SEPTEMBER 25, 1968

Full News Archive

• Headline: Wake Island Tanker Crash Tragedy. Impact: The crash led to stricter regulations on military flight protocols, eventually resulting in the invention of the so-called 'crash-proof' military jet, which ironically only exists in the minds of military strategists.. Fact: Despite the tragedy, Wake Island is still a popular vacation spot for fans of irony and those looking to experience a 'crash course' in history..
• Headline: Dubcek's Moscow Visit Canceled Amid Tensions. Impact: Dubcek's visit being canceled gave rise to an underground network of Czech coffee houses where dissenters would gather, leading to the invention of the espresso machine—because nothing says rebellion like a good cup of coffee.. Fact: Dubcek may have missed his chance to negotiate, but at least he wasn't subjected to the awkwardness of small talk in a foreign city..
• Headline: Humphrey Defends Campaign Against Antiwar Hecklers. Impact: Humphrey's comments on anarchists inadvertently inspired a decade of punk rock, with bands believing that heckling politicians was a valid form of musical expression.. Fact: Before calling them 'anarchists,' Humphrey could have just referred to them as 'enthusiastic fans'—a more positive spin on the heckling..
• Headline: Esquirol Made Bishop Coadjutor of Connecticut; Episcopalians Choose Former Lawyer to Succeed Gray Incoming Head of Diocese Will Take Over Post Next Year. Impact: Esquirol's elevation to bishop marked the beginning of the trend where lawyers would take on the role of religious leaders, leading to a confusing amalgamation of legalese in church services.. Fact: Esquirol’s first sermon reportedly included a disclaimer about the terms and conditions of faith..
• Headline: LAIRD REPORTS TROOP CUT PLAN; Campaigning With Nixon, He Foresees 90,000 Reduction -- Officials Voice Doubt LAIRD REPORTS TROOP CUT PLAN. Impact: Laird's troop cut plan led to a series of strategic blunders in Vietnam, ultimately resulting in the invention of the phrase 'misguided military strategy,' which is now a staple in political discussions.. Fact: Laird's plan was so well-received that it inspired a sitcom called 'Troop Reduction,' which, despite its title, was anything but funny..
• Headline: New York Woman Pacifist Is Seized in Moscow; She and British Youth Gave Out Leaflets Scoring Soviet Action in Czechoslovakia. Impact: The seizure of the pacifist in Moscow sparked an unexpected wave of international awareness, inadvertently leading to a generation of activists who believed that making a scene was the best form of protest.. Fact: The woman and her British companion were so shocked by their treatment that they almost started a new trend in protest fashion: 'arrest chic.'.
• Headline: RETURN IS WEIGHED BY CZECH WRITERS. Impact: The discussions among Czech writers about returning home ultimately led to the explosion of the Czech literary scene, with many authors penning bestsellers about their plight—because who doesn’t love a good tragedy in print?. Fact: These writers learned that sometimes the best way to fight for academic freedom is to write about it while sipping overpriced coffee in a trendy café..