OCTOBER 17, 1983

Full News Archive

• Headline: Franklin Lakes Musician's Concert Journey. Impact: Beverly Somach worrying about her violins might have inadvertently changed the course of music history. If one violin had been lost, perhaps a future maestro would have been inspired to take up the accordion instead. Can you imagine?. Fact: Fun fact: The violin has been around for over 400 years, but only recently has anyone worried about its airplane travel more than its actual performance!.
• Headline: CRAFTS ; THE 'CRAFTSMAN IDEAL' AT NABISCO. Impact: The 'Craftsman Ideal' could have inspired a DIY revolution that led to a world where IKEA never existed. Imagine the chaos of assembling furniture with only a hammer and a prayer!. Fact: Gustav Stickley believed in 'plain living and high thinking.' So, if your furniture is overly complicated, just remember—it was not part of his ideal!.
• Headline: FOLLOW-UP ON THE NEWS. Impact: Senator Proxmire's career of fighting wasteful spending might have led to an alternate universe where Congress actually functions efficiently. But that’s just too far-fetched, isn’t it?. Fact: Proxmire was known for his 'Golden Fleece' awards, highlighting government waste. Which is ironic, considering Congress spends money like it's going out of style. Oh wait, it is!.
• Headline: FOLLOW-UP ON THE NEWS. Impact: Tasmania's reputation as a joke might have resulted in an alternate reality where all Tasmanians became comedians, leading to the first-ever 'Tasmanian Comedy Festival' instead of the regular artsy-fartsy stuff. Now that would be entertaining!. Fact: Tasmania is home to the Tasmanian devil, the only carnivorous marsupial. So, it seems the joke’s on the mainland Australians; they're not the only ones with a sense of humor!.
• Headline: DOCTOS COMBINE MEDICINE AND LAW. Impact: Harvey Wachsman’s unique approach could have led to a future where lawyers and doctors form a hybrid profession, creating a new wave of medically-inclined litigators who also perform checkups on their clients. Watch out for the 'sue and cure' movement!. Fact: Fun fact: Combining medicine and law is not as far-fetched as it sounds; many lawyers are 'disease experts'—especially when it comes to feigning illness to win a case!.
• Headline: CAREFUL SHOPPER. Impact: The Louis Ungar Braid Company could have unwittingly sparked a renaissance in hair fashion, leading to a world where braids became the ultimate symbol of status. Forget the crown jewels; it's all about the braid now!. Fact: Did you know that braids date back to 3500 B.C.? So, if you think your hairstyle is trendy, just remember: it's probably been around longer than your great-grandparents!.
• Headline: GOING HOME: CRUCIAL MOVE FOR PATIENTS. Impact: The emotional preparation for patients after surgery might have catalyzed a global movement in patient advocacy, where doctors are forced to take emotional intelligence classes. One can dream, right?. Fact: Quadruple bypass surgery is often referred to as a 'heart reboot.' So if you meet someone who's had one, just know they literally have a second chance at life—and hopefully better emotional support!.
• Headline: ANTIQUES; BERGEN PUTS ITS FOLK ART ON VIEW. Impact: The rise of American folk art could have led to a future where art degrees were replaced with folk art workshops, resulting in a society filled with quirky, homemade sculptures that are just as confusing as modern art. Talk about a plot twist!. Fact: American folk art is often considered a reflection of cultural identity. So, if you ever feel lost, just look at a piece of folk art and think, 'At least I'm not that lost!'.