MAY 25, 1964

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring The American Revolution by Rankin. Impact: After reading Rankin's book, a group of amateur historians start a revolution in their local book club, leading to an unexpected spike in the circulation of pamphlets advocating for 'Reading as a Revolutionary Act.'. Fact: Hugh F. Rankin’s book was so riveting that it single-handedly convinced at least three people to switch from reality TV to history documentaries. A true victory for literacy!.
• Headline: Guatemala's Silent Vote and Ballot Spoilage. Impact: The quiet voting in Guatemala sparked the idea that if you spoil your ballot creatively enough, you could start an art movement. Spoiled Ballot Art (SBA) becomes a thing by 1975.. Fact: In Guatemala, spoiling a ballot is like saying, 'I have strong opinions but no patience for actual voting.' A true masterpiece of political commentary!.
• Headline: Union Membership Surge in 1962. Impact: The sudden rise in union membership led to a nationwide 'Union Dance Off,' where members competed to see who could collectively bargain their way to the best dance moves. The dance form is still taught in some schools today.. Fact: 283,000 new union members in a single year? Guess they took 'Union Strong' as a motto for both labor rights and gym memberships!.
• Headline: 4TH ARIZONA AIDE WILL GO ON TRIAL; Faces Senate Hearing After Acquittal of 3 Others. Impact: Franco's military display inspired a series of over-the-top military parades worldwide, eventually leading to a bizarre Olympics where countries competed in 'Most Dramatic Military Show.'. Fact: Franco may have ruled Spain for 25 years, but he never figured out that military parades don’t actually solve political problems. Who knew?.
• Headline: Franco Stages Biggest Army show of 25 year Rule. Impact: Eisenhower's article on Republican candidates triggered a secret society of disgruntled voters who vowed to only elect candidates who could recite the entire Constitution from memory—while juggling.. Fact: Eisenhower didn’t dictate his preferences, probably because he knew that would just lead to more political debates than anyone could handle—those things can last forever!.
• Headline: Refuses to ‘Dictate’ Own Preference—Hopes for Upholder of Tradition. Impact: The success of Sweden's labor relocation program prompted neighboring countries to consider relocating all their politicians to Sweden, believing they could finally get things done without them.. Fact: In Sweden, they believe that if you can relocate workers successfully, you can relocate politicians just as easily—though the latter seems to be more of a wishful thinking exercise..
• Headline: French Envoy Off to Peking. Impact: Lord Beaverbrook's 85th birthday led to a revival of imperialism-themed parties across Britain, where attendees donned top hats and monocles while discussing how they could 'bring back the good old days.'. Fact: Celebrating an 85th birthday can be tough, but for Lord Beaverbrook, it was just another excuse to remind everyone that he’s still the most imperialist party host in town!.
• Headline: BRITAIN BOLSTERS FORCES IN GUIANA; 120 Men Fly In as Violence Takes Three More Lives.