JANUARY 2, 1945

Full News Archive

• Headline: Celebrating Authors at A McLeish Event. Impact: If A McLeish had never been remembered in the literary world, perhaps we would now be reading 'How to Train Your Dragon' as a manual for raising pet lizards instead. Thanks, A McLeish, for possibly saving us from a generation of confused dragon trainers.. Fact: A McLeish was known for his literary prowess, but did you know he also had a knack for awkward first drafts? One of his early works was just a grocery list..
• Headline: Tulsa Triumphs in 1945 Orange Bowl. Impact: Tulsa's win over Georgia Tech set off a chain of events leading to a deep-rooted rivalry that eventually sparked the creation of the world's most awkward sports handshake—a tradition still alive in college locker rooms today.. Fact: When Tulsa won the Orange Bowl, most people celebrated by eating orange-flavored snacks. Yes, even the serious sports fans couldn't resist those citrusy delights..
• Headline: Surge in War Production for 1945. Impact: As war output rose, so did the number of people convinced they could build a tank in their backyard. Spoiler alert: they couldn't. This led to an unexpected boom in the DIY home improvement industry, with 'How to Build Your Own Battle Station' becoming a bestseller.. Fact: In 1945, people believed that a rise in war output would lead to world peace. Ironically, it just led to a lot of really intense board game nights..
• Headline: NIMITZ PROMISES BLOCKADE OF JAPAN; FLEET ADMIRAL WEARS NEW INSIGNIA. Impact: Nimitz's promise of a blockade changed the trajectory of naval warfare so drastically that it inspired the creation of a popular board game known as 'Battleship'—a game that has ruined many childhoods and family gatherings.. Fact: Fleet Admiral Nimitz was known for his strategic mind, but he once lost a game of chess to a goldfish. The goldfish's strategy? Just swim around and hope for the best..
• Headline: NEW YEAR'S DAY RECEPTION AT ARCHBISHOP'S RESIDENCE. Impact: The New Year's Day reception at the Archbishop's residence probably led to a massive increase in guests attempting to schmooze their way into heaven—either that or they just really wanted to see what fancy pastries were being served.. Fact: Archbishop F J Spellman was known for his hospitality, which included a legendary fruitcake that was rumored to have survived three New Year’s celebrations without losing its original flavor (or gaining any new friends)..
• Headline: Plane Hits House, Kills Baby. Impact: The tragic plane crash that killed a baby led to stricter air safety regulations and the creation of the world's most awkward safety briefing, which no one pays attention to. Thanks, bureaucracy.. Fact: The pilot in this incident had a reputation for being a daredevil, which is ironic considering the only thing he managed to crash was a family’s hopes of a peaceful Sunday afternoon..