AUGUST 20, 1956

Full News Archive

• Headline: Eisenhower's Parley on International Relations. Impact: Truman's attempt to make friends abroad inadvertently led to a global friendship crisis in the 80s when a miscommunication resulted in a worldwide game of telephone. Everyone thought they were just being polite, but it turned into a competition for who could send the worst gift.. Fact: Did you know that 'People to People' was not a secret club for those who misplace their social skills? It was just another political initiative trying to smooth over international relationships..
• Headline: Minnesota Delegation Backs Nixon in 1956. Impact: Nixon's support in Minnesota created a butterfly effect that led to an annual 'Nixon Appreciation Day,' where people gather to share Nixon stories, often leading to heated debates that end with someone dramatically flipping a table.. Fact: Fun fact: Stassen's campaign was so famous for going nowhere that it inspired the phrase 'Stassen-like' to describe any futile political effort..
• Headline: G.O.P. Convention at Cow Palace. Impact: The Cow Palace's struggle to host a proper event gave rise to a series of 'Cow Palace' themed events across the nation, resulting in a spike in cow-related puns and a fad for cow-print everything in the late 60s.. Fact: The Cow Palace is ironically named; no actual cows have ever been admitted as VIPs, which is a severe oversight given their standing in agricultural history..
• Headline: Aircraft Pact Averts Strike. Impact: The settlement between UAW and Goodyear Aircraft prevented a strike, but it also caused a chain reaction where every labor union subsequently had a fear of missing out and started planning their own parties instead.. Fact: Did you know that aircraft workers throwing parties are just as good at throwing a punch as they are at throwing a wrench? Just ask any UAW member about the last strike party!.
• Headline: About New York; Crusade Is on to Honor Old Virginny' Writer --Cabbie Lights Candle for Sick Fare. Impact: The crusade to honor an old writer led to an unexpected renaissance in cabbie poetry, which became a popular underground art form, culminating in the annual 'Cabbie Slam' competition.. Fact: Cabbies aren't just great at navigating traffic; they also moonlight as poets! Who knew a 10-minute ride could turn into a Shakespearean sonnet?.
• Headline: TYDINGS GIVES UP RACE TO REGAIN HIS SENATE SEAT; Maryland Democrat, Target of McCarthy in '50 Bid, Heeds Doctor's Advice Served 24 Years in Senate TYDINGS, ILL, QUITS RACE FOR SENATE Challenge to McCarthy Turned Back 'Purge'. Impact: Tydings' withdrawal from the Senate race sparked a wave of sympathy for candidates who simply wanted to enjoy life without the stress of being in politics, leading to a trend of 'Senate Sabbaticals' that allowed politicians to recharge with yoga retreats.. Fact: Tydings' decision to step down due to health issues was a reminder that sometimes, the best political strategy is knowing when to step back and say, 'I'm done!'.
• Headline: GOVERNMENT COST LESS IN FISCAL '55; Federal, State and Local Outlays Declined 1% to 109½ Billions Education Costs Rise. Impact: The decrease in government spending led to the Great Office Supply Shortage of the late 50s, where everyone suddenly realized they had too many pens and not enough paperclips to go around.. Fact: Fiscal responsibility sounds great until you realize it means fewer donuts at government meetings. Now that's a tragedy!.
• Headline: 'HIGH-ROADERS' HELD NOTABLES OF FUTURE. Impact: The 'High-Roaders' movement inspired future generations to take the high road literally, leading to a wave of hiking trails being named after notable figures who were probably just trying to avoid political debates.. Fact: The high-roaders were not actually known for their elevated moral standards, but rather for their tendency to avoid low ground – both politically and physically..
• Headline: Cardinal Bids Flock Donate Generously To Fund for Schools. Impact: Spellman's plea for donations led to an unforeseen trend of extravagant fundraising events, where the Catholic community began to outshine Hollywood in terms of lavish parties and themed galas.. Fact: Cardinal Spellman must have been onto something, because nothing says 'we need money for schools' like a black-tie gala with a silent auction for a signed picture of the Pope..