AUGUST 12, 1957

Full News Archive

• Headline: Oman Rebels Defeated in Nizwa. Impact: The Imam's disappearance sparked a chain reaction that led to the creation of a secret society of rebels who communicated solely through interpretive dance. Fast forward a few decades, and those dance moves became the foundation of modern street dance. You're welcome, TikTok.. Fact: Did you know that the Sultan's blame game is the earliest known instance of 'it's not my fault' in diplomatic history? It paved the way for every politician ever..
• Headline: Student Aid Renewed for 57 Students. Impact: This grant for 57 Negro students inadvertently led to a nationwide competition among colleges to attract diverse applicants. If only they knew it would result in a 'who can be the most inclusive' contest that still doesn't end well for many aspiring students.. Fact: Did you know that $16,000 in 1930s dollars is like winning the lottery today? Too bad it doesn't come with a lifetime supply of pizza..
• Headline: U.S. Youths Embark on China Trip. Impact: The passport fiasco became the catalyst for the 'Passport Challenge,' where future generations attempted to outdo each other in absurd travel regulations. The ultimate winner? The person who managed to visit all seven continents without a passport. Spoiler alert: they didn't.. Fact: Did you know that this event was the beginning of a long-standing tradition of Americans trying to sneak into other countries? It's like a rite of passage—who needs a passport when you're young and adventurous?.
• Headline: LIBERALS FOR DEMOCRAT; Back M.T. Feiden in Brooklyn for City Court Justice. Impact: Backing M.T. Feiden was the first step in a long line of questionable endorsements that would eventually lead to the phrase 'vote for the lesser evil.' Who knew political campaigns would turn into a game of 'pick your poison'?. Fact: Did you know that the term 'liberal' was actually coined by a cat in Brooklyn who was tired of being called a 'fancy feline'? True story..
• Headline: FRANK T. HANLON, 63, WHITE PLAINS AIDE. Impact: Frank T. Hanlon's passing led to a temporary leadership vacuum that resulted in a bizarre audition process for his replacement, where candidates had to recite Shakespeare while juggling. It was a mess, but it did give us some great memes.. Fact: Did you know that Hanlon was known for his legendary office pranks? His last one involved a rubber chicken and a hidden camera. Classic!.
• Headline: OLD DISKS IN CONCERT; Library Will Mark Eightieth Anniversary of Phonograph. Impact: The phonograph's anniversary prompted a worldwide revival of vinyl records, creating a hipster movement that insisted vinyl sounds better—despite the fact that most of it was still just elevator music.. Fact: Did you know that the phonograph was originally designed for recording important speeches? Too bad it ended up recording more cat meows than anything else..
• Headline: OFF-DUTY POLICE SET HEROIN TRAP; 4 Arrest Narcotics Suspects After Watching Building on Their Own Time. Impact: The off-duty police officers' success led to a secret underground network of vigilante narcotics arrests that somehow inspired a TV show. Spoiler: it was not as glamorous as they thought.. Fact: Did you know that the street name for heroin in NYC was inspired by a misheard lyric from a Broadway show? True crime meets musical theater!.