OCTOBER 18, 1944

Full News Archive

• Headline: Baker Elected to Audubon Society Leadership. Impact: When Baker took charge of the Audubon Society, a series of avian-themed fashion trends started sweeping the nation. By the 1950s, people were walking around in feathered hats, confusing birds for fashion statements. And that's how the birds got their revenge—by refusing to wear hats.. Fact: Did you know that the Audubon Society was founded in 1905? Clearly, they were ahead of their time; after all, who doesn’t want to save the birds while wearing a peacock on their head?.
• Headline: Guatemala's Political Landscape Shifts. Impact: Ponce's denial of Guatemala's rising led to a butterfly effect that resulted in decades of conspiracy theories about secret underground lizard people running the government. Of course, no one can confirm or deny the existence of these lizards, but they're definitely not paying taxes.. Fact: Guatemala has had a tumultuous political history, but did you know that it was once thought to be a potential vacation spot for disgruntled politicians? Spoiler: it wasn't..
• Headline: Thomas Accuses Luce of Seeking PAC Support. Impact: Thomas's accusations spiraled into a wild rumor mill, eventually resulting in the creation of the PAC (Political Aid for Cats), which has since funded numerous catnip-related campaigns across the U.S. It’s a purrfect example of how politics can get a little fuzzy.. Fact: The CIO PAC was actually formed to support labor unions. Because nothing says 'worker rights' quite like a bunch of politicians trying to get the support of a voting bloc that can’t even remember where they left their keys..
• Headline: NEW KWEILIN DRIVE IS BEGUN BY ENEMY; Americans Bomb and Strafe Reinforced Japanese on West and Salween Rivers. Impact: The U.S. bombing campaign in the East led to an unexpected rise in global tourism to war-torn regions. People flocked to witness the devastation firsthand, resulting in a booming 'war tourism' industry that became a hit in the late 20th century.. Fact: The Salween River is one of Southeast Asia's longest rivers. It's amazing how a scenic spot can become the backdrop for military operations rather than a peaceful vacation getaway..
• Headline: May Sell Transit Lines. Impact: The sale of transit lines prompted a domino effect, leading to the rise of rideshare apps decades later. Little did they know that selling transit to the highest bidder would eventually lead to every college student trying to make a quick buck driving strangers around.. Fact: Richmond and Norfolk’s transit systems were once the pride of the South. Today, the only pride left is in the form of vintage postcards..
• Headline: BALL WILL CHOOSE CANDIDATE SOON; Senator Awaits Speeches by Dewey and Roosevelt Before Deciding. Impact: Ball's indecision about the candidate led to a prolonged period of political ambiguity, which birthed the phrase, 'Waiting for Ball.' Generations of people would use it as an excuse for procrastination.. Fact: Senator Ball's name has become synonymous with indecision. It's a shame he didn't have a crystal ball to help him out..
• Headline: Democrats Plan Polish Appeal. Impact: The Democrats' Polish radio broadcasts inadvertently led to the rise of Polish jokes in American comedy, creating a cultural phenomenon that would entertain and offend generations. Thanks, Democrats!. Fact: Polish radio broadcasts were once considered cutting-edge technology. Now we just stream cat videos; how far we've come!.
• Headline: SILHOUETTE CHANGES NOTED AT FUR SHOW. Impact: The changes at the fur show led to a sudden spike in faux fur demand, which then caused a temporary but intense debate about whether animals should be fashionable or just cozy. Spoiler alert: animals won.. Fact: Fur fashion has been a contentious issue for decades. Who knew that a simple silhouette change could spark debates fiercer than any political campaign?.
• Headline: Plan New Sulphuric Acid Plants. Impact: The new sulphuric acid plants led to the unintentional creation of a new genre of punk rock music: 'Sulfuric Punk,' which involved loud, abrasive sounds reminiscent of chemical reactions. The kids loved it.. Fact: Sulphuric acid is often referred to as the 'King of Chemicals.' It’s nice to know that even chemicals have titles these days..