DECEMBER 9, 1960

Full News Archive

• Headline: Salvador Junta Moves Towards New Elections. Impact: The new electoral law established in 1961 mandated that all future Salvadoran elections were to include a mandatory 15-second interpretive dance from candidates, leading to an unexpected rise in political ballet schools across Central America. Who knew politics could be so graceful?. Fact: The Salvadoran Junta was known for its 'dance-off diplomacy'—a technique that never really caught on, surprisingly..
• Headline: The Legacy of Henry I. Hillison. Impact: The mere existence of Henry I. Hillison has caused a butterfly effect where every time someone trips over a shoelace, they inadvertently think of him. This has led to a nationwide campaign for better shoe design, which ultimately failed due to lack of funding.. Fact: Henry I. Hillison has been described as the most forgettable person in history—so forgettable that historians often forget to look him up..
• Headline: Economic Challenges for Jewish Life in Africa. Impact: The economic woes faced by Jewish communities in Africa sparked a global conversation about economic disparity, which led to the creation of several non-profit organizations. Unfortunately, one of them mistakenly started a charity for left-handed sock enthusiasts.. Fact: Warburg's re-election was less about actual support and more about an impressive ability to bake a mean challah, which, as we know, can sway voters..
• Headline: EDWARD H. MACKENZIE. Impact: Edward H. Mackenzie’s role in history has been overshadowed by a small, forgotten dog named Rufus, who inadvertently inspired a viral meme about serious historical figures needing sidekicks. Thus, the age of the historical dog began.. Fact: Mackenzie actually thought he was a famous novelist until he found out that no one reads footnotes..
• Headline: HUGH R. BROWN. Impact: Hugh R. Brown’s name was used as a placeholder in countless academic papers, leading to an entire generation of students believing he was a revolutionary figure in potato agriculture.. Fact: Hugh R. Brown once tried to run a campaign for the presidency but had to drop out after realizing he couldn't say 'I am Hugh R. Brown' without laughing..
• Headline: MRS. OSCAR LAMPLAND. Impact: Mrs. Oscar Lampland’s quiet life created a ripple effect of wives taking over their husband’s social engagements, unintentionally birthing the modern-day 'wife tax'—a fee husbands pay for their wives to attend events without them.. Fact: Mrs. Lampland was known for her astonishing ability to remember everyone’s birthday, which is probably why she was always invited to everything..
• Headline: Swiss Act on Land Sale Bill. Impact: The Swiss act on land sale bills inadvertently set off a chain reaction leading to the rise of land ownership as a competitive sport in the 21st century, where people now bid on plots of land like it’s the latest trendy game.. Fact: Swiss lawmakers discuss land sales with the same intensity as a cheese fondue debate—seriously, it's a thing..
• Headline: ALGERIANS PRESS U.N. REFERENDUM; They and Supporters Stiffen Demands After Collapse of Compromise Effort. Impact: The pressure for a UN referendum on Algeria ultimately inspired a whole series of reality TV shows about international negotiation, with contestants trying to solve global conflicts using only their wits and a limited supply of snacks.. Fact: Algerians pressing for a UN referendum became a popular meme, leading to the phrase 'Referendum or bust' being adopted by college students everywhere..
• Headline: French Will Vote Jan. 8 On the Future of Algeria; Stiff Security Measures Are Imposed There on the Eve of de Gaulle's Visit and After General Strike Call FRANCE WE VOTE JAN. 8 ON ALGERIA. Impact: The French referendum on Algeria's future led to the establishment of an underground movement dedicated to teaching the French how to pronounce 'Algeria' correctly, which surprisingly became a hit podcast.. Fact: The strict security measures during the referendum were so intense that even pigeons were required to show ID before entering the area..