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 28, 1958
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.S. Whaling Fleet's 1957 Catch Insights. Impact: The U.S. whaling fleet's spurt led to a dramatic increase in whale-themed merchandise, including 'Whale of a Time' party hats, which oddly enough, became a fashion statement in the 80sβwho knew? This ultimately contributed to the rise of eco-tourism decades later, as public sentiment shifted from hunting them to just taking selfies with them.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more endangered than whales in the 1950s was the concept of common sense in whaling practices?.
- Headline: Minnesota Inmates Test Hair-Growth Treatment. Impact: This hair-growing preparation test led to the eventual rise of the 'hair-raising' reality TV shows, where contestants try out bizarre beauty products. Little did they know, this would spawn an entire industry of questionable aesthetics.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing these inmates are more likely to grow than hair is a deep-seated distrust of pharmacologists?.
- Headline: Labor Surpluses Widespread in 1958. Impact: The labor surplus in the 1950s paved the way for the gig economy, which somehow made the act of applying for surplus foods a new career path for future generations! Just think, in a few decades, people will be applying for jobs as 'professional food bank visitors.'. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'jobless' was once a polite way to say 'I enjoy long walks on the unemployment line'?.
- Headline: DICK TIGER TAKES TITLE; Nigerian Knocks Out McAteer for British Empire Crown. Impact: Tiger's victory not only launched his own boxing career but also inspired the world to think that anyone can knock out the competitionβespecially if they have a catchy name. Just imagine if all fighters were named after animals; we'd have a UFC full of 'Killer Bees' and 'Mighty Mice.'. Fact: Did you know that Dick Tiger's real name was actually Richard I. Tiger? Yeah, he dropped the 'I' for street cred..
- Headline: Slander Suit Is Upheld. Impact: The upheld slander suit created a ripple effect in the legal world, leading to countless ridiculous lawsuits in the following decades. As a result, if you stub your toe on a sidewalk, your neighbor might just get sued for 'emotional distress.'. Fact: Did you know that Dr. Cheatum's name is almost as questionable as the incidents that got him a $200,000 lawsuit? Coincidence? I think not!.
- Headline: TV Technicians Reject New Contract Offered to Union by A. B.C. and N. B. C.. Impact: The rejection of the contract catalyzed a series of labor disputes that would lead to a golden age of TV dramas centered around union struggles. Who knew? The true heroes would be TV technicians fighting for their rights, not caped crusaders.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing worse than ABC and NBC's contract proposal was their attempts at original programming? Talk about slumping ratings!.
- Headline: BROWN GAINS LEAD IN FIGURE SKATING; Tops Defender Jenkins by a Slim Margin in National Meet Compulsory Test. Impact: Brown's slight lead in figure skating created a competitive spirit that would eventually lead to a rise in reality shows centered around extreme sports. Imagine every figure skater from the 2000s having their own dating show. Romance on iceβhow original!. Fact: Did you know that in figure skating, a 'slim margin' is just a polite way of saying, 'I barely scraped by but told everyone I nailed it'?.
- Headline: PROXY BATTLE ENDED; Management of Landers, Frary & Clark Wins. Impact: The proxy battle's outcome ensured that shareholders would forever be skeptical of corporate management, leading to an era of conspiracy theories about corporations and their secret plans for world domination. Spoiler alert: They just want your money.. Fact: Did you know that corporate proxy battles have more drama than your average soap opera? Complete with betrayal, backstabbing, and a dash of financial espionage!.
- Headline: GOVERNOR TO SIGN G.O.P.'S CRIME BILL; Ends Possibility of Special Session -- At Issue With Foes on Achievements. Impact: The signing of the crime bill was a pivotal moment that initiated a long-standing debate about the effectiveness of legislation versus actual results. Spoiler alert: not much changed, but the politicians sure enjoyed the vacation.. Fact: Did you know that 'achievements' in politics often refer to the number of times politicians can avoid real issues while still taking a vacation? Bravo!.
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)