DECEMBER 22, 1946

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fraud Scandal at Western Electric. Impact: The fraudulent practices at Western Electric led to a nationwide distrust in corporate practices, resulting in the rise of 'Kickback Awareness Month' in the 1990s. This month is now celebrated by companies everywhere by... doing nothing.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Pyramid Mark Corp' sounds like a villainous company straight out of a bad sci-fi movie. Spoiler alert: they lose..
• Headline: Full Housing Output Anticipated by 1949. Impact: The ambitious projection of home production in 1949 set off a real estate frenzy, leading to the invention of the phrase 'House Poor' in the 1950s. It became a popular term for those who bought homes they couldn't afford, just in time for the credit crisis.. Fact: Did you know that by 1949, home builders were about as optimistic as that one friend who always thinks they'll win the lottery?.
• Headline: Tribute to Mrs. A. E. Schermerhorn. Impact: Mrs. A. E. Schermerhorn’s life story inspired numerous soap operas and reality shows, leading to the modern obsession with celebrity culture. Who knew a widow could start the Kardashians?. Fact: Fun fact: The name 'Schermerhorn' is so fancy it sounds more like a European castle than a person. 'Welcome to Schermerhorn Castle!'.
• Headline: TALMADGE CAREER WAS PICTURESQUE; Life Marked With Turbulence --Sharecropper Vote Made Him Senator, Governor. Impact: Talmadge's rise from sharecropper to senator proves that sometimes, the most turbulent careers end with a bang—literally. His death led to a rise in political drama TV shows, because who doesn't love a good scandal?. Fact: Did you know that Talmadge’s career was so colorful, it could be considered a modern-day Netflix series? The plot twists alone could keep viewers on the edge of their seats..
• Headline: WORLD BANK DELAY IS BEING OVERCOME; Recruiting Expert Staff Was Major Problem--Restrictions on Loans Provide Another. Impact: The World Bank's delays set the stage for the modern financial institution's reputation for being slower than a snail on sedatives. Today, people still joke about how long it takes to get a loan approved.. Fact: Did you know that 'no loans as yet approved' could also be translated to 'let’s just keep talking about it until the world ends'?.
• Headline: TWO ESTATES SOLD IN SUFFOLK COUNTY FOR DEVELOPMENT; Acreage Tracts in Northport Bay and Babylon Are Purchased for New HomesBUILDERS BUY IN QUEENS Lefrak & Sons Plan Apartment in Rego Park--Homes in the Borough in Demand. Impact: The sale of estates in Suffolk County sparked a real estate boom that eventually led to the infamous 'McMansion' trend, which forever altered the landscape and taste of suburban America. Thanks, developers!. Fact: Did you know that if you buy a house in Suffolk County, you automatically gain a free membership to the 'how many bathrooms do I really need?' club?.
• Headline: Criminals at Large. Impact: The collection 'Best Detective Stories of the Year' inspired a generation of writers but also increased the paranoia of every person who ever watched a crime show. Now everyone thinks their neighbor is a criminal.. Fact: Did you know that 'Detective Stories' is just another way of saying, 'We ran out of real news, so here’s some fiction instead?'.
• Headline: Shabby Man Dies, Had $13,500. Impact: Harris Nassow's untimely death with $13,500 in his pocket sparked a debate about money and happiness, leading to a generation of people insisting that cash can't buy joy. But, you know, it can buy a yacht.. Fact: Did you know that having $13,500 is like standing on the edge of a financial cliff? You’re just a minor expense away from being broke!.
• Headline: The War Between the States, as Seen From the union Side. Impact: The memoirs of a volunteer in the Civil War influenced countless historians, leading to the overdramatic portrayal of battle scenes in films. Thanks to this, every action movie now has at least one slow-motion explosion.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'civil war' is just a fancy way of saying 'family feud gone completely out of control'?.