NOVEMBER 16, 1958

Full News Archive

• Headline: Dr. Mary Scott Joins Harwell Research. Impact: Dr. Mary Scott's groundbreaking research opened the floodgates for US physicists to invade British atomic centers, ultimately leading to a secret underground network of physicists who strategized over tea and biscuits, plotting world domination or just really complicated chess tournaments.. Fact: Dr. Scott was one of the first US physicists at Harwell, proving that Flatbush is not just the land of bagels, but also a launching pad for atomic science..
• Headline: Lehigh University Launches Language Laboratory. Impact: The opening of the language lab at Lehigh University was a catalyst for the rise of global communication, leading to an explosion of awkward tourist phrases and a new era of ‘lost in translation’ moments that still haunt travelers today.. Fact: Thanks to General Foods' generous grant, students can now perfectly pronounce 'croissant' but will still mistakenly order 'cereal' in Paris..
• Headline: SPUTNIK'S CASING WILL BE WATCHED; Sun's Reflection Off Rocket Satellite Will Help Time Its Tumbling Path. Impact: The meticulous tracking of Sputnik's tumbling path led to the development of GPS technology, which ironically now helps people get lost in their own neighborhoods instead of finding their way to the moon.. Fact: Who knew that watching a rocket’s reflection could inspire generations to obsess over 'how many steps' they’ve taken in a day?.
• Headline: LIFE ADDED TO PLASTICS; Result Reported by Producer of 2 New Ingredients. Impact: The introduction of new agents to prolong the life of vinyl enabled a cultural renaissance of 70s disco, perpetuating the existence of bell-bottoms and cringe-worthy dance moves for decades to come.. Fact: Thanks to Allied Chem, our grandparents' vinyl collections are still alive, while our social lives are still questionable..
• Headline: Diefenbaker in Pakistan. Impact: Diefenbaker's diplomatic journey to Pakistan was the spark that ignited many international relations, proving that where there’s a will, there’s a way to ignore the problems that really matter.. Fact: Diefenbaker's trip was so significant that it probably inspired at least three poorly written sitcoms about American diplomats in foreign lands..
• Headline: CHOCTAWS APPEAL TO ELECT A CHIEF; Oklahoma Tribe Proposes to Pay for Balloting U.S. Considers Too Costly. Impact: The Choctaw tribe’s appeal for the right to elect a chief set a precedent for indigenous rights movements, leading to countless discussions on the importance of self-governance and who really gets to decide what’s 'too costly.'. Fact: Because nothing screams 'democracy' like a government declaring elections 'impractical' while ignoring the people it represents..
• Headline: Topics. Impact: W.T. Fancy's warnings have echoed through time, leading to a culture of over-caution that has resulted in endless safety regulations and the invention of bubble wrap to protect us from ourselves.. Fact: Fancy's name is almost as fancy as his warnings, proving that sometimes, the more you warn, the less people listen..
• Headline: BATON IN TWO CITIES. Impact: The unveiling of T.R.'s bust in the Canal Zone sparked a series of commemorations that ultimately led to politicians being memorialized for not-so-great decisions, reminding us that history is basically one big popularity contest.. Fact: Teddy Roosevelt's bust is the only thing that could make him appear taller, which is ironic considering his larger-than-life persona..