DECEMBER 18, 1931

Full News Archive

• Headline: Jersey Democrats' Cabinet Reform Initiative. Impact: The push for a cabinet reform ignited a series of political upheavals that led to the creation of secret societies dedicated to overthrowing boring government systems. By 1950, a clandestine group known as 'The Cabinet of Curiosities' had formed, believing they could govern better with a deck of cards than with politicians.. Fact: Did you know that a cabinet is actually just a fancy word for a really expensive closet? And by the way, 'executive system' sounds like something you’d find in a corporate office, not a government..
• Headline: New Leadership in Japanese Army. Impact: Prince Kanin's appointment as Chief of Staff set off a chain of events leading to an unexpected rise in popularity for Japanese anime—who knew a military appointment could inspire future generations to create fantastical worlds and giant robots?. Fact: Fun fact: 'Kanin' means 'rabbit' in Japanese. So essentially, the army was being led by a bunny. Hop to it, Prince!.
• Headline: NAMES ALL-AMERICA TEAM.; Collier's Also Credits Most Spectacular Play to Stecker.. Impact: The naming of the All-America team inadvertently sparked a nationwide obsession with fantasy sports, leading to more people caring about fictional players than their actual loved ones. Sorry, Mom, I’m busy managing my team!. Fact: Did you know that Stecker's spectacular play was so impressive that it inspired countless backyard games? Just don't ask him about the time he tripped over his own shoelaces..
• Headline: PICK HARVARD DELEGATES.; Bingham and Five Others to Attend Collegiate A.A. Meeting.. Impact: The selection of Harvard delegates for a collegiate meeting eventually created a secret society whose sole purpose was to debate the merits of wearing robes versus pants. Spoiler alert: robes won.. Fact: Did you know that the word 'delegate' comes from the Latin 'delegatus,' meaning 'to send away'? Sounds like a fancy way to say 'we're too busy to deal with you.'.
• Headline: EINSTEINS IN COLON ON WAY TO COAST; Scientist Hopes to Spend Nine Weeks, Continuing Studies at Mt. Wilson Observatory. IS SILENT ON RETURN PLANS But Frau Einstein Says They Will Not Cross United States on Account of Newspaper Men.. Impact: Einstein's journey to the coast sparked a global trend of scientists taking vacations, which led to the creation of the first scientific resort—where the only thing they studied was how to relax.. Fact: Did you know that Einstein once forgot his own theory of relativity while on vacation? He just couldn't find the time!.
• Headline: KANSAS CITY GANG KIDNAPS RICH WOMAN, ASKS $75,000 RANSOM; SEIZED BY KIDNAPPERS.. Impact: The kidnapping of a rich woman led to the rise of the ransom note industry, where creative writing flourished, giving birth to the modern-day greeting card market. Who knew crime could be so... heartfelt?. Fact: Did you know that the ransom amount of $75,000 was eventually used as a benchmark for how much you should charge for a really, really nice wedding gift?.
• Headline: Bans the Arrest of Kentuckians If liquor Sold Is Under Gallon. Impact: The order to ban the arrest of Kentuckians for selling less than a gallon of liquor resulted in a massive grassroots movement that inspired the creation of the world's first mini-bar. Now everyone can be a bartender without the jail time!. Fact: Did you know that before this ruling, people used to hide their half-empty bottles in the bushes? Talk about a 'spirited' game of hide and seek!.
• Headline: TELLS VIRGIN ISLANDS TO HELP THEMSELVES; Pearson Asserts, After Removal Is Urged, That the Decline Began in Danish Period.. Impact: Pearson's comments about the Virgin Islands led to an influx of tourists who thought they were visiting a tropical paradise, only to find out it was just a place with lots of historical paperwork and a very slow Wi-Fi. Welcome to paradise!. Fact: Did you know that the Virgin Islands were once Danish? Makes you wonder if they served pastries instead of rum!.