Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON March 4, 1958
Full News Archive
- Headline: Governor vs. G.O.P. on Payroll Issues. Impact: This clash over payrolls led to a series of budget cuts that eventually forced politicians to find more creative ways to fund their campaignsβlike selling branded merchandise. 'Vote for me, and get a free T-shirt!' became a thing.. Fact: Did you know that political infighting is the only sport where everyone loses, and the fans still cheer?.
- Headline: UN Imposter Arrested in New York City. Impact: W.A. Wright's impersonation as a U.N. official triggered a worldwide trend of people pretending to be important figures. This eventually led to the rise of influencers who claim to be 'experts' in everything from skincare to geopolitics.. Fact: Did you know that impersonating someone important is basically the original form of social media stalking?.
- Headline: DEMOCRATS PLAN A 3-BILLION FUND TO SPUR HOUSING; Senators to Speed Measure as Anti-Recession Move -- G.O.P. Step Prepared DEMOCRATS PLAN SPUR TO HOUSING. Impact: The Democrats' $3-billion housing plan created a ripple effect in the housing market, leading to the first wave of 'house-flipping' shows on television. Thanks to this bill, we now have reality stars making millions off of homes while the rest of us are just trying to keep our rent paid.. Fact: Isnβt it funny how the term 'housing crisis' makes people think of homes, while simultaneously making them feel like theyβre living in a cardboard box?.
- Headline: SOME TAX CUTS URGED; Meany Seeks Them in Lower Brackets to Aid Economy. Impact: Meanyβs push for tax cuts was like tossing a pebble into a pond. It caused ripples in economic policy that would eventually drown millions in tax loopholes. If only we could tax those who misplace their common sense.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'tax cuts' is just code for 'let's make the rich richer while the rest of you figure it out'?.
- Headline: U. S. PRODDED ON KOREA; Anti-Red Unit Asks Action for Prisoners' Release. Impact: The pressure from the anti-Red unit to release prisoners led to an increase in Cold War tensions, which ironically inspired the creation of the world's first 'Spy vs. Spy' comic strip. Because nothing says diplomacy like a good ol' cartoon.. Fact: Did you know that the real reason we had a Cold War was because nobody wanted to admit they were wrong in a game of international chess?.
- Headline: Supreme Court Decisions. Impact: The dismissal of the blacklisting case by the Supreme Court sparked a cultural revolution in Hollywood, as it encouraged more people to speak out against injusticesβeventually leading to the creation of countless award-winning films about the blacklisted, because nothing says 'I care' like a Hollywood blockbuster.. Fact: Did you know that Hollywood's real blacklist was just a list of people who refused to play nice? Spoiler alert: it was a long list..
- Headline: Rabbis Decry Sabbath Law. Impact: The Orthodox Rabbis' push for Sunday openings led to a gradual shift in business practices, resulting in the creation of 'Sunday Funday' where people shop and brunch like there's no work on Monday. Because who doesnβt love a good shopping spree after church?. Fact: Isn't it ironic that the day of rest turned into the busiest shopping day? Just goes to show that faith and capitalism are best pals..
- Headline: Eisenhower Disability Pact Calls for 'Acting President'; Terms of the Agreement Made Public -- Nixon Would Take Over Duties Until President Had Recovered DISABILITY ACCORD SETS NIXON'S ROLE. Impact: Eisenhowerβs disability pact set a precedent for future political arrangements, effectively turning the Vice Presidency into a glorified babysitting job. Thanks to this, we now have vice presidents who are just one heart attack away from a promotion.. Fact: Did you know that being an 'Acting President' is like being the understudy in a Broadway show? You hope the lead doesn't get sick, but you're ready to step up if they do..
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1958, it would be worth $3,433,942 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1958, it would be worth $586,656 today (586.7x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1958, it would be worth $23,651,359 today (23651.4x return)