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 12, 1959
Full News Archive
- Headline: Strengthening Alliances: Iraq's Strategic Shift. Impact: If Iraq hadn't strengthened its ties with Iran and Turkey, we might have been living in a world where kebabs were replaced with... well, nothing too appetizing. But really, the political alliances from this event eventually led to a series of 'who's more trustworthy' contests that continue to this day.. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic relations are like trying to find a good parking spot? It's all about positioning and hoping for no one to take your space!.
- Headline: Congress Investigates Mineral Pact Costs. Impact: The study of this mineral pact cost could have led to the U.S. diving headfirst into mineral mining like it was a gold rush, which ultimately sparked a nationwide obsession with rocks and minerals. Who knew geology could be so riveting?. Fact: Fun fact: Congress discussing mineral costs is about as exciting as watching paint dryβif the paint were debating the merits of various shades of beige..
- Headline: VOLUNTEER HELPERS CITED BY HOSPITALS. Impact: The recognition of volunteer helpers in hospitals might have inspired a wave of volunteerism that led to everyone thinking they could save the world by giving up a few hours of their Saturdayβbecause nothing says 'hero' like folding laundry at a local charity!. Fact: Did you know that volunteers are like the unsung superheroes of society? Except their capes are made of aprons and they wield mops instead of swords..
- Headline: AID TERMED VITAL TO AFRICA, FAR EAST. Impact: This notion of aid being vital could have led to a series of international aid efforts that turned into a never-ending game of 'who can send the most care packages'βand it's still going on today, with some countries showcasing their aid like trophies.. Fact: Did you know that international aid can sometimes be as complicated as assembling IKEA furniture? You think you know what you need, but somehow end up with a bookshelf instead of a bed!.
- Headline: CLAY CALLS CONVOY NO BERLIN SOLUTION. Impact: Gen Clay's statement about the convoy not being a solution may have led to an existential crisis for military strategistsβprompting them to wonder if they should stock up on armored vehicles or just get really good at airlifts.. Fact: Did you know that military logistics could rival any sci-fi movie? With all those vehicles and plans, you'd think they were preparing for an intergalactic battle!.
- Headline: 91-Day Bill Rate Off to 2.722%; 182-Day Issue Up to 3.408%. Impact: The fluctuations in bill rates might have inspired future financial experts to create an entire genre of 'boring' podcasts dedicated to economic trendsβbecause nothing says 'exciting' quite like interest rates.. Fact: Did you know that the only people excited about bill rates are accountants and that one friend who always wants to talk about their investments at parties?.
- Headline: Steel Union Offers Plan to Add Jobs; STEEL UNION ASKS PLAN TO ADD JOBS. Impact: This job-adding initiative could have launched a movement where everyone suddenly thought they were economic geniuses, leading to a world where everyone tried to solve unemployment by simply shouting about it in meetings.. Fact: Did you know that job creation plans often sound more like a game of bingo than a serious economic strategy? 'I have a plan; how about we just add jobs!' - congratulations, you've just won a free lunch!.
- Headline: Eisenhower Gives King Baudouin a 'Warm Welcome' to the U. S.; PRESIDENT GREETS BELGIAN MONARCH. Impact: Eisenhower's warm welcome could have sparked a tradition of over-the-top greetings for visiting dignitaries, resulting in a culture where state visits feel more like celebrity red carpet events than diplomatic meet-ups.. Fact: Did you know that state dinners are basically the adult version of school lunch? Everyone is hoping to sit next to someone interesting while avoiding awkward small talk about the weather..
- Headline: Momentous Triviality; Reporters in Geneva Learn More About That Table and Hear Russian Proverb. Impact: This 'momentous triviality' could have encouraged future journalists to focus on the most mundane details, leading to headlines about the flavor of coffee served at press conferencesβa true testament to the art of journalism.. Fact: Did you know that sometimes the most important news is about as exciting as watching grass grow? But hey, at least the grass doesn't argue back!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1959, it would be worth $3,433,940 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1959, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1959, it would be worth $23,651,341 today (23651.3x return)