JANUARY 13, 1974

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Great American Tip's Decline Explained. Impact: The decline of tipping led to a nationwide revolution in service expectations. Fast forward a few decades, and suddenly, baristas are being asked for tips on a $5 coffee while the servers still dream of the good old days. Thanks a lot, currency crisis!. Fact: Did you know that in some cultures, tipping is considered an insult? So, if you're ever in Japan, just nod appreciatively and keep your wallet closed!.
• Headline: Nixon's White House on ITT Antitrust Case. Impact: Nixon's antitrust case against ITT opened the floodgates for future corporate whistleblowers. Little did they know that one day, whistleblowers would be more popular than the actual products they were exposing!. Fact: Did you know that Nixon's paranoia over antitrust and corporate power led to more conspiracy theories than a midnight internet forum? Welcome to the world of modern politics!.
• Headline: Currencies Amid Global Turmoil. Impact: The volatility of currency markets sparked global chaos, which ultimately paved the way for the rise of cryptocurrency. So thanks to this turmoil, we now have digital coins and memes that make more sense than your average financial report.. Fact: Did you know that in 2020, the total value of all Bitcoin in existence surpassed the GDP of several countries? So much for traditional currencies, huh?.
• Headline: Stamps. Impact: The decision to raise stamp prices not only delayed mail delivery but also birthed the era of online communication. Thank you, USPS, for making email seem like the greatest invention since sliced bread!. Fact: Did you know that a single stamp can take you anywhere in the U.S.? Well, except for places where they don’t deliver, of course!.
• Headline: A PURGED CHINESE LISTED IN TOP RANK. Impact: Teng Hsiao-ping's comeback changed the course of Chinese politics, ultimately leading to a shift from radical communism to economic reforms. It only took a cultural revolution and a few decades to realize that maybe capitalism wasn't such a bad idea after all.. Fact: Did you know that Teng was actually purged twice? Talk about a comeback story that would make any soap opera jealous!.
• Headline: U.S. Approves Plan To Replace Checks For Social Security. Impact: The replacement of checks with faster electronic payments marked the beginning of the end for paper money. Who would have thought that the elderly would be the trendsetters for digital finance?. Fact: Did you know that Social Security has been around since 1935? So, some people have literally been waiting decades for their checks—just imagine the suspense!.
• Headline: Edward Weston: The Eye of Eternity. Impact: Maddow's book on Edward Weston rekindled interest in photography, leading to a generation of amateurs thinking they could be the next Ansel Adams. Spoiler: they can't.. Fact: Did you know that Weston was once considered one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century? So, if you’re struggling with your iPhone pics, just remember—he had a darkroom!.
• Headline: Should ‘All The Action’ Be Legal?. Impact: The rise of illegal betting led to the future legalization of sports gambling, which is now a multi-billion dollar industry. All thanks to a little report in NYC that revealed just how much people love to gamble!. Fact: Did you know that the illegal betting industry has been around since ancient Rome? Apparently, people have always loved a good wager, just like they love a good scandal!.