SEPTEMBER 3, 1951

Full News Archive

• Headline: Long Beach Hotel Robberies Shock Community. Impact: The robbers' success inadvertently inspired a new trend in hotel security that led to the invention of the 'robbery-proof' hotel room, which is now a popular vacation choice for paranoid celebrities.. Fact: If you think your hotel is safe now, just remember that at one point, people thought leaving their jewels in a drawer was a good idea..
• Headline: Ben A. Haggin Passes Away. Impact: Ben A. Haggin's death led to a surge in portrait painting, causing a bizarre 1960s trend where people commissioned portraits of their pets instead of themselves, ultimately leading to the rise of Instagram pet influencers.. Fact: Haggin's work was so good that people started arguing about whether paintings could have their own Instagram accounts. Spoiler: they can’t..
• Headline: U.S. SEEKS TO INSURE BONN DEFENSE ROLE; Simultaneous Signing of Arms and Sovereignty Treaties by Four Powers Is Aim U.S. AIMS TO INSURE BONN DEFENSE ROLE Expects Difficulties Ask Occupation Cost Cut Held Protective Measure. Impact: The U.S. efforts to secure Bonn's defense role led to an endless series of convoluted treaties, creating a new genre of paperwork that has inspired countless sitcoms about bureaucrats and their absurd lives.. Fact: If you thought the paperwork was excessive now, just wait until you see what 'security pacts' look like in triplicate. Spoiler: it's not pretty..
• Headline: YOSHIDA CONSULTS WITH AMERICANS ON SECURITY PACT; Acheson Is Assured Bilateral Accord Will Be Consumated After Peace Treaty ARMS FOR ATTACK BARRED Draft of Defense Agreement Also Rules Out New Navy and Air Force for Japan No Offensive Threat Distinction in Policy YOSHIDA CONSULTS WITH U.S. LEADERS. Impact: Yoshida's consultations with Americans paved the way for a long-standing relationship that would ultimately lead to thousands of American tourists flocking to Japan for sushi and karaoke, completely ignoring the historical context.. Fact: If you thought sushi was trendy now, just imagine how many Americans would have missed out on raw fish if this meeting had gone poorly!.
• Headline: Patterns of The Times: Jeweled Knit Blouses; 3 Suggestions Offered in Sport or Dressy Apparel Styles Sleeveless Sweater Special Thread Advised. Impact: The trend for jeweled knit blouses led to a short-lived fashion movement where everyone tried to out-bling each other, culminating in the infamous 'Bedazzled Era' of the late 90s.. Fact: Today, 'jeweled' means something entirely different thanks to the rise of online shopping and the phrase 'I got this on sale'—as if that somehow makes it okay..
• Headline: 'Quake in South California. Impact: The light quake in Southern California led to an overreaction that resulted in a new fitness craze called 'Earthquake Yoga,' which involved doing downward dog every time the ground shook.. Fact: Some say the real reason Californians are so calm is that they're just used to their world shaking every five minutes..
• Headline: DEMAND FOR PAPER LIKELY TO BE BRISK; Trend to Hardening Market Is Expected Unless Outlook for Peace Brightens INVENTORIES STILL HIGH Basic Grades of Waste Are 50% Below 1951 Peaks Heavy Items Continue Strong Outlook Is Changed 50% Below Peaks. Impact: The brisk demand for paper caused a paper shortage that led to the invention of digital note-taking, which has now become the bane of students everywhere who miss the tactile experience of crumpling up a bad test answer.. Fact: If only the paper industry knew that their 'brisk demand' would lead to the rise of screens everywhere, they might have reconsidered their life choices!.