Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON May 14, 1966
Full News Archive
- Headline: Massive Draft Deferment Test Initiated. Impact: In an alternate timeline, those 350,000 students formed a secret society that eventually overthrew the government, leading to a peaceful global utopia. Or they just went on to become regular boring adults. You know, either/or.. Fact: Did you know that taking a test can sometimes lead to a lifelong career of avoiding responsibility? Just ask any millennial!.
- Headline: Derek Walcott Receives Prestigious Award. Impact: Derek Walcottβs win inspired generations of poets to pick up pens instead of swords, leading to a world where poetry battles replaced actual wars. Imagine 'The Great Sonnet Showdown of 1984!'. Fact: In the shadow of this award, countless poets have tried to rhyme 'orange' with something. Spoiler: itβs still not possible..
- Headline: Mississippi Ends Prohibition Era. Impact: This decision kickstarted a national trend where states realized that regulating booze was harder than just letting folks enjoy a drink. As a result, the nation learned that 'dry' doesnβt mean 'fun'.. Fact: Mississippi once had a law that banned the sale of beer on Sundays, proving that even the Lord might appreciate a cold one after a long week!.
- Headline: Asthma Institute In Denver Aided At Carnation Ball; Awards for Control of Dirty Air Are Given to 3 at Americana. Impact: Little did they know, this ball would inspire a series of air quality initiatives that eventually led to everyone wearing gas masks and calling it fashion. Thank you, pollution!. Fact: Carnation flowers, while lovely, do nothing to improve air quality. But hey, at least they look good on your table while you wheeze!.
- Headline: CAIRO INTENSIFIES ANTI-U.S. ATTACKS; Spokesman Calls Amity With Washington Impossible. Impact: This statement led to an influx of diplomatic memes, proving that humor could be the best way to resolve international conflicts. Who knew laughter could replace diplomacy?. Fact: The phrase 'Amity with Washington' is often considered an oxymoron, like 'jumbo shrimp' or 'military intelligence.'.
- Headline: Hint of Warsaw Pact Split Is Seen in Rumanian Stand; Hint That Rumania May Be Preparing to Quit Warsaw Pact Seen by Officials in U.S.. Impact: This rift foreshadowed the rise of independent countries that would eventually form their own alliances, like the 'Coffee Club of Nations'βbecause who needs politics when you have caffeine?. Fact: Rumania's decision to consider quitting the Warsaw Pact was probably just them trying to get out of a bad relationship. We've all been there!.
- Headline: Bridge:; Five of 7 American Pairs To Play in World Finals. Impact: This sparked a bridge-playing phenomenon that led to the creation of the first-ever professional bridge league, complete with sponsorships from card manufacturers. Who knew playing cards could be so intense?. Fact: In a world of high-stakes poker, bridge players are often overlooked, but they can still throw shade with their card skillsβjust watch out for that sneaky 'pass' bid!.
- Headline: CHURCH TAX RULING IS ASKED OF COURT. Impact: This ruling had a profound influence on the separation of church and state, leading to debates that continue to this day. Spoiler: no one really knows where the line is.. Fact: If you think taxes are confusing, try figuring out the tax status of a church. Itβs like trying to solve a Rubik's cube while blindfolded!.
- Headline: Income of Japanese Rises. Impact: The rise in income sparked a consumer boom that would eventually lead Japan to become a global powerhouse of innovation, all because people wanted nicer things. Ah, the allure of shiny objects!. Fact: The Japanese have mastered the art of turning even the simplest things into something extraordinaryβlike making a vending machine that sells freshly made pancakes. Talk about a breakfast upgrade!.
Wall Street Time Machine
IBM
IBM
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $189,590 today (189.6x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $1,807,152 today (1807.2x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $713,064 today (713.1x return)