MAY 4, 1959

Full News Archive

• Headline: Hungary Implements Tax on Gift Parcels. Impact: This tax on used clothing led to a global trend of thrift shopping, where hipsters in the future would pay exorbitant prices for what was once considered garbage. Thanks, Hungary, for making vintage cool!. Fact: Did you know that Hungary's economy is so creative, they could probably tax air if they wanted to? Just wait until they start taxing smiles!.
• Headline: Cuban Tax Evasion Penalties Explored. Impact: The severe penalties for tax evasion in Cuba made every citizen an instant expert in creative accounting, leading to a future where every accountant was a potential spy.. Fact: Did you know that in Cuba, tax evasion could cost you your life? Talk about high stakes! Maybe that's why they say money can't buy happiness..
• Headline: Truman Surprised By 4 War Buddies At Guard Pageant; TRUMAN SPEAKER AT GUARD RITES. Impact: This surprise visit from Truman rekindled the spirit of camaraderie among veterans, eventually leading to a series of gatherings that would inspire the annual 'War Buddies Reunion'—complete with awkward small talk and lots of 'Do you remember when?'. Fact: Did you know that Truman once accidentally signed a bill thinking it was a menu? That's right, the man could multitask like no other!.
• Headline: HERTER INFORMS DULLES OF PLANS FOR BIG 4 TALKS; He and 2 Chief Aides Make Half-Hour Visit to Former Secretary at Hospital HUMPHREY BACKS AIMS Senator Asks Coordination of Over-All U. S. Policy in 2 Planning Bodies HERTER INFORMS DULLES OF PLANS. Impact: The grim meeting about diplomacy with the Soviet Union led to future generations believing that diplomacy was just a fancy term for 'let's avoid World War III at all costs.'. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic meetings are often just a fancy way for politicians to avoid each other at parties? You can thank Herter and Dulles for that!.
• Headline: 23 Seized in Cafe In Gambling Raid On Brooklyn Rings; 23 ARE ARRESTED IN GAMBLING RAID. Impact: This gambling raid set off a chain reaction of stricter laws that eventually led to the invention of online gambling—because nothing says 'I love risk' like betting from your couch.. Fact: Did you know that in Brooklyn, they say the only thing more unpredictable than the weather is the outcome of a gambling raid? Just ask the 23 who got caught!.
• Headline: PANELISTS FAVOR QUIET DIPLOMACY; Times Youth Forum Agrees on Need for Privacy, but Notes Publicity's Role. Impact: The push for quiet diplomacy made politicians believe that secrecy was the key to success, thus leading to the phrase, 'What happens in Congress, stays in Congress.'. Fact: Did you know that the idea of quiet diplomacy is basically politicians' way of saying, 'Let’s whisper about how to screw everyone over'?.
• Headline: U. S. WILL REPLY TO CASTRO ON AID; Strong Statement Expected to Stress Present Efforts to Spur Latin Progress U. S. WILL REPLY TO CASTRO ON AID. Impact: The U.S. reply to Castro's aid demands sparked a series of diplomatic back-and-forths that turned into a game of political ping-pong, leading future presidents to avoid eye contact with Cubans.. Fact: Did you know that replying to Castro was like texting your ex—no matter how you do it, someone is going to be unhappy?.