JUNE 18, 1974

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Impact of Lawrence Wendell Bottoms. Impact: Lawrence Wendell Bottoms' leadership inspired an entire generation of Presbyterian leaders who believed that wearing a bowtie was a divine calling. Bowtie sales skyrocketed, and thus began the Great Bowtie Renaissance of the late 20th century.. Fact: Fun fact: If you rearranged the letters in 'Lawrence Wendell Bottoms,' you can get 'Bowl Lenders Contempt,' which is basically what everyone felt about church potlucks..
• Headline: Kalmbach Sentenced for Illegal Fundraising. Impact: Kalmbach's sentencing sparked a nationwide trend in 'embarrassed apologies' that included everything from public figures to household pets. The phrase 'I'm deeply embarrassed' became the go-to excuse for bad karaoke performances.. Fact: Herbert W. Kalmbach was once a legal advisor to the Nixon administration. So, if you thought the White House was a circus, he was probably the ringmaster!.
• Headline: Ceremony in Damascus Marks Renewal of U. S.‐Syrian Ties. Impact: The symbolic raising of the U.S. flag in Syria led to a peculiar historical chain reaction, resulting in a series of awkward diplomatic events where both nations tried to one-up each other with increasingly ridiculous gestures.. Fact: Did you know that before the U.S. flag was raised in Syria, it was rumored to have been used as a towel at a diplomatic beach party? Just kidding... or am I?.
• Headline: U.S. Panel Delays Firecracker Ban Until After July. Impact: The decision to delay the firecracker ban until after July 4th resulted in a shocking increase in firework-related injuries. This led to the establishment of dedicated firework hospitals, forever changing the landscape of emergency medicine.. Fact: Firecrackers are the only legal tool that lets you experience a mini war zone from the comfort of your backyard. Just remember to keep the pets and your sanity indoors!.
• Headline: Washington Post Far Off But Melody Lingers On. Impact: The Washington Post March being played in Jordan marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition where political leaders inadvertently used marching bands to distract from their less-than-stellar approval ratings.. Fact: It's funny how a march composed in 1889 is still more relevant than some political opinions today. Sousa could probably run for office and win simply by playing his own music!.
• Headline: Senate Bill Asks Federal Action To Protect Condominium Buyers. Impact: Biden's bill to protect condo buyers resulted in a surge of consumer rights organizations popping up everywhere, which eventually led to the rise of a new reality TV genre: 'Condo Wars.'. Fact: Senator Biden, known for his consumer advocacy, once tried to trademark the phrase 'Buyer Beware' but was told it was already taken by every used car lot in America..
• Headline: St. Joe's Lead Price Up. Impact: The price increase of lead by St. Joe Minerals Corp set off a bizarre chain reaction of price hikes in other commodities, leading to a ‘Lead Crisis’ that had people hoarding pencils and fishing weights as if they were gold.. Fact: Lead was once a popular material for making pipes. Fun fact: It’s also been a popular substance for ruining children's health for decades. Thanks, St. Joe!.
• Headline: Plan for 200‐Mile Fishing Limit Angering U.S. Tuna Fleet Men. Impact: The U.S. tuna fleet’s outrage over fishing limits inspired a series of protest songs that became anthems for fishermen everywhere, leading to an unexpected rise in fish-themed musicals.. Fact: The tuna fleet's anger was so intense that it inspired a new genre of maritime rock music called 'Tuna Tunes.' You can’t make this stuff up!.
• Headline: Bomb in London Damages Oldest Hall of Parliament. Impact: The bombing that damaged the oldest hall of Parliament symbolized the beginning of a long, tragic saga of art restoration that made people wonder if maybe, just maybe, they should invest in better security.. Fact: The painting 'Adoration of Magi' survived countless centuries, only to be scratched by some misguided IRA members. Talk about bad timing!.