FEBRUARY 2, 1956

Full News Archive

• Headline: Truman Addresses Presidential Responsibilities. Impact: Truman's insistence that a president should work like a superhuman led to the eventual creation of the phrase 'Presidential Burnout,' which is now a popular meme shared by overworked office employees worldwide.. Fact: If 'presidential workload' were a real job description, it would probably include 'must be able to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle.'.
• Headline: Harriman's Fiscal Outlook Criticized. Impact: By calling Harriman a 'haruspex,' critics inadvertently started a trend of political nicknames that would eventually lead to the likes of 'Tricky Dick' and 'Slick Willie.'. Fact: If only Harriman had a crystal ball, he might have seen his political career vanish quicker than a magician's rabbit..
• Headline: MAYOR, BACKING TRUCKMEN, BARS CROSSTOWN TEST; He Blocks Wiley Proposal to Ban Standing on Alternate Sides of Some Streets Test Area Changed Twice Curb Space Scarce. Impact: The mayor's decision to block the crosstown test not only frustrated truck drivers but also inspired the creation of the 'Crosstown Traffic Jam' playlist, which is now a favorite among frustrated commuters everywhere.. Fact: Blocking a traffic proposal is like trying to hold back a tsunami with a sandcastle—good luck with that!.
• Headline: SOUTH AFRICANS ORDER SOVIET OUT; Consulates Directed to Close by March 1--Propaganda Dissemination Charged Listening Post Remains SOUTH AFRICANS ORDER SOVIET OUT Soviet Seeks More Contacts. Impact: South Africa's expulsion of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of diplomatic relationships resembling a bad breakup—lots of drama, accusations, and a lot of people wondering where they went wrong.. Fact: This diplomatic fallout could have spawned a reality show titled 'Keeping Up with the Cold War,' but alas, it remains a missed opportunity..
• Headline: SENATOR DISPUTES REVENUE FIGURES; Douglas, at Hearing, Fears 5,000,000 Unemployed if Budget Is Correct 'A Prophet of Gloom' Humphrey Backs Tax Cut. Impact: Senator Douglas's gloomy predictions led to a national panic that prompted the creation of the 'Doomsday Survival Kit,' which now includes everything from canned beans to a lifetime supply of toilet paper.. Fact: If worrying about unemployment were an Olympic sport, Douglas would have taken home the gold medal—and probably a sponsorship deal with a stress ball company..
• Headline: ILLINOIS GOVERNOR OPPOSES RAIL SALE. Impact: The Illinois governor's opposition to the rail sale triggered a series of debates that ultimately led to the invention of the phrase 'railroaded,' which is now used to describe being unfairly treated in all sorts of negotiations.. Fact: In the world of politics, opposing a sale can often lead to more delays than a freight train stuck behind a herd of cows..
• Headline: MOUNTAIN ABSOLVED; Geologist Finds 1912 Eruption Attributed to Wrong Peak. Impact: The revelation about the true cause of the 1912 eruption shifted geological studies and led to countless conspiracy theories, including one suggesting the mountain was just trying to get attention.. Fact: Mountains can be dramatic too; they just take their sweet time erupting to build suspense..