JANUARY 13, 1950

Full News Archive

• Headline: Stanford Fellowships for Young Stage Artists. Impact: The introduction of fellowships for stage artists sparked a chain reaction that led to the invention of the dramatic reality TV show. Yes, the world could have been spared 'The Real Housewives' if only someone had focused on serious theatre instead.. Fact: Stanford has produced more start-up founders than Shakespearean actors. Talk about a plot twist!.
• Headline: Rare Diamond Donated for A.E. Smith Dinner. Impact: The diamond prize from a late radio man inadvertently fueled a decades-long rivalry between jewelers and radio stations, resulting in the creation of a new genre of music: 'Jazz & Jewels'.. Fact: Diamonds are forever... unless you’re trying to find a good Wi-Fi signal while wearing one..
• Headline: $100,000,000 ASKED FOR STATE HOUSING; Bipartisan Measure at Albany Proposes a New Debt to Aid Non-Profit Home Building $100,000,000 ASKED FOR STATE HOUSING. Impact: The bipartisan push for state housing inadvertently led to a reality where politicians could only campaign in luxurious homes, forever raising the stakes for future elections and making average citizens wonder if they were living in a sitcom.. Fact: Bipartisan measures are like unicorns: everyone talks about them, but no one really believes they exist..
• Headline: Patman Asks Half-Bit Coin To Ease Soft-Drink Costs. Impact: Patman's half-bit coin proposal led to the creation of a new currency that was only accepted at soda shops, resulting in a bizarre barter economy where people traded snacks for drinks, and soda became the new gold standard.. Fact: Coining a half-bit is like trying to pay your bills with Monopoly money. It’s cute, but ultimately useless..
• Headline: O'Dwyers in Florida; Might Stay for Weeks. Impact: The O'Dwyers' vacation in Florida led to an influx of tourists curious about their lifestyle, which eventually inspired a reality show that convinced millions to move to Florida, resulting in the population explosion we see today.. Fact: Florida is known for its sunshine, alligators, and a seemingly endless supply of quirky news stories. It's like a carnival that never closes..
• Headline: 'FORCED' LISTENING STILL UP TO BOARD; State Commission Plans Action in Grand Central Case--City Weighs Bus Broadcasts Vote Is Held Probable. Impact: The state commission's plan for 'forced' listening caused a nationwide rebellion against mandatory broadcasts, which led to the eventual creation of the 'Mute Button Movement'—because no one asked for unsolicited news while waiting for their train.. Fact: Nothing says 'we care' like forcing you to listen to traffic reports while you're stuck in traffic..
• Headline: JONES & LAUGHLIN OFFERS COAL PACT; Moreell Asserts Company Will Settle With Its Miners on Basis of Steel Accord. Impact: The coal pact negotiations led to a series of misunderstandings that culminated in the establishment of a new holiday: 'Coal Miner's Day', celebrated with coal-themed parades and miner-themed costumes.. Fact: Coal mining is the only profession where you can get dirty and still be considered a hero. Talk about mixed messages!.