MARCH 14, 1944

Full News Archive

• Headline: Judge Clifford A. Cook's Impact. Impact: This judge's decision was so influential that it inspired a generation of wannabe judges to wear wigs and bang their gavels, leading to a nationwide shortage of gavel manufacturers in the 70s.. Fact: Did you know that in some countries, judges can be elected? Imagine the campaign ads!.
• Headline: Mine Union Demands Six-Day Work Week. Impact: The push for a 6-day workweek in mines resulted in a dramatic increase in coffee consumption, forever altering the landscape of caffeine addiction in America.. Fact: Did you know that miners were once known for their coffee breaks? Because nothing says 'hard work' like a solid 20-minute espresso session!.
• Headline: Books of the Times. Impact: This book review led to a trend of 'bedeviling' in literature, inspiring authors to create increasingly bizarre plot twists that would eventually confuse generations of readers.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Guide for the Bedevilled' was actually just a handbook for dealing with annoying house guests..
• Headline: CHILD KILLED BY AUTO; 3 Persons Injured When Machine Driven by Navy Man Crashes. Impact: The tragic death of the child led to stricter traffic laws, which in a roundabout way, resulted in the invention of the car seat—a product that parents now argue over in stores.. Fact: Did you know that the first car seat was made from old beer crates? Just what every parent wants—a hint of lager with their safety!.
• Headline: Good Mixers. Impact: The interactions of U.S. troops in India can be traced back to the rise of the 'cultural exchange program', which eventually led to the invention of fusion cuisine—thank you, tikka masala tacos!. Fact: You know, if you mix enough cultures, eventually someone will invent a new type of dance that no one understands..
• Headline: Sinkwich Found Fit. Impact: Sinkwich's qualification for Maritime Service started a trend of people thinking they could just 'sink' into any job they liked, including the Great Couch Potato Movement.. Fact: Did you know that 'Sinkwich' is actually an ancient term meaning 'the one who sat too long'?.
• Headline: Fugitive in a $276,000 Shortage Seized on Vancouver Ferryboat; Man Said to Have Posed as Noted Canadian Accountant for Four Years, Held Post With Concern Here. Impact: This fugitive's capture sparked a series of heists and cons that inspired a whole genre of movies about charming criminals, ultimately leading to the 'Ocean's' franchise.. Fact: Did you know that posing as a Canadian accountant is now considered a legitimate career path? Thanks, Hollywood!.
• Headline: Memorial Planned. Impact: The planning of this memorial led to an epidemic of overly elaborate memorials and monuments, culminating in the world's largest statue of a potato in Idaho.. Fact: Did you know that people often prefer memorials in the shape of food? Apparently, it makes mourning more palatable..
• Headline: SURINAM VISITED BY MRS. ROOSEVELT; First Lady Inspects Army Base in Caribbean -- Trip to Trinidad Disclosed. Impact: Mrs. Roosevelt's visit to Surinam was a turning point that led to an unexpected increase in tourism, resulting in the Caribbean becoming the unofficial 'working vacation' destination for politicians.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing politicians like more than a good vacation is pretending to work while they’re on it?.