SEPTEMBER 17, 1944

Full News Archive

• Headline: Pope's Potential Visit to America. Impact: This papal visit sparked a wave of religious tourism that eventually led to the creation of Vatican-themed amusement parks, complete with roller coasters shaped like the Vatican's famous dome. Who knew the Pope had the potential to inspire such thrill-seeking adventures?. Fact: Did you know that papal visits are so popular, they often require more security than a rock concert? Because nothing says 'holy' like a heavily armed entourage..
• Headline: British Destroyers Clash with German Convoys. Impact: The sinking of those six ships led to a rivalry that caused a secret British naval tradition of sending 'wish you were here' postcards to the depths of the Aegean. It's a long-running joke about how 'sinking' really means 'vacationing' for the British Navy.. Fact: Did you know that the British destroyers were actually part of a secret competition to see who could sink the most ships before lunch? Spoiler: they won..
• Headline: GIANTS BOW TWICE TO PHILS BY 5-2, 2-1; NOW IN 5TH PLACE; Single by Stewart in Tenth Wins Second as Gerheauser Defeats Pyle in Duel OTT IS INJURED IN OPENER Crashes Against Fence Chasing Lupien Triple -- Barrett Is Victor -- Losers Strand 14 GIANTS BOW TWICE TO PHILS BY 5-2, 2-1. Impact: This double defeat pushed the Giants to reconsider their entire strategy, leading to the invention of the 'loser’s bench'—a place where they could sit, contemplate their choices, and indulge in ice cream while watching the games.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take' was actually coined by a Giants fan after this game? Talk about optimism!.
• Headline: FRENCH SEEK WAY TO SEIZE FUGITIVES; Want German Armistice Terms to Include Extradition of Vichy Officials in Reich PRISONERS TO BE SHIFTED Peyrouton, Flandin, Bergeret Will Be Taken to France From Africa for Trial. Impact: The French pursuit of fugitives from Vichy led to a series of underground parties where they plotted their next moves over croissants and café au lait. This was the beginning of France's greatest export: dramatic espionage thrillers.. Fact: Did you know that the extradition of Vichy officials was just an elaborate excuse for the French to throw really fancy dinner parties? Because nothing says 'justice' like fine dining..
• Headline: German Peace Plea To Russia Reported. Impact: Hitler’s peace plea to Russia indirectly inspired a new trend in international relations: the art of awkward diplomacy. This led to decades of leaders avoiding eye contact at summits.. Fact: Did you know that peace talks between Germany and Russia were often so tense they could've been mistaken for a high school prom? Complete with uncomfortable silences and questionable dance moves..
• Headline: OTHER FRONTS. Impact: This article on democracy as Allied strategy inadvertently inspired a new generation of political science majors to argue about the meaning of democracy in coffee shops for decades to come.. Fact: Did you know that discussing democracy in coffee shops is now considered a sport? Points are awarded based on how many times you can say 'liberty' before your latte gets cold..
• Headline: Capt. Baisieux in Scout Post. Impact: Capt. Baisieux’s appointment as Sea Scouting Commissioner led to a dramatic increase in young scouts attempting to build rafts out of Girl Scout cookies. Spoiler: the cookies did not float.. Fact: Did you know that 'Sea Scouting' was originally just a euphemism for 'sailing around looking for snacks'? Because priorities..
• Headline: 6 SUSPENDED 30 DAYS IN PARIS RADIO BREACH. Impact: The suspension of the war correspondent made headlines, sparking debates about censorship that continue to this day. It led to a secret society of journalists determined to write whatever they wanted, even if it was just about cats.. Fact: Did you know that the Paris Radio had a motto: 'We only censor the boring stuff'? Too bad someone forgot to tell L Lesueur..