DECEMBER 12, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: New Zealand Cabinet's Historic Swearing-In. Impact: The swearing-in of this cabinet led to a series of decisions that would eventually result in New Zealand becoming the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893. So, thanks for that, new cabinet—your awkward oaths changed the world.. Fact: Did you know that being sworn in is just an elaborate way of saying, 'Welcome to the world's longest unpaid internship'?.
• Headline: Taxicab Driver Robbery Incident. Impact: This cab driver robbery spurred the invention of the 'Taxi Shield'—a protective barrier that ironically made drivers feel like they were working in a mobile prison. Who knew crime would lead to such innovation?. Fact: Did you know that cab drivers often say, 'It's not the fare, it's the fear'? Just kidding, they actually just want a decent tip..
• Headline: Kaplan Investigates G.O.P. Officials. Impact: Kaplan's inquiry into GOP officials led to an endless cycle of blame games, investigations, and secret handshakes. This became the blueprint for political theater that continues to entertain and confuse the masses today.. Fact: Did you know that in politics, the only thing more common than a scandal is a politician denying it? Shocking, I know!.
• Headline: 300 ARE WOUNDED; Europeans Retaliate for Algerian Acts of Terrorism TROOPS IN ALGIERS KILL 61 IN RIOTING. Impact: The violence in Algiers was a significant moment that contributed to the eventual independence of Algeria in 1962. It's a sobering reminder that sometimes history unfolds through chaos and bloodshed.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'collateral damage' was coined during conflicts just like this? It’s a charming euphemism for tragedy, isn't it?.
• Headline: DILLON SET TO SIGN O.E.C.D. 'S CHARTER; U.S. Aide Arrives in Paris to Endorse 20-Nation Pact -- Sees Economic Gain. Impact: Dillon signing the O.E.C.D. charter set the stage for international economic cooperation that would shape global markets. Little did they know, they'd also be preparing for a future where memes would influence stock prices.. Fact: Did you know that O.E.C.D. stands for 'Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development'? But what they really should have named it is 'Let’s Pretend We’re All Friends While We Compete.'.
• Headline: Jersey Man Heads Tax Group. Impact: R.W. Peet heading the tax group led to a series of tax reforms that were so tedious, they made watching paint dry seem exhilarating. Thanks, tax man—truly a hero for the ages.. Fact: Did you know that tax groups are like a secret society where everyone pretends to have fun, but really just wants to leave the meeting early?.
• Headline: SPAIN WILL CURB DE GAULLE'S FOES; Madrid Agrees to Put Watch on Fugitives After Paris Stresses Dangers SPAIN WILL CURB DE GAULLE'S FOES. Impact: Spain's efforts to curb de Gaulle's foes resulted in a tangled web of espionage and intrigue that inspired countless spy novels. Apparently, the real Cold War was all about avoiding awkward conversations at parties.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'It's not personal, it's just politics' was probably invented during this time? Because nothing says friendship like a little bit of surveillance..
• Headline: CARNEGIE DEPICTS ASTRONOMY GAINS; Institution Relates Findings in Annual Summation of Research It Supports. Impact: Carnegie's depiction of astronomy gains paved the way for future explorations of space, ultimately leading to humans wondering if there are aliens out there. Spoiler: They’re probably just as confused as we are.. Fact: Did you know that astronomy is just a fancy way of saying 'I like looking at stars and pretending I’m not just staring into the void of space'?.