APRIL 29, 1946

Full News Archive

• Headline: Yorkville Presbyterian Church Celebrates Century Milestone. Impact: The 100th anniversary celebration triggered a nationwide wave of cake-baking competitions that led to the Great Cake Crisis of 1953, where flour became the rarest commodity in America. Who knew a church anniversary could cause food shortages?. Fact: Did you know that the Presbyterian Church is not really into dancing? Their idea of a wild night is a potluck dinner followed by a spirited discussion on predestination.
• Headline: Legacy of Dr. James F. Percy. Impact: Dr. Percy's death led to a surge in the development of DIY surgical kits. A few of those kits ended up in the hands of unqualified 'surgeons' and caused a minor spike in accidental amputations in the 1950s. Thanks, Google!. Fact: Dr. Percy invented surgical instruments, but let’s be honest, he also probably invented the phrase 'trust me, I'm a doctor' right before a procedure.
• Headline: German Rightists Run Far Ahead In Elections Marked by Disorders; German Rightists Run Far Ahead In Elections Marked by Disorders Conservatives Win in Bavaria Two Killed in Rioting. Impact: The rise of rightists in Germany during these elections led to a series of unfortunate events, including the invention of the 'silent protest' which was just people staring blankly at each other. Riveting stuff. Fact: Did you know that two people died in rioting during these elections? Let’s just say that democracy can sometimes be a real killer.
• Headline: SENATE GROUP SIFTS WAR SECRETS' SALE; Begins Hearings Today on Bill to Bar Sending Abroad of Radar Plans or Machines Contracts Are One-Sided Senate Committee Sifts Reports About Sale of Radar Secrets Could "Catch Up" by 1949. Impact: This Senate hearing led to the infamous 'Radar Secrets' cocktail party where senators and foreign agents mingled over drinks, inadvertently creating the first-ever international espionage-themed happy hour. Fact: Did you know that the U.S. Senate has been trying to keep secrets since it was founded? Spoiler alert: they’re not very good at it.
• Headline: INDIAN FOES ACCEPT ROUND TABLE PLAN; Moslem League and Congress Party Leaders Agree to Meet in Discussion INDIAN FOES ACCEPT ROUND TABLE PLAN Dislike Imposed Award. Impact: The acceptance of the Round Table Plan set off a domino effect that led to the invention of the Indian curry, which later became the world's favorite excuse for dining out and avoiding cooking at home. Fact: Did you know that the Indian political landscape is essentially a soap opera? Tune in next week for more drama and plot twists!.
• Headline: UTILITY REPORTS. Impact: The utility reports led to a nationwide obsession with home energy efficiency, causing a spike in the sale of energy-saving light bulbs and the invention of the phrase 'I can’t believe it’s not incandescent!'. Fact: Did you know that utility reports are about as exciting as watching grass grow? But hey, at least they keep the lights on!.
• Headline: NIMITZ AIDS NURSES; He Gives Checks for His Articles to Memorial Home Fund. Impact: Nimitz's support for nurses resulted in a spontaneous nationwide movement to honor nurses, which eventually led to the creation of 'Nurses Day'—a day that now includes cookie-baking contests and awkwardly heartfelt social media posts. Fact: Did you know that Adm. Nimitz might have saved more lives with his check than in any naval battle? Talk about a plot twist!.
• Headline: GALLERY TO SHOW PORTRAITS OF LEES; Knoedler's to Exhibit Paintings of Virginia Family--Work by Martinelli at Willard Annual Exhibition Opening Modern Prints at Kleeman's Self Government Group Elects. Impact: The portraits of the Lees became such a sensation that they sparked a nationwide debate on whether art should be allowed to smile back at you. This led to the modern-day portrait filter on social media—thanks, Lees!. Fact: Did you know that art galleries are basically the hipster version of museums? They’re all about the vibe and very little about the actual art.