MAY 27, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Old Lyme Art Colony Exhibit. Impact: The Old Lyme art colony exhibit inspired future generations of artists to believe that their mediocre doodles could also be displayed in museums, leading to an influx of abstract art that would confuse parents everywhere. Fact: Did you know that most modern art can be interpreted as 'I could do that'—and yet, here we are, pretending to understand it?.
• Headline: Two Crippled Lives Mirror Disputes on Herbicides. Impact: The stories of Ralston and Martinez shone a light on the long-term consequences of Agent Orange, creating a grassroots movement that eventually influenced military policy, though not without a few bureaucratic hiccups and unnecessary red tape. Fact: Agent Orange was named ironically; it's neither orange nor particularly friendly.
• Headline: VANCE REPORTS U.S. WILL MAKE OVERTURE TO THE PALESTINIANS. Impact: Vance's overture to the Palestinians was like throwing a lifebuoy into a shark-infested ocean—everyone knew it was a nice gesture, but the chances of it leading to real change were about as high as finding a unicorn in your backyard. Fact: The phrase 'peace in the Middle East' has officially become the world's longest-running joke, with no punchline in sight.
• Headline: ISRAELIS SEEK ENVOY FOR PRIZE CAIRO JOB. Impact: The diplomatic chess game between Egypt and Israel paved the way for decades of negotiations, proving that sometimes the best way to make friends is to argue about who gets the last slice of pizza. Fact: Ezer Weizman later became the first Israeli ambassador to Egypt, proving that political relationships can be almost as complicated as modern dating.
• Headline: A Talk With William Styron. Impact: Styron’s works became a blueprint for future authors, leading to a publishing explosion where every sad person with a typewriter thought they could write the next great American novel—spoiler alert: most couldn’t. Fact: William Styron once said, 'The writer's life is a lonely one'—which is ironic considering how often writers complain about being lonely in writing workshops.
• Headline: Catskills Hotels Turned to New Uses. Impact: The transformation of Catskills hotels into facilities for adults with disabilities became a model for repurposing underused spaces, eventually leading to a nationwide trend of turning abandoned malls into indoor farms—because why not?. Fact: The Catskills are the original hipster retreat, long before it became trendy to wear flannel and drink craft coffee.
• Headline: Why Do They Still Give Debut Recitals?. Impact: Debut recitals became the breeding ground for future musicians who would later avoid eye contact with their audience, leading to a generation of performers who think wearing sunglasses indoors is a substitute for talent. Fact: Carnegie Hall has hosted more debut recitals than most people have had first dates—so, statistically, it’s a much safer bet.