Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON August 15, 1958
Full News Archive
- Headline: Chemical Origins of Schizophrenia Explored. Impact: This revelation led to a surge in pharmaceutical companies creating 'miracle' pills, resulting in the world's first 'chemical cocktail' parties where attendees boasted about their meds instead of drinks. Who knew mental health could be a social event?. Fact: Did you know that many people still think schizophrenia is just a personality quirk? Spoiler alert: it's not!.
- Headline: Gerosa Urges NYC to Cut Spending. Impact: Gerosa's warnings led to a city-wide panic that ultimately resulted in the invention of the world's first budget-friendly ramen noodle restaurant. Because, you know, who needs infrastructure when you have instant noodles?. Fact: Fun fact: New York City once considered printing its own currencyβ'Gero-bucks'βto solve its debt problem. It never happened, but the idea was snack-worthy..
- Headline: Senate Delays Vote on White Nomination. Impact: The continuous delays led to the creation of a new sport: congressional procrastination. Fans eagerly track how long it takes for a bill to pass, with the current record being held by a proposal for a national 'Do Nothing Day.'. Fact: In 2020, a study found that 'Senate Delay' is actually a form of cardio, as senators have been known to run in circles while debating!.
- Headline: MAURICE KOSTROFF. Impact: Maurice Kostroff's name faded into obscurity, but unbeknownst to many, he became the accidental inspiration for a popular children's book character, 'Maurice the Mysterious,' who solves mysteries with a flair for the dramatic.. Fact: No one really knows who Maurice Kostroff was, but he has a surprisingly large fan club of conspiracy theorists who believe he was a time traveler..
- Headline: Democrats Reject Chamber Plea. Impact: This rejection set off a chain reaction that eventually led to the invention of 'Political Karaoke Night,' where politicians belt out their grievances in the hopes of finding common ground through off-key renditions of pop hits.. Fact: The last time the Democrats accepted a plea was in 1972, when they mistook a pizza order for a policy proposal. Spoiler: it didnβt end well..
- Headline: ARGENTINA DEMANDS ARBITRATION ON ISLE. Impact: This demand kicked off a global trend in arbitration that made every country want to settle their disputes over coffee. Today, we have 'Diplomatic Brews' worldwide, where leaders sip espresso instead of exchanging threats.. Fact: The arbitration dispute over the isle was so intense that it inspired a dramatic soap opera titled 'As the Isle Turns.'.
- Headline: Slayer Denied New Trial. Impact: This denial solidified the idea that sometimes justice is as elusive as a good Wi-Fi signal in a basement. It spawned countless memes about courtroom drama, leading to a rise in 'Lawyer Comedy' shows.. Fact: In a shocking twist, the judgeβs gavel was later found to be a popular prop in a magician's act. Justice really did disappear!.
- Headline: ROAD WORK IS LET FOR 2D SPAN DECK; Authority Votes $1,717,370 for Approach to George Washington Bridge. Impact: This monumental decision led to the creation of the 'Bridge Builder' video game, where players navigate funding issues and construction delays, bringing joy to procrastinators everywhere.. Fact: The George Washington Bridge is so popular, it once had its own social media account, but it was shut down for excessive traffic complaints..
- Headline: Top Teen-Age Driver Named. Impact: The announcement of the top teen driver triggered a national competition for the worst teen driving stories, leading to a new reality show called 'License to Crash,' which is shockingly popular.. Fact: The top teen driver later confessed that their secret to success was only driving in straight linesβwho knew being boring could win accolades?.
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)