TO POUND FOE. Impact: The raids from the Aleutian base marked the start of a confusing geographical rivalry, where no one was quite sure if America or Japan had a better view of the Pacific. Spoiler: It was neither; they were both pretty much stuck in the fog.. Fact: Did you know that bombing enemy camps can result in a surprising number of seaplanes being taken out, but not nearly as many cocktails being served afterward?.
• Headline: STRICTER GUARD ON PIERS; Service Men Must Get Coast Guard Pass by Saturday. Impact: Stricter guard on piers led to an unexpected rise in the black market for fake Coast Guard passes, giving rise to a new generation of crafty teenagers who thought they were the next Ocean's Eleven.. Fact: Did you know? Getting a Coast Guard pass is easier than getting a library card, but somehow, people still manage to lose both!.
• Headline: 30 Dimout Violators Fined $255. Impact: The fines for dimout violations ignited a widespread belief that even the slightest flicker of light could be the end of civilization, leading to a nationwide obsession with blackout curtains and mood lighting.. Fact: Did you know that dimouts were so serious that even the streetlights were told to keep it down? Talk about a 'lights out' party!.