FEBRUARY 3, 1977

Full News Archive

• Headline: Trenton Topics: Printing Contracts Controversy. Impact: Due to this printing contract kerfuffle, New Jersey's unemployment skyrocketed for a brief period, leading to an unexpected surge in aspiring graphic designers who mistakenly thought they could break into the industry with Comic Sans.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Stale' is just how some people describe New Jersey's economy, but it turns out it was also the name of an actual state printing contract!.
• Headline: Young's Strategic Meeting in London. Impact: Young's meeting with British experts on Rhodesia might have inadvertently inspired an entirely fictional spy novel where tea and crumpets are replaced with espionage and betrayal. Spoiler alert: Everyone still loves tea.. Fact: Did you know that Rhodesia is now Zimbabwe? Young might have been discussing the future of a country while sipping Earl Grey. Talk about multitasking!.
• Headline: Exploring Liv Ullmann's Literary Impact. Impact: Liv Ullmann's book review influenced thousands to pick up literature, leading to a global spike in bookstore sales and an unforeseen rise in hipster beards as everyone suddenly wanted to be a 'literary person.'. Fact: Changing is a book title that perfectly captures the essence of every millennial's life decision. Spoiler: It's usually about changing jobs or relationships. Who needs stability?.
• Headline: S.E.C. Charges Indonesia Oil Chief In Shakedown of Big U.S. Concerns. Impact: This shakedown set off a chain reaction of corporate espionage, leading to an underground market for NYC restaurant menus and secret recipes. Rumor has it the best-kept secret was just how to make ramen taste like an overpriced gourmet dish.. Fact: Maj Gen Ibnu Sutowo could have just opened a food truck instead of shakedowning. But alas, who has time for tacos when you can shake down corporations for a fancy restaurant?.
• Headline: JOHNSON SECURITY ADVISER CHOSEN ARMY SECRETARY. Impact: The appointment of Walter Slocombe as Army Secretary prompted an avalanche of military discussions that eventually led to the creation of a new line of action figures—because nothing screams 'serious politics' like plastic soldiers.. Fact: Did you know that during this time, people thought 'SALT talks' were about seasoning their food, not nuclear disarmament? Just imagine the dinner parties!.
• Headline: CHOICE OF ARMS AIDE IS FACING OPPOSITION. Impact: The Senate's heated debate over Paul C Warnke's nomination resulted in a new political meme format: 'When you thought arms control was a video game!' which still circulates in political circles today.. Fact: Debating arms control in the Senate is basically like arguing over who gets the last slice of pizza at a party—everyone wants it, but no one wants to admit they're hungry..
• Headline: Issue and Debate. Impact: Carter's push for marijuana decriminalization led to an unexpected era of stoner philosophers who believed they could solve world peace with pizza and deep conversation. Spoiler: it didn’t work.. Fact: The debate about marijuana in the 70s could have been drastically different if they had just used pizza instead as a bargaining chip. Because who can argue with pizza?.
• Headline: Albany Legislators Say an Easing Of Marijuana Curbs Is Probable. Impact: This potential easing of marijuana restrictions led to an uptick in DIY grow kits, spiraling into a suburban gardening revolution that gave rise to 'hippie chic' as a mainstream trend. Who knew weed could be so stylish?. Fact: Imagine if the only reason these legislators eased marijuana restrictions was to avoid the smell of burnt popcorn during debates. Some say it was a 'kitchen compromise'!.
• Headline: Ex‐F.B.I. Agent Named To. Aid the Investigation Of Reilly's Prosecution. Impact: John A Danaher's appointment as inspector turned this investigation into a reality-show style saga, where viewers could vote on who they thought was guilty. 'True Crime' podcasts owe their existence to moments like this.. Fact: The F.B.I. has more plot twists than a soap opera, and this case was just one of many that proved crime drama isn't just for TV—it's real life, but with worse acting!.