MAY 12, 1966

Full News Archive

• Headline: New Art Center Development in Troy. Impact: This Fine Arts Center became the birthplace of the first-ever 'Theater of the Absurd' in Troy. Decades later, an avant-garde performance led to the accidental creation of a new cult that worshipped interpretive dance. It’s a slippery slope from arts to cults, folks.. Fact: If you think art centers are just about art, you clearly haven't seen the number of awkward first dates they host..
• Headline: MIG Missiles and U.S. Operations in Vietnam. Impact: Unbeknownst to many, the failure of these missiles led to a secret enhancement program whereby planes learned the fine art of dodging. This later inspired Hollywood to create the first 'Dodgeball' movie, which was somehow seen as a documentary.. Fact: If you ever feel bad about missing a target, just remember these missiles had a worse track record than a blindfolded dart player at a pub..
• Headline: Strike at Ford Plant. Impact: This strike triggered a nationwide movement for better working conditions, which ultimately led to the invention of the ergonomic chair. If only they had struck for bean bags instead!. Fact: Strikes are the adult version of throwing a tantrum, but with more paperwork and fewer toys..
• Headline: Too Much Hair Spray Trips Saigon PX Chief. Impact: The fallout from this hair spray incident led to new regulations on personal grooming products in military exchanges, resulting in a nationwide shortage of hair gel during the 70s—truly a tragedy for high school prom-goers.. Fact: If only the PX Chief had known that moderation is key, he could have saved a lot of hair—and embarrassment..
• Headline: Lodge Meets With Freeman. Impact: This innocuous meeting eventually led to a series of diplomatic blunders that turned into a game of 'telephone' among politicians, forever changing the meaning of 'communication' and making every future meeting feel like a group therapy session.. Fact: Meeting with ambassadors is like attending a family reunion: everyone pretends to listen, but half the time they're just waiting for dessert..
• Headline: City Supervisors Union Asks $8-Million Raise for 2,000. Impact: This request set off a chain reaction of budget debates that would ultimately lead to the invention of the phrase 'penny pinching'—which became the unofficial motto of every city council meeting after.. Fact: Asking for raises is the adult equivalent of asking your parents for a bigger allowance—only now, the stakes are higher and the excuses are more elaborate..
• Headline: Rights Leader Dies in Fire. Impact: The tragic death of Vivian Rhinehart became a rallying point for civil rights activists, sparking a wave of reforms that changed legislation in fundamental ways, reminding us that even in tragedy, change can ignite hope.. Fact: Vivian Rhinehart's impact on civil rights was profound, proving that sometimes the most powerful voices come from those who are no longer with us..