JULY 20, 1984

Full News Archive

• Headline: Olympics Coverage Controversy in South Africa. Impact: If this bar fight hadn't happened, South Africa might have won the Olympic Games for Best Drama. Instead, it just fueled global outrage, leading to more sanctions, which ultimately brought us to the end of apartheid. Who knew a brawl could change the course of history?. Fact: Fun fact: This bar fight probably escalated faster than the average South African political debate. I mean, who needs a peaceful protest when you can throw punches?.
• Headline: The Deadly Summer Revenge Plot. Impact: This 'Deadly Summer' revenge scheme sparked a new genre of intricate plots in film and literature, leading to an era where everyone thinks they can outsmart each other. Spoiler alert: they can't.. Fact: Did you know that 'revenge' is actually just 'fun' with a side of consequences? Just ask any character in a tragic Shakespearean play..
• Headline: The Lopes Saga: Interviewing Reagan. Impact: The never-ending saga of Jerry Lopes and Reagan's interview paved the way for future journalists to tackle the absurdity of political access. Fast-forward to today, and we can thank Lopes for the 'I’ll get back to you' emails that haunt us all.. Fact: Fun fact: This interview saga lasted longer than most relationships in the 80s. Clearly, persistence pays off—if you enjoy being ghosted..
• Headline: A COMEDY ABOUT MUNITIONS. Impact: This munitions comedy was so awful that it inadvertently sparked an era of filmmakers questioning their life choices. It took decades for anyone to consider making another film about weapons—thankfully.. Fact: Did you know? The only thing funnier than this comedy is the thought of people actually watching it while waiting for a real laugh..
• Headline: CAMPUS 'NERDS'. Impact: The nerds vs. machos debate on campus created a ripple effect that led to the rise of geek culture and the eventual creation of comic book movies. Thanks for the trauma, jocks!. Fact: Fun fact: The term 'nerd' was once an insult—now it's a badge of honor. Who knew the future would be ruled by the ones who once hid in lockers?.
• Headline: 'NEVERENDING STORY,' A FANFASY. Impact: This fantasy about a bookish boy paved the way for generations of children to believe that reading could unlock magical worlds. Ironically, this led to a global decline in outdoor playtime.. Fact: Did you know? The only thing gracier than this fantasy is the awkwardness of trying to explain it to someone who just doesn't get it..
• Headline: 'ELECTRIC DREAMS'. Impact: This bizarre film about a jealous computer led to the eventual rise of AI and the apprehension surrounding it. So, in a way, we can thank this movie for our current paranoia about tech taking over.. Fact: Fun fact: If only this computer had a better personality, we might not be in an ongoing battle with our devices today. Talk about a missed opportunity!.