NOVEMBER 16, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Shah Undergoes Surgery Amid Cancer Treatments. Impact: The Shah's improved health led to him leaving Iran, which caused a ripple effect that contributed to the Iranian Revolution. If only he'd had a different doctor, we might have had a very different Middle East today!. Fact: Did you know that bladder surgery is a lot less glamorous than it sounds? Don't worry, the Shah still had time to plan his grand exit..
• Headline: East Germans Back Iran's Embassy Seizure. Impact: This surprising alliance between East Germans and Iranians over the embassy seizure led to a cozy coffee break in the Cold War, where they discussed how to annoy the U.S. together. Who knew they had so much in common?. Fact: Did you know that East Germany had a newspaper called 'Neues Deutschland'? Sounds a bit like 'New Germany'—imagine the branding meetings!.
• Headline: Justice Dept. Warning on Press Protections. Impact: This warning created a climate of distrust that led to journalists becoming expert spies. Fast forward to today, and now we have every journalist playing detective in their own right!. Fact: What’s more thrilling than a legal warning? A legal warning that sounds like a plot twist in a bad detective novel!.
• Headline: Philharmonic: A New Luigi Nono. Impact: This performance of Nono's work sparked an avant-garde movement where composers began to experiment with sound in increasingly bizarre ways. We're still waiting for the 'silence' symphony.. Fact: Did you know that Luigi Nono’s name sounds like a friendly Italian uncle? Instead, he gave us music that could confuse even the most sophisticated listener..
• Headline: World Press Generally Backing U.S. Stand. Impact: The global press's support of the U.S. during this crisis led to an international game of ‘who can be more critical of America,’ which has only escalated over the decades. Bravo!. Fact: Fun fact: 'Generally' backing something means that there are a few outliers who will still roast you in the comments section. Welcome to journalism!.
• Headline: Iran Is Said to Have Cut Deposits At Chase Because of Link to Shah; Rockefeller Said He Interceded. Impact: The Shah's financial fallout caused a domino effect that made bankers more cautious about political ties, leading to the rise of the modern banker who now only wants to lend to you if you can prove you’re not related to any controversial leaders.. Fact: Did you know that banking is just a game of musical chairs? You think you can sit down, but if you're linked to a dictator, good luck finding a seat!.
• Headline: Rhodesia Parley Reaches Accord Over Transition; Only Terms of Cease‐Fire Remain for Agreement. Impact: The agreement marked the beginning of the end of the guerrilla war, leading to eventual independence. Little did they know, it would take decades for any semblance of stability to settle in!. Fact: Did you know that peace talks can sometimes feel like a group project where nobody wants to do any work? Spoiler: They usually end up with a last-minute compromise nobody is happy about!.
• Headline: Art People. Impact: The $6,000 regrooming of a park statue sparked debates on public art funding, leading to the creation of the 'If You Can Afford to Regroom Your Statue, You Can Afford to Support the Arts' campaign. Spoiler alert: It didn’t go far.. Fact: Did you know that statues are just like pets? They require maintenance, some people will spend ridiculous amounts of money on them, and they often get covered in bird droppings..