JANUARY 15, 1977

Full News Archive

• Headline: Smith Declares Rhodesia Talks Ineffective. Impact: Smith's declaration of dead talks led to an unofficial international game of tug-of-war, with countries taking sides in the Rhodesian conflict. Coincidentally, this prompted a sudden surge in the sale of rubber duckies for protest, as they became the unofficial mascot of dead negotiations.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'dead duck' was never meant to refer to negotiations? It originally described a very confused duck that was just tired of the whole situation..
• Headline: Trailblazer in Dentistry: Dr. Mary Jane Watkins. Impact: Dr. Mary Jane Watkins became the dentist who inspired a generation of children to fear the dentist even more, leading to an increase in candy consumption and a nationwide dental crisis. Thanks, Dr. Watkins!. Fact: Did you know that the average person will spend 38 days brushing their teeth over a lifetime? That's a lot of time to think about how much they don't want to visit a dentist..
• Headline: A National Health Insurance Proposal. Impact: The national health insurance proposal was the beginning of a contentious debate that led to the invention of the phrase 'healthcare is a right' which, ironically, became a popular slogan among people who couldn't afford health insurance.. Fact: Did you know that 'health insurance' in the 70s was considered a luxury? Now, it’s about as common as finding a unicorn in your backyard..
• Headline: NEWARK IS WARNED ON BUSINESS TAX RISE. Impact: Newark's warning about business tax rises resulted in businesses developing a sixth sense for tax hikes, allowing them to relocate to other cities faster than you can say 'tax evasion'.. Fact: Did you know that businesses often threaten to leave when taxes rise? It’s like a toddler throwing a tantrum but with more spreadsheets..
• Headline: Calling Into Question Mrs. Gandhi's Economic Achievements. Impact: The questioning of Mrs. Gandhi's economic achievements sparked a series of debates that led to an annual 'Who Can Critique the Government Better?' contest among economists. Spoiler: they all lost.. Fact: Did you know that economists can sometimes be as accurate as a weather forecast? Lots of talk and very little predictability!.
• Headline: Bridge:. Impact: Lou Gurvich’s bridge discussion panel turned into a secret society of card sharks who swore they were just playing for fun, while actually betting their retirement savings on a hand of hearts.. Fact: Did you know that contract bridge has more rules than the average family gathering? It’s a game of strategy, deceit, and occasionally, family feuds..