DECEMBER 13, 1948

Full News Archive

• Headline: Pope Pius Blesses Franco and Spain. Impact: Pope Pius' blessing of Franco was like giving a high-five to a dictator. This set a precedent for future leaders thinking they could get divine endorsements for their questionable actions—hello, political Instagram influencers!. Fact: When the Pope blesses you, it doesn't come with a return policy. Just ask Franco..
• Headline: U.N. Assembly Supports South Korea in 1948. Impact: The U.N. Assembly's decision to back South Korea was a turning point, indirectly leading to the global fascination with K-pop and Korean dramas. Who knew a Cold War debate would bring us BTS?. Fact: Dulles hailed the session as a success, which is a classic politician's way of saying, 'Well, at least we didn't throw chairs this time.'.
• Headline: ARMY ABROAD ASKS CARE GIFTS TO YOUNG. Impact: General Keyes’ call for gifts to young soldiers sparked a tradition of care packages, which eventually evolved into the modern-day obsession with sending snacks to college students. Thanks, military!. Fact: Asking for gifts from the public is basically the military's way of saying, 'We’ve run out of cookies in the mess hall.'.
• Headline: President of Subsidiary Of Schenley Industries. Impact: J. L. Leban's election as president of Schenley Industries was so underwhelming that it paved the way for board meetings to become synonymous with boredom. Thanks, J.L.!. Fact: Being elected president of a subsidiary is like being the captain of the B-team—nobody really cares, but you still get a trophy..
• Headline: Ask Barring of Four Senators. Impact: The call to bar four senators ultimately contributed to the Civil Rights Movement, where everyone realized that voting was actually a thing people should be able to do—unless you were a senator, apparently.. Fact: Truman's demand for Congress to act on civil rights was about as effective as telling a cat to stop sitting on your laptop..
• Headline: STRICTER SPY LAW SOUGHT IN CAPITAL; Nixon Cites 'Holes,' Is Backed by Ferguson -- 'Fairer' Rules in House Inquiries Asked. Impact: Nixon's push for stricter spy laws was the beginning of a long journey toward the modern surveillance state. So, thanks to his paranoia, we now have smartphones that listen to us all day.. Fact: If Nixon had just used social media instead of spying, he'd have saved a lot of trouble—#NoMoreWatergate..
• Headline: New Fine Arts Chairman At New York University. Impact: Dr. H.W. Jansen’s appointment as Fine Arts Chairman sparked a renaissance of creativity at NYU, leading to the creation of some truly unforgettable student art projects, like 'Untitled #37: My Dorm Room.'. Fact: Being a Fine Arts Chairman means you get to pretend your opinion about a painting is worth more than a toddler's crayon doodle..
• Headline: J. M. HYMAN TO DO 'SIGNOR CHICAGO'; Producer to Sponsor Edward Chodorov Comedy to Be Directed by Author. Impact: J.M. Hyman's production of 'Signor Chicago' inspired countless future Broadway shows, cementing the idea that mediocre comedies could still make a ton of money. And here we are today.. Fact: High Button Shoes refusing to give a wage rise to 40 chorus members is basically the 1950s version of 'I’m not paying you in exposure!'.
• Headline: Watts Exhibit Opens Today. Impact: The opening of the Watts Exhibit paved the way for the public's fascination with art exhibits, leading to countless Instagram posts of people pretending to understand abstract art.. Fact: Exhibiting works at the NY Public Library is just their way of saying, 'Look, we have more than just books!'.