NOVEMBER 22, 1952

Full News Archive

• Headline: Brooklyn Merchant Fatally Beaten in Hold-Up. Impact: The tragic demise of a Brooklyn grocer led to a dramatic increase in the use of off-duty policemen as vigilantes, spawning a secret society of ex-cops who meet in taverns to debate the ethics of crime-fighting over beers. Their motto? 'Justice Served Cold, with a Side of Fries.'. Fact: While crime rates fluctuate, tavern debates on justice are eternally popular. In the 21st century, they often manifest as heated discussions on social media, proving that some people just can’t leave the bar behind..
• Headline: Dulles's Selection for Secretary of State. Impact: Dulles' appointment ignited a series of diplomatic blunders that culminated in an international incident involving a giant inflatable duck and a failed peace treaty, which ultimately led to a new genre of political satire called 'Duck Diplomacy.'. Fact: The phrase 'Good Friend' is often used in politics, much like 'Let’s circle back' means 'I have no idea what I’m doing.'.
• Headline: GENERAL GETS DATA; Receives Briefing Books From the President on Nation's Top Secrets DANGER SPOTS SURVEYED Truman Had Volumes Drafted to Ease Transition Period for New Administration EISENHOWER GETS 3 BRIEFING BOOKS. Impact: Eisenhower's transition briefing books sparked a trend of over-preparation in politics, leading to a future where every candidate brings a PowerPoint presentation to debates. Spoiler alert: the slides usually don't help.. Fact: The term 'top secret' was originally coined by a bored intern at a government office who wanted to sound important. It worked..
• Headline: PLEAS TO EISENHOWER; New England and South Press for Cabinet Jobs -- Four Still Open WILSON GOING TO KOREA New Treasury Chief, Biggest Surprise Among Selections, Supported Taft in 1948 Slated to Have Posts Under Eisenhower EISENHOWER PICKS 3 MORE HIGH AIDES. Impact: The scramble for cabinet positions led to the first-ever Cabinet Job Fair, where politicians pitched their resumes with catchy slogans like 'Hire me, I know a guy!' This event still influences political campaign strategies today.. Fact: Political appointments have historically involved more drama than a soap opera. The only difference? The soap operas usually have better writing..
• Headline: Helicopters Escort Elizabeth. Impact: This helicopter escort set a precedent for royal entrances, eventually leading to the use of drones at events. Today, no celebrity wedding is complete without a flying camera crew hovering suspiciously above.. Fact: The helicopter escort was a revolutionary idea; before this, monarchs were only escorted by horses, which were significantly less reliable—especially after a few carrots..
• Headline: COLONY FOUNDER FETED; Mrs. Edward MacDowell, 95, Is Honored at Dinner Here. Impact: Mrs. MacDowell’s celebration inspired a wave of retirement parties that involved excessive speeches and cake, eventually leading to a national shortage of frosting and the rise of 'party planners' as a legitimate profession.. Fact: At 95, Mrs. MacDowell had outlived several generations of party guests, which is likely why her party was described as a 'ghost town'—but with great snacks..
• Headline: Mask, Wig Gives 'Here's Howe'. Impact: The Mask and Wig Club's production set off a chain reaction of theatrical performances across campuses, leading to the rise of the 'college theatre major' and countless productions of Shakespeare that were never quite what the Bard intended.. Fact: The Mask and Wig Club’s performances became so notorious that they were often mistaken for actual historical events—because who doesn’t love a good historical reenactment gone wrong?.
• Headline: MAYFLOWER PACT MARKED; Descendants Group Celebrates 332d Anniversary of Signing. Impact: The celebration of the Mayflower Pact led to the establishment of 'National Thanksgiving Week,' where every year, descendants gather to argue over who gets the last slice of pie—an annual tradition that still creates family rifts.. Fact: In the 332 years since the Mayflower Pact, the only thing that has remained constant is the annual debate over whether cranberry sauce should be served whole or jellied. Spoiler: it’s always a disaster..
• Headline: O'SHEA OF IRELAND FIRST; Rides Glandore to Jump Victory in Toronto Horse Show. Impact: O'Shea's victory inspired a newfound respect for horse riders, leading to a boom in equestrian-themed reality TV shows where everyone pretends they understand dressage.. Fact: Jumping horses have been around for centuries, but it wasn't until this event that they started demanding their own dressing rooms and organic carrots..