AUGUST 17, 1961

Full News Archive

• Headline: Soviet Trawler Searches Swedish Ship. Impact: As the Soviet trawler searched for Polish refugees, it inadvertently set off a secret spy network that would eventually lead to the invention of the modern-day selfie stick. Because nothing says 'I escaped the Iron Curtain' like a well-framed picture.. Fact: This event marks one of the many times Sweden had to deal with Soviet shenanigans. Because, clearly, neutrality just attracts trouble..
• Headline: A.T. & T. Leadership Changes in 1947. Impact: McNeely’s election as president of A.T. & T. sparked a chain reaction that eventually led to the invention of unlimited texting plans. Because who doesn't want to send 500 emojis a day?. Fact: E. J. McNeely's tenure was marked by groundbreaking innovations, like figuring out that people actually wanted to use their phones for more than just making calls. Shocking, I know..
• Headline: SOVIET PRESTIGE IS BRITISH TARGET; Spotlight on Berlin Favored -- Strong Steps Opposed. Impact: Britain's focus on Soviet prestige in Berlin led to decades of Cold War paranoia, which ultimately inspired countless spy novels and movies. Thanks, Britain, for our obsession with Bond, James Bond.. Fact: It's amusing that spying became a respectable profession during the Cold War. Now we have reality stars who are just as good at creating drama without the need for espionage..
• Headline: NATION IS CAUTIONED ON WASTING TALENT. Impact: The warning against wasting talent ignited a movement of motivational speakers who now sell you overpriced seminars about 'finding your passion.' Thanks, R. McGill, for inspiring a new generation of self-help gurus.. Fact: Wasting talent sounds terrible, but have you seen some of the reality TV shows out there? Talent might be overrated..
• Headline: PRESIDENT MEETS SETBACKS ON AID IN BOTH HOUSES; Senate Trims Military Funds -- House Rejects Request to Borrow From Treasury PRESIDENT MEETS SETBACKS ON AID. Impact: The president's setbacks in aid funding led to the creation of countless memes about political incompetence, which have since become a staple of modern internet culture. Thanks, Washington, for giving us endless material!. Fact: The legislative process is so convoluted that it makes assembling IKEA furniture look like a walk in the park. Good luck figuring that out without the Allen wrench..
• Headline: U.S. and Cuba Clash As Latin Plan Wins; U.S., CUBA CLASH AT LATIN PARLEY. Impact: The U.S. and Cuba clashing at the Latin parley set the stage for decades of awkward diplomatic relations, paving the way for Cuban coffee to become the hipster beverage of choice. Because nothing says ‘I’m cultured’ like a side of political tension with your espresso.. Fact: The Declaration of Punta del Este was so contentious it probably inspired real estate agents to use the phrase ‘location, location, location’ for diplomatic negotiations..