FEBRUARY 27, 1956

Full News Archive

• Headline: Nell Rankin Debuts in 'Lohengrin'. Impact: Nell Rankin's debut in 'Lohengrin' sparked a chain reaction leading to an increase in Wagnerian opera enthusiasts. Little did they know that this would cause a spike in dramatically long hair and cape sales, forever altering the fashion landscape of the 1960s.. Fact: Did you know that Wagner was so dramatic that he probably invented the concept of 'overdoing it' before it was cool?.
• Headline: Stevenson's Visit to Cambridge, 1956. Impact: Stevenson's visit to Cambridge marked the beginning of a long tradition of politicians showing up in places to pretend they care about the average American. This eventually led to the invention of the 'photo-op'.. Fact: Did you know that if you take a shot every time a politician says 'I’m here for the people,' you'll be unconscious by noon?.
• Headline: CLERICS HERE HAIL NEGROES IN SOUTH; Prayers and Sermons Voice Support in Struggle on 'Human Indignity'. Impact: The support voiced by clerics for Negroes in the South was a pivotal moment, leading to a ripple effect of moral awakenings that eventually trickled into the mainstream and gave birth to the hashtag #NotAllClerics.. Fact: Fun fact: Clerics were the original influencers, but instead of hashtags, they used holy texts to spread their messages..
• Headline: Negro Pastors Press Bus Boycott By Preaching Passive Resistance; 'Integration Is Great Issue of Our Age,' Leader of Montgomery Fight Asserts-- Sees Victory as One for Democracy 'A Great Struggle' 250 at Church Services. Impact: King's call for passive resistance and funds not only galvanized the civil rights movement but also inspired every future activist to realize that fundraising could be just as dramatic as a sermon.. Fact: Did you know that asking for funds in church has been a tradition since the days of Moses? Apparently, no one likes to break bread for free..
• Headline: Gronchi Is Flying to U.S.; Will Seek Loans for Italy; Speech to Congress Drafted GRONCHI IS ON WAY TO U.S. FOR TALKS. Impact: Gronchi's flight to the U.S. was less about securing loans for Italy and more about ensuring that international politics would remain the same chaotic circus it has always been—thank you, air travel!. Fact: Fun fact: Airplanes have been the reason for more awkward international meetings than any other mode of transport. Just ask Gronchi..
• Headline: Reason for Missions Given. Impact: Dr. Gelzer's explanation of missions may have paved the way for many missionary trips, but it also opened up a Pandora's box of 'why are we going there?' debates that continue to this day.. Fact: Fun fact: Mission work is the only profession where 'taking the gospel to the people' translates into 'let's just take a vacation abroad.'.
• Headline: CIGARETTES TIED TO CANCER AGAIN; St.Louis Researcher Reveals New Tests With Rabbits-- Cites Foreign Studies Accepts An Award Cites Foreign Studies. Impact: The revelation that cigarettes cause cancer turned into the world's most prolonged and pointless argument that lasted decades and led to more anti-smoking ads than anyone asked for.. Fact: Did you know that smoking was once marketed as a weight-loss strategy? Because nothing says 'healthy' like inhaling burning leaves..
• Headline: TIPPY LARKIN ARRESTED; Former Boxer Held Upstate on Charge of Having Gun. Impact: Tippy Larkin's arrest for having a gun became a cautionary tale for all former boxers, leading to the widespread belief that maybe, just maybe, ex-boxers should stick to the ring and not to the streets.. Fact: Fun fact: Tippy Larkin sounds like a cartoon character, which is probably fitting given the ridiculousness of his arrest..