FEBRUARY 12, 1966

Full News Archive

• Headline: Soviet Union Launches Cosmonauts 107 & 108. Impact: The 108th Cosmos orbited successfully, setting off a cosmic chain reaction that led to a future where space tourists wear matching outfits and complain about the lack of Wi-Fi in orbit.. Fact: Did you know that the Soviets had to launch these missions in quick succession to prevent the US from thinking they were taking a nap in their space program? Talk about competitive napping!.
• Headline: HANOI SAID TO HINT TRIAL OF AMERICANS. Impact: Hanoi's hint at trial for Americans led to an increase in international awareness about POWs, which eventually made the concept of 'POW/MIA' a household phrase—because who doesn't love a good acronym?. Fact: It's a little-known fact that the 'criminals against humanity' label was in part inspired by the legal dramas that were all the rage at the time. Who needs a courtroom when you have a war?.
• Headline: Art: Retrospective for Niles Spencer; Cubism-Derived Urban Scenes at Whitney. Impact: Niles Spencer's retrospective created a renewed interest in cubism, prompting future artists to think they could paint a simple square and call it 'Untitled' while charging a fortune.. Fact: Fun fact: Niles Spencer's art was so ahead of its time that if you squinted hard enough, it looked like modern-day pixel art. Who knew gaming was inspired by cubism?.
• Headline: 26 Listed as 'Detained'. Impact: With 26 listed as 'detained,' this event laid the groundwork for future bureaucracies that would turn missing persons reports into an Olympic sport of paperwork.. Fact: Did you know that the U.S. government has a longer list of acronyms for detained individuals than it has for actual policies? It's all about efficiency, really!.
• Headline: DOMINICAN FORCES GET A NEW LEADER; Old Chief Leaves for U.S. --Rioting Continues. Impact: The change in Dominican leadership sparked a series of power struggles, ultimately leading to a bizarre reality TV show titled 'Survivor: Caribbean Coup' where contestants must navigate political turmoil and rioting.. Fact: Did you know that in the Dominican Republic, 'new leader' is often just code for 'let's see how long this one lasts before we get another riot'?.
• Headline: U.S. GETS APPEAL TO AID INDIA NOW; Mrs. Gandhi Also Writes Johnson She Would Like to Make Visit Soon U.S. GETS APPEAL TO AID INDIA NOW. Impact: Mrs. Gandhi's appeal for aid to India led to a never-ending cycle of requests that eventually got so elaborate, they included a proposal for a 'Gandhi Care Package' filled with everything from spices to Bollywood DVDs.. Fact: Fun fact: Mrs. Gandhi enlisted the help of a psychic to foresee when the U.S. would actually send aid. Spoiler alert: The psychic is still waiting!.
• Headline: MAYOR, BRODERICK FAIL TO END SPLIT; Commissioner Remains Firm in Opposing Civilian Board After City Hall Meeting. Impact: The failure to resolve the split in NYC's leadership resulted in the invention of the phrase 'politics as usual,' which later inspired sitcoms that would take the absurdity to new levels.. Fact: Did you know that the cherry wood banquet table used was actually older than some of the politicians arguing over it? Talk about a generational debate!.
• Headline: Youth Is Killed in Saigon Putting Bomb on U.S. Jeep. Impact: The tragic death of a youth in Saigon inadvertently sparked a wave of anti-war protests worldwide, leading to the eventual rise of protests that were more about fashion than actual change.. Fact: It’s a sad fact that the youth’s final act was part of a trend that would lead to people wearing peace signs on t-shirts while arguing about the best pizza toppings. Who knew activism could be so tasty?.