DECEMBER 2, 1979

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mixed Reactions to Sunday Sales Repeal. Impact: The repeal of the blue law led to a shopping frenzy that eventually caused the rise of the 'Sunday Scavenger Hunt,' where families would search for the best deals on everything from socks to sushi, affecting family bonding time forever. Fact: In case you were wondering, the 'blue laws' were originally intended to ensure that everyone had a day of rest. But apparently, nothing says 'rest' like a good old-fashioned shopping spree.
• Headline: The Blunt Case: Dual Lives Explored. Impact: Anthony Blunt's dual life inspired countless spy novels and films, leading to a pop culture obsession with the idea that your favorite art critic might also be a secret agent. Thanks, Blunt, for making every gallery opening feel like a thriller. Fact: Fun fact: Blunt was so good at hiding his secrets that he probably could have taught a masterclass on deception—right after he was exposed, of course.
• Headline: Record Number of Robberies in Paris. Impact: The record number of robberies in Paris led to the invention of the most absurd tourist security gadgets—think beret-wearing cameras and baguette alarms—which are still available in souvenir shops today. Fact: Paris: the city of love, lights, and apparently, a record number of armed robberies. Ah, romance!.
• Headline: Caviar Emptor. Impact: The boycott of Iranian caviar turned the NYC food scene on its head, leading to the rise of bizarre alternatives like avocado caviar, which, spoiler alert, isn’t actually caviar. Fact: It's ironic that 'Caviar Emptor' sounds like a fancy restaurant but actually just means you can't get any good caviar without a political crisis.
• Headline: A DELICATE BALANCE. Impact: The upheaval in Nicaragua inspired countless 'revolution chic' fashion trends, proving once again that nothing sells better than a good revolution, especially if it comes with a side of stylish conflict. Fact: Nicaragua's changes were so impactful that they may have inadvertently inspired the next generation of hipsters to romanticize political strife as a fashion statement.
• Headline: MUSIC VIEW; Brecht and Weill and ‘Mahagonny’. Impact: Brecht and Weill’s collaboration inspired countless artists to explore the uncomfortable truths of society, leading to a dramatic increase in performances that left audiences wondering if they were supposed to laugh, cry, or both. Fact: Brecht once said, 'Art is not a mirror to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.' So, if you ever feel like your life is a tragic comedy, blame him!.
• Headline: Other Courses ‘Absorbing’ Arts Education. Impact: The incorporation of arts into other subjects led to students mastering the fine art of doodling while learning algebra—truly a revolutionary approach to education that has resulted in a generation of part-time artists and full-time procrastinators. Fact: Combining art with other subjects means that now, instead of just failing math, you can also fail art—it's a two-for-one special!.
• Headline: Iran Drafting Plan to Reshape Economy; Imports Are Key Target. Impact: Iran's economic reshaping plan led to a global obsession with organic produce, as everyone everywhere suddenly decided that 'homegrown' was the way to go—thank you, political turmoil!. Fact: Every time a nation decides to focus on agriculture, somewhere a hipster starts a farm-to-table restaurant, effectively ruining the simplicity of just eating food.