DECEMBER 18, 1949

Full News Archive

• Headline: Danish Asylum for Polish Refugees. Impact: By granting asylum to these 13 Poles, Denmark inadvertently sparked a worldwide refugee advocacy movement. Fast forward to today, and everyone’s trying to escape to countries like Denmark, which now has a 'No Vacancy' sign flashing in neon.. Fact: The next time you complain about your morning coffee, remember that these refugees were dodging bullets for a shot at a better life. So, how's your latte?.
• Headline: Utilities Seek Public Support in 1949. Impact: This plea for public aid set the stage for utility companies to become expert at playing the victim. Today, they’ve mastered the art of saying 'please' while charging you for the air you breathe.. Fact: It's ironic that utilities are asking the public for help when we all know they’re just trying to keep the lights on while turning their backs on renewable energy..
• Headline: Danes Oppose Large Mission; U. S., FRANCE AGREE ON ARMS AID TERMS. Impact: This disagreement may have inadvertently fueled Denmark's future as the go-to place for diplomatic negotiations, leading them to become the Switzerland of Scandinavia—without the chocolate, of course.. Fact: Fun fact: the last time Danes opposed a large mission, they were referring to a particularly ambitious IKEA assembly project..
• Headline: TRUMAN SET TO PICK MOBILIZATION CHIEF; He Plans New Effort to Break Year Deadlock With Senate Over Resources Chairman. Impact: Truman’s struggle to break the deadlock laid the groundwork for future presidential meltdowns over Senate cooperation. Fast forward to today, and we’re still waiting for a Senate that can agree on what day it is.. Fact: If only Truman had known that breaking a deadlock would eventually become a national pastime, he might have invested in a good pair of shoes..
• Headline: Lindbergh Says Man Must Balance Science With Morality to Survive; LINBERGH LINKS SCIENCE, MORALITY. Impact: Lindbergh’s musings created a ripple effect that led to the establishment of ethics boards in science, which now struggle to keep scientists from turning into mad scientists. Spoiler: They don't always succeed.. Fact: Lindbergh was not just a pilot; he was also a philosopher. Talk about a multi-tasking overachiever!.
• Headline: COMMUNITY PORTRAIT; Pictorial Story of Indians Is Lesson for Amateur. Impact: This book review opened the door for future photographers to learn about cultural representation. Had it not been for this, we might have ended up with even more cringe-worthy holiday snaps.. Fact: In the world of photography, understanding your subject is key—unlike that one time you tried to take a selfie with a statue..
• Headline: Is the United Nations the Answer?; In the long run, 'Yes,' says this Australian statesman, but at present our best peace hopes rest on such regional defenses as the Atlantic Pact.. Impact: This statement set the stage for decades of debates about international organizations. Today, people still argue about the UN at every family gathering, proving that nothing brings people together like mutual disdain.. Fact: The only thing more contentious than discussions about the UN is trying to agree on a movie for family movie night..
• Headline: CAMERA NOTES; Dutch Telephoto Lens -New Agfa Models. Impact: The introduction of new camera technology paved the way for every amateur photographer to believe they are the next Ansel Adams. Spoiler: most of them are not.. Fact: Telephoto lenses: because sometimes you just need to take a picture of your friend from a safe distance..
• Headline: ANGLO-NORDIC BLOC ON TRADE PUT OFF; Conferees in Stockholm Find Financial Restrictions Can Not Be Lifted at Present. Impact: The failure to form a trade bloc delayed economic collaboration that might have made IKEA assembly instructions less complicated. Instead, we got what we have today: instructions that require a PhD to understand.. Fact: The only thing tighter than trade restrictions? The screws in your IKEA furniture that you can never seem to find..