DECEMBER 7, 1952

Full News Archive

• Headline: Community Rallies for Blinded Family. Impact: The $2,500 raised for the Kircher family inadvertently led to a nationwide movement where towns began competing in philanthropy. This resulted in the creation of the 'Great American Bake Sale-Off,' which, while well-intentioned, ultimately caused a flour shortage in the 1950s. Who knew kindness could lead to such chaos?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'an eye for an eye' got a bit too literal in Pitman? Thankfully, they raised money instead of turning it into a bizarre reality TV show..
• Headline: Survey Reveals Racial Issues Linked to Slums. Impact: The findings of this survey spurred a wave of social justice movements across the South. Fast forward a few decades, and you find the origins of modern civil rights activism can be traced back to a few well-meaning researchers in a cramped office. Who knew a dusty old report could change the world?. Fact: If substandard housing was a party, it would be an exclusive event only for the underprivileged. Everyone else would just be on the outside looking in, wishing they had an invite..
• Headline: N. Y. U. Appoints Press Officer. Impact: This appointment ushered in a new era of PR spin that would later inspire countless press officers to master the art of saying nothing while sounding impressive. The phrase 'we're working on it' was born.. Fact: Congratulations, W.A. Spencer! The role of press officer is basically the 'adulting' version of being a kid with a megaphone—lots of noise, little substance!.
• Headline: THE DANCE: CRUSADE; Shoe Manufacturers' Assistance Sought Against 'Enfants sur les Pointes'. Impact: This crusade against tiny toe shoes sparked debates that would eventually lead to the widespread popularity of Crocs. Yes, history is a slippery slope, and it’s all due to a desire to protect children's feet.. Fact: Since when did shoe manufacturers become the arbiters of child safety? Next thing you know, they'll be regulating playground equipment..
• Headline: EXPANSION ABROAD POSES DIFFICULTIES; President of International G.E. Cites Ban on Remittances and Import Problems EXPANSION ABROAD POSES DIFFICULTIES. Impact: The struggles of foreign expansion led to companies reevaluating their global strategies, resulting in the infamous 'back-to-basics' movement. This was later misinterpreted as a desire for retro fashion, leading to a resurgence of bell-bottoms.. Fact: If you think import problems are bad now, imagine explaining remittance issues to a group of 1940s businessmen. Spoiler alert: they wouldn't get very far..
• Headline: U. S. FOREIGN STAFF CALLED OVERSIZED; Wiley and Connally Urge Cuts in Aid, Diplomatic Units -- 400,000 Civilians on Roll U. S. FOREIGN STAFF CALLED OVERSIZED. Impact: Calls for cutting the oversized foreign staff eventually led to the introduction of the infamous 'divide and conquer' strategy in government budgets. Because who doesn’t want to make their job harder?. Fact: 400,000 civilians on the U.S. foreign staff? It’s like the ultimate game of 'who can sit at their desk the longest.'.