MAY 21, 1966

Full News Archive

• Headline: Eclipse Confuses Nimbus Satellite Photos. Impact: The NIMBUS satellite's temporary confusion during the eclipse led to a newfound fascination with night photography, inspiring generations of amateur astronomers and leading to a spike in late-night taco truck sales, as people stayed up to marvel at the stars. Fact: Did you know that the NIMBUS satellite had more 'oops' moments than a toddler with a crayon? At least it was good for some night vision while the scientists scratched their heads.
• Headline: CIA Accusations Against Michigan State Project. Impact: The CIA's involvement in a sociological project in India kicked off a decades-long mistrust between nations that made every international conference feel like a high-stakes poker game where nobody knows the rules. Fact: Did you know that the CIA's favorite game is 'Hide and Seek'? Spoiler alert: they're usually hiding in plain sight while you look for the snacks.
• Headline: Johnson Urges Cleaner Water; Praises Udall on Conservation. Impact: Johnson's push for cleaner water became a catalyst for environmental movements worldwide, leading to the invention of the reusable water bottle and a bizarre obsession with 'natural' flavors in bottled water. Fact: Did you know that before Johnson, the only 'clean water' people cared about was the kind you needed to make a good cup of coffee? Priorities, people!.
• Headline: Two Sworn to Youth Board. Impact: The swearing-in of S Weber and A J D'Angelo to the Youth Board marked the beginning of a long tradition of appointing people to boards who have no real idea what they're doing, paving the way for future generations of 'youth engagement' that mostly involves free pizza. Fact: Did you know that 'Youth Board' is actually code for 'let's pretend to care about what young people think while we keep doing what we want'?.
• Headline: WARREN GIVES RYAN ASSURANCE ON TALK. Impact: Warren's assurance to Repr Ryan about jury reform bills sparked a flurry of legislative debates, culminating in the establishment of a new committee that met so often, they became known as the 'Committee of Endless Discussions.'. Fact: Did you know that 'assurance' in politics often means 'I promise to say things that sound good but will probably lead to a year of circular arguments?'.
• Headline: Soviet Overrules Its Scientists, Bars U.S. Research Ship's Visit; Soviet Overrules Its Scientists, Bars U.S. Research Ship's Visit. Impact: The Soviet government's decision to bar the U.S. research ship from visiting caused a rift in scientific collaboration that lasted decades, leading to a shortage of good vodka and bad puns about oceanography. Fact: Did you know that the Soviets once considered renaming the ocean to 'No U.S. Allowed' as a protest? They were very creative with their naming conventions.
• Headline: Ginsberg Asks Court to Cut Or Cancel 5-Year Jail Term. Impact: Ginsberg's plea to cut his jail term set a precedent for future legal battles where defendants would realize that sometimes, asking nicely can lead to unexpected leniency, especially if you bring cookies to court. Fact: Fun fact: Ginsberg's courtroom strategy was so avant-garde, it inspired a whole genre of legal dramas where the lawyer is just as confused as the defendant.
• Headline: CAMPUSES LIKE U.S. PLAYS BEST; Survey Shows the Top 20 Productions by Colleges. Impact: The survey showing campuses' preference for U.S. plays led to a cultural revolution in college theater, ultimately producing a generation of playwrights who still haven’t learned to write a decent ending. Fact: Did you know that the top 20 college plays included 'How to Avoid Real Life and Live in a Dorm'? It was a runaway hit!.