JUNE 27, 1969

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mafia Front Man's Contempt Guilty Plea. Impact: This guilty plea set off a chain reaction of events in organized crime, leading to a sudden increase in the number of 'law-abiding citizens' trying to look like they know a guy who knows a guy. The real winners? Mafia-themed restaurants worldwide.. Fact: Did you know that the Mafia has a great sense of humor? They always say, 'It's not personal, it's just business'—right before they make it personal..
• Headline: Coney Island's Unique Home Beneath Coaster. Impact: The Coney Island roller coaster manager's life took a wild turn, sparking a trend of thrill-seeking jobs. Fast forward a few decades, and you have a world where people willingly pay to be flung through the air at alarming speeds—thank you, Coney Island!. Fact: Did you know that in the 1920s, Coney Island was the place to be? It was like Disneyland, but with more hot dogs and less Mickey Mouse..
• Headline: Airman Acquitted in Threat. Impact: The acquittal led to a bizarre ripple effect where airmen started to think they could threaten politicians without consequences. This eventually contributed to a surge in overzealous security measures at public events—because who doesn’t want to be patted down like a criminal?. Fact: Did you know that Nixon had more threats against him than a reality TV star? And yet, he still managed to dodge them like he dodged questions about Watergate..
• Headline: ENEMY IS POUNDED BUT STILL POURS SHELLS ON BENHET; Foe's Barrage Wounds Five -- South Vietnamese Relief Troops Are Flown In. Impact: The relentless shelling and subsequent injuries led to a dramatic increase in sympathy for South Vietnamese relief efforts. This sympathy would later inspire a host of 'Save Our Troops' bumper stickers—because nothing says 'I care' like a vinyl sticker.. Fact: Did you know that war zones are not great vacation spots? Shocking, I know! But people still seem to flock to them for 'adventure.'.
• Headline: Ground and Air Routes Are Used to Get Supplies to Besieged Camp; U.S.-OWNED STORES IN ARGENTINA BURN. Impact: The burning of supermarkets owned by the Rockefellers created a short-lived panic among grocery store chains, leading to the invention of 'fireproof' shopping carts. They never caught on, but they did make for great discussion at dinner parties.. Fact: Did you know that the Rockefellers have had more ups and downs than a soap opera? From creating a fortune to dealing with supermarket drama, they sure know how to keep it interesting..