DECEMBER 31, 1942

Full News Archive

• Headline: Massive New Year's Eve Celebration in 1942. Impact: This massive celebration set a precedent for future gatherings, leading to the annual ‘celebrate everything’ phenomenon. Soon, we’ll be throwing parties for things like ‘National Toothbrush Day’—because who doesn’t love a good party about dental hygiene?. Fact: Did you know that USO parties were so popular that they almost became a competitive sport? Imagine the Olympics of partying—Gold medal for the best dance moves while dodging a draft!.
• Headline: THE PLAY. Impact: The release of 'Doughgirls' made such an impact that it unintentionally inspired a culinary movement, resulting in a generation of chefs who believed that dough was the key to solving all of life's problems. The Great Doughnut Uprising of '45 was just around the corner.. Fact: Did you know that 'Doughgirls' was originally just a story about young women and their love for pastries? It evolved into a cultural phenomenon where everyone thought they could bake—spoiler alert: they couldn't..
• Headline: ROBERT .L.Y'ICKE. Impact: The mention of Robert L. Y'icke led to confusion in the historical record, resulting in an alternate timeline where everyone believed he was a famous author of a nonexistent novel about time-traveling penguins. Now that’s a bestseller!. Fact: Did you know that sometimes names get misspelled so often they create alternate realities? If only Robert had known, he might have written that penguin book himself..
• Headline: i W. H. P. ANDERSON I i; British General Secretary of Mission to Lepers in India. Impact: W. H. P. Anderson’s work drew international attention, leading to a wave of humanitarian efforts that eventually resulted in the founding of 'The League of Lepers'—which had a surprisingly good PR team.. Fact: Anderson's efforts were so impactful, they inspired future humanitarian leaders to adopt the motto, 'Because everyone deserves a chance, even if they have leprosy.'.
• Headline: 'VICTORY TAX' HITS TAG-END PAY OF '42; Treasury Rules New Levy Will Apply to All Salary-Wage Payments After Tonight 'VICTORY TAX' HITS TAG-END PAY OF '42. Impact: The Victory Tax was so unpopular that it inspired a future generation of tax protestors who believed that every dollar earned should be celebrated with fireworks. This inevitably led to the 'Taxpayer Firework Festival'—because who doesn’t love a good explosion?. Fact: Did you know that people were so frustrated with the Victory Tax that they started claiming their cat as a dependent? Somewhere, a feline tax consultant was born..
• Headline: Brazil Gets Sub Chasers. Impact: This acquisition led to Brazil becoming a surprise naval power, ultimately resulting in an international incident when they mistakenly challenged a rubber duck fleet to a race. Spoiler alert: the ducks won.. Fact: Fun fact: The sub chasers were so fast that they once outran a rumor about Brazil's coffee shortage. Who knew naval ships could also serve as baristas?.
• Headline: ROGER S. NEWELL; Probate and City Court Judge in Bristol, Conn., for Many Years. Impact: Roger S. Newell’s long-standing position as a judge led to a series of legal precedents that ultimately resulted in a bizarre case where a cat sued its owner for emotional distress—because, obviously, the cat was not amused.. Fact: Did you know that judges like Roger often secretly wish for more exciting cases? If only he’d had a cat to represent in court, his days would have been a lot more interesting!.