FEBRUARY 2, 1962

Full News Archive

• Headline: East German Claims of West Berlin Tunnel. Impact: This tunnel incident led to an intense game of cat and mouse between East and West Berlin, resulting in a series of increasingly elaborate escape plans. Eventually, the West Berliners became so good at tunneling that they considered applying for a construction license. Spoiler alert: they never did.. Fact: Did you know that the Berlin Wall wasn't just a wall? It was essentially the world's largest and most dramatic 'Do Not Enter' sign..
• Headline: Edward Kennedy's Congressional Visit. Impact: Edward Kennedy's visit to his congressmen set off a chain reaction of political maneuvering, leading to a decades-long debate over whether or not to actually listen to Massachusetts legislators. Spoiler: they still might not be listening.. Fact: Fun fact: Edward Kennedy’s charisma was so potent, it could probably convince a rock to run for office..
• Headline: Francis Crick: A Life of Discovery. Impact: Dr. Crick's desire for privacy ironically led to a surge in public fascination with scientists. Soon, 'geek chic' became a trend, and lab coats started appearing on runways. Thanks, Crick!. Fact: Did you know that Francis Crick was so secretive, even his DNA didn’t want to be found?.
• Headline: BUS LINE FEARS LOSS IN NO-TRANSFER PLAN. Impact: The bus line's complaints about losses ignited a fierce debate over public transportation, leading to the creation of a new sport: 'Bus Line Bingo', where you mark off squares every time a bus is late. Spoiler: it's a full card.. Fact: Did you know that public transportation is sometimes referred to as 'the great moving waiting room'? Because you’ll definitely be waiting..
• Headline: REPUBLIC AVIATION WARNS OF LAY-OFFS. Impact: Republic Aviation's warning of layoffs initiated a tech scramble to invent the world's first job-security parachute. Spoiler: it didn't work, but it looked cool.. Fact: Did you know that the F-105D contract was so controversial, it could have been a reality TV show? 'Keeping Up with the Contractual Changes!'.
• Headline: Kilburn Will Run Again. Impact: Kilburn's re-election bid sparked an avalanche of political campaign strategies that included everything from door-to-door singing telegrams to interpretive dance at town halls. The voters were confused yet entertained.. Fact: Did you know that in politics, the only thing as certain as death and taxes is the promise of 'next time I'll do better'?.
• Headline: RACE ROLE URGED FOR GIRL SCOUTS; Dr. Taylor Suggests Forming 'Peace Corps' in America. Impact: Dr. Taylor’s suggestion about Girl Scouts became the catalyst for future generations of ‘Girl Power,’ leading to the rise of organized youth movements. Who knew cookies could lead to social change?. Fact: Did you know that selling cookies is just a front for the Girl Scouts to gather intel on who really wants to improve race relations?.
• Headline: Wind Erosion Damage Listed. Impact: The report on wind erosion led to a massive investment in windbreaks, which in turn resulted in a bizarre trend of farmers becoming amateur interior decorators for their fields. Nothing says 'functional' like a cozy cornfield.. Fact: Did you know that wind erosion damage is nature’s way of saying, 'Hey, maybe don’t plant that there!'?.
• Headline: 3 CONVICTED IN PLOT TO INFLUENCE S.E.C.. Impact: The SEC conspiracy convictions set off alarm bells that led to stricter regulations, which eventually caused a new generation of finance majors to develop a phobia of paperwork. The stock market didn’t care, though.. Fact: Did you know that conspiracy theorists love cases like this? They think it proves that the SEC is actually run by space aliens. It’s always aliens, isn't it?.