DECEMBER 11, 1957

Full News Archive

• Headline: Concerns Over USAF Personnel Losses. Impact: The alarming loss of research personnel led to a scramble for talent that ultimately birthed the 'Recruitment Olympics'—a global competition where scientists wrestled for jobs. Spoiler: no one won.. Fact: Sen M C Smith probably thought alarming was just a catchy headline, but little did he know his words would start the trend of using 'alarming' for every minor inconvenience!.
• Headline: 1957 Budget Surplus Disappoints Estimates. Impact: The budget surplus being off by $49 million caused a chain reaction of accountants developing anxiety disorders. This led to the invention of stress balls, forever changing office supplies.. Fact: Imagine being $49 million off and still having over a billion dollars in surplus. That's like complaining about a missing penny while standing in a mountain of cash!.
• Headline: AEC Reduces Radiation Exposure for Workers. Impact: The A.E.C.'s decision to cut radiation exposure led to the creation of 'Atomic Worker Safety Fashion Week.' The latest trend? Lead-lined jumpsuits.. Fact: They say the only thing more radioactive than the workers is the gossip surrounding A.E.C. meetings. Talk about toxic!.
• Headline: VICE ADMIRAL HOLT, AIDED PANAY IN '37. Impact: Vice Admiral Holt's aid in the Panay incident paved the way for a new genre of historical novels: 'Military Men Who Were Just Trying to Help,' which surprisingly sold poorly.. Fact: Holt's name might be lost to history, but at least his efforts were acknowledged, which is more than can be said for most of us at our day jobs..
• Headline: Ina Ray Hutton Suit Settled. Impact: The settlement of Ina Ray Hutton's divorce led to a nationwide trend of dramatic divorces, inspiring reality TV and countless therapy sessions across America.. Fact: Ina Ray Hutton's divorce made headlines, proving that even in the '50s, people loved a good public spectacle. Some things never change!.
• Headline: DETOUR TO BETHLEHEM; Traditional Jerusalem Road Again Closed by Jordan. Impact: The closure of the traditional road to Bethlehem led to a surge in alternative pilgrimage routes, which then transformed into an annual 'Choose Your Own Adventure' festival.. Fact: Who knew that road closures could spark a whole new genre of tourism? Maybe next year they'll charge admission!.
• Headline: Camera Miss Deprives U.S. of Air Speed Mark. Impact: The missed camera opportunity for the airspeed mark resulted in a secret society of aviation enthusiasts who vowed to capture every flight on film. They now meet in basements.. Fact: You'd think cameras would want to fly too. This one just decided to take a nap instead of capturing history. Classic!.
• Headline: Bergen Bar Elects Bendheim. Impact: Bendheim's election as president of the Bergen Bar led to a shocking rise in courtroom drama, sparking an interest in legal thrillers that persists to this day.. Fact: Bendheim's presidency was so riveting that even the gavel had its own fan club. Courtroom drama? More like courtroom soap opera!.
• Headline: ALFRED R. HEATH, 70, STEAM CONCERN AIDE. Impact: Alfred R. Heath's role in the steam concern paved the way for steam-powered everything, eventually leading to the invention of the world's first steam-powered toaster, which was a complete failure.. Fact: Heath was known for his steam concerns, but little did he know steam would eventually be used for everything from trains to cooking, making him a culinary pioneer—sort of..
• Headline: Pakistan Chief Resigns In Split but Is Renamed. Impact: Chundriger's resignation and subsequent re-naming led to a series of political shake-ups that left everyone in Pakistan wondering if they were just living in a never-ending game of musical chairs.. Fact: Chundriger should have just stuck with a nickname. Politics is hard enough without having to remember multiple names for one person!.