APRIL 4, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Rise of Public Worker Unions in the South. Impact: The growth of public worker unions may have inspired a new genre of rock music: 'Union Rock,' where every band member gets equal pay, and the only groupies are fellow union reps.. Fact: Unions are kind of like the Avengers, but instead of saving the world, they just want better coffee breaks..
• Headline: Hispanic Leaders Push for 'Zoot Suit' Success. Impact: This push for the 'Zoot Suit' was the beginning of a fashion revolution that eventually led to the regrettable rise of parachute pants in the ‘80s. Thanks a lot, Miriam Colon!. Fact: The Zoot Suit was so popular that it almost became a formal dress code for time travelers. Almost..
• Headline: Jane Byrne, With Machine Help, Sweeps Mayoral Vote in Chicago. Impact: Jane Byrne's victory was the spark that ignited countless political campaigns where candidates realized they could just ride the coattails of machines rather than develop actual policies. And thus, the era of 'Vote for Me Because Why Not?' began.. Fact: Jane Byrne was so popular, even her houseplants were given voting rights..
• Headline: Radiation Overdose: All in a Day's Work. Impact: If Edward Heuser hadn’t been exposed to radiation, we might have avoided the superhero craze. No Spiderman, no Iron Man, just a lot of regular men. Boring!. Fact: Radiation overdose: the only job where you can literally get too close to your work..
• Headline: Advertising. Impact: Alan Bender’s promotion might have set off a chain reaction leading to an office culture where names like 'Bender' are synonymous with 90s cartoons. So, thank you, advertising world!. Fact: Becoming a senior VP in advertising is basically the adult version of playing house, except with more money and fewer imaginary friends..
• Headline: Republican Wins Special Election For Rep. Ryan's Seat in California. Impact: Royer’s win might have inspired countless other candidates to think they could actually win elections based on popularity alone, leading to the rise of reality TV stars in politics. Bravo!. Fact: Winning a seat in Congress could be the only job where your social media followers can actually help you get elected. #VoteForMe.
• Headline: Steak — With a Little Gospel on the Side. Impact: Dr. Ron Thomas's restaurant concept of pay-what-you-want could have led to a global trend where everyone just pays their bills based on their mood, resulting in confusion and lots of empty pockets.. Fact: Eating steak with a side of gospel is basically like getting your daily dose of protein and soul-saving in one meal. Bon appétit!.
• Headline: Around the Nation. Impact: Karen Silkwood's trial could be viewed as the beginning of the end for plutonium-based activities, because who wouldn't want to avoid a courtroom drama that involves radioactive contamination?. Fact: Silkwood’s story is a reminder that sometimes the greatest battles are fought in courtrooms, not on battlefields. And there's usually less popcorn involved..