DECEMBER 15, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: Conflict Escalates in Stanleyville, Congo. Impact: The influx of arms into Stanleyville led to an arms race that not only destabilized the Congo but also inspired a series of action movies in the 80s where every protagonist inevitably had to save a village from armed rebels. Thanks, Lumumba Group!. Fact: Did you know that the Congo's struggles inspired more sequels than most Hollywood franchises? 'Congo: The Unending Saga' could have been the title..
• Headline: Rightists Regain Control of Vientiane. Impact: The back-and-forth control of Vientiane set a precedent for every future game of tug-of-war, leading to an unintentional Olympic event where nations simply fight over who controls the center of their capitals.. Fact: Fun fact: This is the only situation where a map and a ‘you are here’ sticker caused more confusion than clarity..
• Headline: Protest Leaflets Challenge U.S. Practices. Impact: This protest sparked an entire underground movement of leafleting that inspired future generations to use pamphlets instead of social media, leading to a brief resurgence in print culture.. Fact: Ironically, the leaflets were so effective that they were considered the first viral memes of their time. Who knew paper could go viral?.
• Headline: Theatre: Integrity Comes First in 'Critic's Choice'; Comedy by Ira Levin in Debut at Barrymore Henry Fonda Stars as Drama Reviewer Whose Playwright-Wife Feels Barbs. Impact: This play led to a renaissance in theater criticism where critics became stars themselves, eventually resulting in the creation of reality TV shows where critics judge reality TV shows. Talk about meta!. Fact: By the way, it’s rumored that Henry Fonda's wife was just grateful the play wasn’t about her cooking..
• Headline: Thai Town Evacuated. Impact: The evacuation of Srichiengmai became a cautionary tale for future generations, leading to the invention of ‘bulletproof umbrellas’ that would forever change outdoor events.. Fact: You’d think that stray bullets would encourage people to stay indoors, but no, they just invented more creative ways to party..
• Headline: Mankind Is Warned to Prepare For Discovery of Life in Space; Brookings Institution Report Says Earth's Civilization Might Topple if faced by a Race of Superior Beings. Impact: This report caused widespread anxiety about aliens, which led to the creation of countless sci-fi movies, ultimately resulting in every high school kid thinking a career in astrobiology was a way to meet aliens. Spoiler: they’re still waiting.. Fact: Interestingly, this is one of the few reports that caused more people to look at the stars instead of their smartphones..
• Headline: HERTER PLANNING NO BIG NATO STEP; Secretary in Paris -- He Will Avoid Any U.S. Proposals to Ministerial Parley. Impact: Herter's indecision became the foundation for every subsequent diplomatic meeting, where officials now spend more time avoiding proposals than making them. It’s like a political dance-off without the dancing.. Fact: This moment was so influential that it inspired countless memes about politicians being 'all talk and no action.'.
• Headline: QUEENS BIAS CASE ARGUED IN COURT; Justice Markewich Hears S.C.A.D. Right Over College Contested and Defended. Impact: This case set the stage for future debates on educational bias that would eventually lead to the creation of a whole new genre of courtroom dramas that no one really asked for.. Fact: If only the courtroom was as exciting as TV shows make it out to be—where’s the dramatic music when you need it?.