Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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The biggest hits of the year β Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON March 18, 1959
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.S. Hosts Key Peace Treaty Meeting. Impact: The principles drafted here eventually led to a chain of events dragging Germany into the EU, reminding everyone that paperwork might actually be the most powerful weapon in history.. Fact: Germany is still negotiating things, like how to be the worldβs most efficient nation while also trying to maintain a reputation for Oktoberfest and pretzels..
- Headline: Older Brothers Support Young Boys' Fashion. Impact: This initiative led to the rise of the 'older brother' archetype in pop culture, eventually resulting in the 'cool uncle' trend and countless embarrassing family photos.. Fact: Older brothers have been known to influence fashion trendsβjust not always in the way younger siblings hope..
- Headline: SENATORS START STRAUSS INQUIRY; Commerce Secretary Told He Faces Many Questions on Confirmation in Post. Impact: The extensive questioning process eventually inspired future politicians to write self-help books on how to dodge questions, leading to a boom in political jargon that only a PhD in nonsense can decode.. Fact: Senate hearings have often been compared to soap operasβlots of drama, questionable motives, and all the suspense of whether or not someone will actually answer a question..
- Headline: Walter Gropius to Get '59 Architects Award. Impact: Gropius's recognition laid the groundwork for modern architecture, making it socially acceptable to spend millions on minimalist designs that often look like unfinished warehouses.. Fact: Gropius was so influential that even IKEA's assembly instructions pay homage to his architectural principlesβjust with fewer tools and more confusion..
- Headline: SENATORS SOLVE A LABOR PROBLEM; Committee Approves a Plan to Spur N.L.R.B. Hearings and Union Elections. Impact: This plan sparked a movement that eventually led to union negotiations being seen as the adult version of a schoolyard argumentβlots of shouting, some compromise, and no one really knows who won.. Fact: Labor unions have been known to negotiate better deals than most people can get at a car dealershipβjust without the free coffee and donuts..
- Headline: Oriental Protestants in City to Oppose Red China. Impact: This protest paved the way for future activism, setting a precedent that showed how vocal communities could shape international relationsβespecially when they brought their own megaphones.. Fact: Protests have a tendency to bring out the bestβand worstβin people, including the ever-frequent free speech advocates who just want to be heard... and sometimes seen on social media..
- Headline: STATE 'PLUCKING' CITY TAXPAYERS, MAYOR CHARGES; He Sees 'Amazing' Concern for Bankers and Bookies, but Little for People. Impact: This accusation triggered a cycle of politicians being vigilant about public opinions, leading to the rise of the βperformative politicianββwho cares more about selfies than solutions.. Fact: It's often said that a politician's favorite sport is dodging responsibilityβespecially when it comes to taxes..
- Headline: SCHOLARSHIP BILL GAINS; Assembly Passes Measure to Protect Regents Grants. Impact: The passage of this bill led to an increase in scholarships, which in turn resulted in legions of students who now think that 'free money' is a natural part of higher educationβspoiler alert: it isnβt.. Fact: Scholarship applications can sometimes feel more complicated than a NASA launchβjust with fewer rockets and more essays about why you deserve the cash..
- Headline: REUTERS NAMES CHIEF; Cole Will Succeed Chancellor as News Agency Manager. Impact: Cole's appointment set in motion a series of changes in news reporting that would eventually lead to sensational headlines about cats in trees and celebrity breakups taking precedence over world events.. Fact: The news is often a reflection of society's prioritiesβlike how a puppy being rescued from a tree will always garner more clicks than a serious discussion about climate change..
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)