MARCH 12, 1945

Full News Archive

• Headline: WFA Seeks Aid for Food Distribution. Impact: This request for aid led to the creation of the infamous 'Food Redistribution Dance,' where military and civilians awkwardly mingled just to figure out who gets the last slice of pizza.. Fact: Fun fact: The WFA is not to be confused with the Wonder Food Alliance, which solely focuses on the distribution of snacks during movie nights..
• Headline: Girl Scouts Fund Overseas Rehabilitation. Impact: This generous donation sparked a nationwide Girl Scout cookie craze that eventually led to the invention of the 'Thin Mint Surprise,' a mysterious cookie rumored to contain the secrets of the universe.. Fact: In 1945, $18,000 could buy you a mansion, a car, and a lifetime supply of cookies. Now, it barely gets you a decent used car. Thanks, inflation!.
• Headline: Cochran, Hoppe Play Today. Impact: Their match marked the beginning of professional 3-cushion billiards becoming a prime-time TV sport. Ratings skyrocketed when viewers realized they could watch two people push balls around for hours.. Fact: Billiards was originally played as a lawn game in Europe. Who knew that hitting balls on a table could ever become a spectator sport?.
• Headline: HENRY W. BRUCE; Official of Southern California University Dies at 48. Impact: Bruce's untimely death led to an increase in the number of university officials wearing safety helmets during board meetings. Because clearly, you never know when a rogue idea might hit you.. Fact: Henry W. Bruce was known for his innovative ideas in education. Now, his legacy serves as a reminder to think twice before proposing anything too radical..
• Headline: NEGRO WACS IN PROTEST; But End 'Strike' at Fort Devens After Five Are Disciplined. Impact: This protest was a key moment in military history, prompting the eventual integration of the armed forces. The ripple effect? A future where military regulations might actually make sense. Shocking, I know.. Fact: The Women's Army Corps (WAC) was created during WWII, and this protest was one of many that highlighted the fight for equality in the armed forces, proving that even in the military, people aren’t always ‘just following orders.’.
• Headline: One of Five in Basketball Scandal Never Student at Brooklyn College; Basketball Player Not Even Student at Brooklyn College. Impact: This scandal led to the establishment of the 'No Fake Students' policy, which later evolved into the 'No Fake News' policy, proving that some things never change, especially in sports.. Fact: In 1945, Brooklyn College had a much simpler admissions process—like, if you could breathe and dribble a ball, you were in. Now, you need a 4.0 GPA, a personal essay, and a magic wand..
• Headline: SNYDER FENCING VICTOR; Beats Nyilas After They Tie for Metropolitan Foils Title. Impact: Snyder's win created an unprecedented rise in fencing enthusiasm, leading to the creation of the 'Fencing Olympics,' where the real competition was seeing who could wear the most ridiculous mask.. Fact: Fencing is one of the few sports where the equipment is more expensive than the actual training. Because nothing says ‘I’m an athlete’ like a $2,000 sword..
• Headline: ROBERT B. STONE; Boston Lawyer Was a Leader in Civic and Welfare Work. Impact: Stone’s work inspired a new generation of lawyers to take on pro bono cases, ultimately leading to a dramatic increase in lawyers who also consider themselves 'activists.'. Fact: Robert B. Stone’s civic contributions were so significant that he’s often referenced as the reason many lawyers now have to pretend they care about social issues..