APRIL 30, 1969

Full News Archive

• Headline: Gift of a Mule to Gov. Nunn. Impact: Had the Poor People's Coalition not given that mule, perhaps Kentucky would have avoided years of spirited debates about whether mules should be the official state animal. Who knew a single gift could lead to such a burden of bureaucracy?. Fact: Did you know that mules are often considered smarter than horses? Clearly, the gift was meant to ensure that the governor had someone to give him sound advice..
• Headline: Greek Writers Stand Against Martial Law. Impact: The bold move by these writers likely inspired future generations to use their pens as weapons, resulting in a literary revolution that would make even the most oppressive regimes consider a career change.. Fact: Interestingly, Greek writers have been rebelling against regimes since the days of Plato. Guess some things just never change, huh?.
• Headline: PHYSICISTS ENTER DEBATE OVER ABM; Plan Opposed and Defended at Session of Society. Impact: This debate over missile defense could have led to a new scientific discipline: 'Defensive Physics.' Imagine college students majoring in how to dodge missiles instead of just throwing them. Progress?. Fact: Fun fact: 'ABM' stands for Anti-Ballistic Missile, but it could also stand for 'A Bunch of Mostly Confused Physicists'—just sayin'!.
• Headline: HICKEL PROPOSES A PAYMENT PLAN ON ALASKA LANDS; Suggests Native Groups Be Granted $500-Million and Township Tracts HICKEL PROPOSES ALASKA LAND PLAN. Impact: This proposal might have paved the way for numerous negotiations about land rights, leading to the popular saying, 'Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day; give a man land and he’ll fight for the next century.'. Fact: Did you know that the $500 million was considered a 'settlement'? Because nothing says 'sorry' like a check!.
• Headline: Senate Backs Nominations Of Three as Postal Officials. Impact: This moment undoubtedly led to the creation of more postal regulations, and thus, the slow, agonizing decline of mail delivery schedules. Cue the dramatic music.. Fact: Did you know that postal officials are often referred to as the 'unsung heroes' of government? Mostly because no one sings about them—ever..
• Headline: A Kremlin Mystery; Weaponless Soviet May Day Parade Is One More Puzzle for Washington. Impact: This peculiar parade may have sparked countless conspiracy theories, leading to a proliferation of 'paranoid historians' obsessed with interpreting the significance of marching in silence. Who needs weapons when you've got a good mystery?. Fact: Did you know that the Soviets often used parades to showcase their military might? This one must have been a real head-scratcher for the West—like bringing a salad to a barbecue!.