MAY 11, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: Unionist Convicted for Portland Truck Bombing. Impact: The conviction of L McDonald led to a nationwide crackdown on political violence, inadvertently inspiring a new genre of protest art. Who knew a bombing could spark creativity?. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more explosive than this bombing was the public’s reaction, leading to a dramatic increase in bomb-related puns in local newspapers..
• Headline: Civic Education Broadcast for Students. Impact: This radio civics lesson was so riveting that it spawned a generation of future politicians who believed a good speech could fix everything... spoiler alert: it didn’t.. Fact: Did you know that listening to civics on the radio is like getting a massage from a porcupine? Not quite comfortable, but hey, it’s the thought that counts!.
• Headline: Oxygen Tanks in NYC Courts for Witnesses. Impact: The introduction of oxygen tanks in courts led to an unexpected rise in dramatic courtroom moments, with witnesses feigning heart attacks to avoid tough questions. Hollywood called it 'The Witness Protection Program: Oxygen Edition.'. Fact: Interestingly, this move also inspired a new courtroom etiquette: 'Inhale deeply before you speak.'.
• Headline: POSTAL-RATE RISE CALLED UNLIKELY; G.O.P. Chiefs Tell President He Has Little Chance for 554 Million Increase. Impact: The postal rate debacle led to a nationwide conspiracy that postal workers were secretly hoarding stamps, resulting in a brief but intense stamp-collecting craze. Collectors are still trying to sell their 'rare' 1960s stamps at exorbitant prices.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing less likely than a postal rate rise is the likelihood of politicians agreeing on anything. Coincidence? I think not!.
• Headline: Triton Goes Around Globe Submerged, Retracing the Route Sailed by Magellan; Skipper Is Decorated -- Log Tells Drama of Global Journey 41,500-MILE TRIP MADE IN 84 DAYS Record Crossing Followed Route Taken by Magellan -- 183 Men Aboard. Impact: USS Triton's journey inspired numerous action movies and ironic memes about submarines being the ultimate getaway vehicle. Thanks to this, we have countless 'submarine escape' scenarios in pop culture.. Fact: Did you know that the submarine's crew may have considered renaming it 'Magellan 2: The Submarine Strikes Back' after this trip? Because why not?.
• Headline: Robot Translates Russian at 40 Words a Minute; Is Expected to Achieve Rate of 2,400 This Year Potential on All Languages Is Viewed as Major Step. Impact: This breakthrough in translation technology led to an unprecedented boom in international misunderstandings, with diplomats accidentally starting wars over botched translations. Thanks, robot!. Fact: Did you know that the robot’s 40 words per minute were actually just 'Borscht, vodka, and blinis'? Sounds like a fun dinner party!.
• Headline: Missionary to Be Deported. Impact: The deportation of missionary H Stanton sparked protests that turned into an unexpected movement for religious freedom, showing that even in exile, one voice can make a ruckus.. Fact: Interestingly, Stanton's deportation led to the creation of the phrase 'home is where you get kicked out from,' which never really caught on..
• Headline: Castro to Be Contestant In Fishing Tournament. Impact: Castro's participation in the fishing tournament led to an influx of fishing enthusiasts seeking to catch a glimpse of the revolutionary, inadvertently boosting local economy through tourism. Who knew fishing could be political?. Fact: Fun fact: Castro reportedly used a fishing pole that was more revolutionary than any of his policies. Talk about bait and switch!.
• Headline: JURY URGES CHECK ON GHOST WRITERS; Bids State Keep Constant Eye on Agencies -- Schools Asked to Fight Cheating WIDE DECEIT IS CHARGED Presentment Hits Stress on Social and Money Value of College Degrees. Impact: The jury's investigation into ghost writers led to a nationwide panic over essay quality, resulting in a new trend where students began writing their own papers... or at least Googling everything.. Fact: Did you know that the most ghost-written papers were actually just vague attempts to sound smart? The real ghost writer? Google, obviously..