MAY 16, 1976

Full News Archive

• Headline: BIG EAR OR BIG BROTHER?. Impact: This little probe into the NSA led to the invention of the phrase 'Big Brother is watching you,' which ironically became popular enough to ensure the NSA's surveillance techniques ended up in a dystopian novel instead of the history books. Thanks, Orwell!. Fact: Did you know that the NSA's official motto is 'Collect it all'? I'm sure that’s just for fun and not an actual mission statement..
• Headline: Elocutionist Triumphs at Preakness Stakes. Impact: Elocutionist’s victory sparked a trend of horse names that sound like they belong in a Shakespearean play. Next thing you know, we have horses named 'To Be or Not to Be' and 'The Taming of the Shrew'.. Fact: Did you know that horses can't actually articulate their thoughts? If they could, Elocutionist might be asking for a better trainer..
• Headline: NYC's 1975 Strategy for Corporations. Impact: This call for lower taxes resulted in a series of government meetings that ultimately taught city officials the fine art of giving lip service while doing absolutely nothing. Bravo!. Fact: Did you know that 'better government' is often just a euphemism for 'we're working on it'? Spoiler alert: they’re not..
• Headline: China Sets Up Network To Speed Communication. Impact: This telecommunications upgrade was the first step in China’s plan to dominate the global internet, leading to a digital age where cat videos are shared faster than a speeding bullet. Take that, dial-up!. Fact: Did you know that microwave technology was first developed for cooking food? Now it's cooking up a storm in global communications!.
• Headline: Doubts on Africa. Impact: Kissinger's attempts at African diplomacy resulted in a longstanding legacy of skepticism about US intentions, ultimately leading to a more cautious approach by future administrations. Because who doesn’t love a little doubt?. Fact: Did you know that Kissinger’s 'African solution' was just a fancy way of saying 'we're all out of ideas'?.
• Headline: Nagaland Said to Release All Its Guerrilla Prisoners. Impact: The release of these prisoners initiated a fragile peace process that would be referenced in every political science class for decades. It’s almost like they were trying to write the next chapter of ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’.. Fact: Did you know that peace treaties are often like bad relationships? If they’re not handled well, they can fall apart just as quickly!.
• Headline: Motive Unclear in Paris Bank Slaying. Impact: This murder case led to an increase in paranoia in Paris, which ironically spurred a boom in detective novels and films set in the City of Lights. Who knew crime could be so profitable?. Fact: Did you know that Paris is known as the city of love, but it seems to have a side hustle in crime? Romance and murder, the perfect duo!.
• Headline: Chaw On. Impact: The rise in chewing tobacco sales somehow led to an increase in 'spitting contests' in backyards across America. A true testament to American ingenuity!. Fact: Did you know that chewing tobacco sales are often linked to sporting events? Because nothing says 'I love sports' like chewing on a wad of tobacco..