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 November 25, 1958
Full News Archive
- Headline: Ulbricht Anticipates Soviet Actions in Berlin. Impact: Ulbricht's expectations led to a flurry of diplomatic activity, causing a butterfly effect where every tense meeting in Berlin inspired a new Cold War-themed board game. If only Monopoly had been designed with spies in mind!. Fact: Did you know that Ulbrichtβs name is often associated with the Berlin Wall? Talk about a lasting 'impression'!.
- Headline: Columbia Law Tuition Increases by $100. Impact: This seemingly innocuous tuition increase sparked a series of student protests, leading to a nationwide movement where students demanded quality education for free. Spoiler: theyβre still waiting.. Fact: Fun fact: that $100 increase in tuition is probably about the same amount it costs to park in NYC for an hour!.
- Headline: Rail Workers Expected Pension Increase. Impact: The foreseen pension gains led to a rush of people wanting to work for railroads, inadvertently causing a nationwide obsession with trains. Next thing you know, everyone was wearing conductor hats!. Fact: Did you know that trains have been a popular mode of transport for over 200 years? Apparently, not everyone was on board with flying..
- Headline: Mayor Visits Slum, Plans Drive by City; MAYOR SEES SLUM, PLANS CITY DRIVE. Impact: This visit became a catalyst for urban reform, inspiring mayors across the nation to put on their best suits and pretend to care about social issues, while their constituents rolled their eyes.. Fact: Did you know that 'drive by' in this context is not referring to fast food? Although, that sounds like a solid campaign strategy..
- Headline: BERLIN AWAITING MOVE BY MOSCOW; Idea of a Soviet Change of Mind Promptly Rejected by Red Spokesmen. Impact: The refusal to change minds solidified the East-West divide, leading to decades of espionage, mistrust, and some very intense games of Risk played in basements worldwide.. Fact: Fun fact: Berlin was once so divided that you could literally stand in one part of the city and be in two different worlds. Talk about a split personality!.
- Headline: U.S. MAY INCREASE AID TO INDONESIA; Possible Rise in Military and Economic Help Is Laid to Anti-Communist Gains. Impact: This aid led to Indonesia becoming a hotbed for geopolitical strategies, with the U.S. secretly hoping for a tropical vacation while simultaneously stirring the pot. Because who doesnβt love a little irony?. Fact: Did you know that the U.S. has offered so much aid over the years to various countries that it could fund a small moon colony? But who needs a moon base when you can have more military bases?.
- Headline: RADIO TRUST LAID TO 3 BIG CONCERNS; U. S. Sues Westinghouse, G. E. and Dutch Company Over Sales in Canada. Impact: The lawsuit spurred a wave of anti-trust sentiments that caused corporations to rethink their sneaky tactics, leading to a brief period where businesses actually cared about consumers. Shocking, I know.. Fact: Did you know that the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was designed to prevent monopolies? So basically, it was the U.S. government saying, 'No, you can't have all the power!' How quaint..
- Headline: LABOR OPENS HUNT FOR BRITISH VOTES; With the Election Date Still Unknown, Party Strives to Win Popularity. Impact: This frantic search for votes led to a series of increasingly bizarre campaign promises, including free tea and scones for all. Spoiler: the British people still love their tea, but not so much the politicians.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'British politeness' is a euphemism for 'we may not like you, but weβll pretend to'? Itβs basically an Olympic sport..
- Headline: U. S. SCIENTISTS ASK NUCLEAR TEST HALT. Impact: This plea for a nuclear test halt eventually led to numerous treaties, which ironically resulted in scientists being able to focus on more important issues, like whether pineapple belongs on pizza.. Fact: Did you know that nuclear tests were once considered a fun way to pass the time? Talk about a blast!.
- Headline: Frederika in San Francisco. Impact: Queen Frederika's visit to San Francisco created a cultural exchange that led to a brief spike in interest in royal tea parties and a dramatic increase in scone salesβlocal bakeries were thrilled!. Fact: Did you know that San Francisco has been a hotspot for royalty and tech moguls alike? Just a stone's throw from the monarchy to the next big app!.
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)