FEBRUARY 12, 1951

Full News Archive

• Headline: Gianni Schicchi on NBC in 1951. Impact: This televised opera performance sparked a newfound love for opera among couch potatoes, leading to a surprising surge in fancy dress costumes at Halloween parties worldwide. Who knew that watching Gianni Schicchi could lead to a spike in people wearing fake mustaches?. Fact: Did you know that Puccini originally wrote the opera to fund his lavish lifestyle? Guess some things never change!.
• Headline: Cities Service Tackles Union Dispute Fallout. Impact: The declaration of the union issue as 'dead' caused a chain reaction of apathy among workers, who then decided that maybe their own rights were also best left to rest in peace, leading to a century of labor disputes that could fill a library. Thanks, Cities Service!. Fact: Fun fact: 'Dead issues' in politics are like zombies; they just keep coming back to life when you least expect it..
• Headline: BALLET HAS PREMIERE; Gillis' 'Portrait of Frontier Town' Presented at K. of C. Benefit. Impact: The premiere of this ballet led to an unexpected spike in interest in frontier towns, resulting in a new wave of hipster coffee shops named after old saloons. Now you can sip your oat milk latte in 'The Notorious Saloon' while pondering life’s big questions.. Fact: Ballet is basically just fancy walking—who knew the frontier was so graceful?.
• Headline: Head of Maritime Safety in Japan Ending Study of U.S. Coast Guard; Takeo Okubo to Return to Tokyo by Airline With His Head and Notebooks Crammed With Ideas for His Country's Agency Japan Has 5,000 Vessels To Establish Own Academy. Impact: Takeo Okubo's study of the U.S. Coast Guard led to Japan's decision to create its own maritime academy, which, in turn, resulted in an arms race of academic excellence. Because nothing says 'I love the ocean' like competing with the Coast Guard.. Fact: Did you know that maritime safety experts have one of the coolest job titles? Too bad it doesn't come with a free yacht..
• Headline: TAFT FOR 20% LIMIT ON SENDING TROOPS; SUGGESTS TROOP PLAN. Impact: Taft's proposal to limit troop deployment was so influential that it inadvertently inspired a trend of government decisions being made over brunch. Now, military strategy discussions often include mimosas and avocado toast.. Fact: Did you know that Taft was also known for his love of food? Maybe he just wanted to keep more troops at home for dinner!.
• Headline: NEW MUSIC PLAYED AT LOCAL CONCERT; Contemporary Music Society Presents Works in Atonal Idiom at McMillin Theatre. Impact: The local concert featuring contemporary music led to a nationwide movement of people pretending to understand atonal music, fostering a culture where everyone suddenly became an 'expert' in modern art. Thanks for the existential crisis, McMillin Theatre.. Fact: Fun fact: Atonal music is what happens when composers run out of ideas and just start banging on things. It’s basically modern art for your ears!.