JANUARY 23, 1978

Full News Archive

• Headline: Lenore Engdahl's Carnegie Recital Highlights. Impact: Engdahl's recital inspired a wave of piano enthusiasts who, in a fit of misguided passion, turned their living rooms into makeshift concert halls, leading to a global shortage of earplugs by 1992.. Fact: Did you know that Lenore Engdahl is not just a pianist but also a part-time time traveler? She once played a sonata for Mozart, who reportedly said, 'Not bad for a future version of me.'.
• Headline: Exploring Roots: One Year Later. Impact: The follow-up to 'Roots' set off a chain reaction of family reunions across America, resulting in awkward conversations about long-lost relatives and the best potato salad recipes.. Fact: Did you know that the success of 'Roots: One Year Later' led to a brief trend of families trying to trace their lineage back to famous historical figures? Spoiler alert: most ended up as peasants..
• Headline: Some MidwestRailroad,s Find It Pays to Diversify. Impact: The diversification trend in railroads led to the unexpected rise of hipster train conductors who now brew artisanal coffee on board, creating a new subculture known as 'Train Culture.'. Fact: Did you know that before diversifying, some railroads tried to compete by offering 'scenic views' of the Midwest? Turns out, cornfields don't have much competition when it comes to scenic beauty..
• Headline: Budget Office, While Guarding the Federal Purse, Also Plays a Key Role sub on Major. Policy Issues. Impact: The OMB's decision-making prowess led to a series of budget cuts that ultimately resulted in the federal government adopting a 'Buy One Get One Free' policy on all programs—because who doesn't love a good deal?. Fact: Did you know that the OMB once considered creating a reality show called 'Budget Wars'? The premise was simple: who could cut the most without being lynched by the public?.
• Headline: Police Roar Into 1920's Speakeasy’ And Capture a Moment of Nostalgia. Impact: This nostalgic event resulted in a brief resurgence of interest in jazz music, which inadvertently led to the invention of the jazzercise craze in the 1980s—thank you, flapper culture!. Fact: Did you know that the speakeasy in Bergenfield was known for its 'secret' password? It was always 'I’m just here for the music!' Spoiler alert: it never worked..
• Headline: ORDAIN HOMOSEXUALS, CHURCH REPORT SAYS. Impact: The recommendation to ordain homosexuals led to a historic schism in the church, resulting in a new denomination that exclusively meets in coffee shops and only sings Adele songs.. Fact: Did you know that the church's first openly gay minister was known for his powerful sermons and even more powerful brunch spreads?.
• Headline: Complacency on Abortion: A Warning to Women. Impact: The NOW-sponsored teach-in reinvigorated the abortion rights movement, which sparked a nationwide debate that eventually led to the establishment of the ‘Abortion Rights Action League’—because nothing says progress like a catchy acronym.. Fact: Did you know that the 5th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision was celebrated with cupcakes and rallies? Because who doesn't love sugar with their social justice?.
• Headline: KOCH FIELDS QUERIES IN RADIO BROADCAST. Impact: Koch’s live radio broadcast became a template for future politicians, leading to the now-standard practice of dodging questions while pretending to listen—thank you, modern politics!. Fact: Did you know that Mayor Koch was known for his charm on the airwaves? To this day, people still ask, 'How am I doing?' after every awkward silence in conversation..