AUGUST 22, 1945

Full News Archive

• Headline: Denmark Seeks Major US Loan. Impact: If Denmark hadn't borrowed that $20 million, who knows? Maybe they wouldn't have invented Lego, leading to a worldwide obsession with tiny plastic bricks that caused more foot injuries than any other toy.. Fact: Did you know that in 1946, $20 million was enough to fund a small nation or at least a really fancy house? Or just a lot of hot dogs at a baseball game..
• Headline: 30th Division Returns on Queen Mary. Impact: The triumphant return of the 30th Division became a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless films about brave soldiers and leading to the birth of the overly dramatic war movie genre. Because who doesn't love a good 'sacrifice and heroism' reel?. Fact: Did you know that the Queen Mary is now a hotel? So, if you ever wanted to sleep where soldiers once arrived, now you can—complete with overpriced room service!.
• Headline: 'LITTLE SHIPS' BAGGED 500; Admiralty Reveals Record of British Coastal Forces. Impact: The success of these small ships eventually led to a surge in DIY boat-building hobbies post-war, resulting in a generation of parents asking their kids, 'What do you mean your boat sank?'. Fact: Fun fact: The British Admiralty once considered renaming their fleet the 'Little Engine That Could' after their unexpected successes. Spoiler alert: they didn't..
• Headline: Rodeo Ooens at Garden Oct. 3. Impact: The opening of this rodeo led to an unexpected surge in cowboy hats and belt buckle sales, sparking a fashion trend that made 'urban cowboys' a thing. Thank you, NYC.. Fact: Did you know that rodeos are the only place where you can see a cowboy throw a rope and a woman throw shade at the same time?.
• Headline: SHIPMENT OF FOOD TO GERMANY SEEN; Army's Public Health Branch Insists Rations Must Be Raised for Winter Must Dip Into Reserve Health Branch for Increase. Impact: This food shipment was crucial in preventing famine, which could have led to a very different Germany today—a Germany with a much stronger appetite for... well, anything but war.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'you are what you eat' takes on a whole new meaning when you're rationing food during winter? One can only hope it doesn't lead to a lot of sauerkraut!.
• Headline: DE GAULLE'S VISIT TODAY HELD VITAL; U.S. Relations With Western Europe and His Own Future Said to Depend on It DE GAULLE'S VISIT TODAY HELD VITAL Desires in Europe. Impact: De Gaulle's visit established diplomatic norms that led to the modern European Union. Who knew a meeting could prevent a potential 'which country is more stubborn' showdown?. Fact: Did you know that De Gaulle was known for his towering height? Maybe he just wanted to look down on everyone during negotiations—literally..
• Headline: RELIGIOUS EDIFICES TO COST $600,000,000. Impact: The massive budget for religious buildings led to an unprecedented boom in the construction industry. Today, we have so many churches that some towns have more steeples than residents.. Fact: Did you know that $600 million could have built a lot of churches or funded several years of bad reality TV? Priorities, people!.
• Headline: O'DWYER IS PRAISED BY LABOR GROUPS. Impact: O'Dwyer's accolades paved the way for a generation of politicians who learned that a good luncheon can fix nearly any public relations disaster. Just bring cake.. Fact: Did you know that labor groups praising politicians is like cats praising dogs? It just doesn't happen without a lot of head-scratching!.