NOVEMBER 3, 1958

Full News Archive

• Headline: Soviet Union's Nuclear Testing Challenge. Impact: The USSR's quest to match US and British tests was like the world's most dangerous game of one-upmanship. This led to a series of escalations that resulted in the 'Cold War Bake-Off', where each side tried to outdo the other with increasingly ridiculous military displays, including a failed attempt to build a giant cake in the shape of the Kremlin.. Fact: Fun fact: the phrase 'keeping up with the Joneses' originally referred to keeping up with Soviet missile tests. So, really, your neighbor's new fence is child's play..
• Headline: Navy Balloon Mission to Explore Mars. Impact: The ascent of a Navy balloon to study Mars initiated a chain reaction that eventually led to the invention of the inflatable space suit. This suit is now used in intergalactic parties, which, funnily enough, are more popular than you'd think.. Fact: Did you know that NASA once considered using balloons for Mars missions? Talk about a blow-up!.
• Headline: MOROCCO BATTLES MOUNTAIN REBELS; Mild Uprising in Rif Tribes Said to Be Led by Men of Outlawed Party. Impact: The uprising in Morocco sparked a decade-long series of conflicts that culminated in the creation of a very exclusive club for mountain rebels. Membership requires one to wear a beret and only drink artisanal mountain spring water. The initiation? A two-day hike.. Fact: Interestingly, the phrase 'mountain rebels' was once used to describe a particularly rebellious group of goats in the Rif mountains. They still refuse to be led..
• Headline: Garages to Raise Fees 15 to 30% For Parking Larger 1959 Autos; Garages to Raise Fees 15 to 30% To Park the Larger 1959 Autos. Impact: The rise in parking fees for larger autos led to the invention of the 'compact car', which in turn spiraled into a global obsession with downsizing everything, including our aspirations. Let’s just say the 21st century saw a lot more tiny homes and tiny dreams.. Fact: Did you know that the first compact car was actually just a smaller version of a bigger car? Shocking, I know!.
• Headline: PARLEY ON ATTACK WELCOMED BY U. S.; But Terms of Moscow Reply on Issue of Surprise Raise Representation Question. Impact: The US welcoming a parley on attack led to a series of diplomatic meetings that were less about resolving conflicts and more about who could bring the best snacks. This ultimately resulted in the formation of the International Snack Treaty of 1960.. Fact: It's said that the best diplomats bring cookies to negotiations. Now you know why all the important meetings take place over lunch!.
• Headline: DANISH REDS OUST CHIEF; Larsen, Party Head Since '32, Called a Revisionist. Impact: The ousting of Larsen as head of the Danish Communist Party was the catalyst for an epic power struggle that resulted in a Danish reality show called 'Survivor: Political Edition'. Spoiler alert: the winner was determined by who could make the best pastry.. Fact: Did you know that being called a 'revisionist' in politics is like being called a 'nerd' in high school? It just means you're doing something right!.
• Headline: Space Technology Elects. Impact: The split of Space Technology from Ramo Wooldridge Corp led to a fierce rivalry that eventually turned into an epic space-themed reality show. Contestants had to build rockets out of spaghetti and marshmallows, leading to an unforeseen spike in pasta sales.. Fact: Did you know that spaghetti was first proposed as a construction material by a frustrated engineer who just wanted to eat pasta while working? Talk about multitasking!.