JULY 24, 1983

Full News Archive

• Headline: New Britain Baseball Team Revives Civic Spirit. Impact: The New Britain baseball team's lift-off was the first step in a long chain reaction that eventually led to the invention of the foam finger. That's right, a simple game led to excessive hand gestures and the yelling of 'You go, girl!' at sporting events.. Fact: New Britain was once famous for its manufacturing. Now it’s famous for being the place where people ask, 'Wait, where's that again?'.
• Headline: Explore Unique Spices at Allerton Discount. Impact: The Allerton Discount Spice & Nut's promotion of salt-free foods was a precursor to the modern-day wellness trend. Who knew that avoiding salt in 1970 would lead to the avocado toast epidemic of the 2010s?. Fact: Salt was once considered a precious commodity, traded for gold. Now it just sits in your cupboard waiting for you to forget it exists..
• Headline: A CAMP FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART. Impact: The camp for the young at heart inspired countless sitcoms and reality shows about seniors living it up. One day, a retired astronaut will be competing on a dance-off show, and it will all trace back to this moment.. Fact: Neil Sedaka's songs are so catchy, they're practically a health hazard. You might just find yourself dancing in the grocery store aisle..
• Headline: UNIVERSITY DEBATES COMPUTER'S ADVENT. Impact: The student uprising at Wesleyan University marked the beginning of students demanding technological advancements, leading to the rise of 'tech support' as a profession. Thanks, angry students; now we have to deal with the endless loop of 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?'. Fact: Wesleyan's fight for computers is ironic considering that most students still can't figure out how to submit their assignments online..
• Headline: NATURE WATCH; FRILLED ANEMONE; Metridium senile. Impact: The frilled anemone's discovery and classification led to a wave of interest in marine biology, resulting in a generation of kids dreaming of becoming scientists—only to end up in tech jobs because they couldn't handle the smell of fish.. Fact: The frilled anemone is literally the diva of the underwater world, demanding attention with its colorful display—much like your friend who insists on being the center of every party..
• Headline: GARDENING; BIOLOGICAL CONTROLS FOR GARDEN WEEDS. Impact: The introduction of biological controls for weeds transformed gardening into a high-tech battle, leading to backyard chemical wars that would make even the most hardened generals weep. All thanks to a few overzealous gardeners!. Fact: The only thing more stubborn than a garden weed is the person who insists on using 'organic' methods to get rid of them, even when it's clear the weeds are winning..
• Headline: BUSINESSES ARE RESPONDING TO UPTURN IN THE ECONOMY. Impact: The economic upturn in New Jersey sparked a series of questionable business decisions that eventually led to the rise of corporate jargon—because nothing says 'we're back' like a buzzword-filled PowerPoint presentation.. Fact: When the economy is up, businesses are more likely to invest in new coffee machines. Because who needs actual raises when you can have artisanal coffee?.
• Headline: BATTLING THE AIDS MYSTERY. Impact: The struggle against AIDS in the 1980s rallied communities and set the groundwork for modern health activism. This event not only changed lives but also paved the way for greater understanding and compassion in public health.. Fact: The fight against AIDS brought together people from all walks of life, proving that sometimes it takes a crisis to bring out the best in humanity, and maybe a killer disco beat..