MAY 18, 1943

Full News Archive

• Headline: Press Access Denied at Food Conference. Impact: By denying the press access, this food parley inadvertently fueled conspiracy theories about what was really being discussed. Spoiler alert: it was mostly about who could grow the biggest carrot.. Fact: Did you know that 'food parley' sounds like a fancy name for a potluck? Because honestly, that’s what it should’ve been!.
• Headline: Texas Potato Growers Defy Price Ceilings. Impact: In a twist of fate, the rebellion of potato growers against OPA ceilings led to a nationwide obsession with fries. If they had just followed the rules, we might have ended up with more mashed potatoes instead of a French fry revolution!. Fact: Did you know that potatoes were once considered poisonous? That’s right, if only every bad decision could be blamed on a vegetable!.
• Headline: Cooper Manuscript Brings $250. Impact: The sale of the Cooper Manuscript for $250 triggered a chain reaction of manuscript sales that eventually led to the rise of overpriced coffee table books. You can thank that manuscript for all the 'art' you see in people's living rooms today.. Fact: Did you know that $250 could buy you a lot more than just a manuscript back then? Like, say, a small car or an actual manuscript that doesn’t just collect dust?.
• Headline: Books of the Times. Impact: The review of 'Combined Operations' sparked a flood of military-themed literature, leading to countless overly dramatic novels about war that have likely never been read by anyone outside of a college course.. Fact: Did you know that reading about war is often more popular than actual war? I guess it’s all about the drama!.
• Headline: NEW YORK FUND GETS AID; Queens and Manhattan Groups at Meetings to Spur Drive. Impact: The aid to the New York fund inadvertently inspired future generations to host charity events that would eventually lead to the rise of overpriced galas. Because nothing says 'helping the needy' like a $500 plate of rubber chicken.. Fact: Did you know that fundraising events are often more about networking than actually helping people? Shocking, I know!.
• Headline: DRASTIC SHAKE-UP' IN THE OPA IS URGED; House Naval Affairs Unit Cites 'Deplorable' Food Front. Impact: The push for a shake-up in the OPA led to a series of reforms that resulted in the infamous 'food rations' that haunted childhoods everywhere. Thanks for the soggy bread, House Naval Affairs!. Fact: Did you know that 'deplorable food front' could also describe what’s served at most high school cafeterias? Just a thought!.
• Headline: U.S. Bombs U-Boat Bases, Raids Bordeaux in Day Blow; U.S. BOMBERS HIT AT U-BOAT BASES. Impact: This bombing campaign not only disrupted U-boat operations but also ensured that Bordeaux became known for something other than wine for a while. Talk about a buzzkill!. Fact: Did you know that Bordeaux was once considered a peaceful wine town before being bombed? A little irony goes a long way in history!.