Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON August 3, 1966
Full News Archive
- Headline: USN Band Air Crash Insurance Voted. Impact: In a twist of fate, the decision to provide air crash insurance led to the emergence of an entire industry dedicated to insuring everything from your grandma's antique chair to your pet goldfish's therapy sessions. Who knew a plane crash could spark such a mundane business boom?. Fact: The amount paid out to the estates was about the price of a mid-range sedan today. So, if you’re ever in a tight spot, remember: insurance is great, unless you need it for a car, then good luck..
- Headline: Honoring Anti-Apartheid Leader H Suzman. Impact: Suzman's honor by the Jewish group created a ripple effect that eventually inspired global movements against apartheid and other forms of discrimination, proving that standing up for what’s right can catch on like a viral dance challenge.. Fact: You might not know this, but Suzman was often called 'the lone voice in the wilderness'. If only she had a megaphone, she might have gotten a little more attention!.
- Headline: Senators Seek Joint Plan To End the Airline Strike; SENATORS SEEKING AIR STRIKE PLAN. Impact: The senators' efforts to address the airline strike became a template for future labor negotiations, solidifying the idea that when things go wrong, politicians will try to look like they’re doing something—while actually achieving nothing.. Fact: The phrase 'airline strike' has a nice ring to it—like a band name that never quite made it. 'The Airline Strikes' could have been a great 70s rock band!.
- Headline: COUNCILMEN SEEK $2,000 YEARLY RISE IN EXPENSE FUNDS; 20 Democrats, in Caucus, Draw Up Plan Mayor Said to Support It COUNCILMEN SEEK RISE IN EXPENSES. Impact: The councilmen’s expense rise plan set a precedent for public officials to think they are entitled to ever-increasing allowances, leading to a future where politicians might start charging for bathroom breaks.. Fact: In the grand scheme of things, $2,000 a year sounds like a promotion from 'barely scraping by' to 'living large'—at least in councilman terms!.
- Headline: Air Pact Rejection Is Called Setback to All Unions. Impact: The rejection of the air pact by the IAM became a rallying point for unions everywhere, showcasing that sometimes, a setback is merely a dramatic pause before a grand comeback—like a bad sequel nobody asked for.. Fact: Labor leaders probably still have nightmares about this rejection. You know it's bad when even the unions start looking for therapy options..
- Headline: C.I.A. Expert Reports Theft of $19,000 in Gems. Impact: The theft of gems by CIA agents highlighted the absurdity of intelligence work—who knew spies had such a flair for the dramatic? This event eventually led to a series of heist movies that glamorized crime and espionage.. Fact: Losing $19,000 in gems probably felt like dropping your entire life savings down a storm drain. Let's just say those CIA agents weren't exactly stellar at keeping track of their valuables!.
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)