OCTOBER 11, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: Briton Visits US Polar Station. Impact: This seemingly innocuous visit spurred a global obsession with polar exploration, leading to countless reality TV shows about survival in extreme conditions. Who knew a Brit would kick off the craze of 'Survivor: Antarctica'?. Fact: Did you know that the only thing colder than the polar ice caps is the reception you get when you show up uninvited for a dinner party?.
• Headline: Israel's Call for Arab Negotiations. Impact: This headline set off a series of negotiations that led to the creation of the longest game of diplomatic dodgeball in history. Spoiler alert: no one ever wins. Fact: Did you know that negotiating with the Arab leaders is like trying to get your cat to come when you call? Good luck with that!.
• Headline: Nehru Predicts Communist Success in China. Impact: Nehru's prediction about China's victory inadvertently inspired future diplomats to make increasingly wild predictions, leading to the infamous 'Doomsday Clock' of international relations. Thanks, Nehru!. Fact: Did you know that Nehru's optimism was so powerful it could probably convince a cactus to grow in the Arctic?.
• Headline: Parley Gets British Atom Plan. Impact: The British atom plan discussions planted the seeds for countless sci-fi movies where nuclear power is both a blessing and a curse. Cue the dramatic music and existential dread. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more confusing than atomic physics is trying to explain it to your grandmother on Thanksgiving?.
• Headline: PRESIDENT, ON TV, ASSAILS CRITICS OF U.S. PRESTIGE; Makes First '60 Appearance for Ticket With Women in Unrehearsed Show PRESIDENT MEETS G.O.P. PANEL ON TV. Impact: Eisenhower's televised performance set a new standard for political grandstanding, paving the way for future presidents to treat the Oval Office like a reality TV set. Who needs actual policy when you have charisma?. Fact: Did you know that Eisenhower was the original 'you can’t see me' meme? He was just too busy dodging questions about inflation.
• Headline: Truth Squad' Grounded. Impact: The grounding of the 'Truth Squad' inadvertently led to the rise of alternative facts. If only they had taken a different route, we might have avoided a whole lot of misinformation. Fact: Did you know that the 'Truth Squad' was just a group of people who couldn't find a decent Wi-Fi connection? They really should have checked their map.
• Headline: NEHRU PROPOSING GROUP OF ADVISERS FOR HAMMARSKJOLD; Senior Political Assistants Would Guide U.N. Chief at Times of Crisis SOVIET IS CONSULTED Plan Milder Than Attempt by Khrushchev to Oust Secretary General NEHRU PROPOSES ADVISERS FOR U.N.. Impact: Nehru's proposal for advisers to Hammarskjold created a precedent for political advisory councils, which eventually led to the formation of think tanks full of people who think too much and do too little. Fact: Did you know that advising someone is a lot like giving them a map? You can guide them, but if they don't want to follow it, it's all for nothing.
• Headline: London Cargo Strike Continues. Impact: The London cargo strike marked the beginning of the era where workers realized that sometimes, holding out for better conditions means waiting longer than the delivery truck. It was a lesson in patience, albeit a frustrating one. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more unreliable than a cargo ship is the promise of a pizza delivery? At least the pizza might show up in under an hour!.
• Headline: SHOWDOWN SEEN IN REDS' DISPUTE; Chinese-Russian Clash on 'Coexistence' Is Expected at Moscow Meeting. Impact: The clash between the Chinese and Russian Communists kickstarted a decades-long rivalry that could rival any soap opera, complete with plot twists and unexpected character developments. Tune in next week!. Fact: Did you know that if you put a Russian and a Chinese Communist in the same room, you might just witness the birth of a new genre of dramatic tension?.
• Headline: Spy Satellite to Test Sovereignty in Space; U.S. Spying Satellite to Test Concepts of Space Sovereignty. Impact: The U.S. spying satellite launched the age of space espionage, leading to an arms race not just on Earth but in orbit. Because why not keep an eye on each other from space? It’s the ultimate high ground!. Fact: Did you know that launching a satellite is basically like sending a really expensive drone into the stratosphere? Sorry, Earthlings, but the real spying is done from up high!.