Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON December 2, 1959
Full News Archive
- Headline: Construction Begins on New Philharmonic Hall. Impact: If they hadn't built the Philharmonic Hall, future generations might have settled for karaoke bars instead. The world avoided a musical apocalypse, thanks to a few well-placed bricks and mortar.. Fact: This hall would later host countless performances, making it the go-to spot for people who enjoy pretending they understand classical music..
- Headline: 3-Year Pier Pact Secures Labor Agreement. Impact: The agreement kept the docks running smoothly, which ultimately led to a global shipping industry that now requires us to wait three weeks for a package from across the world. Thanks, ILA!. Fact: 41 cents an hour might not sound like much now, but back then it was basically a small fortune β especially if you splurged on a soda!.
- Headline: Study Reveals Benefits of Older Workers. Impact: This study created a ripple effect, leading to more employers realizing that older workers are worth their weight in gold β which ironically, they probably can't afford on a fixed income.. Fact: Turns out age is just a number, and so is the number of times young workers have to ask their parents how to fix the Wi-Fi..
- Headline: 12-NATION PACT MAKES ANTARCTIC SCIENCE RESERVE; Treaty Signed in Capital Bars Military Activity -Atomic Tests Outlawed. Impact: The Antarctic Treaty paved the way for the continent to become a hotspot for scientists and penguin selfies, while the military went on to find new ways to cause chaos elsewhere.. Fact: Who knew that a frozen wasteland could become a peaceful research utopia? It's like the world's largest ice cream shop β without the ice cream..
- Headline: SPAIN SENTENCES 20; Defendants Are Convicted of Subversive Activities. Impact: These sentences not only showcased the oppressive nature of the regime but also sparked international attention, leading to a sudden uptick in 'Save the People of Spain' merchandise.. Fact: Convicting 20 people for subversive activities sounds like a headline from a dystopian novel, but nope, just another Tuesday in Spain!.
- Headline: Soviet-British Cultural Accord May End Jamming of B. B. C.; SOVIET MAY HALT JAMMING OF B.B.C.. Impact: This accord may have stopped the jamming of the BBC, which means that the world was spared from endless reruns of 'Are You Being Served?' β a true public service.. Fact: Imagine a world without the BBC β we might have all ended up watching reality TV sooner!.
- Headline: Panama Outlook Explosive. Impact: The explosive outlook on Panama led to decades of political unrest, proving that sometimes, when you throw a party, you really shouldn't invite the entire neighborhood.. Fact: Panama's political situation was so explosive that even the fireworks were scared to show up..
- Headline: MONARCHIST PLEA MADE IN PORTUGAL; General's Message Induces Speculation That Regime May Back Restoration. Impact: The monarchist plea in Portugal hinted at a potential restoration of the monarchy, which would later inspire numerous Netflix dramas about royal families fighting over brunch menus.. Fact: Nothing says 'we miss you' like wanting to bring back a monarchy. Next up: restoring dial-up internet!.
- Headline: WASHINGTON SPLIT ON PANAMA POLICY; Pentagon Differs With State Department Proposals to Improve Relations. Impact: The split in Washington over Panama policy set a precedent for future diplomatic debates, resulting in more political gridlock than a traffic jam at rush hour.. Fact: If only they had known then that disagreements would lead to years of endless meetings and no solutions whatsoever!.
- Headline: STRONGER U.N. STAND ON ALGERIA IS URGED. Impact: Advocating for a stronger UN stance on Algeria helped lay the groundwork for future humanitarian efforts, proving that sometimes, shouting louder gets you noticed.. Fact: Who knew that a bunch of delegates getting together could change the world? Next time, weβll just gather for lunch..
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)