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 May 9, 1958
Full News Archive
- Headline: Jersey Boy Ordered Home in 1958. Impact: This boy's return to New Jersey set off a chain reaction that eventually led to the creation of the phrase 'You can take the boy out of Jersey, but you can't take the Jersey out of the boy,' thus launching a million memes and a questionable reality show.. Fact: Did you know that New Jersey is often called the 'Garden State'? Ironically, it seems to be more known for its diners and reality TV stars..
- Headline: Increased Rates for Second Class Mail. Impact: This seemingly mundane postal rate increase sparked an underground movement of stamp collectors who began hoarding stamps, thus creating a black market that would eventually fund a small rebellion against postal service inefficiencies.. Fact: Fun fact: The postal service's motto is 'Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.' Sadly, that doesn't include getting your package delivered on time..
- Headline: Tax Evasion Case Leads to Prison Sentences. Impact: These two tax evaders became unwitting icons of tax resistance, inspiring a generation to form 'Tax Evaders Anonymous,' leading to a boom in underground economy tactics and questionable financial advice on the internet.. Fact: Tax evasion is like a bad relationship; it always comes back to bite you, and sometimes it even involves handcuffs..
- Headline: Theatre: 'Playboy' Opens; Synge Satire Revived at 7 Arts Center. Impact: The revival of this satire revived interest in satirical theatre, sparking a renaissance of witty comedies that eventually led to the creation of countless cringe-worthy modern adaptations that no one asked for.. Fact: Did you know 'The Playboy of the Western World' was so controversial upon its original release that it led to riots? Clearly, the audience had different ideas about what constitutes a 'playboy.'.
- Headline: TUSCARORAS YIELD; SURVEYORS WORK. Impact: This agreement led to a series of negotiations that changed land rights forever, and somewhere in the future, a group of amateur historians would debate the ethical implications of surveying land they didnβt own.. Fact: The Tuscarora people are one of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. Their history is rich and complex, serving as a reminder of the true cost of land agreements..
- Headline: BRONX DEMOCRATS RALLY TO DELUCA; 1,500 Attending Annual Fete Demonstrate Support for Keeping Him on Ticket. Impact: This rally ignited a political firestorm that led to a newfound interest in local politics, resulting in numerous questionable campaign slogans and a viral dance challenge featuring politicians.. Fact: The Bronx is often referred to as the birthplace of hip-hop. Who knew a political rally could inspire the next great rap battle?.
- Headline: U.S.-Asian Exchange Set Up. Impact: The establishment of this exchange led to an influx of cultural exchanges, resulting in the creation of fusion cuisine that would take Instagram by storm and inspire the world's first sushi taco truck.. Fact: Cultural exchanges often lead to delicious food innovations, but sadly, the sushi taco remains an elusive delicacy that only exists in hipster dreams..
- Headline: Rights Nomination Reported. Impact: This nomination sparked a chain reaction that led to more discussions about civil rights, which eventually culminated in a movement to create a βrightsβ emoji, because nothing says progress like digital symbols.. Fact: The fight for civil rights is a long and complicated journey, but hey, at least we have emojis to express our feelings about it now..
- Headline: GROUP TO BOYCOTT TEACHER CEREMONY. Impact: This boycott sparked nationwide debates about teacher pay, ultimately leading to a movement that somehow ended with teachers becoming TikTok stars, thus gaining more fame and followers than any politician.. Fact: Teachers are often underappreciated, but they are the ones shaping the futureβone eye-roll at a time..
- Headline: Horatio Alger Awards Recognize Achievements of 8. Impact: The recognition of these eight individuals sparked a new trend in award shows, leading to awards for everything from 'Best Couch Potato' to 'Most Creative Excuse for Missing Work,' and forever changing the way we celebrate mediocrity.. Fact: Horatio Alger's rags-to-riches stories were all the rage in the 19th century, proving that even in the past, the American Dream was one good tale away from becoming a reality show..
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)