APRIL 18, 1959

Full News Archive

• Headline: D W Hofgren Appointed Scholarship Aide. Impact: D.W. Hofgren's appointment to the Foreign Scholarships Board sparked a series of educational initiatives that forever changed how countries viewed international cooperation, ultimately leading to an era of students studying abroad—because nothing says 'world peace' like a college kid in a foreign pub.. Fact: Hofgren’s first act was to suggest a scholarly exchange program that involved sending students to study the finer points of karaoke..
• Headline: SYNAGOGUE SEDER OPENED TO OTHERS; Passover Rite for Children Will Be Interracial as Well as Interfaith. Impact: Opening a synagogue Seder to other communities set off a movement towards inclusivity in religious practices. This led to the modern trend of interfaith dialogues... and an awkward dinner with your vegan friend who can't handle the matzo.. Fact: Interfaith seders now often involve more dietary restrictions than an episode of a cooking show gone wrong..
• Headline: NEW LIGHT SHED ON CANCER DRUGS; Problem of Cell Resistance Cited to Biologists -- Gout and Intelligence Linked. Impact: Research into cancer drugs and cell resistance led to groundbreaking treatments, but it also inspired a wave of conspiracy theories about big pharma. Spoiler alert: we still have no idea what they’re really doing with our money.. Fact: The link between gout and intelligence suggests that while you may not be able to walk, at least you can think deeply about it..
• Headline: THE LAMBS HAIL BOOTBLACK AT 70; Biagio Velluzzi, or Murphy in His 50 Years at the Club, Is Honored at Luncheon. Impact: Biagio Velluzzi's recognition at age 70 for 50 years of bootblacking gave rise to a newfound appreciation for everyday jobs. This sparked a wave of 'unsung hero' awards, leading to the eventual creation of reality TV shows about people who clean public restrooms.. Fact: Bootblacking: the original 'influencer' job before Instagram made it cool to just post pictures of your shoes..
• Headline: Stage Directors Elect. Impact: The election of new stage directors led to a renaissance in theatrical productions, meaning more people than ever have been forced to sit through avant-garde plays or musicals about the life of a sandwich.. Fact: In the theater world, a director's choice can elevate a story from 'meh' to 'what was that?!' in a matter of scenes..
• Headline: CONTEMPT APPEAL LOST BY COSTELLO; State Court Upholds Term Imposed in '57 -- Convicted Slayer Wins Reversal. Impact: Costello's contempt appeal and subsequent trial reversal set a precedent for legal battles over sanity in murder cases, leading to the modern courtroom drama where lawyers argue whether their client was 'just having a bad day.'. Fact: In the legal world, 'insanity defense' is just a fancy way of saying 'oops, my bad.'.