FEBRUARY 14, 1976

Full News Archive

• Headline: Reviving 'Count Dracula' on Stage. Impact: The revival of 'Count Dracula' sparked a long-standing fascination with vampires that led to countless bad teen novels, all because one theater thought it would be a good idea to remind us that neck-biting is romantic.. Fact: Did you know that Bram Stoker's original Dracula was actually a misunderstood health nut? He just wanted to promote blood donation!.
• Headline: Rutgers' Historic Tuition Increase of 1976. Impact: The increase in tuition at Rutgers was the first step in the climb to becoming the most expensive place to learn how to complain about student debt. Future generations would thank the '76 class for their financial woes!. Fact: Rutgers was originally a land-grant university, but at this point, it might as well be a land-grant for student loans!.
• Headline: YONKERS ENTERS DEFAULT STATUS. Impact: Yonkers entering default status led to a series of unfortunate events that ultimately inspired the hit reality show 'The Real Defaulted Cities of America.' Who said financial disasters can't be entertaining?. Fact: It's ironic that Yonkers, trying to avoid default, ended up being the default setting for financial chaos in local government stories!.
• Headline: Music: Thomas Leads Ives's Second. Impact: Thomas conducting Ives's Second may have inspired countless hipsters to pretend they appreciate classical music while secretly blasting pop hits. Thanks for the pretense, guys!. Fact: Did you know that conducting is the only job where you can wave your arms around wildly and still be considered a genius? Sign me up!.
• Headline: Briefs on the Arts. Impact: The acquisition of the film rights to 'Grease' led to a cultural phenomenon where every high school thinks they can pull off a musical, resulting in a decade of questionable talent shows.. Fact: Fun fact: 'Grease' was originally intended to be a documentary about the state of American high schools, but they quickly realized it was more fun to just make everyone sing about their problems!.
• Headline: Kozakiewicz Vaults 18‐3½. Impact: Kozakiewicz's vaulting may have inspired the next generation of gymnasts, leading to a world where competitive vaulting becomes an Olympic sport. Who knew jumping over things could change the world?. Fact: Fun fact: High jumpers and pole vaulters are basically just Olympic-level kangaroos. Only slightly less adorable!.
• Headline: WOOLWORTH SOUGHT GRANT STORE SITES. Impact: Woolworth's negotiations for store sites foreshadowed the rise of discount stores, which would eventually lead to the modern phenomenon of 'retail therapy.' Who needs self-care when you can shop for cheap plastic trinkets?. Fact: Did you know that F.W. Woolworth was once called the 'King of Five and Dime'? Now that’s a title we should all aspire to!.