OCTOBER 30, 1968

Full News Archive

• Headline: Hanoi's Strategic Delay Tactics in Negotiations. Impact: If Hanoi had just replied promptly, the U.S. might have pulled out of Vietnam sooner, leading to a 70s disco scene that might have been less influenced by crisis and more by bell bottoms. Imagine a world where 'Stayin' Alive' was just another Saturday night tune without the backdrop of war!. Fact: The phrase 'delayed response' didn't just apply to Hanoi; it became a defining feature of many relationships in the decades to come..
• Headline: Greece Releases 85 Political Prisoners. Impact: Releasing prisoners in Greece sparked a trend of governments trying to appear benevolent right before elections; it’s like a ‘get out of jail free’ card but for politicians! This practice would later be adopted by leaders worldwide, but with far less success in actually winning hearts.. Fact: The term 'political prisoner' became so popular that even regular prisoners started asking for it as a title on their resumes..
• Headline: Lindsay Orders Rent Inquiry in NYC. Impact: Mayor Lindsay's inquiry into rent increases probably made landlords reconsider their life choices, leading to more strategic price hikes that would haunt tenants for decades. Thanks to this inquiry, many a New Yorker learned how to live with roommates in increasingly creative ways.. Fact: In 1970s New York, 'roommate' was just another word for 'person you share your rent with while pretending you’re not slowly losing your sanity.'.
• Headline: The New Jersey Attacks in DMZ. Impact: The New Jersey attacks in the DMZ could have triggered a new trend in militarized state slogans—'The Garden State: Where We Bomb From Both Coasts!' Who knew that a state known for tomatoes could also be associated with aerial assaults?. Fact: New Jersey is still trying to shake off that reputation; these days, it's mostly known for its diners and not its airstrikes..
• Headline: How Spies Stole Allied Missile and Sent It to Soviet; How Spies Stole Allied Missile and Sent It to Soviet. Impact: The theft of the missile by spies sparked a series of unfortunate events that led to a heightened sense of paranoia in military circles. This paved the way for the birth of conspiracy theories that would later thrive on the internet, leading to the 'missile-finding' division of YouTube.. Fact: Spies stealing missiles became a classic trope, inspiring countless action movies—just when you thought you were safe with your popcorn, the real-life implications hit harder than any missile..
• Headline: They Apparently Discuss Military Situation and Peace Talks in Paris; ABRAMS FLIES IN TO SEE JOHNSON. Impact: Abrams flying in to discuss the military situation probably set off a chain of events that turned many more flights into secret missions, making commercial airlines wonder if they should start charging extra for spy-themed flights. 'Fly the Friendly Skies—Unless You’re Involved in a Secret War!'. Fact: The phrase 'military meeting' now comes with a disclaimer: 'No, this is not an episode of 24.'.
• Headline: 2 Groups Back Humphrey. Impact: The backing of Humphrey by these groups may have sparked the idea of political endorsements that led to the modern spectacle of celebrity endorsements we see today—just imagine your favorite pop star telling you to vote!. Fact: If only we knew then what we know now—maybe Humphrey could have had a TikTok dance to boost his campaign!.
• Headline: Art: 2 Major Exhibitions Are Opening Here Today; 11 Centuries Spanned by Cloisters Show Wildenstein's Display to Aid Excavations. Impact: The art exhibitions opening on this day may have inadvertently led to a nationwide appreciation for art that would spark countless Instagram accounts dedicated to overpriced coffee and museum selfies. Thanks a lot, Cloisters!. Fact: The term 'visual splendor' was later used to describe many a questionable fashion choice in the decades that followed..
• Headline: Rexall Drug Elects. Impact: Rexall Drug's election of new directors might have set a precedent for corporate governance that led to a wave of directors who could barely find their way around a pharmacy. Ah, good times!. Fact: The phrase 'I’m just here for the snacks' was first coined at a Rexall board meeting..
• Headline: Indictment of Yippie Leader By Chicago Jury Reported. Impact: The indictment of a Yippie leader might have been the catalyst for future youth movements, leading to decades of protests and counterculture that had more slogans than effective strategies. 'Fight the Power' became the new high school graduation motto.. Fact: Yippies were the original hipsters—just with more tie-dye and less avocado toast..