AUGUST 6, 1959

Full News Archive

• Headline: Nixon's Cautious Diplomacy with Poland. Impact: Nixon's cautious approach to Polish policy inadvertently led to a series of diplomatic faux pas that caused a ripple effect, resulting in an entirely new generation of politicians who also believe that saying 'maybe' is a solid strategy for international relations. Fact: Did you know Nixon's cautiousness was so legendary that it inspired a new dance move called the 'Nixon Shuffle'? It's just a lot of sidestepping.
• Headline: Queens Clergy Combat Realty Scare Tactics. Impact: The 'Blockbusting' tactics in Queens set off a chain reaction of real estate shenanigans, leading to the emergence of countless reality TV shows about home renovation disasters. Who knew a few nervous Protestant groups could birth 'Property Brothers'?. Fact: Fun fact: Blockbusting was the original name for the 'Real Housewives' franchise before they realized the drama was better suited for wealthy suburbanites.
• Headline: NIXON ASKS COURTESY FOR PREMIER; TOUR IS PRAISED Eisenhower Applauds Vice President on His Return Home NIXON URGES U. S. WELCOME RUSSIAN. Impact: Nixon's call for courtesy towards the Russian Premier inadvertently inspired a series of awkward diplomatic hugs, leading to a decade of questionable handshakes in international politics. Fact: Nixon's urge for a warm welcome was so sincere that it sparked a secret competition among world leaders to see who could give the most awkward greeting.
• Headline: Senators Say Hoffa Paid 3 Million to Chicago Gang; Cited by Senate Rackets Panel Senate Unit Charges Hoffa Paid 3 Million to Chicago Gangsters. Impact: Hoffa's alleged payment to the Chicago gangsters set off a crime wave that made organized crime a prime time television drama. The Mafia became so glamorized after this that people thought of joining it as a career choice. Fact: Did you know that Hoffa's alleged dealings with gangsters were so scandalous that they inspired a hit Broadway musical? It's called 'Hoffa: The Musical', and it features a lot of tap dancing and organized crime.
• Headline: RUNOFF TO DECIDE MISSISSIPPI RACE; Barnett and Gartin to Meet for Governorship Aug. 25 -- Sullivan Runs Strong. Impact: The runoff for Mississippi's governorship initiated a long-standing tradition of political drama in the South, setting a precedent for all future elections to resemble a reality show—complete with betrayals, alliances, and shocking eliminations. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'runoff' originally referred to a race between two horses, but after this election, it was redefined as a contest to see who could dodge the most scandal.
• Headline: Mueller Backed for Commerce Post. Impact: Mueller's appointment to the Commerce Post eventually led to a series of bureaucratic changes that resulted in a long-standing tradition of political appointments being decided over brunch, with mimosas included. Fact: Did you know that before getting the Commerce Post, Mueller was a professional brunch critic? His reviews had more influence than any political endorsement.
• Headline: STEEL DEADLOCK IN FOURTH WEEK; McDonald and Cooper Meet in Secret, but Two Sides Resist a Compromise. Impact: The steel deadlock, while seemingly mundane, ignited a passion for labor rights that echoed through the ages, inspiring countless protests and a resurgence of unions that made everyone wonder why they ever thought a 45-hour workweek was a good idea. Fact: Did you know that the steel deadlock was so tense that it prompted a new genre of music: Steel Metal? It was just heavy metal with a lot of angry lyrics about wage disputes.
• Headline: Marine Shooters Break Record For .45-Caliber Team Contest. Impact: The Marine shooters setting a record in the .45-Caliber Team Contest led to an unexpected surge in shooting sports popularity, making it the unofficial pastime of choice for people who think dodgeball is for wimps. Fact: Fun fact: The Marine record-breaking team later became a motivational speaking group, teaching kids to aim high—literally and figuratively!.