NOVEMBER 30, 1958

Full News Archive

• Headline: Religion on TV: A Decade of Discussion. Impact: The rise of televised religion led to a boom in televangelism. If not for this show, who knows? We might have been spared the onslaught of Sunday morning infomercials for miracle healing and holy water.. Fact: Did you know that Lamp Unto My Feet was basically the precursor to reality TV? Just without the Kardashians and with more Bible verses!.
• Headline: Disparity in USSR Composer Salaries. Impact: The revelation of low salaries for composers in the USSR caused an international outcry that eventually led to... well, nothing really. Just more people feeling bad for Soviet artists while sipping their overpriced lattes.. Fact: Did you know that $2,400 a year in the USSR was like winning the lottery? Just kidding, nobody wins in a lottery with no tickets..
• Headline: Diefenbaker's Jungle Encounter with Chief. Impact: This meeting could have sparked a new trend in global diplomacy: the jungle conference. Imagine world leaders hanging out in the wild, trading small talk and foraging for berries. So much for political correctness!. Fact: Fun fact: Diefenbaker's favorite jungle activity was discussing politics while dodging mosquitoes. Truly riveting..
• Headline: ALABAMA GETTING MAGNESIUM PLANT; New Unit to Be Built Despite Sharp Decline in Market for the Light Metal. Impact: The establishment of the magnesium plant was a shining beacon of industry, only to be overshadowed by the fact that magnesium is still not the most exciting metal. Sorry, magnesium! You’re not quite copper.. Fact: Did you know that Alabama’s economy is fueled by excitement over metals? I heard they have a whole day dedicated to aluminum!.
• Headline: MUSEUM GETS $25,000; U.S.-Swedish Institution Plans an Exhibit on Colonists. Impact: The funding for the historical exhibit led to a resurgence in interest in Swedish colonization. This ultimately resulted in an unexpected uptick in IKEA sales. Who knew history could lead to better furniture assembly?. Fact: Did you know that Swedish colonists were basically the hipsters of their time? They were all about ‘exploring’ before it was cool!.
• Headline: KHRUSHCHEV HINTS TALK MIGHT DELAY ACTION ON BERLIN; Reported Willing to Wait if East-West Discussion Starts Within 6 Months. Impact: Khrushchev's indecision on Berlin led to decades of tension that birthed a slew of spy movies. So, thanks for that, Nikita! Nothing like Cold War intrigue to spice up a Friday night.. Fact: Did you know that the Berlin Wall was built just to keep people from accidentally wandering into the wrong decade?.
• Headline: 114 GET PENSIONS IN CONGRESS PLAN; System for Ex-Lawmakers, 12 Years Old, Now Pays Out $532,608 a Year. Impact: The pension plan for ex-lawmakers became a model for future political entitlement programs, leading to an avalanche of ‘retired’ politicians living large while the rest of us scrape by. Thanks for nothing, Congress!. Fact: Did you know that Congress might as well have a retirement party every week? They get paid to do nothing, so why not celebrate?.
• Headline: VOCATIONAL NEED IS CITED IN ESSEX; Separate Facility to Serve Adults Is Recommended by County Education Aide. Impact: The call for vocational facilities led to a deeper understanding of adult education, paving the way for future generations to realize they could actually learn useful skills instead of just binge-watching reality TV.. Fact: Did you know that vocational studies were once considered a last resort? Now they’re the new cool thing, right after avocado toast!.