NOVEMBER 26, 1978

Full News Archive

• Headline: Vance Declares Improved U.S.-Soviet Relations. Impact: This seemingly innocuous comment about improving ties led to a series of backroom meetings, secret vodka toasts, and eventually the creation of 'International Vodka Day'. Little did they know that their diplomatic efforts would result in a global celebration of the very drink that fueled their discussions.. Fact: Did you know that improved relations can sometimes lead to worse hangovers? Cheers!.
• Headline: Insights into Verdi's Operas. Impact: Harold C Schonberg’s musical critiques inspired a series of dramatic operatic performances that led to a worldwide opera fad. Suddenly, everyone was singing their morning coffee orders in dramatic arias. Starbucks had to hire vocal coaches.. Fact: Fun fact: The volume of operas produced is directly proportional to the number of people who can't carry a tune..
• Headline: Budget Debate: D'Amato's Lone Stand. Impact: As the budget struggles dragged on, they ignited a grassroots movement for better public funding that eventually led to the invention of the 'Budget Dance'—a public performance showcasing how to stretch a dollar like a yoga master.. Fact: You know you've hit rock bottom when your county's budget struggles become a popular reality show..
• Headline: HIGHLIGHTS. Impact: Spot shortages of lead-free gasoline led to a black market of premium gas in the early 90s, complete with shady characters and secret gas stations. The trend eventually inspired the reality show 'Gas Wars', where contestants raced to find the best deals.. Fact: Shortages tend to bring out the worst in people, and sometimes, the best in TV producers..
• Headline: ISAAC BASHEVIS SINGER TALKS …ABOUT EVERYTHING. Impact: Isaac Bashevis Singer's musings led to a literary renaissance where authors felt compelled to discuss everything about everything. This ultimately resulted in a new genre: the 'Overly Detailed Memoir', which nobody asked for.. Fact: Did you know that 'everything' includes all the boring details you never wanted to know about a person’s cat?.
• Headline: Bernstein as Symphonist. Impact: Bernstein’s evaluation as a symphonist led to a massive increase in symphonic compositions, and more importantly, a new wave of pretentiousness among music lovers. ‘Did you hear the new Bernstein? I only listen to symphonies now’ became the new mantra.. Fact: Fun fact: Listening to symphonies can increase your likelihood of using words like 'sonorous' in casual conversation..
• Headline: Rutherford Curbs Vandalism in Parks. Impact: The success of Rutherford’s night patrols created a nationwide trend of ‘anti-vandalism’ patrols, eventually leading to the invention of the ‘Neighborhood Watch’—a group of people who meet weekly to gossip about suspicious mail deliveries.. Fact: Did you know that preventing vandalism often comes down to just keeping an eye out for teenagers with spray paint?.
• Headline: ‘Exotic’ Reggae Fills the House. Impact: The rise of exotic reggae music in houses across Long Island led to a cultural exchange where everyone believed they could dance. Spoiler alert: they couldn't, but they sure did try at backyard parties.. Fact: Did you know that reggae music has the magical ability to make even the most rhythmically challenged person feel like a star?.