JULY 18, 1951

Full News Archive

• Headline: Hail Damage to Connecticut Tobacco Crops. Impact: The hailstorm that devastated Connecticut's tobacco crops led to an unexpected rise in the popularity of alternative recreational activities, including knitting and competitive ice cream eating. Who knew a little weather could steer a generation toward cozy hobbies?. Fact: Tobacco was once considered a miracle plant; now it’s just a miracle if it survives hail..
• Headline: West Point Seeks Funds for Anniversary. Impact: The request for $95,000 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of West Point set a precedent for future military celebrations, eventually leading to an annual tradition of extravagant birthday parties for inanimate objects. Imagine a tank getting a cake!. Fact: In 1852, West Point was just a few years shy of becoming the oldest military academy in the U.S. But hey, who’s counting when you’ve got a birthday bash to plan?.
• Headline: Air Force Major Joins Columbia's R.O.T.C.. Impact: Air Force Major Norris teaching at Columbia created a generation of students who thought they could fly jets. Spoiler: they could not. The ensuing disappointment led to more students pursuing degrees in circus arts instead.. Fact: The ROTC program has produced some of the most confused graduates who think 'drill' is just a type of team building exercise..
• Headline: STRIKE SHUTS HAT PLANT; 520 of Mallory's 700 Workers at Danbury Involved. Impact: The strike at the hat plant not only disrupted the hat industry but also inspired a new fashion trend: the 'bare head' movement. It took a while, but eventually, people realized that hair was just as fashionable.. Fact: Danbury was once known as the 'Hat Capital of the World.' Guess they were just a little too 'topped' off..
• Headline: ALCOHOLISM DISCUSSED; It is Called 'Cancer of Ego' at Osteopaths' Convention. Impact: Labeling alcoholism as the 'cancer of the ego' sparked a movement that led to countless self-help books and one-liners on social media. So, thanks, E. F. Peters, for turning personal struggles into inspirational quotes!. Fact: Alcoholism being called a 'cancer of the ego' didn’t catch on until it was rebranded as a 'personal growth opportunity' a few decades later..
• Headline: LIFE INSURERS ASK NEW TAX FORMULA; Urge Flat Rate on Investments to Replace Stop-Gap Plan-- One Company Dissents. Impact: The life insurers' plea for a new tax formula led to a series of convoluted tax laws that made accountants weep. Fast forward a few decades and now tax season is more like tax 'scream' season.. Fact: Insurers are always looking for ways to make money. But don’t worry, they’ll still find a way to charge you for breathing..
• Headline: POLITICAL 'AD' BILL HELD UP IN ALABAMA. Impact: The political ad bill being stalled in Alabama led to the introduction of the 'Ad of the Year' award, which now honors the most ridiculous political commercials. Think 'Dancing with the Stars' meets politics.. Fact: Political ads are the only ads where the tagline 'Vote for me, I’m not that bad!' is considered a solid strategy..
• Headline: List of Designations for Primaries Here. Impact: The list of primary designations marked the beginning of endless debates about what makes a 'good' candidate, leading to the current state of political discourse where memes are considered serious political commentary.. Fact: Primary designations: where the excitement of politics meets the tediousness of filing paperwork..
• Headline: NEW POINT RAISED BY REDS ON TRUCE; SIXTH PARLEY ENDS; U.N. Reports Enemy Presented Pre-Translated Material but Declines to Give Data 'SOME PROGRESS' IMPLIED Allies Continue to Shield All Details About Conference --Talks in 19th Day U.N. Delegates Use Jeeps Progress Noted Second Time NEW POINTS RAISED BY RED DELEGATION Information Still Scanty. Impact: The discussions at the U.N. over the truce raised a new level of mistrust that would eventually lead to the phrase 'We come in peace' being uttered with a wink. The phrase now means, 'Prepare for the worst!'. Fact: In diplomacy, a 'parley' is just a fancy word for 'Can we talk about our feelings?'.