APRIL 10, 1966

Full News Archive

• Headline: Thant Reports on U.N. Budget Growth. Impact: Thant's analysis led to a funding frenzy, where every subsequent U.N. budget proposal included a line item for 'extra paperwork.' This eventually spiraled into the creation of the world's first Paperwork Bureau, which is now responsible for managing redundant forms in 42 languages.. Fact: Did you know that the U.N. has a 'cost of coffee' line item? Guess how much paperwork you can generate with a cup of joe!.
• Headline: Galbraith's Call to End Vietnam Bombing. Impact: Galbraith's call to end the bombing turned the tide of public opinion, which led to a surge in peace-themed coffee mugs and bumper stickers. This inadvertently caused a spike in the sales of tie-dye shirts and a resurgence of '60s folk music at coffee shops worldwide.. Fact: Fun fact: the only thing more explosive than a bomb is the debate over who gets the last slice of pizza at a peace rally..
• Headline: Chamber to Honor Scranton. Impact: Scranton's award led to a surge in local pride, which caused towns across the nation to establish their own awards. Eventually, this led to the bizarre 'Best Squirrel in a Tree' competition, where the real winners were the squirrels.. Fact: Fun fact: Scranton was almost named 'The City That Honors Its Own,' but they decided it was too long for a bumper sticker..
• Headline: New Direction in Aid. Impact: The Fulbright amendments sparked an avalanche of educational reforms, leading to the rise of students who demanded more pizza in the cafeteria under the guise of 'nutritional diversity'—a movement that still haunts school lunch menus today.. Fact: Did you know that 'Fulbright' is a secret code among students for 'Free Lunch'?.
• Headline: Self-Rule Not Enough. Impact: The insistence on safety standards led to the creation of an entirely new government agency dedicated to safety inspections, which later became infamous for their overzealous checks on everything from playground slides to toaster settings.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing safer than a federally mandated playground is a cat in a bubble wrap factory..
• Headline: Keppel Leaves Capital Team. Impact: Keppel's departure from the capital team became the catalyst for a series of dramatic political soap operas, inspiring countless dramatizations where every character was based on a disgruntled government employee with a secret agenda.. Fact: Did you know that political dramas are the only genre where plot holes are considered 'creative liberties'?.
• Headline: Coins; News Boosts New Sets. Impact: The Mint's struggles with proof sets led to the creation of a black market for rare coins, where collectors began trading coins for favors—like getting a parking spot at the mall during Christmas season.. Fact: Fun fact: Collecting coins is the only hobby that can lead you to both a fortune and a very awkward conversation with your dentist..
• Headline: Two Who Discovered Gold Amid the Alien Corn. Impact: The discovery of gold caused a mass hysteria that interrupted the filming of 'Green Acres', leading the producers to rewrite the show as a reality series called 'Gold Acres', where residents panned for gold every episode.. Fact: Did you know that the stars of 'Green Acres' once had a contest to see who could wear the most ridiculous hat while panning for gold? Spoiler: E. Gabor won..
• Headline: UNION AIDES DECRY STATE LABOR PLAN; Public Employe Proposal Called 'Mad Hatter Idea'. Impact: The uproar over the state labor plan ignited a series of protests that inadvertently led to the first-ever 'Labor Day Parade' featuring giant inflatable labor leaders, which still makes its rounds every year, confusing children and adults alike.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing less popular than a labor rally is a labor rally on a Monday morning. Surprise!.