DECEMBER 13, 1973

Full News Archive

• Headline: Le Mans 24-Hour Race Plans Amid Ban. Impact: The Le Mans 24-hour race went ahead, and the energy crisis was promptly forgotten because, you know, who needs sustainable energy when you can have cars going super fast? This reckless decision set off a series of events leading to the rise of gas-guzzling vehicles, which then caused climate change debates in the 21st century. Thanks, Le Mans! You really revved up the planet's temperature.. Fact: Did you know that the 1974 Le Mans still happened? Because nothing says 'let's save energy' like racing cars for 24 hours straight!.
• Headline: Mad Bomber Released After 17 Years. Impact: G. Metesky's release led to an unexpected rise in the popularity of psychological thrillers in cinema. Who knew that a mad bomber turned harmless would inspire a generation of filmmakers? The ripple effects resulted in countless horror films, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase 'based on a true story.'. Fact: Fun fact: Metesky's story inspired so many movies that the horror genre almost renamed itself 'Inspired by Insanity'..
• Headline: Energy Office Mistakenly Limits Gasoline Production. Impact: This fuel regulation error somehow led to the invention of the 'Gas Price Rollercoaster,' which is now a favorite thrill ride for anyone filling up their tank. The chaos unleashed by this blunder taught future oil companies that panic and confusion can be profitable.. Fact: Did you know that this error was so big it made headlines? In a world where oil companies get it right, that would be a real rarity!.
• Headline: CLOSE NIXON TIES EXPECTED BY FORD. Impact: Ford's daily chats with Nixon set the stage for the art of political spin. Future presidents would take notes on how to keep a leash on their predecessors while pretending to be all buddy-buddy. This enabled a future where political backstabbing became a competitive sport.. Fact: Fun fact: This was the beginning of the daily political gossip column. If only we had Twitter back then, it would have been a full-blown reality show..
• Headline: NIXON POPULARITY IS UP, POLL FINDS. Impact: Nixon's climbing approval ratings due to an opera might have inadvertently popularized the concept of 'theater' in politics. Who knew that a little melodrama could make a president seem more palatable? This paved the way for political campaigns to resemble Broadway shows.. Fact: Did you know that Nixon's rise in popularity was thanks to opera? Apparently, a little culture can do wonders for a scandal-ridden presidency!.
• Headline: Dance: ‘The Nutcracker’. Impact: The NYC Ballet's performance of 'The Nutcracker' became an annual tradition that distracted the masses from political turmoil. Who needs to worry about the world when you can enjoy a sugar plum fairy? This event solidified the idea that ballet could save the world, one pirouette at a time.. Fact: Did you know that 'The Nutcracker' has been performed so many times since then that it might as well be the national dance of distraction?.
• Headline: Ervin Says Justice Agency Should Be Independent Unit. Impact: Ervin's push for an independent Justice Department turned out to be a game changer, creating a legacy of 'who's watching the watchers?' that echoes through time. This led to countless investigations, making sure no one in power ever felt too comfortable.. Fact: Fun fact: The idea of an independent Justice Department was so radical that it was like suggesting cats could run for office. Oh wait, that's still a better idea!.