OCTOBER 21, 1970

Full News Archive

• Headline: Fabricated Valor: The Forrester Medal Scandal. Impact: This incident sparked a secret society of medal manufacturers who thrived on creating imaginary acts of valor. By the 1980s, they were influencing the Oscars, leading to the rise of award-winning films based on completely fabricated stories. Who knew Hollywood had roots in military fiction?. Fact: Turns out, if you throw enough glitter on a lie, it can still shine bright enough to earn a medal. Just ask Brig Gen Forrester!.
• Headline: Denver Art Heist: Museum Aide Arrested. Impact: Warren's attempt to sell stolen art led to a nationwide shortage of wigs and false mustaches as art thieves took note. This inadvertently inspired a new trend in Halloween costumes during the late 70s, where everyone dressed as 'Art Thief Extraordinaire.'. Fact: Who needs a heist movie when you have real life? But honestly, is there a better way to showcase your love for fine art than trying to sell it under a wig?.
• Headline: US Navy's Carrier Mothballing Plans. Impact: The mothballing of carriers eventually led to a burgeoning industry in naval-themed sleepwear. By the 1990s, everyone wanted to 'sleep like a sailor'—who knew the fate of aircraft carriers would lead to pajama sales?. Fact: Mothballing isn't just for old ships; it's also a great way to preserve those embarrassing high school uniforms. Talk about dual-purpose!.
• Headline: RATIO OF AWARDS TO GENERALS HIGH. Impact: This skewed ratio led to a serious identity crisis among enlisted men, many of whom started wearing fake medals to feel included. This sparked the 'Medal of Honor' fashion trend in the 80s, with everyone trying to outshine each other at parties.. Fact: If you thought participation trophies were a modern invention, think again! The military has been handing out shiny pieces of metal for bravado since forever..
• Headline: ‘Brother Principal’. Impact: The biography of 'Brother Principal' inspired a wave of educational institutions to adopt the 'brother' title for all male teachers, inadvertently creating a generation of students believing they were in a never-ending fraternity. The impact? More beer pong tournaments during study hours.. Fact: This is the only biography that comes with a side of hazing rituals. Remember, education is important, but so is showing your 'brotherly' spirit!.
• Headline: U.S. ASSERTS PRAGUE HOLDS A CHICAGOAN. Impact: The diplomatic faux pas led to an increase in Chicagoans claiming to be from Prague, resulting in a bizarre cultural exchange program that had everyone eating deep-dish pizza topped with sauerkraut. By the 80s, it was a culinary sensation.. Fact: Imagine being arrested for saying something derogatory about a politician. Welcome to the Czech Republic, where you can find yourself in jail for a bad joke!.
• Headline: New England Papers Elect. Impact: C.H. White's presidency inspired a wave of mediocrity in New England journalism, leading to the rise of the 'meh' headline. This practice ultimately resulted in a generation of readers who only read the news for the crossword puzzles.. Fact: Elections in journalism are about as exciting as watching paint dry, but at least there are no awkward debates about who gets to hold the coffee pot..
• Headline: 2 Texans Convicted of Plot To Bomb School Bus Fleet. Impact: The conviction highlighted the dark side of school integration and sparked a decade-long debate on civil rights in America, ultimately leading to more inclusive policies. It was a tragic event that pushed the nation to confront its past and strive for a better future.. Fact: Conspiracy to bomb a school bus? That's one way to make sure your kids never want to ride the bus again. The real crime? Denying kids a proper education..
• Headline: 3 Opposition Groups In Ghana Combined Into a Single Party. Impact: The merging of these opposition groups set off a chain reaction, inspiring political parties worldwide to consider coalition-building. This led to more laughter than governance, as parties struggled to agree on what to have for lunch.. Fact: Sometimes all it takes to create a united front is a shared love for negotiating over lunch menus. Politics, after all, is just another form of catering..
• Headline: PRIVATE MAILING OF SMUT UPHELD. Impact: This ruling opened the floodgates for personal correspondence of an adult nature, leading to the rise of ‘snail mail’ as the go-to method for sharing risqué content. The postal service saw a spike in sales of 'adult-themed' stamps.. Fact: The real victory here? People can now send dirty jokes without fear of legal repercussions. Who knew the First Amendment had such a cheeky side?.