AUGUST 9, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: The Legacy of Feodor Lynen. Impact: Feodor Lynen's work on cholesterol metabolism led to the invention of the really bad snack food we now call 'Potato Chips'. Who knew heart health would lead to heartburn?. Fact: Did you know that Feodor Lynen won a Nobel Prize? Because nothing says 'I'm a genius' like being responsible for both health and the existence of junk food!.
• Headline: Air Taxi Companies Close Amid Safety Regulations. Impact: The closure of 354 air taxi companies sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, leading to the rise of Uber and a world where people think they can just summon a ride like it's a genie in a bottle.. Fact: Did you know that the air taxi industry was once a thing? Now we just have people flying drones to deliver tacos. Progress!.
• Headline: Moynihan Defends Israel's Position. Impact: Moynihan's refusal to support Carter if he 'sacrificed' Israel paved the way for decades of political maneuvering, leading to the creation of more lobbyists than actual politicians. Who knew pressure could be so lucrative?. Fact: Did you know that Moynihan was known for his strong opinions? Kind of like that one uncle at Thanksgiving who won't stop talking about politics—except he had a Ph.D..
• Headline: Italian‐Americans Take Warm but Critical View of Carter's Performance. Impact: The warm yet critical response from Italian-Americans to Carter set a precedent for future politicians to court ethnic groups with pizza and pasta—turns out, political endorsements can be purchased with carbs!. Fact: Did you know that this convention was one of the few places where 'undecided' actually meant something? In the end, they just wanted a good lasagna..
• Headline: Books: Victoria Ocampo. Impact: Victoria Ocampo's literary contributions inspired a generation of writers, leading to a whole new genre: the 'artsy' Instagram post that no one really understands but all pretend to appreciate.. Fact: Did you know that Ocampo was a prominent figure in literature? Her life was so interesting that even her books needed footnotes..
• Headline: Design Notebook. Impact: The Victorian-style kiosk may have sparked a trend of unnecessary architecture, resulting in a generation of hipster coffee shops that look like they were designed by a Victorian ghost.. Fact: Did you know that Victorian design is all the rage now? Apparently, people love paying $5 for artisanal coffee in a place that looks like it should have a butler..
• Headline: Family Trapped by Inflation Does Without. Impact: The Owens family's struggle with inflation led to a national conversation about economic policies, which ultimately resulted in more people Googling 'how to live off ramen noodles'.. Fact: Did you know that inflation is just the economy's way of saying, 'Surprise! Your paycheck isn't worth as much anymore!' It’s a fun little game we play..
• Headline: 3 Bodcaw Bids Held Cleared. Impact: The FTC's clearance for companies to buy Bodcaw was a pivotal moment that set off the corporate consolidation chain reaction. Soon, we had fewer companies and more confusing brand names—thanks to legal loopholes.. Fact: Did you know that corporate mergers are like a bad breakup? Everyone just ends up confused about who owns what, and no one gets the cat!.
• Headline: CARTER SEES ENVOY OF ISRAEL IN EFFORT TO RELAX TENSIONS. Impact: Carter's attempts to relax tensions with Israel brought about a new era of Middle Eastern diplomacy that made subsequent presidents think they could solve complex issues with a simple handshake. Spoiler alert: they couldn't.. Fact: Did you know that Moshe Dayan was quite the character? With his eye patch and charisma, he could probably charm the pants off a cactus—and still not get a peace deal..