SEPTEMBER 17, 1945

Full News Archive

• Headline: Major Strikes Settled, Workers Return. Impact: The settling of these strikes led to a sudden increase in worker productivity, inadvertently resulting in the rise of the coffee break as a national institution. Who knew that a little peace and quiet could lead to five-hour-long 'meetings'?. Fact: Did you know that the average office worker now spends more time on coffee breaks than on actual work? Thanks, strikes!.
• Headline: World's Speedboat Record Broken. Impact: This speedboat record inspired a generation of adrenaline junkies, leading to the invention of extreme sports, which then caused the invention of overpriced energy drinks. Everyone wins, right?. Fact: Did you know that speedboats are just fancy water taxis for people with more money than sense?.
• Headline: Safe Emergency Landing at La Guardia. Impact: This episode inspired countless movies about heroic landings, causing a boom in the aviation industry and leading to the rise of people thinking they could fly planes after watching a two-hour film. Thanks, Hollywood!. Fact: Did you know that those 'emergency landing' tutorials you see on planes are actually just a way to distract you from the fact that you're 30,000 feet in the air?.
• Headline: AUTOMOTIVE 'BIG 3' TO REJECT DEMAND FOR 30 P.C. PAY RISE; GM, Chrysler and Ford Will Not Act Jointly, but Replies Are Due This Week OPEN WARFARE LOOMING But Any Legal Strike Must Await NLRB Poll and Is at Least 5 Weeks Away City Is Deceptively Calm Pay and Discipline Linked AUTO PAY DEMAND TO BE REJECTED Conclusions From Survey Federal Powers Are Cited Retail Buying Held Up Elements in the Situation Many Try "Job Shopping". Impact: The refusal to raise wages sparked an ongoing feud that led to the creation of numerous labor movements. Eventually, it inspired the phrase 'I want a raise!' to be uttered by employees in every industry, including the fast-food sector. Thanks for that legacy, Big 3!. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more inflated than car prices is the egos of those refusing to give raises?.
• Headline: 2 MEATLESS DAYS REVOKED BY MAYOR AS SUPPLIES RISE; Restaurants Ready to Resume Entrees--Butcher Shops May Keep Five-Day Week CREAM SHORTAGE REMAINS Public Warned to Cease Run Lest Quotas Be Restored to Assure Milk for Babies Shops Shy at 6-Day Week 2 MEATLESS DAYS REVOKED BY MAYOR Available Supplies Cited. Impact: The lifting of meatless days led to a national obsession with barbecue culture, contributing to the annual competition for the best backyard grill. This eventually resulted in the invention of the 'meat sweats', which are now a badge of honor.. Fact: Did you know that for some, 'meatless' means 'vegetables as a side dish'?.
• Headline: WILLIAM J. RANKIN; Ex-Mayor of Hartford Recently Postal District's Postmaster. Impact: Rankin's transition from mayor to postmaster set a precedent for political figures to jump ship into less scandalous jobs, sparking a future trend where politicians would try to remain relevant by 'serving the community'—in other words, avoiding real work.. Fact: Did you know that postal services are the only government jobs where you can actually see the results of your work, unlike... well, you know?.
• Headline: STUDY URGES UNITY IN HEALTH SERVICE; 'Strong, Central Agency' for Nation's 20,000 Voluntary Bodies Is Proposed SINGLE FUND DRIVE ASKED Coordination of Efforts Would Be Patterned Somewhat After National War Fund Would Expand Health Council. Impact: The call for a united health service led to the eventual creation of healthcare systems that confuse everyone. Who knew that trying to get a doctor's appointment would one day require a degree in deciphering bureaucracy?. Fact: Did you know that navigating healthcare systems today is akin to trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded?.
• Headline: STEEL PROFITS HIGH, MURRAY ASSERTS; He Puts 'Open and Concealed' Gain Above Two Billion in Five Years of War Steel Profits 2 Billion in 5 Years, Says Murray, Urging Wage Rise. Impact: Murray's assertions led to a newfound awareness of corporate greed, prompting the rise of activist movements. Now, every time someone sees a steel beam, they think about profits instead of just building bridges.. Fact: Did you know that steel isn't just for buildings? It's also the secret ingredient in every overpriced modern kitchen appliance!.