DECEMBER 4, 1963

Full News Archive

• Headline: Dutch Banks Lower Call Money Rate. Impact: This seemingly mundane change in interest rates led to a butterfly effect where a few extra cents in interest on Dutch savings accounts caused a family to buy an extra stroopwafel, which then led to the invention of a new flavor that took the world by storm. Thanks, Dutch economy!. Fact: Did you know that the Dutch invented the concept of 'saving' by literally being the first to put their money in a piggy bank? True story!.
• Headline: Myrdal's Impact on U.S. Economic Policy. Impact: Myrdal's law practice had a ripple effect that led to the eventual creation of a sitcom where economists hilariously mismanage a pizza shop, thus opening the door for future reality TV shows featuring people who shouldn’t handle money.. Fact: Surprise! Myrdal was not just an economist; he was also an advocate for the welfare state, which means he probably had a lot of interesting debates at family dinners..
• Headline: Pretoria Trial Unveils Major Blast Plot Charges. Impact: The outcomes of this trial led to a significant shift in global perceptions of apartheid, which eventually snowballed into international sanctions that made South Africa rethink its policies—who knew a trial could lead to such a global shake-up?. Fact: This trial was part of a larger struggle against apartheid, which highlighted how legal battles can sometimes become the frontlines of social justice..
• Headline: KHRUSHCHEV HAILS JOHNSON'S POLICY TOWARD MOSCOW; KHRUSHCHEV HAILS JOHNSON'S POLICY. Impact: Khrushchev’s dinner for Johnson was so successful that it sparked a series of bizarre diplomatic dinners where world leaders tried to outdo each other with increasingly strange menu choices, leading to the first global culinary summit.. Fact: Khrushchev was known for his love of corn, which is ironic considering he had a much harder time making it grow in the Soviet Union than in a backyard garden..
• Headline: President Asks Congress to Name Proposed National Cultural Center for Kennedy; RESOLUTION GIVEN TO BOTH HOUSES Legislation Would Authorize Federal Funds to Match Equally Private Gifts No Building Funds Potomac Site Selected. Impact: This request launched a nationwide debate about naming rights that led to future presidential libraries being named after fast food chains as a way to attract donations. Thanks a lot, Kennedy!. Fact: Naming a cultural center after Kennedy was an attempt to elevate his legacy, but little did they know it would eventually lead to the Kardashians having a wing in a future museum..
• Headline: IOWA VOTERS REJECT APPORTIONING PLAN. Impact: The defeat of this proposal ensured that Iowa's rural voters would maintain their power, which in turn inspired a whole series of 'How to Keep Your Power' self-help books that no one asked for.. Fact: Iowa is often seen as a bellwether for political trends, which is funny given how often it feels like they’re stuck in a time warp of their own making..
• Headline: MACAPAGAL FAVORS ASIAN MARKET BLOC. Impact: Macapagal's call for an Asian market bloc led to the formation of an imaginary economic club where all the members are too polite to disagree and just nod at each other awkwardly. Economics at its finest!. Fact: Philippine President Macapagal's vision for an Asian market bloc would later inspire countless awkward negotiations and a few too many diplomatic dinners..
• Headline: BISHOPS' POWERS WIDENED BY POPE; Privileges Also Augmented --Step Viewed as Falling Short of 'Collegiality' Control of Curia Eased BISHOPS'S POWERS WIDENED BY POPE. Impact: The widening of bishops' powers caused a minor ecclesiastical revolution, which ultimately led to the establishment of a secret society of bishops who only meet at midnight to discuss the secrets of the universe—like who gets the last donut at the potluck.. Fact: Pope's decisions often have a trickle-down effect; who knew that empowering bishops could lead to them getting more donuts at church events?.
• Headline: 3D SCHOOL IN BURMA CLOSED AFTER RIOT. Impact: The closure of this school sparked a wider movement for educational reform that, ironically, led to the establishment of a virtual school that no one could riot against, proving that sometimes you just need to go digital.. Fact: Burma has a rich educational history, but it's a reminder that sometimes, a riot is just a really passionate PTA meeting gone awry..