JULY 17, 1948

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Paradox of 1948 Party Conventions. Impact: The debates at party conventions set a precedent for political theatrics, leading to future conventions where candidates spend more time on social media than actually discussing issues. Who needs policies when you can have memes?. Fact: Party conventions are basically the Super Bowl for political nerds, complete with awkward moments and a lot of people pretending to care about policy..
• Headline: Wheat Shipment Embargo of 1948. Impact: The wheat embargo sparked a chain reaction of agricultural debates that eventually led to gluten becoming the enemy in the 21st century. Thanks, AAR, for ruining bread for everyone!. Fact: Wheat embargoes have a long history of making people rethink their meal plans. Because obviously, breakfast cereal is overrated..
• Headline: JERSEY PICKS DRAFT CHIEF; Col. Bloomer Chosen to Head Revived System in State. Impact: Colonel Bloomer’s appointment as draft chief led to the establishment of a rigorous drafting system, which eventually evolved into the complicated lottery system we know today. Thanks for the panic, Colonel!. Fact: Naming a draft chief 'Bloomer' is either a stroke of genius or the worst joke ever, depending on how you feel about pants..
• Headline: JOINS HERALD TRIBUNE; Alfred Stanford Leaves ANPA to Be Advertising Director. Impact: Alfred Stanford’s move to the Herald Tribune initiated a series of ad campaigns that led to more 'in-your-face' marketing tactics. Now, you can’t scroll through your phone without being bombarded by ads for products you didn’t even know existed.. Fact: Advertising Directors are like modern-day wizards, turning ideas into cash while making you believe you need a new smartphone every year..
• Headline: SWIMMERS, DIVERS LEAVE FOR LONDON; Water Polo Team Included in Last U.S. Group Departing by Air for Olympics. Impact: The U.S. water polo team’s departure for London marked the beginning of an era where sports teams have to rely on flight schedules instead of just hopping in a car. Thanks to air travel, we can now lose at international competitions a lot farther from home!. Fact: Water polo: the sport that teaches you to hold your breath while also trying to drown your opponents. Good luck!.
• Headline: EX-GI'S FORM A SOCIETY; Veterans of 71st Division Complete Their Organization Here. Impact: The formation of the veterans’ society inspired countless other veteran organizations, ultimately leading to a culture of camaraderie and support that still flourishes today. Who knew that organizing could be so healing?. Fact: Veterans' groups are like the ultimate club: no dues, just stories of how they survived being drafted and living to tell the tale..
• Headline: DOUGLAS FIR HELD DUE TO LEVEL OFF; Softening of Market Expected After Monday, When West Coast Mill Vacations End. Impact: The leveling off of Douglas fir prices foreshadowed the rise of artificial Christmas trees, leading to future generations questioning why they have a tree that looks like it came from a factory instead of a forest.. Fact: Douglas firs are like the Kardashians of the tree world: popular, evergreen, and always in demand during the holidays!.
• Headline: CHINESE OFFICIALS HERE; Visitors Will Study Our Postal System in Six-Week Stay. Impact: Chinese officials studying the U.S. postal system eventually led to a global obsession with tracking packages, resulting in a society where no one can wait two days for their Amazon shipment without losing their minds.. Fact: The U.S. Postal Service: where you can send a letter across the country for a few cents or wait for a package that takes longer than your last relationship..
• Headline: CAMP FIRE GIRLS. Impact: The Camp Fire Girls’ annual report became a template for countless non-profits, proving that financial appeals can be just as riveting as a Netflix drama—if you squint hard enough.. Fact: Campfire Girls are like the original Girl Scouts, except instead of cookies, they sold you on the importance of friendship and outdoor survival skills. Talk about a tough sell!.