DECEMBER 20, 1967

Full News Archive

• Headline: Record Harvests Achieved in 1967. Impact: After this bumper harvest, corn became the unsung hero of the 70s, leading to a corn syrup revolution that would sweeten your soda, make your teeth rot, and create a nation of people who can't pronounce 'quinoa'.. Fact: Did you know that corn is technically a grass? So next time you're munching on those corn chips, just remember: you're basically eating a salad..
• Headline: Novotny's Struggle Against Political Ouster. Impact: Novotny's desperate cling to power led to a series of unfortunate events that made Czechoslovakia the backdrop for one of the most dramatic soap operas in history—'As the Iron Curtain Turns'.. Fact: Did you know that Brezhnev had a pet dog named 'Pavlik'? Because nothing says 'political power' like a man and his dog plotting your downfall..
• Headline: U.S. Agencies Halt Covert Research Funding. Impact: The decision to halt secret research funding created a ripple effect causing future government projects to be conducted with slightly more transparency... or at least as transparent as a brick wall.. Fact: Did you know that Project Camelot was actually named after the King Arthur legend? Because nothing says 'covert operation' like a medieval fantasy..
• Headline: Danang's Ex-Mayor Goes ON Trial in 1966 Rebellion. Impact: The trial of the ex-mayor turned into a circus that inspired a new genre of courtroom dramas, leading to a wave of 'ripped-from-the-headlines' shows that made everyone forget the real trials of life.. Fact: Did you know that Nguyen Van Man later became a folk hero in Vietnam? Because apparently, being on trial can really boost your street cred..
• Headline: Rumania and Israel Map Joint Plants; Rumania and Israel Will Set Up Joint Factories. Impact: This pact led to the rise of joint factories, where workers learned to appreciate the sound of unity, even if it was just machinery and the occasional yelling in different languages.. Fact: Did you know that the reciprocal service pact was actually a thinly veiled excuse for Romania to borrow some of Israel's hummus recipes?.
• Headline: 3 Candidates Expected. Impact: The potential candidacies turned out to be more about who could give the best soundbite than actual governance. Spoiler: it was all just a precursor to more debates about nothing.. Fact: Did you know that political candidates are like vending machines? You keep putting in your coins and getting nothing of value in return..
• Headline: U.S. EASES CURBS ON PILOTS IN NORTH; Restrictions on Flying Near Hanoi and China Relaxed --2 MIG's Are Downed. Impact: The easing of flying restrictions had unintended consequences, leading to a generation of pilots who believed they could take any route they wanted—like the rebellious teens of the sky.. Fact: Did you know that after this, many pilots started to believe they were in a real-life video game? Spoiler alert: they weren't..
• Headline: Holt's Friend Hurt in Crash. Impact: The crash led to a sudden surge in safety regulations for cars, ultimately making your average vehicle safer than a bubble-wrapped hamster.. Fact: Did you know that Stewart's crash resulted in more airbag patents than there are actual airbags in cars today? Talk about overkill..
• Headline: 14SCHOLARS WARN A VIETNAM DEFEAT MEANS BIGGER WAR; American 'Moderates' Say a Red Victory Would Spur Revolutionary Activity. Impact: This warning from scholars sent shockwaves through policy circles, leading to a series of poorly thought-out interventions that would put the term 'mission creep' on the map.. Fact: Did you know that these scholars were often mistaken for fortune tellers? Because their predictions were about as accurate as a weather forecast..