AUGUST 21, 1981

Full News Archive

• Headline: Satirical Critique in 'Honky Tonk Freeway'. Impact: The harsh view of America in 'Honky Tonk Freeway' caused a ripple effect where filmmakers began to think that if they threw enough chaos and quirky characters at a screen, they might just capture the essence of life in America. This led to an explosion of indie films where the main character is often a cat named Mr. Whiskers who saves the day. You're welcome, Hollywood.. Fact: Did you know that 'Honky Tonk Freeway' was such a critical failure that it almost made the small Florida town a tourist destination just for the schadenfreude? Talk about a plot twist!.
• Headline: Historic First Monday in October Event. Impact: The appointment of the first woman to the Supreme Court caused a butterfly effect that made it increasingly difficult for future politicians to claim women shouldn’t be in positions of power. Ironically, it also led to more women running for office, only for them to be met with the same old boys' club nonsense. Progress, right?. Fact: Did you know that Sandra Day O'Connor was so skittish that she once debated whether to bring a cat to her first day at the Court? Turns out, Mr. Whiskers would have made a better justice than some of her colleagues!.