OCTOBER 5, 1975

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring the Wonders of Ancient Pyramids. Impact: R Peck’s enthusiastic review of David Macaulay's 'Pyramid' ignited an underground movement of pyramid schemers who thought they could replicate the architectural wonders for their own gain. Spoiler alert: they couldn't.. Fact: Did you know that the Great Pyramid of Giza was originally covered in shiny limestone, making it sparkle like a giant disco ball? Too bad it’s now just a dusty old rock!.
• Headline: Utilities Allegedly Double-Charge Customers. Impact: The alleged double-charging by utilities set off a chain reaction of customer lawsuits that led to the invention of the first 'Utility Bill Decoder', which ultimately became a popular reality TV show. Who knew parsing electricity charges could be so entertaining?. Fact: Did you know that most utility bills are just a fancy way for companies to remind you how much you love watching TV? Well, until the bill arrives, that is..
• Headline: Slow Start for New Funds. Impact: The slow start for computer-managed commodities funds resulted in a national panic that led to people hoarding physical commodities instead. This gave rise to a new black market for Manhattan's finest avocados.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing slower than the public's response to these funds was the computer's processing speed back in the day? It was like watching paint dry... but less colorful..
• Headline: Calculators. Impact: Installing pocket calculators in precision generators led to a breakthrough in math class, where kids finally learned that calculators don’t do your homework for you, but they can help you figure out how much time you have left to procrastinate.. Fact: Did you know that pocket calculators were once considered the pinnacle of technology? Now we have smartphones that can do everything except make a decent cup of coffee. Priorities!.
• Headline: She Has Another Date With the Devil. Impact: Linda Blair’s interview about her career post-'The Exorcist' led to a bizarre series of casting calls where every director suddenly wanted to make horror films about haunted appliances. Thanks a lot, Hollywood.. Fact: Did you know that Linda Blair’s performance in 'The Exorcist' was so iconic that it still causes people to avoid their local priests? Just in case!.
• Headline: Thirteen. Impact: The book 'Thirteen' by Remy Charlip and Jerry Joyner inspired a secret society of numerologists who believe that the number 13 holds the key to unlocking the universe's greatest mysteries, like why we can't find matching socks.. Fact: Did you know that thirteen is considered an unlucky number in some cultures? So, buying a book titled 'Thirteen' might just be the most rebellious thing you can do!.
• Headline: Sports News Briefs. Impact: Ray Hendrick's win at the auto race led to a sudden surge in the popularity of NASCAR and a subsequent explosion of racing-themed reality shows, proving that Americans love fast cars and slow-witted contestants.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing faster than cars in NASCAR is the speed at which rumors spread about who’s dating whom in the pit crew? It’s the real race!.