DECEMBER 28, 1944

Full News Archive

• Headline: Marvin J. Dodd: A Pioneering Figure. Impact: If Marvin J. Dodd hadn't existed, the world may have never known the true meaning of mediocrity. His contributions to history are so minimal that they likely caused a ripple of apathy throughout time.. Fact: Did you know that Marvin J. Dodd's name is often used as a placeholder in history classes for 'anyone who could have done something but didn't'?.
• Headline: Mother Fined for Bookmaking in 1944. Impact: When this mother was fined, it ignited a secret underground movement of parents who believed that if they couldn't beat the system, they might as well just operate a bookie in the backyard. This led to a rise in backyard poker nights across the nation.. Fact: Fun fact: Many parents have since turned to baking as a way to ‘raise funds’ without getting caught. Cookies can be quite profitable!.
• Headline: MOTORISTS' RUSES TO GET 'GAS' BARED; Westchester Home Owners Said to Demand Coupons When Giving Out Repair Jobs. Impact: The exposure of these motorists' ruses led to a nationwide 'coupon craze,' where people began demanding coupons for everything, including toilet paper. We still feel the repercussions every time we see a coupon book.. Fact: Fun fact: The first coupon ever created was actually for a loaf of bread, but it was quickly replaced by 'coupons for gas' after this scandal..
• Headline: U.S., BRITAIN QUERY RUSSIA ON RUMANIA; Ask Explanation of Removal of Oil Field Machines Owned by Foreign Firms U.S., BRITAIN QUERY RUSSIA ON RUMANIA. Impact: The questioning of Russia over Romania's oil field machines led to a game of geopolitical chess that still leaves everyone confused today. Who knew a few oil machines could cause decades of conspiracy theories?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more confusing than international politics is interpreting the ingredients in a microwave dinner?.
• Headline: HUGE WOOL PILE BURNS; 3,200,000 Pounds Are Lost in Philadelphia Fire. Impact: The massive loss of wool in Philadelphia led to a fashion crisis, inadvertently kicking off a trend for synthetic fibers. Thus, the 1970s polyester pants were born, forever haunting the fashion world.. Fact: Fun fact: That wool pile was so big that it was once considered for use in a new type of insulation for houses. Spoiler: It never passed inspection..
• Headline: NURSERY SET UP IN PUBLIC SCHOOL; Board in Unprecedented Act Turns Over Vacant Annex for Child Care MOTHERS IN WAR JOBS Queens Project Expected to Be Followed by Similar Moves in 4 Other Areas. Impact: The establishment of a nursery in a public school during wartime was a revolutionary move that paved the way for future childcare policies. Too bad no one thought of it sooner, or we might have avoided the '90s daycare crisis.. Fact: Did you know that the first nursery was so popular, it inspired a whole genre of 'moms on the run' novels? Because who doesn't love chaotic childcare stories?.
• Headline: JEAN BICHELONNE. Impact: Jean Bichelonne’s name came up, and while it didn’t change the course of history, it certainly added another name to the list of 'people who you probably won’t remember.'. Fact: Fun fact: Jean Bichelonne is often cited in trivia as 'that one guy in history.'.
• Headline: Miss Liberty's New Robes Of Light to Glow on V-Day. Impact: Miss Liberty’s new robes of light became a symbol of hope. However, the extra glow also inspired a line of tacky souvenirs that still clutter gift shops today. Thanks a lot, Lady Liberty.. Fact: Did you know that the new lighting system has been mistaken for alien landing lights on multiple occasions? Just imagine the tourism boom!.
• Headline: MRS. KERR GIVES UP POST; Assistant Commissioner of Works Joins Northwest Airlines. Impact: Mrs. Kerr's resignation set off a chain reaction of executives jumping ship for airlines, leading to an unprecedented increase in flight delays due to 'executive reasons.'. Fact: Fun fact: Mrs. Kerr's departure was the first signal that working in an office would soon become less appealing than being stuck in a tin can in the sky..