MARCH 3, 1950

Full News Archive

• Headline: Cashier Defeats Bank Bandits with Tear Gas. Impact: This cashier's brave act not only thwarted a bank robbery but also inspired a generation of action heroes. Who knew tear gas could be a weapon of choice for the next blockbuster's tiny hero?. Fact: Fun fact: 'Go to Hell!' is actually the catchphrase of the world's smallest superhero. Just kidding, but it should be!.
• Headline: California vs. Santa Anita Controversy. Impact: The disagreement between the Santa Anita track and the state over betting pools sparked a nationwide debate about gambling regulations. If only they had just played a game of rock-paper-scissors.... Fact: California and gambling have had a tumultuous relationship since the Gold Rush. Maybe they should just stick to poker night?.
• Headline: 3 HELD IN BROOKLYN IN GAMING INQUIRY; Arrests Held 'Opening Wedge' in Move to Get Leaders of Wide Betting Ring Described as "Opening Wedge" Jailed for Counterfeiting. Impact: These arrests were the 'opening wedge' for a massive crackdown on organized crime that may have led to the creation of every crime drama cliché ever. Thanks for the inspiration, Brooklyn!. Fact: Did you know 'opening wedge' is also a golf term? Just imagine these guys trying to escape while playing a round of golf... now that's a movie!.
• Headline: Jordan Cabinet Resigns. Impact: The resignation and reappointment of Premier Huda might seem mundane, but it set the stage for years of political drama in Jordan. It's like a soap opera, just with more camels.. Fact: King Abdullah's ability to reappoint is like a game of musical chairs, but with more at stake. Who knew royal politics could be so entertaining?.
• Headline: VIET NAM FIGHTING IS ENDLESS, COSTLY; Ho Chi Minh's Forces Are Far From Defeated Despite the Progress Made by French Convoys, Guards Necessary Attacks Unsuccessful. Impact: The ongoing conflict in Vietnam not only shaped international relations but also inspired countless protest songs and movies. Who knew that war could be such a muse?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'the cost of war' applies not just to money, but also to sanity? Just ask any soldier or anyone who watched a war movie marathon..
• Headline: PEACE GROUP SEEKS U.S. ENTRY PERMIT; Delegation Headed by Picasso Waits in Paris--Would Ban Arms Race, Atomic War PEACE GROUP SEEKS U.S. ENTRY PERMIT Replies to Telegram 3 Senators Oppose Visas. Impact: This peace group's struggle for entry permits likely ignited countless discussions about arms races and peace. It could have also inspired the next big reality TV show about activists.. Fact: Picasso and Dali in the same room? Now that's a dinner party I would pay to attend. Just imagine the arguments over the best way to paint protest signs!.
• Headline: RUSSIA, GERMANY LEAD STEEL RISE; Two Countries Show Greater Increase Over '48 Output Than All Rest of Europe. Impact: The steel output increase in Russia and Germany possibly cemented their roles as industrial powerhouses, leading to the phrase 'the steel curtain' and, you guessed it, endless construction projects.. Fact: If only they had built a giant steel rollercoaster instead of weapons, maybe history would have taken a much more fun turn..
• Headline: AT THE THEATRE. Impact: The play adaptation might have led to a resurgence of bedtime stories on stage, proving once and for all that not everything needs a sequel. Sometimes, we just need to sleep.. Fact: The title 'Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep' is a catchy way to remind us that sleep is an art. Too bad the theatre doesn't serve pillows!.
• Headline: Czech Red Calls Party Spy-Ridden; Clue Given to Missing American; CZECH RED PARTY HELD SPY-RIDDEN. Impact: The claims of espionage in the Czech Red Party brought paranoia to new heights, resulting in a whole new genre of spy novels. Thanks, Reiman, for giving us James Bond!. Fact: Did you know that espionage is basically the original reality TV? Only instead of drama, they had to deal with actual bullets..