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 April 23, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: Stephen J. Thompson's Historic Event. Impact: If only Stephen had decided to open a bakery instead of pursuing his current career, we might have had the world's first time-traveling pastry, changing the course of culinary history forever. Who doesn't love a good croissant with a side of temporal distortion?. Fact: Fun fact: The name 'Thompson' is so common that itβs basically the 'John Doe' of surnames. If you meet a Thompson, just know they probably have a 50% chance of being related to a famous person..
- Headline: Honoring Frederick R. W. Boss. Impact: Frederick R. W. Boss might just have been the catalyst for an underground movement where people started demanding to be called 'Boss'. This could have led to a world filled with 'Bosses', where no one would ever know who was actually in charge.. Fact: Did you know that 'Boss' is actually derived from the Dutch word 'baas'? So, if youβre ever feeling bossy, maybe just blame it on your Dutch ancestry!.
- Headline: Philadelphia's Polio Vaccine Milestone. Impact: This moment marked the beginning of a long-standing rivalry between vaccines and anti-vaxxers, resulting in the invention of the world's most awkward family gatherings. Thanks, Philadelphia, for keeping dinner conversations lively!. Fact: Fun fact: The first vaccines were introduced in the late 18th century, which means people were dodging diseases long before dodging social situations became a thing..
- Headline: Y. W. C. A. WILL ACT ON RACIAL UNITY; Convention Sets Vote Today on Study of Carrying Out Policies in Practices. Impact: This decision may have inadvertently inspired countless discussions about racial unity and policies, leading to the creation of a 'Racial Unity Bingo' game. Itβs a fun way to realize how often we still miss the point!. Fact: The Y.W.C.A. has been around since 1858, which means they've been working on racial unity longer than some politicians have been breathing. Talk about dedication!.
- Headline: WILLIAM S. CONROY. Impact: William's name could have inspired a new trend where everyone starts adding 'S.' to their names, leading to a world where all documents are filled with initials, and no one knows who anyone is anymore. Ah, the beauty of bureaucracy!. Fact: Conroy is such a vibrant surname; it translates to 'wise ruler.' So if anyone asks, itβs only fitting that heβs taken on the role of a king in disguise somewhere!.
- Headline: ARTHUR A. ROBINSON. Impact: If Arthur had chosen to be an astronaut instead of whatever he was doing, we might have had a Robinson on Mars by now, raising the question: 'What do Martians eat for dinner?'. Fact: Arthur's name is so classic that itβs basically the 'George' of the 20th century. If you meet an Arthur, just know they probably love a good dad joke..
- Headline: CIVIC GROUPS OPPOSE U. S. AID TO SCHOOLS. Impact: This opposition could have sparked a global trend of school funding being handled by bake sales and lemonade stands, leading to the most delicious education system in history. Who needs tax dollars when you have cookies?. Fact: It's always the taxpayers who have the loudest opinions about how schools should be funded. Because nothing says 'I care about education' like a poorly attended town hall meeting..
- Headline: Bogged on 'Colonialism'; Red China Disclaims Any Idea Of Going to War Against U. S.. Impact: This diplomatic nod could have set the stage for an alternate timeline where the U.S. and China became best friends, leading to collaborative sitcoms about international relations. Picture it: 'Friends Across Borders'!. Fact: The term 'colonialism' is such a loaded gun in history; itβs like the 'that guy' at parties who brings up politics when everyone just wants to enjoy nachos..
- Headline: Niagara Falls' Two Maids of the Mist Damaged by Fire in Drydock. Impact: This unfortunate incident may have led to the invention of the world's first boat fire extinguishing service, revolutionizing maritime safety and creating jobs for overly cautious boat lovers.. Fact: The Maid of the Mist has been taking tourists to see Niagara Falls since 1846. Imagine the stories those boats could tell if they could talkβmostly about how to avoid fiery mishaps!.
- Headline: MISS MARY E. O'BRIEN. Impact: Mary E. O'Brien's legacy likely inspired future generations of Marys to add a middle initial, leading to a clerical nightmare for future historians trying to track them down. Thanks, Mary!. Fact: Mary was such a popular name that at one point, if you shouted 'Mary!' in a crowded room, you were guaranteed to get at least five heads turning. Itβs the original crowd-control tactic!.
Wall Street Time Machine
IBM
IBM
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1955, it would be worth $205,272 today (205.3x return)
PFE
Pfizer
Pfizer - If you invested $1,000 in 1955, it would be worth $168,691 today (168.7x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1955, it would be worth $3,433,941 today (3433.9x return)