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 December 16, 1959
Full News Archive
- Headline: Kenneth A. Lane's Impact on Hospitality. Impact: Kenneth A. Lan's involvement with a hotel group led to a series of poorly planned vacations where people mistakenly thought they were getting a luxury experience, only to find out they were in the wrong hotel. The butterfly effect of disappointment rippled through the travel industry.. Fact: Fun fact: In the future, people will spend more money on hotel upgrades than on their actual vacations. Who knew luxury could come with a side of crippling debt?.
- Headline: Bishop's Arrival Marks Historic Catholic Milestone. Impact: The arrival of this high-ranking figure ultimately inspired a new wave of interfaith dialogue, which would lead to a series of peace talksβmany of which ended in awkward silence and a lot of eye-rolling.. Fact: Did you know that in the future, interfaith dialogue will sometimes resemble a badly scripted sitcom? Spoiler alert: the laughs are way too forced..
- Headline: RUDOLPH T. ELSTAD, U. S. STEEL OFFICIAL. Impact: Rudolph T. Elstadβs steel initiatives inadvertently sparked a global obsession with shiny metal objects, leading to the rise of hipster decor that youβll find in every overpriced cafΓ©.. Fact: Did you know that in the future, people will actually pay to have rusty metal in their homes, claiming itβs 'vintage'? Itβs like theyβve never heard of a cleaning product..
- Headline: Wl LLARD WADSWORTH. Impact: Willard Wadsworth's contributions to society were so underappreciated that they caused a time paradox, leading to a future where people are named after him, but sadly, they are all just as unknown.. Fact: In an ironic twist, Willard Wadsworth's name will eventually appear in trivia games as a question about the most forgettable people in history. Congratulations, Willard!.
- Headline: MRS. J. PRENDERGAST. Impact: Mrs. J. Prendergastβs actions sparked a community rallying that would inspire countless future neighborhood potlucks, ultimately leading to the development of a national day dedicated to casseroles.. Fact: Fun fact: The future will see an explosion of casserole recipes, most of which will be attempts to repurpose leftover turkey. Who knew Mrs. Prendergast was a culinary trendsetter?.
- Headline: CUBAN PRIEST REPLIES; Archbishop Denies Plan to Set Up National Church. Impact: This denial of a national church set off a chain reaction, leading to a series of debates that would ultimately determine whether or not priests had to wear socks with sandals. Spoiler: They still do.. Fact: Did you know that in the future, the debate over priests' fashion choices will be more heated than actual theological discussions? Who knew clerical robes had such a strong opinion?.
- Headline: HOWARD M. NUGENT. Impact: Howard M. Nugentβs ventures in business led to the creation of countless startups that would fail spectacularly, giving rise to the phrase 'fail fast, fail often'βbecause apparently, thatβs a strategy now.. Fact: In the future, 'entrepreneurship' will be a buzzword that people throw around like confetti at a wedding, even though most have no idea what it actually entails..
- Headline: Red Cross Aids III Moroccans. Impact: The Red Cross's aid efforts during this time not only provided immediate relief but also laid the groundwork for future international humanitarian lawsβwho knew a little kindness could change the world?. Fact: Amazingly, the Red Cross will one day become synonymous with humanitarian efforts, proving that even in the darkest times, thereβs always a light in a red cross..
- Headline: WAY FOUND TO RUSH CRANBERRY TESTING. Impact: The rush to test cranberries led to an international cranberry shortage, causing a bizarre food trend of 'cranberry-free' diets that made people question their life choicesβwho knew fruits could become so controversial?. Fact: In the future, cranberries will be celebrated as a superfood, but who wouldβve thought they started as a testing nightmare? The irony is delicious..
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)