JUNE 30, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Peggy Lee Returns to NYC Stage. Impact: Peggy Lee's return sparked a resurgence of jazz and pop music, leading to a global obsession with retro vibes that eventually resulted in an influx of hipster coffee shops and vinyl records in basements everywhere. Thanks, Peggy.. Fact: Did you know that Peggy Lee was once a major influence on the great Frank Sinatra? Apparently, his blue eyes weren't the only thing that made him swoon..
• Headline: Leadership Change in General Services Agency. Impact: Paul Goulding's resignation led to a chaotic game of musical chairs within the government, creating a ripple effect that ultimately resulted in a nationwide shortage of office chairs. Comfort was sacrificed in the name of politics.. Fact: Did you know that resignations in government often lead to more drama than a reality TV show? Stay tuned for the next season of 'As the Bureaucracy Turns.'.
• Headline: Gas Station Fire Destroys Vehicles. Impact: The gasoline fire incident sparked a nationwide campaign for better safety at gas stations. Ironically, this led to the invention of a new breed of safety equipment that no one can figure out how to use.. Fact: Did you know that gas station fires are a prime example of how multitasking can go terribly wrong? Apparently, the woman involved thought she could 'fuel up and go' — literally..
• Headline: White House in Final Offer to Truckers. Impact: The Carter Administration's negotiations with truckers inadvertently set the stage for the rise of the gig economy, resulting in today's 'Uber for Everything' culture, where even your grandma is a delivery driver.. Fact: Did you know that truckers can be quite persuasive? One minute you're negotiating, and the next, you're introducing legislation about nap times and bathroom breaks..
• Headline: Keeping Up the Upper East Side. Impact: The proposal for an Upper East Side Historic District led to a frenzy of real estate speculation, eventually giving birth to the term 'historic gentrification,' where a charming neighborhood becomes a playground for the wealthy.. Fact: Did you know that historic districts are just fancy names for places where you pay extra to live in a 'vintage' building that has more charm than heat?.
• Headline: Books of The Times. Impact: Anatole Broyard's review of 'The Great Buffalo Hotel' created a cult following, leading to the now-inexplicable trend of themed hotels that range from quirky to downright bizarre. Thanks for the nightmares, Anatole.. Fact: Did you know that hotel reviews are often more entertaining than the actual stay? Just wait until you read the Yelp reviews from that one guy who brought his pet iguana..
• Headline: How to Draw in ? Chinese. Impact: Arthur Rosenblatt's article on Chinese 'how to draw' books led to an explosion of art classes, which in turn caused a massive influx of amateur art in living rooms everywhere—some of which should definitely not have made it past the fridge.. Fact: Did you know that 'how to draw' books have inspired more wall art than actual artists? Just ask anyone with a crayon drawing by their five-year-old on display..
• Headline: Puerto Rico, Games Near, On Watch for Terrorists. Impact: The heightened security precautions in Puerto Rico sparked a wave of vigilance that eventually led to the invention of the 'Terrorist-proof' beach umbrella—because who doesn't want to relax in style while being cautious?. Fact: Did you know that security precautions often make vacations feel more like a job? Pack your bags and your anxiety!.
• Headline: Scientology Case Shifted to Coast. Impact: The Scientology case's move to Los Angeles became a hotbed for celebrity involvement, making it the birthplace of not only drama but also an endless stream of tabloid stories featuring cults, fame, and questionable haircuts.. Fact: Did you know that moving a court case can sometimes be more dramatic than the case itself? Just ask any Hollywood lawyer; they thrive on the drama..
• Headline: Nicaraguan Rebel Leaders Reject U.S Plan for Settling Civil War. Impact: The rejection of the U.S. plan by Nicaraguan rebel leaders resulted in a protracted civil war that inspired countless documentaries and books, solidifying the idea that geopolitical decisions are best left to people who actually understand maps.. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic meetings often end with more confusion than clarity? It's like a game of telephone, but with world leaders and serious consequences..