NOVEMBER 20, 1972

Full News Archive

• Headline: Surgical Sex Changes in the U.S.. Impact: The acceptance of surgical sex changes in the U.S. led to a ripple effect in societal norms, resulting in the most confusing game of 'Guess Who?' ever played at family reunions. Thanks, 500 brave souls!. Fact: Did you know that the first sex reassignment surgery was performed in 1930? That's right, while some folks were still figuring out how to dress, others were already rewriting the script of their identity..
• Headline: Levitt's Findings on NYC Welfare Productivity. Impact: Levitt's report on welfare workers napping caused an avalanche of productivity apps to emerge in the 21st century. If only those workers had known they were just ahead of the remote work trend!. Fact: Fun fact: The average office worker spends about 28% of their workweek managing email. So, let's be real here, napping might still be more productive!.
• Headline: Tragic Tenement Fire Claims Young Lives. Impact: The tragic loss of three children in a tenement fire prompted stricter safety regulations in housing, forever altering how cities approach fire codes. Sadly, it took a tragedy for someone to notice that children can't be left alone with fire.. Fact: In the 1920s, tenement buildings in NYC were notorious for their lack of safety and sanitation. It's amazing how little things like fire exits and supervision were once considered optional..
• Headline: Daughter's Book Calls Truman Loath to Run in 1944. Impact: Truman's reluctance to run was the butterfly flapping its wings that eventually led to a modern world where politicians claim they’d rather be anywhere else than in office—like at a dentist's appointment.. Fact: Truman actually became president after FDR's death in 1945, which proves that sometimes being 'reluctant' is just a nice way of saying 'I guess I don’t have a choice.'.
• Headline: BRANDT COALITION IS SWEPT BACK IN FOR SECOND TERM. Impact: The Brandt Coalition's re-election solidified the two German states' existence, which eventually inspired a sitcom about the absurdity of family reunions across a divided country. Thanks for the laughs, history!. Fact: The Brandt government was pivotal in Ostpolitik, which basically means they decided to be friends with the East rather than just building more walls. A revolutionary concept!.
• Headline: Nathan M. Ohrbach Dead at 87; Built Stores on ‘Profit in Pennies’. Impact: Ohrbach's 'Profit in Pennies' motto sparked a retail revolution that influenced discount stores worldwide, leading to an ongoing struggle over who can sell socks for the lowest price.. Fact: Ohrbach's stores were iconic for their discount deals, but let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good bargain? The real question is, how many pairs of socks do you need?.
• Headline: M'GOVERN'S AIDES BACK MUSKIE ALLY AS HEAD OF PARTY. Impact: McGovern's aides backing Muskie's ally meant that political maneuvering became an Olympic sport, with more backroom deals than actual votes being cast. Welcome to democracy, folks!. Fact: Political party dynamics can be more confusing than trying to follow a soap opera plot. Just when you think you know who's in charge, someone else is suddenly the star of the show!.
• Headline: Japanese Yacht Still Missing. Impact: The missing Japanese yacht led to increased safety regulations for maritime travel, ultimately resulting in the creation of a reality TV show where contestants race yachts while dodging storms. Thanks for the drama!. Fact: Yachting adventures were once a luxurious pastime for the elite. Now, thanks to reality TV, they can be a source of anxiety for anyone with a fear of water!.
• Headline: ST. LOUIS CHOSEN FOR STUDY OF AIR. Impact: The court ruling on warning motorists of speed traps inadvertently inspired a generation of apps that help drivers avoid tickets, while simultaneously leading to a rise in the phrase, 'Thanks for the heads-up!'. Fact: In the world of law, it’s often easier to get away with warning people than to actually stop them from speeding. Who knew being a good Samaritan could be so controversial?.
• Headline: Judge Backs Motorist Who Warned Speeders..