NOVEMBER 20, 1964

Full News Archive

• Headline: Duchess of Windsor's Foot Surgery. Impact: The Duchess's foot surgery inadvertently leads to a fashion revolution. As she hobbles around post-op, she inadvertently starts the trend for 'chic orthopedic wear,' causing a massive surge in orthopedic shoe sales and saving the industry from collapse.. Fact: Did you know that foot surgery was once considered a fashion faux pas? Apparently, the Duchess didn't get the memo!.
• Headline: EEC Supports French Wheat Export Initiative. Impact: The wheat sale sparks a secret society of farmers who band together to create a wheat-based currency. This leads to the Great Grain Heist of 1998, where thieves attempt to steal a truckload of wheat thinking it's worth more than gold.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Dumping' wheat is not the same as what happens when you eat too many beans. Just saying!.
• Headline: Venezuelan Forces Target Guerrilla Strongholds. Impact: The Venezuelan government's aggressive stance against guerrilla camps inspires a series of misunderstood pop songs, leading to the rise of protest music that ultimately lands in the hands of a famous rock band in the 70s.. Fact: Did you know that guerrilla warfare could have inspired some of the greatest rock anthems? Just imagine ‘We Will Rock You’ being about actual rocks and not just a metaphor!.
• Headline: RESERVE RENEWS CREDIT SUSPICION; Weekly Report by New York Bank Supports Feeling of Tighter Curbs; JOHNSON HINTS AT MOVE; Free Reserves Average Put at Minus $56 Million—Business Loans Rise. Impact: The credit tightening leads to a sudden surge in underground banking and a thriving black market for Monopoly money, which becomes the unofficial currency of hipsters everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that people actually started using Monopoly money in real-life transactions? Just goes to show how much we value paper these days!.
• Headline: Antistimulant Bill Gains. Impact: The antistimulant bill inadvertently leads to an underground market for 'natural stimulants' that includes everything from coffee to herbal teas, sparking a wellness craze that endures for decades.. Fact: Fun fact: Without stimulants, we might all still be napping instead of scrolling through our phones at 3 AM!.
• Headline: Fulbright, in Munich, Backs Plan for Allied Fleet. Impact: Fulbright's backing of the Allied Fleet inspires an annual 'NATO vs. Non-NATO' tug-of-war event that becomes a surprisingly popular spectator sport, complete with national teams.. Fact: Did you know that tug-of-war was once considered an Olympic sport? Who knew it could be so international!.
• Headline: Panama Will Hold Inquiry On Foreign‐Affairs Clash. Impact: The inquiry in Panama leads to a series of political dramas that inspire a hit TV series, 'House of Panamanians,' which becomes a cult classic despite having very little to do with actual governance.. Fact: Here's a fun fact: Reality TV has nothing on actual political drama, but it sure does try!.
• Headline: NEGRO LEADERS SUPPORT DR. KING; Tell Johnson They Agree on Criticism of F.B.I.. Impact: The support of Dr. King by Negro leaders leads to a series of 'marches for justice' that inadvertently popularizes the phrase 'I Have a Dream' to the point where it becomes a common catchphrase in daily conversations.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'I Have a Dream' has been used in everything from speeches to birthday cards? Talk about a versatile statement!.