OCTOBER 4, 1955

Full News Archive

• Headline: Dismissal of Metcalf's Contempt Indictment. Impact: By dismissing this contempt case, Prof. Metcalf inadvertently started a trend of people thinking they could just not answer pesky questions. This eventually led to the rise of social media influencers who dodge real questions with vague lifestyle advice. Fact: Did you know that in 1954, it was even harder to get out of answering questions than it is today? Now you just say 'fake news' and you're golden!.
• Headline: Brazil's Complex Election of 1955. Impact: The drawn-out election process in Brazil led to the invention of the 'Election Day Brunch', thus cementing brunch as the most important meal of the day and giving rise to endless avocado toast memes. Fact: Fun fact: Brazil's election system is so complicated, it makes trying to explain Bitcoin to your grandma look like child's play.
• Headline: News Executives in Switch. Impact: This management switch at a news company led to a series of events where every future news executive felt the need to change the logo, the coffee brand, and most importantly, the office snacks every six months. Fact: Did you know that changing a general manager is how corporate culture gets more confusing? One week it's casual Fridays, the next week you're in a full suit discussing profit margins.
• Headline: PRESIDENT RESTED AFTER A SETBACK; WRITES TO NIXON; Condition Again Satisfactory -- He Confers With Adams and Signs More Papers PRESIDENT RESTED AFTER A SETBACK. Impact: The president's health setbacks likely caused a ripple effect of panic that contributed to the popularity of stress balls and mindfulness apps decades later. Thanks, President!. Fact: Did you know that presidents have been resting since the dawn of time? It’s a little-known fact that they need naps just like the rest of us, but with more paperwork involved.
• Headline: West Challenges Moscow On Berlin Traffic Controls; WEST CHALLENGES SOVIET ON BERLIN. Impact: West's challenge to Moscow over Berlin traffic controls was the beginning of geopolitical gamesmanship that led to the phrase 'keeping up with the Joneses' now being adapted to nations trying to outdo each other in the arms race. Fact: Did you know that arguing over borders is basically the adult version of 'you can't sit with us'? Welcome to international politics!.
• Headline: Princeton Head Lauds Spitzer. Impact: Dr. Dodds' praise of Spitzer encouraged countless academic and corporate leaders to start writing glowing letters of recommendation that have since become a required staple for every job application ever. Thanks, Spitzer!. Fact: Did you know that compliments in academia can lead to overinflated egos? Just ask any professor who's ever been told they were 'the best' at anything.
• Headline: M. I. T. Names Briton to Post. Impact: Naming a Briton to a significant post at MIT led to the perception that only British people were intelligent, which subsequently fueled an entire genre of British detective novels as everyone tried to figure out where all that intelligence originated. Fact: Did you know that being appointed to a prestigious position often comes with a side of tea and crumpets? It's basically a requirement in academia across the pond.
• Headline: Remarks on Mid-East Situation Before U. N. General Assembly. Impact: A. Eban's remarks at the U.N. were the starting point for diplomatic discussions that would end up confusing generations of students learning about the Middle East, leading to the creation of a multitude of overly simplified maps. Fact: Did you know that U.N. speeches often sound like they're written by a committee of squirrels? Because it's true—everyone's trying to make sense while juggling a million opinions!.