MAY 18, 1959

Full News Archive

• Headline: Brazil's Utility Seizure Test Case. Impact: This utility seizure led to a series of nationalizations across South America, inspiring a whole generation of 70s rock bands to write protest songs that would later become classics. Who knew power struggles could be so lyrical?. Fact: Did you know that L C Prestes once tried to start a political party called ‘The Party of All the Things We Want and None of the Things We Don’t’? Spoiler: it didn’t take off..
• Headline: Mrs. Truman's Surgery in Kansas City. Impact: Mrs. Truman's surgery was a turning point for the future of medical insurance, as people realized that even the First Ladies were not immune to the horrors of hospital food and waiting rooms.. Fact: Did you know that Mrs. Truman's surgery was so significant that it inspired a new line of hospital gowns designed for comfort? Yep, fashion is truly a battlefield..
• Headline: Tragic Bleacher Collapse at Rodeo. Impact: The rodeo bleacher collapse started a nationwide campaign for better safety regulations, resulting in a boom in the inflatable seating industry. Thanks, rodeo!. Fact: Did you know that rodeo clowns often have to dodge more than just bulls? They also have to avoid the insurance premiums that come with bleacher collapses..
• Headline: 500,000 SEE SHOW BY ARMED FORCES; Coney Island Crowd Thrills to Italian Jets -- Marines 'Invade' L. I. Beach. Impact: The massive military show at Coney Island was the catalyst for a bizarre trend where the military attempted to outdo theme parks in entertainment – leading to the infamous ‘Military Fun Zone’ where soldiers played dodgeball with grenades.. Fact: Did you know that the Italian jets were not actually jets, but rather highly modified pasta delivery drones? The military just wanted to impress the crowd..
• Headline: HOUSE UNIT MAPS WIDE TAX STUDY; SEEKS CUTS IN '60; Survey to Aim for Greater Equity on Income Levies and Aid to the Economy. Impact: This tax study was the breeding ground for countless political debates, leading to an endless cycle of tax cuts that somehow never benefited the average citizen, but hey, at least the rich got richer!. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'tax climate' was coined during a particularly heated discussion over coffee and donuts? Because apparently, donuts make everything better..
• Headline: STATUE HONORS JESUS; Portuguese Dedicate Huge Monument Near Lisbon. Impact: The dedication of this giant Jesus statue caused a spike in tourism that ironically led to the local economy booming just as the people were praying for divine intervention in their finances.. Fact: Did you know this statue is so tall that it can be seen from space? Astronauts now use it as a landmark when they get lost in the cosmos..
• Headline: Random Notes in Washington: Rickover Gives Brief Briefing; Usually Vocal Admiral Gives Two Unusual Replies on Nuclear Submarines. Impact: Rickover's unusual replies led to the creation of an entirely new method of communication known as 'Nuclear Diplomacy,' where the fewer words you use, the more important you seem. Thanks, Admiral!. Fact: Did you know that Rickover once mistakenly attended a knitting circle instead of a military briefing? He left with a better understanding of yarn than submarines..
• Headline: Textron Maps Deal For Steel Foundry In Pittsburgh Area. Impact: Textron's foray into steel foundries paved the way for a future where companies would realize they could dabble in anything and call it diversification – leading to the rise of the multi-industry conglomerate that does everything poorly.. Fact: Did you know that Textron once considered buying a circus instead of a foundry? They thought it would be a fun 'merger' – but the clowns got in the way..