DECEMBER 13, 1978

Full News Archive

• Headline: Apollo Theater Renovation and New Beginnings. Impact: The renovation of the Apollo movie theater led to a wave of artsy hipsters invading the area, which ultimately inspired a new generation of filmmakers. Who knew a $350,000 facelift would result in the next 'Citizen Kane'?. Fact: The first play to grace the renovated theater was 'On Golden Pond'—because nothing says 'legitimate theater' like a story about aging and loons..
• Headline: Carter Clarifies Namibia Remarks. Impact: Carter's slip about South Africa accepting a UN plan created a minor ripple that eventually led to misunderstandings in international diplomacy, which then led to a lot more people Googling 'What is SWAPO?'. Fact: Carter's gaffe reminded us all that even presidents can misread the briefing papers—much like students misread exam questions..
• Headline: Macheteros Claim Killing of Policeman. Impact: The assassination of the policeman by Macheteros ignited a fierce debate over independence in Puerto Rico. This event eventually led to more pro-independence movements—and a lot of awkward conversations at family dinners.. Fact: Macheteros translates to 'machete-wielders'—because apparently, subtlety was not on the agenda..
• Headline: Consumer Spending Climbs 2%. Impact: The 2% rise in consumer spending led to an explosion in retail therapy, which contributed to the rise of online shopping and the eventual creation of 'retail therapy' as a legitimate excuse for overspending.. Fact: This increase was probably due to everyone realizing they could buy more stuff to forget their problems—thanks, capitalism!.
• Headline: 3 Rare Kitchens, Well Done. Impact: The Architectural League of NY's kitchen symposium inadvertently sparked a movement where people began to judge others based on their kitchen design choices, eventually leading to the rise of 'kitchen influencers' on social media.. Fact: Julia Child was probably the only chef who could make boiling water sound fancy—imagine the kitchen debates that ensued!.
• Headline: Carter Backs Playing The National Anthem. Impact: Carter endorsing the national anthem at sports events led to a whole new level of patriotism that eventually made it mandatory to stand for the anthem at barbecues and family reunions—what's next, singing it while brushing your teeth?. Fact: This statement was probably about as controversial as suggesting pineapple belongs on pizza—some people just can't handle the truth..
• Headline: Carter's Clash With Kennedy. Impact: Carter's clash with Kennedy fueled a rivalry that would echo through the Democratic Party for years, leading to the phrase 'you can’t have two roosters in one henhouse' becoming a popular saying in political circles.. Fact: This rivalry gave us the classic political drama that could rival any soap opera—tune in next week for more intrigue!.
• Headline: Chrysler‐France Prices Up. Impact: Chrysler-France hiking prices by 3.3% led to a chain reaction where consumers learned to either negotiate harder or drive a little more cautiously—who knew car shopping could be so intense?. Fact: Apparently, the French love their cars almost as much as they love their bread—just don’t ask them to share either..
• Headline: RAPE CASE APPEAL ARGUED IN ALABAMA. Impact: The appeal of Tommy Lee Hines's case brought national attention to the issues of mental health and justice, leading to more advocacy and, oddly enough, a few more true crime podcasts.. Fact: The case was so controversial that it probably got more airtime than some reality TV shows—because nothing says 'justice' like a primetime audience..
• Headline: 105 Shops Revitalizing San Francisco Pier. Impact: The opening of Pier 39 revitalized the waterfront, which led to a tourist boom that somehow made it possible for street performers to argue about who had the best act—spoiler alert: they all thought they did.. Fact: With 105 shops and 23 food outlets, Pier 39 became the go-to place for people who couldn't decide between shopping and eating—so basically, all of us..