OCTOBER 12, 1968

Full News Archive

• Headline: British Doubts Over Rhodesia Negotiations. Impact: If only the British and Rhodesians had decided to embrace their inner optimists, perhaps the entire Southern African landscape would have turned into a peaceful garden of unity and understanding instead of a historical mess. Maybe they'd be sipping tea together now instead of having a history lesson on conflict.. Fact: Despite the pessimism, the British still managed to throw a proper tea party during the negotiations. Because that’s what really matters, right?.
• Headline: Sgt. B Wright's Daring Escape from Captivity. Impact: This daring escape sparked a trend among GIs to take up extreme adventure sports. Who knew that running through jungles could lead to a wave of 'Escape Room' businesses in the 21st century?. Fact: Sgt. B Wright's endurance became a bestseller in the self-help genre. 'How to Escape Your Enemies and Other Life Hacks' was a hit!.
• Headline: Protests at Rutgers Newark Campus Dedication. Impact: The protests at Rutgers Newark sparked a series of similar events across the U.S., leading to the establishment of 'Protest Studies' as a recognized major. Who knew standing outside with signs could lead to a degree?. Fact: Students for Dem Soc picked the perfect time to protest—right when most people were looking for a reason to skip class. Talk about timing!.
• Headline: Hundreds Dead as Ferry Sinks in the Philippines. Impact: The tragedy of the ferry sinking led to stricter safety regulations worldwide, but it also inspired a series of horror movies featuring shark-infested waters. Because nothing says 'let's remember this tragedy' like a summer blockbuster.. Fact: The ferry was so overloaded, it could have applied for a Guinness World Record in 'Most Passengers Crammed into a Vessel.' Spoiler: they didn't win..
• Headline: Nuclear Treaty Put Off by Democrats in Senate; They Act Despite Johnson's Plea for Its Approval -- He May Call Special Session. Impact: The postponement of the nuclear treaty led to many countries developing their own nuclear capabilities, resulting in a global game of 'My Bomb is Bigger Than Yours.' Who knew international relations could turn into a middle school playground?. Fact: Johnson’s pleas were so heartfelt that even his dog started a petition for peace. Too bad it didn't have enough signatures..
• Headline: U.N. Doubts It Can Ever Pay Peace-Keeping Debts. Impact: The UN's inability to pay its peacekeeping debts led to a massive increase in freelance peacekeepers, which inadvertently started a new trend in the gig economy. 'Peacekeeping: Now Hiring!' became a common job ad.. Fact: The UN's debt situation was so dire that they considered offering 'peacekeeping credits' in the form of IOUs. Because nothing says trust like a handwritten note..
• Headline: 2 VIETCONG AIDES ARRIVE IN FRANCE; Plan an Information Office -- Say War Is 'Going Well'. Impact: The arrival of Vietcong aides in France prompted a bizarre cultural exchange, leading to French-inspired cooking classes for Vietnamese soldiers. 'How to Make Baguettes While Waging War' became a bestseller.. Fact: The Vietcong were so confident about their war status that they considered a sequel to 'War is Good' called 'War is Gourmet.'.
• Headline: M'CARTHY'S NAME ON STATE BALLOT; Fight Dropped to Bar Him -- Rockefeller Is Behind Move, Democrats Say McCarthy's Name Is on Ballot As State Abandons Its Appeal. Impact: McCarthy's name on the ballot surprisingly sparked a new wave of political engagement, leading to an explosion of independent candidates trying to capitalize on the confusion. Because nothing says democracy like a crowded ballot.. Fact: Rockefeller's support for McCarthy was so unexpected that political analysts suggested it was the kind of plot twist usually reserved for soap operas. Stay tuned for next season!.
• Headline: NATO ATOM ROLE OF BRITAIN GROWS; New Link to West Germany Said to Outflank de Gaulle. Impact: Britain’s growing role in NATO sparked a competitive arms race in Europe, leading to a series of awkward family dinners where nations argued over who had the coolest nuclear capabilities.. Fact: De Gaulle's face when he found out about Britain's new role was priceless, probably somewhere between ‘you've got to be kidding me’ and ‘this is the worst family reunion ever.’.