JULY 20, 1950

Full News Archive

• Headline: U.S. Isolationism Grows Over Korean Conflict. Impact: As the U.S. prestige nosedived, it sparked a series of events leading to the rise of conspiracy theories about secret alien alliances. Somewhere in a basement, a guy is convinced that the aliens were behind the Korean War, fueling the anti-isolationist movement in the '70s. Who knew a few tanks could lead to UFO sightings?. Fact: Interestingly, this shift in U.S. foreign policy eventually led to the infamous 'Korean BBQ' craze in America. Thanks, North Korea!.
• Headline: Melvin L. Fish's Historical Significance. Impact: Melvin L. Fish's existence somehow inspired a generation of children to pursue aquatic-themed careers, leading to a spike in fish-related puns throughout history. You're welcome, world.. Fact: If you think about it, Melvin L. Fish could have been the first person to have a ‘fishing’ license before it was cool. Talk about a trendsetter!.
• Headline: Miss Georgianna Bird Event. Impact: Georgianna Bird's name became synonymous with elegance, resulting in a fashion trend of bird-themed accessories in the 1950s. Yes, people wore birds, and no, it wasn't as cute as it sounds.. Fact: The name Georgianna Bird has inspired countless aspiring ornithologists to name their pets after her. That’s some serious legacy!.
• Headline: SON OF 1812 VETERAN DIES; Nicholas Frost's Father Was Stationed at Norfolk, Va.. Impact: Nicholas Frost’s passing marked the end of an era, leading to a resurgence in interest in the War of 1812, which in turn ignited a series of awkward family reunions as descendants tried to piece together their military legacies. Spoiler: it didn't end well.. Fact: Nicholas Frost was 93, which means he probably had a ton of stories. We can only imagine the things he must have seen. Like actual war, not just watching reruns of 'M*A*S*H.'.
• Headline: Secret Air Base in Korea Set Up Near Red Lines by U.S in 4 Days; SECRET U.S. AIRBASE IS SET UP IN KOREA. Impact: The secret air base's establishment near enemy lines led to a dramatic increase in spy novels featuring 'secret bases' as a plot device, resulting in a literary boom that inspired countless terrible movie adaptations. Thanks, U.S. military!. Fact: Col. R W Witty's command style was so effective that it inspired future military leaders to adopt the catchphrase 'Witty is the new black' in their strategic meetings. They were clearly very serious..
• Headline: Curb Eased on Argentine Peso. Impact: Easing the curbs on the Argentine peso triggered a chain reaction of currency debates, eventually leading to the invention of the popular board game 'Monopoly: Currency Crisis Edition.' Who knew finance could be so entertaining?. Fact: The Argentine peso's fluctuating fate has inspired at least three reality TV shows. Who doesn't want to watch people barter their way through financial chaos?.
• Headline: U.S. GRIP HELD FIRM; STUDYING LANDING PLANS IN SOUTH KOREA. Impact: MacArthur's firm grip in Korea solidified the concept of American military presence overseas, leading to a series of 'How to Win Friends and Influence Countries' seminars. Because nothing says diplomacy like a tank!. Fact: The phrase 'U.S. troops are in Korea to stay' later became a popular slogan for various fast-food chains trying to promote their ‘permanent’ menu items..
• Headline: Cypriot Protest Strike Quiet. Impact: The Cypriot protest strike inspired a wave of strikes across Europe, resulting in an entire generation of workers practicing their 'we're not going to work today' chants, which eventually led to karaoke nights.. Fact: 7,000 people joined the strike, which just goes to show how many people would rather protest than work. Imagine the party they could have thrown instead!.
• Headline: Banker Made Secretary Of Yale Alumni Fund. Impact: G Merriss's appointment as Secretary of the Yale Alumni Fund led to an unprecedented increase in alumni donations, allowing Yale to install a golden statue of a squirrel on campus. Because nothing says prestige like a giant rodent!. Fact: Many alumni claim that G Merriss's secret to fundraising was simply showing up with cookies. Who knew bribery could be so delicious?.
• Headline: Jersey Shifts Auto Tests. Impact: New Jersey's shift in auto tests inspired a nationwide trend for fleet owners to take their vehicles to the nearest fast-food drive-thru instead of testing centers. Because who needs safety when you have fries?. Fact: The semiannual testing on premises was later celebrated as 'DIY Auto Maintenance Day,' where people decorated their cars with glitter. Safety first!.