AUGUST 31, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: Soviet Union's Moon Atlas Project. Impact: The Soviet Moon Atlas was the spark that ignited the space race. If only they had included a detailed map of the best pizza places on the moon, maybe we wouldn't have a bunch of astronauts coming back with nothing but moon rocks and no culinary experience.. Fact: Fun fact: The first pizza in space was delivered by a private company in 2001, long after the Soviets had their moon map. Guess they weren't hungry enough!.
• Headline: Stevenson Takes the Stage. Impact: Stevenson's agreement to speak was the catalyst for countless political speeches that would bore generations. Somewhere in the future, a child will hear a politician drone on and think, 'Why can't they just be as entertaining as A E Stevenson?' Spoiler: They won't be.. Fact: Did you know that the average person spends about 6 months of their life listening to boring speeches? Thanks, Stevenson!.
• Headline: Canada's Ongoing Forest Fire Crisis. Impact: The forest fires in Canada led to the creation of the smoky bear and a nationwide 'Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires' campaign. Ironically, this probably caused more people to use matches as they thought it was a challenge.. Fact: Did you know that forest fires can actually help some ecosystems thrive? Nature's way of saying, 'Thanks for the clean slate!'.
• Headline: Lull in Bonn Shattered. Impact: The lull in Bonn was shattered, which is basically a reminder that politics is like a soap opera—every time you think things have calmed down, someone throws a curveball and everyone forgets their lines.. Fact: Fun fact: Bonn is known as the 'Federal City' of Germany. But really, it's just a fancy way of saying 'where political drama unfolds.'.
• Headline: AFRICAN NATIONS ASKING LUMUMBA TO SUPPORT U.N.; Delegates at Congo Parley Urge Prudence -- Belgians Complete Withdrawal PARLEY IN CONGO BACKS U.N. ROLE. Impact: Lumumba's cooperation with the UN was the start of a long and complicated relationship that led to many a diplomatic headache. Who knew asking for help could turn into a global game of 'hot potato?'. Fact: Did you know that Lumumba was the first Prime Minister of the Congo? Too bad his tenure was about as stable as a house of cards in a windstorm..
• Headline: Will Help Travelers Aid Drive. Impact: Lilienthal's support for the Travelers Aid Drive probably set off a chain of events leading to the modern-day travel industry. Let's just say without it, we might still be relying on carrier pigeons and smoke signals.. Fact: Did you know that the first recorded use of a travel agency was in 1841? Talk about ancient travel hacks!.
• Headline: TITAN MISSILE FIRED 5,000 MILES IN TEST. Impact: The Titan missile test showed off America's reach and probably sent a few shivers down the spines of nations. It was like the world's worst game of 'can you top this?' but with missiles.. Fact: Did you know that the Titan missile was originally designed to carry a nuclear payload? Because sometimes, a simple 'hello' just won't do..
• Headline: Rockefeller Names Surrogate. Impact: Rockefeller naming a surrogate is just a reminder that in politics, the show must go on—even if the lead actor is off stage. It's like a never-ending game of musical chairs, but with more suits.. Fact: Did you know that the title 'surrogate' is often used for people who stand in for others? So basically, they’re the understudies of the political world!.
• Headline: Schwartz Heads Aid Mission. Impact: Schwartz heading the Afghan aid mission only adds to the long list of 'let's send someone to fix this' scenarios that have shaped international relations. Spoiler: it rarely goes as planned.. Fact: Did you know that foreign aid often leads to people becoming overly reliant on it? It's like giving a kid a fish instead of teaching them to fish, but with more red tape..
• Headline: Taiwan Squad Charges Soviet Has a Chinese on Olympic Team. Impact: Taiwan's accusation about the Soviet Olympic team is just another example of how sports have always been entangled with politics. Who knew the Olympics could double as the world's biggest soap opera?. Fact: Did you know that the Olympics were originally held in ancient Greece as a religious festival? Because nothing says 'worship' like a good old-fashioned race!.