SEPTEMBER 9, 1962

Full News Archive

• Headline: Bidault's Expulsion from Italy. Impact: Bidault's expulsion from Italy sparked a series of diplomatic gaffes that ultimately led to the invention of the phrase 'wayward diplomat'—a term that would later be used to describe half of Congress.. Fact: Fun fact: Bidault's journey to Germany was almost interrupted by a surprise bear sighting, which would have made for an interesting detour..
• Headline: Soviet Influence in Latin America Grows. Impact: Soviet aid rising was the initial spark for the global competition in 'who can throw money at the most problems'—a contest that continues today, mainly between billionaires and their ego-driven projects.. Fact: The only thing more inflated than Soviet aid budgets was the rhetoric surrounding them—ah, the good old days of hyperbole!.
• Headline: X-Ray Technology Revolutionizes Baggage Inspection. Impact: The introduction of X-ray technology at customs led to an unforeseen boom in the 'lost luggage' industry, as travelers began to pack even crazier items to see if they would make it through undetected.. Fact: Did you know that customs inspectors using X-ray devices have also dreamed of using them to check on their ex-spouses? Just a thought!.
• Headline: Drawing Conclusions; FACT AND FANCY By Isaac Asimov. 264 pp. New York: Doubleday & Co. $3.95.. Impact: Asimov's book helped spark a generation of sci-fi enthusiasts who believed they could predict the future—only to find that most of their predictions were as accurate as a weather forecast.. Fact: Asimov once said, 'I write for the readers who have lost their way in the speculative universe.' So basically, all of us..
• Headline: JOHNSON: TOUR ABROAD ASSESSED; Vice President Shapes a Role That Is Wider Than the Ceremonial Surprise and Delight Problem in Cyprus Visit a Plus. Impact: Johnson's tour abroad was the cornerstone for future Vice Presidents to think they should also be world travelers—because who needs a vacation when you can collect diplomatic frequent flyer miles?. Fact: Johnson's actual role on tours is still debated; some say he was just looking for the best local BBQ..
• Headline: TRAVELING ATOMIC SIDESHOW. Impact: Rossman's atomic sideshow probably inspired a series of 'science fairs' where kids thought they could demonstrate nuclear fusion by mixing soda and Mentos—spoiler alert, they can't.. Fact: M. Rossman later claimed that the real science demonstration was how fast kids could run away from 'atomic sideshows.'.
• Headline: Robert Frost Finds Khrushchev Smart, Big and Unafraid; Message for Kennedy KHRUSHCHEV CHATS WITH POET FROST He Describes Meeting. Impact: Frost's meeting with Khrushchev was the catalyst for poets everywhere to think they could solve world problems with sonnets—thankfully, it didn't work, but it did lead to a lot of bad poetry.. Fact: Khrushchev reportedly left the meeting wondering if he should take up poetry himself. Let’s just say he didn’t..
• Headline: SPAIN'S HUSBANDS FIND HEAT A TREAT; Wives Continue at Resorts and Men Stay at Liberty. Impact: Spain's husbands enjoying their 'liberty' became the benchmark for future husbands seeking excuses to avoid family vacations—thus cementing the stereotype of the 'reluctant family man.'. Fact: Rumor has it, 'Senor Rodriguez' was actually just trying to finish a novel he never started..
• Headline: Mass Smallpox Vaccination Ordered in Brazilian Area. Impact: The mass smallpox vaccination in Brazil inadvertently taught us that people can be more afraid of needles than of the diseases themselves—an irony that still holds true today.. Fact: Smallpox was so contagious that even the viruses were social distancing before it became a trend!.
• Headline: U.S. Trying to Reform Bears in National Parks. Impact: The U.S. trying to reform bears in national parks inadvertently led to the creation of the 'Bear Whisperer' profession—because clearly, humans are the best judges of animal behavior.. Fact: The bears, however, have not yet commented on the reforms, likely because they are too busy plotting their next picnic raid..