JANUARY 17, 1945

Full News Archive

• Headline: British Art Saved from Blitz Destruction. Impact: Had those art pieces been destroyed, we might never have had the modern-day art heist movies where the heroes try to save literal masterpieces instead of just saving their own skin. Imagine a world where 'Ocean's Eleven' was about rescuing the Mona Lisa from a fiery fate. Talk about a plot twist!. Fact: Caves: nature's original vaults. Who knew the Bat Cave was also a safe space for British art?.
• Headline: Blessing of Fordham's New Building. Impact: This dedication surely paved the way for future university buildings to be blessed, leading to an entire industry of building blessings. Who knew real estate developers would one day hire priests instead of contractors?. Fact: Because nothing says 'higher education' like a heavenly endorsement for brick and mortar..
• Headline: Costello's Influence on Job Appointments. Impact: This little power play might have inspired future politicians to think they could dictate appointments through backdoor deals. Fast forward, and we have a whole reality show about it called 'The Apprentice'. Thanks, Costello!. Fact: It's comforting to know that political drama has been a thing long before social media made it entertaining..
• Headline: EXPERTS DISCUSS CHILD DISCIPLINE; Infractions Only a Way of 'Having a Less Boring Life,' Child Study Head Says. Impact: If kids hadn't been seen as mere infraction machines, we might have missed out on the invention of 'timeout' as a form of punishment. Who knew boredom could lead to parenting trends?. Fact: Apparently, kids misbehaving has been a 'fun' excuse for centuries. Can't wait for the next expert to conclude that chaos is just creativity in disguise!.
• Headline: WIDE REORGANIZING OF CONGRESS URGED; National Planning Association Report Asks Basic Changes to Strengthen Body Raising of Salaries Proposed WIDE REORGANIZING OF CONGRESS URGED. Impact: This push for reorganization might have indirectly led to Congress becoming the ultimate reality show, complete with drama, backstabbing, and a quest for power that rivals any soap opera. Talk about a long-term impact!. Fact: Spoiler alert: Congress still doesn't listen to the advice they asked for 80 years ago!.
• Headline: Jolson Undergoes Operation. Impact: If Jolson hadn't had that operation, we might have lost one of the biggest stars of his time, which could have altered the trajectory of musical theater. Imagine a world without blackface minstrel shows—thankfully, we still have the cringe to remind us.. Fact: Al Jolson was so famous that even his operations were headline news. Now that's some serious star power!.
• Headline: Nazi Division Commander Taken by 4 U.S. Soldiers. Impact: The capture of a Nazi division commander probably made the soldiers feel like superheroes, which may have led to the glorification of military heroism in pop culture. The 'Avengers' might have been inspired by these real-life heroes!. Fact: Four soldiers capturing a division commander? That's one way to make teamwork look easy, but try that at your next office meeting!.
• Headline: 'AIRFREEDOM'GIVEN BY NEWFOUNDLAND; Island Assures Use of Its Air ports for Airliners Crossing the North Atlantic Britain Will Approve Britain Sums Up Gains. Impact: This agreement likely sparked the idea of air travel as a 'freedom' that everyone should enjoy, leading to the eventual chaos of airport security lines and delayed flights. Thanks, Newfoundland, for our current travel woes!. Fact: Airports: where freedom comes at the cost of shoes and dignity. Thanks for the memories, Newfoundland!.
• Headline: Camp Fire Girls Hold Parley. Impact: This gathering of Camp Fire Girls was probably the first instance of girls organizing for their future, which paved the way for future youth movements. Who knew summer camp could lead to social change?. Fact: Campfires: where marshmallows and social justice combine in the ultimate s'more of activism..