MARCH 24, 1955

Full News Archive

• Headline: U.N. Marks 10 Years of Peace Efforts. Impact: If only Hammarskjold had known that this 10th anniversary would lead to more meetings about meetings, we'd have saved ourselves decades of diplomatic ennui. Imagine a world where global leaders actually got together and agreed on something... oh wait.. Fact: Did you know that the U.N.'s 10th anniversary celebration included a cake that was bigger than most nations' budgets?.
• Headline: Oppenheimer Lecture Controversy in 1955. Impact: The refusal of these scientists to participate sparked a secret society of physicists that still meets in basements to discuss the implications of atomic theory. They also serve the best nachos.. Fact: Fun fact: Oppenheimer's lecture was said to be so boring that even the atoms were considering a mutiny..
• Headline: GENEVA TO EXHIBIT NUCLEAR EQUIPMENT. Impact: This first fair of nuclear equipment showcased the best and brightest of the atomic age, leading to a series of unfortunate misunderstandings about what 'peaceful uses' actually meant. Hint: it's not a barbecue.. Fact: Did you know that the nuclear equipment was so advanced, it could have powered a small city – or destroyed it? Talk about multi-tasking!.
• Headline: Atka Heads for Boston. Impact: Atka's journey to Boston was the butterfly flap that led to the creation of seafood restaurants across America—because nothing says ‘let’s talk trade’ like a lobster roll.. Fact: Fun fact: Atka is actually a very popular name for boats heading to Boston, but it’s also the name of a forgotten indie band from the '90s..
• Headline: Baruch, at Market Inquiry, Opposes Tax and Arms Cut; BARUCH OPPOSES DEFENSE, TAX CUT. Impact: Baruch’s opposition to tax and arms cuts inspired an entire generation of lobbyists to become 'experts' in dodging taxes while telling people how to spend their money. Thanks, Baruch!. Fact: Did you know that Baruch once tried to start a tax seminar called 'How to Avoid Paying Taxes: A Guide'? Spoiler: it didn’t go well..
• Headline: BASIL B. BRUNO. Impact: Basil B. Bruno's name will forever live in infamy as a reminder that some headlines are just plain boring. His life was a cautionary tale against mediocrity.. Fact: Did you know that Basil B. Bruno once attempted to break the world record for the longest nap? He failed—but he did set a personal best!.
• Headline: JAPAN AND REDS ADVANCING LINKS; Talks With Peiping on Trade and Fish Gain--China and Soviet to Free Captives. Impact: Japan and the Reds cozying up over fish trade set off a ripple effect that would confuse sushi lovers for decades. Thank goodness for wasabi!. Fact: Did you know that 'fish and trade' was originally a popular sitcom idea? It got rejected for being too fishy..
• Headline: TABASCO GOVERNOR OUT; Mexican State After Riots Gets a Provisional Executive. Impact: The chaos in Tabasco led to a series of spicy political debates that could have rivaled any hot sauce, eventually inspiring the slogan: 'When in doubt, blame the governor.'. Fact: Fun fact: Tabasco's governor after the riots was actually just a cat named Señor Picante, who had a knack for making tough decisions... mostly about nap time..
• Headline: LEO F. SUPPLE. Impact: Leo F. Supple is a name that echoes in the halls of 'Who Was That Again?'—a direct ancestor of today's social media influencers who are famous for being famous.. Fact: Did you know Leo F. Supple once tried to trademark the phrase 'I’m just here for the snacks'? It didn’t go through, but it was a great conversation starter!.