JANUARY 22, 1971

Full News Archive

• Headline: National Mood: Concern but Not Despair. Impact: This collective mood of concern led to a national obsession with self-help books in the 80s, causing a spike in people wearing headbands and practicing yoga in the park. Who knew anxiety could be so fashionable?. Fact: In the 70s, people thought wearing bell bottoms would solve their problems. Spoiler alert: they didn't..
• Headline: Truffaut's Romantic Comedy 'Bed and Board'. Impact: This delightful romantic comedy sparked a chain reaction of bad romantic comedies in Hollywood, leading to the existence of countless cringe-worthy films that we still cringe at today. Thanks, Truffaut!. Fact: Truffaut once said, 'A film is like a battle.' But honestly, have you seen the romantic comedies of the 2000s? More like a massacre..
• Headline: Leaders Unite to Control Wage-Price Spiral. Impact: This initiative led to a nationwide trend of endless meetings where people discussed pay and prices while avoiding the real issues, like why the coffee machine was always broken. The cycle of bureaucracy was born!. Fact: Nixon’s requests for stability were often met with confusion as no one knew how to stabilize a system that was already wobbling like a baby giraffe on roller skates..
• Headline: SUSPENSIONS STIR WALKOUT IN H.R.A.. Impact: The walkout led to a plethora of labor disputes, resulting in an entire generation of workers who became experts in the art of complaining, thus giving rise to HR departments everywhere. Bravo, H.R.A.!. Fact: Labor unions have a history of dramatic walkouts, but none quite as theatrical as a group of workers staging a sit-in over the office coffee supply..
• Headline: Comment by Segal. Impact: Segal's comments were so riveting that they inspired an entire generation of armchair critics, leading to the birth of online comments sections filled with unsolicited opinions. Thanks a lot, Segal!. Fact: The phrase 'I have a comment' now triggers a collective groan in every meeting worldwide..
• Headline: TRUMAN IS FACING TESTS IN HOSPITAL. Impact: Truman's hospital visit sparked a national conversation about healthcare, ultimately leading to policies that would create the Medicare system. So, thanks for the abdominal pains, Harry!. Fact: Truman was the first president to propose a national health insurance plan, which is still a hot topic of debate today—some things never change!.
• Headline: Class 4‐4: An Occasion for Sadness. Impact: The high turnover rates at PS 198 led to new policies about student retention that would one day bore teachers everywhere, while also inadvertently inspiring 'The Breakfast Club'—a movie that’s really about the struggles of fitting in.. Fact: Schools have been trying to reduce turnover since the dawn of time, but it turns out that making kids stay put is not as easy as it sounds..
• Headline: KENNEDY OUSTED AS WHIP;. Impact: Kennedy’s ousting sent shockwaves through political circles, leading to the rise of more colorful political nicknames that would forever confuse historians and comedians alike. The more things change, the more they stay the same!. Fact: Being ousted from political positions often leads to lucrative careers as cable news pundits. So, maybe it’s not all bad?.
• Headline: EYE‐FILLING SHOW OF ANTIQUES OPENS. Impact: The Winter Antiques Show inspired an entire generation of hipsters who would go on to insist that flipping through dusty old items was a revolutionary art form. Vintage is the new black!. Fact: Antique shows are basically time travel for the indecisive, as you wonder whether you really need that 18th-century chair that smells like mothballs..
• Headline: Arrested for Threat to Nixon. Impact: D.L. Patt's arrest highlighted the tensions of the era, ultimately leading to increased Secret Service security measures that would forever change how presidents are protected. Talk about a slippery slope!. Fact: Threatening a president is generally frowned upon, but it sure does lead to some interesting headlines and extra security measures. Just don’t try it at home!.