JUNE 22, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Surge in Freezer Sales Amid Rising Prices. Impact: The surge in freezer sales led to an unprecedented increase in home-cooked meals, which, in turn, sparked a culinary revolution. By the late '80s, everyone was suddenly a gourmet chef, leading to the rise of food influencers and the eventual creation of the avocado toast phenomenon. Who knew freezers were the original instigators of Instagram?. Fact: Did you know that before freezers became popular, people used to have to eat whatever was in season? Shocking, I know!.
• Headline: Koch Vetoes Challenge City Council Unity. Impact: The inability to override Mayor Koch's vetoes led to a series of budget crises that eventually resulted in a town-wide bake sale to fund basic services. This bake sale became an annual event, giving rise to a culture of bake sales for everything from school projects to local elections. Thanks, Koch!. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'budgetary impasse' was actually coined at this meeting, right before someone suggested selling cookies to fix it..
• Headline: Rep. Anderson Asserts He Is Only Moderate In Republican Contest. Impact: Anderson's declaration of moderation led to a series of political identity crises within the Republican Party, resulting in a bizarre decade where everyone claimed to be 'the voice of reason.' Spoiler alert: that didn't end well.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'moderate' in politics has been used so much that it now qualifies for a senior citizen discount?.
• Headline: Picasso Show to Fill Modern Museum. Impact: The Picasso exhibit transformed the Museum of Modern Art into a hotspot for hipsters and art critics alike, leading to a global obsession with abstract art. This ultimately paved the way for the 'artsy' coffee shop phenomenon, where you can sip overpriced lattes while contemplating the meaning of a splatter on canvas.. Fact: Picasso once said, 'Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.' Guess he never met a barista..
• Headline: Radio Pulses May Back Black Hole Theory. Impact: The discovery of radio pulses from Messier 87 provided crucial evidence for black hole theories, leading to a spike in sci-fi movies that eventually convinced the masses that aliens were definitely coming for us. Spoiler alert: they still haven't shown up.. Fact: Did you know that if you listen closely to the radio pulses, they actually sound like the universe's way of saying, 'Hey, Earthlings, chill out!'?.
• Headline: Option Is Granted to Partnership To Buy Times Tract on West Side. Impact: This real estate deal was a catalyst for the Manhattan property boom, resulting in sky-high rents that made the New York Times' headquarters look like a cozy, affordable shoebox. Thanks to this deal, everyone now thinks their 400-square-foot studio is a 'luxury apartment.'. Fact: Fun fact: The option to buy is basically the grown-up version of saying, 'I'll think about it.' Spoiler: They never thought about it..
• Headline: Agency Approves the Reopening Of Rancho Seco Nuclear Plant. Impact: The reopening of the nuclear plant sparked debates about energy safety that led to the creation of safety regulations that are still in place today. Ironically, it also turned into a cautionary tale, causing people to label their microwaves as 'danger zones.'. Fact: Did you know that the Rancho Seco plant was once deemed so safe that it was like the 'golden retriever' of nuclear power plants? No one really believed it, though..
• Headline: Schlesinger Hopeful on Gasoline. Impact: Schlesinger’s optimism about gasoline production led to a temporary spike in road trips, which then resulted in a nationwide love affair with fast food. This set the stage for the birth of the drive-thru—because why should you have to get out of your car when you can just consume calories while sitting in traffic?. Fact: Did you know that the average American spends 38 hours a year stuck in traffic? That’s like a part-time job, but with more fast food and less pay..
• Headline: Ballet: Danes in Bruges. Impact: The Royal Danish Ballet's performance sparked a renaissance in appreciation for classical dance, leading to the awkward phenomenon of people trying to incorporate ballet into their daily routines. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen someone try to pirouette into their morning coffee.. Fact: Did you know that ballet dancers have some of the most intense workout regimens? Because clearly just being graceful isn't enough to keep up with the coffee pirates!.