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 October 20, 1958
Full News Archive
- Headline: Significant Donation Boosts Arts Center Funds. Impact: This generous donation led to the establishment of the Lincoln Square as a cultural hub, inadvertently inspiring a future generation of hipster coffee shops and artisanal craft fairs. All thanks to a few people who thought throwing money at the arts would be a great idea!. Fact: The amount donated could buy approximately 0.0001% of a celebrity's new yacht. Priorities, people!.
- Headline: India Limits Currency for Travelers. Impact: This monetary restriction sparked a wave of innovation in underground currency exchanges, which later inspired a whole new genre of spy movies. Who knew that not letting people take their money abroad could lead to a cinematic universe?. Fact: Turns out, making it hard to access your own money is a timeless tradition. Just ask anyone trying to get cash from a bank during a holiday!.
- Headline: 4th Graders Undergo Achievement Testing. Impact: This test was the genesis of the future standardized testing movement, which ultimately led to the invention of stress balls and adult coloring books. Thanks, 4th graders, for paving the way to our current state of existential dread!. Fact: Studies show that 99% of 4th graders would rather be doing literally anything else than taking a 6-hour test. But hey, at least they're being prepared for the real world, right?.
- Headline: WESTERN ELECTRIC AND UNION AGREE. Impact: This groundbreaking agreement set the stage for all future labor negotiations, ultimately leading to the birth of the infamous 'office coffee machine' negotiations, where every battle is fought for the last donut.. Fact: In the world of corporate negotiations, 'agreement' is often code for 'we'll compromise by giving you a slightly better break room.'.
- Headline: DE SAPIO CHARGES ROCKEFELLER POSE; Says G.O.P. Candidate Has Three Roles as Liberal but None Are Real. Impact: This accusation kicked off a trend of political double-speak that continues to this day. Politicians everywhere learned that it's easier to wear many hats than to own just one.. Fact: The only thing more confusing than Rockefeller's political stance is trying to explain it to a room full of toddlers. Spoiler: it doesnβt end well..
- Headline: Mass in St. Peter's Closes Funeral Rites for Pius XII; RITES FOR PIUS XII END IN ST. PETER'S. Impact: The passing of Pius XII marked a significant moment in Catholic history, shifting the Church's approach to modernity. It also sparked debates that continue to affect theology and social issues today.. Fact: Pius XII's funeral was attended by a veritable who's who of the 20th century. It was like the Oscars, but with a lot less glamour and a lot more solemnity..
- Headline: INQUIRY BID REFUSED; Douglas Says He Sought U. S. Action on Jewish Bombings. Impact: This refusal to initiate an inquiry resulted in a ripple effect of distrust in government accountability, which would eventually lead to the birth of conspiracy theorists everywhere. Thank you, U.S. government, for inspiring hours of basement-dwelling speculation!. Fact: Refusing an inquiry is basically the adult version of hiding under your blankets when you hear something scary. Spoiler: it doesnβt work..
- Headline: Random Notes in Washington: Agency Rethinks Labor Policy; Commerce Department Backs Off From Union-Backing -De Gaulle Explains 'Non'. Impact: This backtracking on union support led to a long-term trend of labor rights being viewed as negotiable. Who knew unions could be so flexible? Maybe they'll call it yoga for workers!. Fact: When in doubt, just remember: 'No' is the French way of saying 'Iβm not interested, but thanks for asking!'.
- Headline: Presbyterian Church Gets Woman Minister. Impact: This milestone event opened the floodgates for female leadership in religious circles, paving the way for future generations of women to challenge patriarchal norms and change the face of spirituality.. Fact: The first woman minister was probably as surprised as everyone else. It's like being called up to the stage when you thought you were just there to enjoy the show!.
- Headline: Eisenhower Opens Coast Drive Today; PRESIDENT DRAFTS 2 COAST SPEECHES. Impact: This drive symbolized the beginning of America's love affair with road trips and the quest for the perfect roadside diner. Eisenhower's speeches eventually inspired countless travel blogs and Instagram influencers.. Fact: Eisenhower likely had no idea that his coast drive would later inspire people to take selfies with every single landmark they pass. It's all about priorities!.
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)