JANUARY 4, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: U.S. Oil Price Controls and Iran. Impact: Schlesinger's comments on oil prices eventually ignited a global obsession with gasoline prices, leading to the infamous 'fuel efficiency wars'—a struggle that still has people obsessively checking their dashboards.. Fact: Did you know that gas prices fluctuate more than a politician’s promises? Yeah, good luck predicting that one!.
• Headline: Upcoming Advertising in Venture Magazine. Impact: The emergence of 'Venture' magazine sparked a thousand entrepreneurial dreams, most of which ended in garage startups and the creation of products nobody asked for, like scented paperclips.. Fact: Did you know that many entrepreneurs believe that if you slap the word 'innovative' on something, it instantly becomes valuable? Even if it's just a glorified rock..
• Headline: CHINA BACKS POSTER AS CITIZENS’ FORUM; Party Says ‘Heavens Will Not Fall’ if Variety of Views Is Allowed. Impact: China's support for wall posters as a citizens' forum ironically paved the way for social media, allowing everyone to air their grievances from the comfort of their own home—complete with cat memes.. Fact: Did you know that wall posters were once the front line of debate? Now, you just need a Wi-Fi connection and a hot take!.
• Headline: November New Orders Up Weakly. Impact: The weak rise in new orders foreshadowed the economic rollercoaster that would ensue in the 1980s, leading to the creation of the phrase 'economic forecast'—which is just a fancy term for guessing.. Fact: Did you know that a three-tenths of a percent increase is basically code for 'we're not sure what’s going on but let’s pretend we are'?.
• Headline: GOVERNOR PROPOSES ADDITIONAL TAX CUT TO FOSTER ECONOMY $225 MILLION DECREASE URGED Carey Also Says He Will Bar Rises in Fares for Mass Transit Better Services Vowed. Impact: Governor Carey's proposed tax cuts and his promises to improve services created a template for politicians everywhere—say whatever sounds good, and hope nobody remembers when you don’t deliver.. Fact: Did you know that politicians are like magicians? They can make money disappear while making promises that seem to appear out of thin air..
• Headline: The Eclectic Work of Bob Van Allen. Impact: Bob Van Allen's eclectic designs brought a wave of creativity that inspired future generations of designers, some of whom would go on to create 'art' that looks like a toddler's finger painting.. Fact: Did you know that home decor trends often mimic fashion trends? So, if you see a couch that looks like it belongs in a 1970s disco, just know it’s making a comeback!.
• Headline: Business School Pushes Democratic Management. Impact: The New School for Democratic Management's push for participatory management inadvertently led to board meetings taking twice as long—because everyone suddenly had an opinion.. Fact: Did you know that 'participatory management' often means 'let’s argue about the color of the conference room for an hour'?.
• Headline: Notes on People. Impact: Mayor Koch’s assessments of political figures could be seen as an early form of social media, paving the way for public figures to become internet memes—because who doesn’t love a good roast?. Fact: Did you know that political commentary has evolved from speeches to tweets? Now, you can insult your opponent in 280 characters or less!.