JANUARY 15, 1955

Full News Archive

• Headline: Harriman Delays Race Tax Decision. Impact: By delaying this decision, Harriman inadvertently set off a series of bureaucratic chain reactions that ultimately led to the invention of the modern-day filibuster. Thanks, Harriman, for giving us political gridlock as a national pastime.. Fact: Did you know that procrastination was actually invented in this meeting? It’s the original ‘I’ll think about it later’ strategy..
• Headline: Opposition to High-Powered Cars in 1955. Impact: This opposition sparked a secret society of car enthusiasts who vowed to create the fastest vehicles imaginable, leading to the underground racing scene and eventual Fast and Furious franchise. Thanks for the nitrous, naysayers!. Fact: Did you know that ‘high-powered cars’ is just a fancy term for ‘I have a mid-life crisis and need a new toy’?.
• Headline: The Wiretapping Question in 1955. Impact: This debate over wiretapping led to the establishment of numerous spy agencies, and eventually, your smartphone listening to you while you discuss the merits of cheese. Thanks for the surveillance state!. Fact: Did you know that wiretapping was once considered a privacy invasion? Now we willingly give our data to companies for free samples of toothpaste..
• Headline: JOSEPH A. LENOX. Impact: Joseph A. Lenox's impact on history is debated, but rumor has it he was the real inspiration for the phrase 'every dog has its day'—which, in turn, has led to countless dog memes and a multi-billion dollar pet industry.. Fact: Did you know that Joseph A. Lenox once tried to train his cat to fetch? Spoiler: it didn't go well..
• Headline: WILLIAMS SAYS HE WON'T PLAY IN '55; Red Sox Slugger Holds Pacts for TV, Movies of Summer Fishing Expeditions. Impact: Williams' decision to pursue fame over baseball paved the way for athletes to become media moguls, leading to what we now call reality TV—thank you, Ted Williams, for making our television choices so... interesting.. Fact: Did you know that Ted Williams' fishing shows were just him trying to avoid a conversation about his batting average?.
• Headline: ALBERT RUBINSTEIN. Impact: Albert Rubinstein’s contributions to industry inspired countless generations of aspiring Rubinsteins, leading to a world where everyone thinks they can become a famous entrepreneur by just adding 'stein' to their last name.. Fact: Did you know that Albert’s secret to success was just a really good Wi-Fi connection?.
• Headline: DR. L. B. PACKARD, HISTORY TEACHER; ' Professor at Amherst for 30 Years Is Dead at 67-- Author of Two Books. Impact: Dr. Packard's legacy as a history teacher influenced thousands of students, many of whom went on to become historians who would later argue over the trivial aspects of history—because that’s what we do with knowledge.. Fact: Did you know that Dr. Packard once attempted to teach history through interpretive dance? Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well..
• Headline: REV. DANIEL BELLA. Impact: Rev. Bella's teachings inspired a generation of followers, leading to an unexpected rise in community potlucks and an exponential increase in casserole recipes. Thank you, Rev. Bella, for the side dishes.. Fact: Did you know that Rev. Bella’s secret to attracting a crowd was simply promising free donuts? It’s hard to argue with carbs..
• Headline: ' A Sleep of Prisoners' Arouses Paris Audience. Impact: This theatrical production sparked a wave of existential thought, ultimately inspiring a generation of hipsters who now sip lattes while pondering life’s mysteries in dimly lit cafes. Bravo, Paris!. Fact: Did you know that the play was originally titled 'A Nap of Prisoners' but was changed for dramatic flair? Because who wouldn't want to watch people sleep?.
• Headline: J. HAYDEN HULL. Impact: J. Hayden Hull's contributions are still debated, but some say he invented the concept of the 'Hullabaloo', leading to countless parties and social gatherings where everyone pretends to enjoy themselves.. Fact: Did you know that Hull's favorite party trick was disappearing before the cleanup? A true master of escape!.