AUGUST 2, 1978

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mass Layoffs of Philadelphia Municipal Workers. Impact: The mass layoff of municipal workers in Philadelphia caused a butterfly effect that led to a nationwide trend of public sector layoffs. This inspired a new breed of motivational speakers who specialize in 'how to find your passion after being unceremoniously dumped from your job.'. Fact: Did you know that this mass layoff gave birth to the 'I'm a laid-off municipal worker' support group, which eventually turned into a popular podcast about job hunting? #TrueStory.
• Headline: Airlines Gain on Tax Subsidy Vote. Impact: The airlines receiving subsidies created an environment where aviation companies began to treat their planes like golden geese, leading to a future where flying became synonymous with the phrase 'you get what you pay for'.. Fact: Did you know that these subsidies were so effective that they led to the invention of the in-flight snack? Because nothing says 'thank you for flying with us' quite like a stale pretzel..
• Headline: Onassis' Strategic Shift at Empire. Impact: Christina Onassis trimming operations was the first domino in a long line of corporate CEOs realizing that sometimes less is more. This eventually birthed the minimalist aesthetic in corporate offices, where plants were considered too extravagant.. Fact: Did you know that Christina Onassis once had to explain to her friends that 'trimming operations' doesn't mean she was starting a gardening business?.
• Headline: COMMODITIES. Impact: The fluctuation of gold prices in two different cities caused a global gold rush, leading to the infamous 'gold fever' that has made countless people think they could get rich by just digging in their backyards.. Fact: Did you know that at one point, people were so obsessed with gold prices that they tried to pay for their coffee with gold dust? Spoiler: it didn't go well..
• Headline: Texts of Statements By 2 Times Officials. Impact: The release of official statements from Times officials sparked a trend of corporate transparency, leading to the modern phenomenon of 'executive Twitter accounts' where CEOs share their lunch choices and workout routines.. Fact: Did you know that if you squint hard enough, you can actually see the excitement in a corporate statement? It's like watching paint dry but with more jargon!.
• Headline: Brldge:. Impact: The talk of quarterfinals led to the infamous 'quarterfinal craze,' where fans became convinced that the quarterfinals were actually more exciting than the finals. This has resulted in countless merchandise sales for everything from mugs to T-shirts.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'quarterfinal' was originally coined by someone who thought 'semi-final' was just too mainstream?.
• Headline: New $1 Coin Gains in Senate. Impact: The approval of the new $1 coin with a moon landing symbol led to a surge in coin collectors, many of whom were convinced they would find the 'golden ticket' of the coin world hidden in their change jars.. Fact: Did you know that this coin was so popular that it was rumored to have its own fan club? Yes, people were actually forming support groups for currency..
• Headline: Doubt Exists in Sweden On Economic Recovery. Impact: Doubt about Sweden's economic recovery led to a long-standing tradition of Swedes questioning whether they should just invest in furniture instead of stocks, giving rise to the IKEA economy.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'flat-pack economy' originated from Sweden, where they believe that if you can assemble a bookshelf, you can assemble an entire country's economic recovery?.
• Headline: Billions at Stake As U.S. Weighs Clean‐Air Rules. Impact: The debate over clean air rules resulted in a generation of environmental activists who would later become known for their ability to throw a guilt trip like a frisbee, inspiring movements that even made recycling cool.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'clean air' was once so controversial that it led to heated debates in coffee shops? Because nothing says 'serious discussion' quite like a latte in hand..