MARCH 20, 1963

Full News Archive

• Headline: France's Nuclear Testing Resumes in Algeria. Impact: Ben Bella's protests against French nuclear tests somehow led to the rise of hipster coffee shops in the Sahara. Because nothing screams 'independence' like a locally sourced, organic latte.. Fact: Did you know that France's nuclear tests in Algeria were so loud they were heard across the Mediterranean? Talk about making an entrance!.
• Headline: Next-Gen Ocean Platforms by Gen Dynamics. Impact: The stable ocean platform designed by General Dynamics was deemed too stable, leading to the creation of unstable ocean platforms, which eventually inspired reality TV shows about treasure hunting. Thanks, science!. Fact: Fun fact: Before GPS, ocean tracking was done using compasses and yelling at passing ships. Progress!.
• Headline: Record Bankruptcy Filings in 1962. Impact: The explosion of bankruptcies in 1962 led to a sudden surge in 'how to file for bankruptcy' pamphlets, which have now become the bestselling self-help books for broke millennials.. Fact: Interestingly, 1962’s record bankruptcies were mostly filed by individuals, proving once again that the American Dream is just a really expensive fantasy..
• Headline: Advertising: Chesebrough-Pond Shift; Numbers Game Increased Revenues Accounts People Addenda. Impact: The shift at Chesebrough-Pond sparked a revolution in the beauty industry, leading to the rise of influencer culture. By the 21st century, people would be applying lip balm on Instagram for fame and fortune.. Fact: Chesebrough invented Vaseline, which is basically the original multitasker. It’s the Swiss Army knife of skincare!.
• Headline: METROMEDIA BUYS LOS ANGELES' KLAC. Impact: Metromedia's purchase of KLAC in Los Angeles set off a chain reaction of media consolidation that eventually led to the rise of reality TV. Who knew buying a radio station could change the fabric of American culture?. Fact: KLAC was once a major player in the LA radio scene, but now it's just another reminder of how many times we've failed to find good music on the airwaves..
• Headline: Soviet Flights Over U.S. Ships Called Reprisal for NATO Acts; SOVIET AIR ACTION CALLED REPRISAL Reconnaissance Is Legal. Impact: Soviet overflights over U.S. ships not only escalated Cold War tensions but also inspired countless spy novels, leading to a generation of readers who thought they could be the next James Bond. Spoiler alert: they couldn't.. Fact: The only thing more tense than a Soviet overflight was the awkward silence at a family gathering when you brought up politics..
• Headline: POLAND SHIFTING POLICY ON FARMS; Collectivization Dead, State Operators Are Stressed Differences of Opinion. Impact: Poland's shift away from collectivization led to a surprising increase in potato vodka production, which eventually became a staple at every college party and the source of many questionable decisions.. Fact: Collectivization in Poland was so unpopular that if you mentioned it at a bar, you'd probably receive a round of vodka on the house—just to drown your sorrows..
• Headline: INQUIRY DEBATES TRUTH IN LABELS; Deceit Is Called Necessary Because of Competition Eye and Pocketbook. Impact: The debate over truth in labels paved the way for the food labeling industry, which now spends more time arguing over the definition of 'natural' than actually helping consumers. Thanks, capitalism!. Fact: The only thing more confusing than food labels is trying to figure out what 'all-natural' actually means. Spoiler: it doesn’t mean anything..
• Headline: U.S. Aid Opposed For Air Pollution; N.A.M. Opposes Federal Aid For Control of Air Pollution.