OCTOBER 24, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring 'Sorrows of Stephen' in Theater. Impact: If only Stephen had just stayed home and watched TV, we might have avoided a spike in existential crises among theater-goers for decades. The ripple effect? A rise in therapy sessions fueled by play-induced angst.. Fact: Did you know that romantic comedy plots have been recycled more times than your grandmother's favorite casserole? It's true—Hollywood loves a good formula!.
• Headline: Historic 2-Year Note Yield Sale. Impact: The Treasury's 12 5/8% yield sent shockwaves through the economy, prompting countless retirees to reconsider their life choices, like investing in beanie babies instead. Who knew that would lead to an entirely new generation of collectors?. Fact: Fun fact: That yield is higher than most people’s hopes and dreams. Maybe they should start selling bonds instead of stocks!.
• Headline: A.F.L.-C.I.O. Backs Scotto in Legal Battle. Impact: Lane Kirkland's testimony could have changed the course of labor relations forever. Who knew one man's fate could lead to a resurgence in union pride or, alternatively, a rise in the number of lawyers specializing in 'whistleblower' cases?. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more inflated than a union leader's ego is the number of times this trial was mentioned in legal textbooks..
• Headline: Careers. Impact: Calvin Reynolds' article on overseas careers likely inspired countless Americans to pack their bags and seek adventure—only to be met with the harsh reality of working in a cubicle in a foreign land. Welcome to the global workforce!. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'the grass is always greener' was actually coined by a stressed-out expat? True story!.
• Headline: Many Republicans Are Fearful of Kennedy Candidacy. Impact: The fear of Kennedy's candidacy likely caused a surge in campaign strategy meetings, ultimately leading to the modern-day political circus where everyone is both a candidate and a meme. Thanks, Kennedy!. Fact: Did you know that fear of a candidate is often directly proportional to how many selfies they take? Just saying!.
• Headline: Freed Cuban Tells of Time Spent In a ‘Concrete Box’ Underground. Impact: Matos's story of imprisonment highlighted the brutal reality of dissent against oppressive regimes, which inspired countless future activists. Who knew a concrete box could spark a movement?. Fact: Fun fact: Being kept in a concrete box can really put a damper on your weekend plans. Just ask Matos!.
• Headline: Czechoslovakia Convicts 6 Dissidents of ‘Subversion’. Impact: The conviction of Havel and fellow dissidents not only solidified their status as martyrs but also fueled the fire for future revolutions. The butterfly effect? A few decades later, they helped inspire the Velvet Revolution. Talk about a comeback!. Fact: Did you know that Vaclav Havel eventually became the president of Czechoslovakia? Talk about a career trajectory!.
• Headline: U.S. Sues Oil Driller for $6 Million in Mexico Gulf Spill. Impact: The oil spill lawsuit might have sparked a nationwide panic over environmental disasters, leading to the modern green movement. Who knew a little oil could make such a big mess of things?. Fact: Fun fact: The next time you complain about your beach vacation being ruined, just remember that oil spills can really take the fun out of sandcastles!.
• Headline: Private Lives. Impact: John Leonard's impressions of Vonnegut's play might have inspired a generation of writers to embrace absurdity, leading to today's literary landscape where everyone is trying to out-weird each other. Thanks, Kurt!. Fact: Did you know that Vonnegut once said that he was a 'writer' only because he couldn't find a job as a 'professional weirdo'? Sounds about right!.