MARCH 10, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: Arnold Johnson's Legacy in Baseball. Impact: Arnold Johnson's passing caused a massive ripple in the baseball world, leading to a series of ownership changes that eventually resulted in the birth of a new breed of baseball fan: the bandwagoner. Who knew that one man's death could give rise to the 'I liked them before they were cool' crowd?. Fact: Did you know that if Johnson had lived a few more years, he might have prevented the Kansas City A's from becoming a punchline in baseball history? No pressure, Arnold!.
• Headline: Eisenhower Halts High Berlin Flights. Impact: Eisenhower's decision to bar high-altitude flights over Berlin sparked a chain reaction that led to the invention of the 'low-altitude scenic tour' for thrill-seeking aviators. Who needs high stakes when you can have low altitudes?. Fact: Did you know that this decision was so surprising that even the pigeons in Berlin were shocked? They thought they were safe at 30,000 feet!.
• Headline: House Approves School Aid Bill. Impact: As legislators debated school funding, a secret society of overly caffeinated teachers formed, determined to make 'no child left behind' a reality. Spoiler: they succeeded, but it also led to a nationwide coffee shortage.. Fact: Did you know that the 'matching funds' requirement was basically the government's way of saying, 'We'll help you, but only if you can find a way to bribe your state legislators first?' Classic!.
• Headline: EX-POLICEMAN HELD IN BRIBERY INQUIRY. Impact: The bribery inquiry involving an ex-policeman led to a nationwide crackdown on corruption, resulting in a sudden uptick in the use of 'under-the-table' deals that were no longer under the table but rather in plain sight. The irony was delicious.. Fact: Did you know that the Bronx County grand jury was actually just a group of people who wanted to feel important? I mean, who doesn’t want to sit around judging others for fun?.
• Headline: U.S. PAYROLL RISING; Byrd's Panel Finds an Upward Trend in Civilian Employment. Impact: The rising payroll numbers sparked an economic boom, which in turn led to the invention of the 'get-rich-quick' scheme. This ultimately resulted in a new class of entrepreneurs specializing in selling snake oil online.. Fact: Did you know that the government counts every penny, but when it comes to actual dollars, they just assume you won't notice? It's like a magic trick, but without the applause!.
• Headline: 2 LABOR PUBLISHERS FINED FOR CONTEMPT. Impact: The fines for contempt against the labor publishers led to a nationwide uprising of publishers, who began hiding their ads in obscure places. This gave birth to the 'find-the-ad' game that still plagues newspapers today.. Fact: Did you know that fining someone for contempt is basically like giving them a trophy for being bad at their job? 'Congratulations, you did something wrong!'.
• Headline: AUTO WORKERS STRIKE; 1,900 Picket Farm Implement Plants in Racine, Wis.. Impact: The auto workers' strike in Racine inspired a global movement of disgruntled workers to picket everything from fast-food joints to office supply stores. The phrase 'I can’t believe I have to work for a living' was born.. Fact: Did you know that picketing is basically a fancy way of saying 'I don’t want to work, but I also don’t want to stay home'? It's the ultimate catch-22!.
• Headline: KENNEDY CHANCES AIDED BY BIG VOTE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE; Experts Term His Showing Better Than Nixon's -- Both Parties Hopeful KENNEDY CHANCES AIDED BY BIG VOTE. Impact: Kennedy's boost from the New Hampshire primary turned him into an icon, leading to a long line of politicians who would later chase the 'New Hampshire bounce' like it was the last cookie in the jar. Spoiler: it was never the last one.. Fact: Did you know that New Hampshire has a tradition of making every primary feel like a reality show? Vote early, vote often, and don’t forget to bring your popcorn!.