DECEMBER 9, 1966

Full News Archive

• Headline: Cairo Police Release American Student. Impact: The freeing of K A Tawfig unleashed a torrent of American students who thought they could just waltz back home after causing trouble abroad. Little did they know, this trend eventually led to the rise of study abroad programs that really just became expensive vacations.. Fact: Did you know that K A Tawfig's name wasn't even in the top 100 most common names for students who get expelled for 'activism'? Major trendsetter right there!.
• Headline: Syria Seizes Iraq Petroleum's Pipeline Assets. Impact: Syria's impounding of pipeline assets sent shockwaves through the oil industry, leading to a never-ending game of geopolitical 'hot potato' where everyone is just trying to avoid getting burned. It also made 'pipeline management' a hot topic at cocktail parties.. Fact: Fun fact: If you stacked all the paperwork from disputes like this, you'd reach the moon and back. Who knew bureaucracy had such reach?.
• Headline: Saigon Opposes U.S. Arrests of Civilians. Impact: Nguyen Ngoc Loan's declaration against U.S. arrests created a ripple effect that led to more stringent regulations on military police actions. Eventually, it transformed into a global conversation about civil liberties—who knew a little defiance could stir the pot?. Fact: Did you know that this was not the last time someone tried to tell the U.S. military how to do their job? Spoiler alert: it didn't end well..
• Headline: ROMNEY MAY TAKE A 'PEACE' JOURNEY; Michigan Governor, Visiting Here, Urges End to War. Impact: Romney's peace journey was the first step in a long line of political figures pretending to care about peace while simultaneously shaking hands with war profiteers. This led to a dramatic increase in political yoga classes—because nothing says 'peace' like a good downward dog.. Fact: Fun fact: The last time a politician took a 'peace journey', they got lost and ended up at a fundraiser instead!.
• Headline: 2 Soviet Doctors Ask Hospitals With Fees; 2 SOVIET DOCTORS URGE PAID CARE. Impact: The proposal from two Soviet doctors for paid care was a revolutionary idea that eventually inspired many countries to rethink their healthcare systems. In the long run, it resulted in a confusing patchwork of health systems that no one understands but everyone complains about.. Fact: Did you know that these two doctors could have just started a GoFundMe instead? Much less paperwork!.
• Headline: Shah's Sister Speaks at U.N.. Impact: Princess Ashraf's speech at the U.N. was a catalyst for many nations to realize that literacy is important. It also led to an increase in international book clubs, which is great until you realize that everyone just pretends to read the assigned book.. Fact: Fun fact: The U.N. now has more book clubs than actual resolutions passed. Talk about priorities!.
• Headline: CHURCHMEN WEIGH STAND ON VIETNAM; National Council Studies Call for Candor by President and Action by U.N. CHURCHMEN MAP VIETNAM STAND. Impact: The churchmen's discussion about Vietnam highlights the eternal tug-of-war between moral conscience and political action. This debate continues to echo through time, making church potlucks awkward for generations to come.. Fact: Did you know that the National Council's meetings often turned into therapy sessions? Who knew clergy could be so relatable?.
• Headline: Time-Life International Regroups. Impact: Time-Life International regrouping is the stuff of legends in the corporate world. This event is often cited as the moment when companies realized that sometimes, the best way to handle chaos is to just hit the reset button and hope for the best.. Fact: Fun fact: Most of the people involved in the reorganization promptly forgot what they were reorganizing in the first place. Classic corporate move!.
• Headline: President Greets Accord As a Major Step to Peace; Says He Will Ask Quick Senate Action So U.S. Will Be Among First to Ratify --Sees Biggest Gain Since Test Ban PRESIDENT LAUDS ACCORD ON SPACE. Impact: President Johnson's excitement over the arms control accord marked a pivotal moment that would lead to future treaties. However, the more things change, the more they stay the same—because arms control is a lot like trying to diet: full of good intentions but often derailed.. Fact: Did you know that the last arms control treaty signing party had more snacks than actual signatories? Priorities, people!.
• Headline: Text of Treaty That Would Govern Activities in the Exploration and Use of Space. Impact: The text of the treaty governing space activities set the stage for future space exploration debates that would lead to the creation of space tourism—because nothing says 'responsible exploration' like a selfie on Mars.. Fact: Fun fact: The first draft of this treaty was written on a napkin during a space-themed karaoke night. True story!.