NOVEMBER 5, 1959

Full News Archive

• Headline: Eisenhower's Historic 20,000-Mile Journey. Impact: Eisenhower's incredibly long trip led to a surge in tourist maps that inadvertently started the 'lost tourist' epidemic, causing countless travelers to take detours through awkward small towns in search of famous landmarks that never existed.. Fact: Did you know that Eisenhower's itinerary included a stop at the world's largest rubber band ball? Just kidding, but wouldn't that have been a sight?.
• Headline: Britain's Move Towards Free Trade. Impact: Britain's decision to lift import quotas triggered a chain reaction that eventually led to the invention of the modern shopping spree, where consumers now race around stores like they’re in a competitive sport. Thank you, free trade!. Fact: Did you know that the only thing freer than Britain's trade at the time was the air we breathe? Just a thought..
• Headline: U.S. Rubber Stockpile Sale Announcement. Impact: The sale of rubber stock set off a global obsession with rubber bands, leading to the unfortunate incident of the Great Rubber Band War of 1965, where people were launching them at each other like they were grenades.. Fact: Did you know that rubber was originally used for more than just bands? It was once a popular material for shoes, until someone realized they made you squeak like a mouse..
• Headline: KHRUSHCHEV ACTION ON PEIPING DOUBTED. Impact: Khrushchev's indecisiveness about Peiping turned out to be a pivotal moment, as it inspired a series of 'maybe' decisions in politics, leading to the rise of wishy-washy politicians everywhere. Thanks, Nikita!. Fact: Did you know that Khrushchev had a soft spot for corn? No, seriously, he tried to promote it as the staple of Soviet agriculture. Sweet corn for the win!.
• Headline: JUDGE CUTS ISSUES IN TENNESSEE CASE. Impact: The Tennessee case's streamlined issues gave lawyers everywhere a blueprint for how to make everything more complicated with less effort, thus beginning the era of legal jargon that baffled the common man.. Fact: Did you know that in Tennessee, they have a law that states you can't shoot a whale out of a moving vehicle? Just in case you were planning on that!.
• Headline: Bing Gets Italian Medal. Impact: Bing's Italian medal led to an unexpected rise in the popularity of pasta-themed awards, where chefs started getting recognized with medals made of spaghetti. It was both delicious and confusing.. Fact: Did you know that Bing Crosby wasn't just a singer? He was also a golf enthusiast. Imagine him crooning while teeing off!.
• Headline: Italians Highly Pleased. Impact: The Vatican's gratification led to a diplomatic crisis with spaghetti when a miscommunication caused a diplomatic dinner to be held in a pasta factory instead of the intended location.. Fact: Did you know that Italians are known for their pizza but they also invented the concept of 'having a feast'? You could say they take food very seriously..
• Headline: Two Poets Honored by Academy; British Envoy Says Atomic Era Verse Illumines Path. Impact: The Academy's decision to honor poets sparked a mini-poetry revolution, inspiring everyone from toddlers to grandmas to write their own verses, even if they involved cats and rainbows.. Fact: Did you know that poetry was once considered so dangerous that it was banned in some countries? Clearly, they were afraid of catchy rhymes!.
• Headline: Obstetrics Director Named. Impact: The appointment of Prof Barnes as director of Gynecology led to a sudden influx of medical students wanting to specialize in obstetrics, creating the phenomenon known as 'The Baby Boom of Med School'.. Fact: Did you know that obstetrics has been around since the days of ancient Egypt? Talk about a long-standing profession!.