AUGUST 18, 1964

Full News Archive

• Headline: Tribute to Jerome J. Karpf, 67. Impact: Karpf's death led to an unexpected resurgence of Sunday crossword puzzles, as people desperately sought a distraction from the news. This eventually led to the rise of competitive crossword-solving, culminating in the World Championship of Crossword Puzzles in 1995. Fact: Did you know that Karpf was once rumored to have solved a crossword puzzle in under five minutes? But hey, who isn't good at something when they have a deadline?.
• Headline: Wagner's Dire Prediction for Election Campaign. Impact: Wagner's metaphorical comparison of Goldwater to Don Quixote inspired a generation of politicians to embrace their inner windmills, leading to an entire era of candidates tilting at absurd campaign promises. Fact: Did you know that Don Quixote was actually just a misunderstood guy with a very bad sense of direction? Much like Goldwater's campaign tactics, really.
• Headline: Legacy of Harry T. McLeod. Impact: The closure of McLeod's clubs led to a sudden spike in unlicensed karaoke nights across Long Island and Florida, which has since been blamed for a 300% increase in off-key renditions of 'I Will Survive.'. Fact: McLeod's clubs were known for having the best dance floors, which is ironic because nobody ever danced on them properly.
• Headline: VOTER SHIFTS FOUND TO FAVOR JOHNSON. Impact: This shift in voter preference ignited a chain reaction, where political strategists began focusing more on public opinion polls than actual policies. This has led to a time where politicians can effectively campaign on little more than charisma and a catchy slogan. Fact: Did you know that the 'white backlash' was later studied as a phenomenon? Turns out, it’s just a way of saying, 'I don’t want to share my toys.'.
• Headline: Mufti of Libya, 85, Dies; Nation's Religious Leader. Impact: The death of the Mufti created a power vacuum in Libya, leading to a series of events that would eventually make for a movie plot involving a very confused camel. Fact: The Mufti's influence was so powerful that even camels would pause to listen to his sermons, which is really saying something.
• Headline: House Votes Farm‐Panel Bill. Impact: The bill's passage set off a chain of agricultural reforms that inadvertently led to the creation of 'organic' farming as a trend, sparking numerous debates about whether kale really tastes better if it’s grown in a hipster's backyard. Fact: This bill was so important that even the cows were paying attention. They were just relieved they wouldn’t be the next subjects of a reality TV show.
• Headline: CONFEREES EASE BEEF IMPORT CURB; Modify Senate Bill to Bar Quota This Year and Give Leeway to President. Impact: This modification led to a sudden increase in beef imports, which resulted in a barbecue craze that has left us with a national obsession for grilling that remains strong to this day. Thanks, Congress!. Fact: When it comes to easing beef import restrictions, Congress seems to operate under the motto: 'If it bleeds, it leads'—or in this case, 'If it sizzles, it sells!'.
• Headline: HUGH A. LEWIS, 70, NEWSMAN, IS DEAD; Editor of The Los Angeles Herald‐Examiner Since '63. Impact: Lewis's departure from the newspaper world prompted a wave of sensationalism in journalism, ultimately leading us to the era of clickbait headlines that make us question our life choices. Fact: Lewis was known for his sharp editorials, which is ironic because he once used a typewriter that had a sticky 'e' key.
• Headline: Week in November to Hail Freedom From Hunger Drive. Impact: This initiative sparked a global movement that led to innovative food distribution programs, turning 'food drive' into a buzzword that would haunt us all for decades in grocery stores. Fact: The Freedom From Hunger Drive is a classic example of people getting together to do something good, which is why it’s so rare that you’ll find it being discussed at dinner parties.