OCTOBER 11, 1954

Full News Archive

• Headline: Leadership Shift in 1954. Impact: R A Shiff's presidency sparked an unexpected chain reaction that led to the creation of the First Annual Conference on Finding New Ways to Waste Company Money. Employees still discuss the legendary coffee machine that cost more than the office building.. Fact: Did you know that R A Shiff’s first decision was to add 'Fun Fridays'? Unfortunately, it turned out to be a mandatory karaoke session..
• Headline: Vargas Party Struggles in 1954 Elections. Impact: Vargas losing support led to the unexpected rise of a rival party that would eventually inspire a dramatic soap opera about political intrigue, betrayal, and a love triangle involving a pet parrot.. Fact: Did you know Vargas's son once campaigned on a platform of free ice cream for all? It didn’t work, but it does explain the current obsession with frozen desserts in Brazilian politics..
• Headline: SHIPYARD STUDY STILL ON; House Committee to Keep Its Records Open 2 Weeks More. Impact: This prolonged study initiated a nationwide trend of procrastination, leading to ‘just two more weeks’ becoming a perennial excuse for everything from homework to tax returns. It’s now a cultural phenomenon.. Fact: Did you know that the shipyard study was almost derailed by an unexpected debate over the best flavor of shipyard stew?.
• Headline: A.D.A. STAYS ALOOF IN BAY STATE RACES. Impact: The ADA’s refusal to endorse candidates led to a series of awkward dinner parties in which politicians had to face their ex-friends who were now firmly on the opposite side of the fence. It’s rumored that a few ended up in therapy.. Fact: Did you know that the ADA’s aloofness started a trend of politicians sending fruit baskets instead of endorsements? The pears were a particularly bad choice..
• Headline: Random Notes From Washington: Humphrey Seeks Business Aide; Asks a Personnel Chief for the Treasury Without Background in Government -Wanted: Diplomats Who Talk Chinese. Impact: Humphrey’s search for a non-governmental aide led to a bizarre recruitment campaign that unintentionally attracted aspiring actors who thought they were auditioning for a spy movie. Washington never looked so glamorous.. Fact: Did you know that, in the end, the only person who applied was a mime who could only communicate in gestures? They were not hired..
• Headline: Press Group Picks New Orleans. Impact: The selection of New Orleans for the convention sparked a cultural revolution that led to an explosion of beignets and jazz music in the press world. Reporters now have a mandatory 'fun' quota to fill.. Fact: Did you know that the first order of business at the convention was to establish a 'Mardi Gras dress code' for all future press events?.
• Headline: CAPEHART DEMANDS F.H.A. HOUSE CLEANING. Impact: Capehart's call for house cleaning inadvertently led to a nationwide obsession with spring cleaning, culminating in the now infamous ‘Great American Clean-Out’ where people found their long-lost pet rocks.. Fact: Did you know that Capehart’s biggest complaint was about the coffee stains on the FHA’s report? Some say it was just a cover-up for the real mess..
• Headline: FRANCO PAYS VISIT TO A U.S. CARRIER; Spanish Leader Views Naval Exercise Held in His Honor -- Praises Performance FRANCO PAYS VISIT TO A U.S. CARRIER. Impact: Franco’s visit led to a series of naval exercises that resulted in a bizarre international game of 'who can impress the most' which has continued to this day, albeit with more selfies.. Fact: Tragically, during the gunnery exhibition, one sailor mistook the event for a game of charades. The ensuing chaos was both hilarious and tragic..
• Headline: PRESIDENT BACK SOON; He Begins Last of Eight-Week Work-Play Vacation. Impact: The president’s extended vacation set a precedent for future leaders, who now consider any time off as a potential photo op, leading to a significant rise in 'presidential vacation' merchandise.. Fact: Did you know that during this vacation, the president reportedly practiced his golf swing more than he practiced actual governance?.