JUNE 29, 1962

Full News Archive

• Headline: UK Defeated in U.N. on Rhodesia Vote. Impact: This defeat led British politicians to rethink their tea preferences, eventually resulting in a nationwide shortage of Earl Grey, which ironically fueled an underground market for herbal alternatives in the 80s.. Fact: The longest U.N. session in history? Imagine a meeting that was so long, people started bringing their own snacks. If only they had popcorn!.
• Headline: France Transfers Power to Free Algeria. Impact: The peaceful transfer of power inspired many future world leaders to consider actually listening to their constituents—though, as history shows, that didn't really catch on.. Fact: The only thing more complicated than the negotiations for peace in Algeria? Trying to get a French waiter to understand your coffee order..
• Headline: Kohler Appointed Envoy to Moscow. Impact: Kohler's appointment prompted a series of awkward diplomatic dinners that resulted in the invention of the 'silent toast', a tradition that still confuses diplomats today.. Fact: Choosing an envoy to Moscow is like picking a contestant for a reality show: you want someone who can handle the pressure and possibly charm a bear..
• Headline: Estes, His Aplomb Intact, Keeps Busy in the Courts. Impact: Estes' resilience in the face of scandal inspired future politicians to embrace their inner celebrity, leading to a wave of reality TV shows featuring courtroom drama.. Fact: Estes must have really loved the courts—did he think he was auditioning for a legal drama or just practicing for his stand-up career?.
• Headline: Freeman Says Aide Erred In Naming Estes to Board; Freeman Admits Top Aide Erred In Naming Estes to Cotton Board. Impact: This little blunder sparked a frenzy of bureaucratic finger-pointing, resulting in a new office policy: 'No more naming anyone after a casual lunch discussion.'. Fact: Admitting an error in politics is like winning the lottery—rare and completely unbelievable. Freeman should buy a ticket!.
• Headline: ARCHIBALD IN JOB AT ACTORS STUDIO; Will Head Playwrights' Unit Reorganizing Committee. Impact: Archibald's role at the Actors Studio inspired a generation of playwrights to think they could actually write something meaningful… or at least get free coffee.. Fact: So, they sold the NY Times to Intervest Inc? I guess the real news is that someone actually wanted to buy it!.
• Headline: 308-BILLION LIMIT ON DEBT IS VOTED; Senate, 55 to 34, Completes Action on 8-Billion Rise. Impact: This vote led to the popularization of the phrase 'just a little more debt,' which would eventually become the national anthem of financial advisors everywhere.. Fact: The Senate voting on debt limits is like watching a group of kids argue about who gets the last cookie—everyone knows it’s going to end in tears..
• Headline: CONGRESS EASES FUNDS DEADLOCK; Votes to Authorize Spending After Fiscal Year Ends. Impact: The easing of the funds deadlock became a blueprint for procrastination, inspiring future Congresses to put off decisions until the last possible moment—and then some.. Fact: Isn't it comforting to know that Congress can ease a deadlock but still can't decide what to have for lunch?.
• Headline: MAX YOUNGSTEIN OFFERED FOX JOB; Filmmaker Called Possible Successor to Skouras. Impact: Max's potential rise in Fox led to a series of blockbuster films that would eventually inspire a million memes and a search for the perfect popcorn recipe.. Fact: In Hollywood, being offered a job is like being given a golden ticket—just remember, it comes with a lot of strings attached... and probably a sequel..
• Headline: PRICE CASE IS LOST BY DRUGGIST GROUP. Impact: This conviction led to a wave of anti-price-fixing laws that ultimately resulted in lower drug prices, allowing people to afford more than just ramen noodles.. Fact: When it comes to prescription drugs, fixing prices is like trying to fix a broken relationship—it rarely ends well and usually involves a lot of lawyers..