AUGUST 6, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Arthur Godfrey's 50th Broadcasting Anniversary. Impact: Arthur Godfrey's 50 years on air led to a nationwide obsession with broadcasting, prompting future generations to believe they too could become famous simply by talking into a microphone. Spoiler: they couldn't.. Fact: Godfrey's hair was so legendary that it was rumored to have its own dressing room. Talk about a big ego!.
• Headline: Badillo Critiques Manhattan Leadership Changes. Impact: Badillo's criticism ignited a series of power struggles in NYC that ultimately led to the creation of reality TV. Yes, you can trace 'The Real Housewives of New York' back to this moment.. Fact: Herman Badillo was the first Puerto Rican elected to the U.S. Congress. Who knew he was also a pioneer in the field of political drama?.
• Headline: Job Opportunities for Evacuees from Iran. Impact: The rehiring of Grumman employees not only stabilized families but also inadvertently led to a resurgence in American-made products, ultimately inspiring hipsters to reclaim vintage jobs and launch artisanal pushcart businesses.. Fact: Grumman's aircraft were among the first to feature a 'no-job-left-behind' policy—though it didn't include a free coffee maker..
• Headline: Munson 's Toign: City of Family, Factory and Sport. Impact: The tragic death of Thurman Munson in a plane crash sparked an increase in aviation safety regulations. Ironically, it also inspired a generation of baseball players to avoid flying altogether, preferring to take the bus.. Fact: Munson was the first catcher in MLB history to have a full-time personal pilot. Maybe he should have given that guy a raise..
• Headline: Judge's Heart Attack Delays Tennessee Trial In Selling of Clemency. Impact: This heart attack turned the case into a media circus, prompting the creation of several legal dramas that glamorized courtroom battles—because what's better than watching people's lives on the line for entertainment?. Fact: Judges have been known to have heart attacks due to the stress of their jobs. Maybe a little less 'law and order' and a little more 'law and chill' would help?.
• Headline: Camels Too Costly, Villager in India Takes to a Pushcart. Impact: The switch from camels to pushcarts in Rajasthan marked the beginning of the decline of camel popularity, leading to a rise in pushcart races—now a beloved tradition that has yet to make it to the Olympics.. Fact: Pushcarts are now considered the coolest way to transport goods, but don't tell the camels—they're still trying to figure out how to get a gig as the next big Instagram influencer..
• Headline: Iran Has Cash but Can't Spend It. Impact: This financial dilemma set the stage for future economic sanctions and became a cautionary tale for nations everywhere, proving that having money doesn't always mean you can throw it around like confetti.. Fact: Iranians holding onto their cash led to the rise of underground markets. So, not all heroes wear capes—some just hoard money and wait for better days..
• Headline: The New York Times /Sara Krulwich. Impact: The rise of street performances became a cultural phenomenon, paving the way for the modern busker. Who knew Moliere would inspire a generation of hipsters with ukuleles?. Fact: Street performances are often cited as the birthplace of spontaneous jazz hands. Watch out, Broadway!.
• Headline: END TO SOME JURIES PROPOSED BY BURGER. Impact: Chief Justice Burger’s proposal led to endless debates about the efficacy of juries, with some arguing that trial by jury is as outdated as dial-up internet. Spoiler: it is.. Fact: The idea of eliminating juries sparked a movement for 'trial by Twitter'. Because why not let the masses decide a person's fate in 280 characters or less?.
• Headline: David Graham Captures P.G.A.. Impact: Graham's win at the PGA Championship inspired a wave of amateur golfers to take up the sport, leading to an increase in golf course traffic and the invention of the phrase 'fore!' to warn unsuspecting bystanders.. Fact: David Graham once said that golf is a game of patience. Clearly, he never had to wait for a group of terrible golfers to finish their round..