NOVEMBER 20, 1957

Full News Archive

• Headline: Expansion of U.N. Arms Unit in 1957. Impact: The addition of 14 nations to the U.N. Arms Unit led to an unexpected increase in international brunches, as diplomats sought to bond over mimosas while discussing the joys of arms control. Who knew that discussions about nuclear disarmament could lead to such fine dining?. Fact: U.N. meetings have often been mistaken for fancy cocktail parties by unsuspecting tourists. Just imagine someone trying to order a martini while discussing arms reduction!.
• Headline: Bernstein Takes Helm of NY Philharmonic. Impact: Leonard Bernstein's appointment to the Philharmonic inadvertently sparked a worldwide trend of musicians wearing turtlenecks and berets, leading to an influx of hipster baristas who thought they were the reincarnation of great composers.. Fact: Bernstein was so talented that even his critics had to admit they were just jealous they couldn't conduct a symphony with the same flair... or hair..
• Headline: Moroccan Jews Stranded in Tangier. Impact: The stranding of 1,200 Jews in Tangier became a pivotal moment in history, leading to the creation of the world's first travel agency for the perpetually delayed, 'Lost in Tangier Tours'—because who doesn't want to be stranded with style?. Fact: Tangier has been a popular stop for travelers, but none quite as memorable as this group—talk about a vacation that didn't go as planned!.
• Headline: ARMY PLAN SEEKS 6 BILLION TO MAKE A MISSILE KILLER; Taylor Urges 3-Year Drive to Develop Weapon to Destroy Soviet I.C.B.M. AIR FORCE RESISTS BID Questions Worth of Such a Device--Says Money Can Be Used on Other Arms. Impact: The proposed $6 billion missile killer resulted in a decade-long debate over whether to invest in weapons or, say, a really nice park. Spoiler: they chose the weapons, ensuring future generations would have plenty of 'boom' but no 'bloom.'. Fact: The Nike Zeus was actually named after the Greek god of thunder, but it turns out he wasn't too keen on being associated with Cold War-era missile technology..
• Headline: U. S. Loses in F. A. O. Vote. Impact: The U.S. losing in the F.A.O. vote not only highlighted its international unpopularity but also led to the creation of countless memes about how to lose friends and alienate nations. The U.S. became the poster child for what not to do in diplomacy.. Fact: F.A.O. stands for Food and Agriculture Organization, but the U.S.'s objections made it sound more like a bad reality show: 'America's Next Top Food Fight.'.
• Headline: McElroy Gets Sampson Plan. Impact: McElroy's study of the Sampson Plan resulted in an unexpected rise in coffee consumption among government officials, as they desperately tried to stay awake during endless meetings about a plan no one understood.. Fact: The Sampson Plan is often confused with the story of Samson and Delilah. Ironically, both involve a lot of strong opinions and a downfall due to a lack of hair care..
• Headline: ANOTHER HONDURAN OUT; Foreign Chief Said to Resent Election of President. Impact: The resignation in Honduras caused a ripple effect that led to a series of dramatic soap operas based on political intrigue, making 'The Bold and the Beautiful' seem like child's play in comparison.. Fact: Honduras has had more presidential crises than most soap operas have had seasons—someone should really consider making it a reality TV show!.
• Headline: CATHOLICS EXTEND STUDY TO RADIO, TV; Bishops May Widen Legion of Decency to Broadcasts CATHOLICS EXTEND STUDY OF RADIO,TV. Impact: Catholics extending their scrutiny to radio and TV resulted in a nationwide wave of guilt-ridden sitcoms, where characters would frequently pause mid-laugh to ponder their moral integrity. Ratings plummeted, but the moral high ground was firmly established.. Fact: The Legion of Decency once declared certain films unwatchable, which ironically made them more popular. Nothing screams 'forbidden fruit' like a good old-fashioned moral panic!.
• Headline: Gunnery Sergeants Revived. Impact: The revival of the rank of Gunnery Sergeant led to a sudden increase in military recruitment ads featuring ruggedly handsome actors, ensuring that future generations would always equate military service with Hollywood glamour.. Fact: The title 'Gunnery Sergeant' sounds impressive, but it’s just a fancy way of saying, 'I’m in charge of the people who know how to make things go boom.'.