JANUARY 12, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: East Germany's Farming Crisis of 1959. Impact: The farming crisis led to a heightened emphasis on industrial output, which somehow spiraled into East Germany's relentless pursuit of technology, eventually resulting in the creation of the first potato-powered computer. Talk about a mash-up!. Fact: Fun fact: East Germany's love for potatoes was so strong that they once considered replacing the national anthem with a potato recipe!.
• Headline: Anti-Machine Candidate for Illinois Governor. Impact: Lohman's campaign against political machines sparked a wave of anti-establishment movements that ultimately led to the widespread adoption of personal political platforms. Fast forward, and now we have influencers running for office! Thanks, Lohman!. Fact: Did you know that Lohman's slogan was 'Vote for me, I’m not a machine'? Ironically, his campaign was heavily automated, using more robots than actual humans!.
• Headline: Missile Contract Awarded. Impact: This seemingly mundane contract award paved the way for an arms race so intense that it eventually inspired a series of action movies where over-the-top missile launches became a plot device. Hollywood really took this one and ran!. Fact: Did you know that the term 'missile defense' was originally coined when a general tried to defend why his hair looked like it had been in a missile silo?.
• Headline: ATMOSPHERE 'HOT' AT 30-MILE LEVEL; U.S. Scientists Tell Space Symposium of Data of Rocket Flights By JOHN HILLABY Special to The New York Times.. Impact: This announcement triggered a race to the stars, leading to the creation of space tourism. In the future, we find ourselves booking vacations to Mars, all because scientists decided to chat about the 'hot' atmosphere. Thanks for the inspo, John!. Fact: Did you know that 'hot' at 30 miles up is still cooler than most summer days in Phoenix? At least the view's better!.
• Headline: TEAMSTERS REBUFFED; Court Refuses to Hear Appeal of 2 Guilty in Shootings. Impact: This court decision set a precedent for labor rights, which ultimately resulted in the formation of more organized labor unions and a rise in labor day barbecues. Because nothing says 'workers' rights' like hot dogs and potato salad!. Fact: Did you know that the Teamsters once tried to unionize hot dog vendors? Apparently, they couldn’t ketchup to the competition!.
• Headline: CONFESSION VOIDED ON BASIS OF INSANITY. Impact: This landmark ruling reshaped how confessions were viewed in court, leading to a future where more defendants claimed 'insanity' as a defense, resulting in a rise in courtroom drama that inspired countless TV shows. Who doesn't love a good legal thriller?. Fact: Fun fact: This case was so famous that it inspired a popular courtroom drama series titled 'Law & Order: Insanity Defense Unit'..
• Headline: SPANO IS SENTENCED; Gets 10-20 Years for Killing Boxer Palermo in '56. Impact: The sentencing of Spano had a profound effect on the boxing world, leading to increased regulations and safety protocols that would later save countless boxers from similar fates. Who knew a tragedy could lead to a safer sport?. Fact: Did you know that Palermo was once a champion of the 'pillow fight league'? Just goes to show that life can hit harder than any punch..
• Headline: CONCERT OF WORKS BY DALLAPICCOLA. Impact: Dallapiccola's concert inadvertently sparked a modern classical music movement, inspiring a generation of composers who believed that avant-garde music could be popular, leading to a time where ‘experimental’ truly meant ‘your cat could play it’!. Fact: Did you know that Dallapiccola once composed a symphony solely about spaghetti? It was the talk of the pasta community!.