FEBRUARY 13, 1944

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mrs. Newton B. Smalley in 1944. Impact: If Newton B. Smalley had known that his wife would be mentioned in a headline, he might have started a trend of husbands wanting equal billing. Fast forward to today, and we have couples constantly debating whose name should go first on invitations. Thanks, Mrs. Smalley!. Fact: The title 'Mrs.' has been a topic of debate for centuries. Some believe it should stand for 'Mister's Property'—how charming, right?.
• Headline: Bronx Press Group Elects New Officials. Impact: This election was the genesis of the Bronx becoming a hotbed for political debates. Who knew that a bunch of press members would start a legacy that led to Bronx residents arguing passionately about pizza toppings instead?. Fact: The Bronx was once a part of Westchester County. Imagine the scandal of having to explain where you live in a different county!.
• Headline: Culinary Diplomacy During WWII. Impact: When U.S. military forces learned international dining specialties, it led to the invention of the 'military MRE gourmet' line. Now soldiers are wondering if they should pair their beef stew with a nice Chianti.. Fact: The first MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) were developed in the 1980s, but let's be honest, the 'gourmet' aspect is still a work in progress..
• Headline: HOME SWEET HOMICIDE. By Craig Rice. 311 pp. New York: Simon & Schuster. $2.. Impact: This title inadvertently laid the groundwork for the cozy mystery genre. Fast forward to today, and we have entire book clubs dedicated to solving fictional murders over scones and tea.. Fact: The term 'cozy mystery' means no graphic violence or explicit scenes, which is a relief if you're just in it for the pastries..
• Headline: Navy to Send Personal Messages. Impact: The Navy's initiative to send personal messages led to the evolution of the modern-day text message. Who knew that the path from heartfelt letters to emojis would be paved by sailors?. Fact: The first text message was sent in 1992. Imagine the confusion if sailors had to use that system—'Just got your message! What does 'LOL' mean?'.
• Headline: RED CROSS RELIEF BLOCKED BY JAPAN; 1,500 Tons of 'Badly Needed Aid for American Prisoners Held in Vladivostok. Impact: This blockade had lasting implications on international humanitarian efforts, teaching future generations that bureaucracy often gets in the way of compassion—an unfortunate lesson that still applies today.. Fact: The Red Cross was founded in 1863, and yet, despite its noble intentions, it often finds itself entangled in political red tape. Some things never change..
• Headline: CHAPLAIN'S MARCH ON AIR; New Composition Will Be Heard on the Army Hour Today. Impact: The introduction of this composition paved the way for military music to become a staple in pop culture. Who knew the Army would inspire the next big pop anthem?. Fact: Military music has had a profound influence on popular music, proving that even soldiers can have a good beat—if only they could dance in uniform!.
• Headline: The Poets in Review; SACRED AND BEOULAR ELEGIES. By George Barker. Unpaged. Norfolk, Gonn.: New Directions. $1.. Impact: This book contributed to the rise of poetic expression, leading to the creation of modern spoken word and performance poetry. Who'd have thought that someone would recite their feelings on stage in front of an audience?. Fact: Barker's work may not have been a bestseller, but it certainly inspired countless aspiring poets to inflict their existential crises on unsuspecting coffee shop patrons..