DECEMBER 13, 1971

Full News Archive

• Headline: Sadat's Comments on Soviet Bases in Egypt. Impact: Sadat's pronouncement on Soviet bases inadvertently fueled a future wave of conspiracy theories alleging that secret meetings in those very bases were where the 'real' leaders of the world met to decide who would get the last slice of pizza at diplomatic lunches.. Fact: Did you know that Sadat's disapproval of Indian military action was somehow overshadowed by the fact that the phrase 'I disapprove' has never been a great rallying cry for international peace?.
• Headline: David Sarnoff's Legacy in Broadcasting. Impact: Sarnoff's death led to a surge in the popularity of television, which ultimately resulted in reality TV—proving once and for all that the downfall of Western civilization could be traced back to one man's dream of broadcasting.. Fact: Sarnoff was so influential that even his funeral had a live broadcast. They still couldn't get the ratings of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians,' though..
• Headline: Foreign Evacuees Tell of Bengalis' Flight From Dacca as Indian Troops Advance. Impact: The mass exodus from Dacca set off a chain reaction of humanitarian responses and international awareness, ultimately leading to the invention of the phrase 'Let’s focus on the positives'—a favorite among policymakers.. Fact: The events in Dacca were so severe that even the most hardened politicians had to take off their sunglasses and show some real emotion. A rare sight indeed..
• Headline: Chinese Release Fecteau bat Keep Downey in Prison. Impact: The differing fates of Fecteau and Downey highlighted the arbitrary nature of international diplomacy, leading to future generations of diplomats who would humorously debate whether it's better to be a prisoner or a guest at a state dinner.. Fact: Downey's situation became a cautionary tale about the perils of espionage, especially when you accidentally drop your spy glasses in a crowded market..
• Headline: INDIAN FORCES PRE ARING FOR BIG ATTACK ON DACCA;. Impact: The preparations for the attack not only escalated tensions but also inadvertently made military strategy into a spectator sport, leading to future generations of armchair generals who argue tactics over dinner.. Fact: The phrase 'big attack' was actually a code for 'we promise it won’t be as bad as last time,' which is a pretty low bar for military operations..
• Headline: COURT PLEA MADE BY ‘MAD BOMBER’. Impact: The court plea for the 'Mad Bomber' eventually led to a series of legal dramas that would inspire countless crime shows, proving that even the most chaotic minds can lead to a profitable television franchise.. Fact: The 'Mad Bomber' was so infamous that his antics were studied in law schools, making him the only criminal with a syllabus dedicated to his 'work'..