AUGUST 23, 1950

Full News Archive

• Headline: German Choir Leader's Notable Escape. Impact: This choir leader fleeing to West Germany somehow inspired a wave of musical revolutions, leading to the creation of pop music that eventually makes people question why they have a daily commute filled with terrible radio songs.. Fact: The Leipzig Boys' Choir is as famous for its talent as it is for its ability to dodge awkward family gatherings. Who knew music could be a getaway plan?.
• Headline: U.S. Plans Army Reinforcements in Germany. Impact: The U.S. considering a military buildup in Germany led to a worldwide arms race that made countries rethink their own military strategies, eventually paving the way for a global obsession with defense contracts and camouflage fashion.. Fact: The U.S. military has more camouflage patterns than a 90s rave. If only they could blend in with common sense..
• Headline: Scientist Jailed for Plutonium Theft Claim. Impact: This scientist’s plutonium heist inspired countless spy films and gave rise to the trope of the 'mad scientist'—because nothing says 'I’m a genius' like breaking federal laws over a glowing rock.. Fact: If you ever need a souvenir from a nuclear facility, just remember: ‘Don’t take plutonium’ is rule number one in the scientist travel handbook..
• Headline: U.N. LINES INTACT; Foe Pushed Back 1,000 Yards After Failing to Cut Key Supply Line ENEMY SUFRERS HEAVILY 70 B-29's Drop 700 More Tons of Bombs on Supply Bases-- Reds at Hyonpung Attacked. Impact: The successful U.S. airstrikes and the defense of supply lines spurred a never-ending saga of military strategies, leading to elaborate video games where players can relive the glory of dropping tons of bombs from the safety of their couches.. Fact: 70 B-29s dropping 700 tons of bombs is basically just a really aggressive way of saying, 'We want to decorate our landscape with a little less greenery.'.
• Headline: Stranahan Halts McHale as Turnesa and Coe Also Gain in U.S. Amateur Golf; OHIOAN WINS, 1 UP, IN SECOND ROUND Stranahan's Rally Takes 16th and 7th, Then He Halves 18th Hole With McHale TURNESA CHECKS ALLMAN Coe Beats Clasen, 3 and 1-- Schumacher Trips Bishop-- Chapman and Sanok Gain. Impact: Stranahan’s win at the U.S. Amateur Golf Championship somehow inspired a generation of golfers to chase their dreams, leading to the birth of the phrase, 'It's not about winning, it's about how you look in plaid pants.'. Fact: Golf: the only sport where people can call themselves professionals while wearing outfits that look like they escaped from a 70s family reunion..
• Headline: YUGOSLAV EX-KING OFF; Peter II Flies to England After 3-Month Stay in U.S.. Impact: The exiled Yugoslav king's flight to England might have planted a seed that inspired future monarchs to consider a career in politics, making royal family dramas a staple of tabloid journalism for decades.. Fact: Peter II’s escape from the U.S. holds the record for the most awkward goodbye at a dinner party since everyone realized he wasn't coming back for dessert..
• Headline: CORNELL STUDIES OUSTER; Student's Reported Criticism of U.S. Korea Role Pondered. Impact: Cornell’s contemplation of expulsion over anti-war sentiments triggered a wave of student activism that questioned authority and led to the founding of various protest movements, shaping the rebellious nature of youth culture for years to come.. Fact: Asking for peace in a war zone is a lot like asking a cat not to knock things off the table—good luck with that!.
• Headline: RED RALLY SOUGHT A LEADERSHIP PLAN; Sunday Session Considered How Party Could Function Here With Politburo Gone. Impact: The Communist Party's planning session to maintain leadership after a potential crackdown set the stage for future underground movements, ultimately leading to a series of very clandestine book clubs and secret recipe swaps.. Fact: When the Politburo goes, the first thing on the agenda is always a good old-fashioned game of 'Who’s the new leader?' Spoiler: it’s never a fun game..
• Headline: YUGOSLAVS TO SEND STRONG U.N. GROUP; General Assembly Delegation, Led by Kardelj, to Explain Neutrality on Korea. Impact: Yugoslavia’s delegation to the UN regarding neutrality in Korea sparked a wave of diplomatic discussions that would lead to an endless cycle of nations trying to figure out who can sit at the cool kids' table without getting into trouble.. Fact: Neutrality is just a fancy way of saying, 'I’m here for the snacks, not the politics.'.