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 28, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: Bonn Expands Dollar Trade Policies. Impact: This seemingly innocuous decision led to a sudden influx of dollar bills in the pockets of coffee shop owners throughout Europe, which ultimately sparked the European Coffee Craze of the late '80s. Who knew a little trade freedom could lead to a continent-wide caffeine addiction?. Fact: Did you know that if you stacked all the dollar bills generated from this trade, they would reach the moon? Just kidding, thatβs not how space works. But it sure would be a lot of coffee!.
- Headline: Obituary of Thomas L. Sidlo. Impact: Thomas L. Sidlo's passing led to a series of unfortunate events in the Cleveland legal community, resulting in a dramatic increase in courtroom drama and unsolved mysteries that could rival any daytime soap opera.. Fact: Did you know that being a lawyer in Cleveland is like being a superhero? You fight for justice by day and drown your sorrows in pierogies by night!.
- Headline: Dr. Philip Grossblatt's Notable Event. Impact: Dr. Philip Grossblattβs work in the medical field eventually inspired a generation of doctors who, ironically, ended up discovering that too much caffeine leads to a coffee-induced heart condition. Thank you, Bonn!. Fact: Did you know that Grossblatt'F is not a typo? It's actually a secret code for 'I have a PhD and I still canβt spell.'.
- Headline: Books of The Times. Impact: The publication of 'Admirals on Horseback' led to a bizarre trend where naval officers began taking up horseback riding as a form of therapy, eventually resulting in a national shortage of saddles.. Fact: Did you know that horses were once the original Uber? They didnβt take credit cards, but they sure did enjoy carrots as tips!.
- Headline: CLUB WOMEN SHUN POLIO POLICY FIGHT; Reject Resolution on Safety in Use of New Medicines -- Hear Labor Secretary. Impact: This decision inadvertently caused a rift in the womenβs clubs, leading to the formation of a secret society dedicated to discussing the merits of new medicines over tea and cookies. A revolution in the making, I tell you!. Fact: Did you know that the real reason these women shunned the policy was because they couldn't agree on a tea brand? Political decisions have never been so steeped in drama!.
- Headline: REUTHER INVITES FORD TO MEETING; Union Leader Says Decision on Strike Is Up to Men -- U.A.W. Rejects Offer. Impact: This event sparked a series of negotiations that nearly led to the creation of a new sport: competitive bargaining, where union leaders faced off against corporate giants in a battle of wits and coffee consumption.. Fact: Did you know that 'U.A.W.' stands for 'Unbelievably Awkward Whispers' during negotiations? It's a talent that not many possess!.
- Headline: TEACHER'S LAWN BOMBED IN JERSEY; 5 Youths Seized in Attacks on Disciplinarian Who Has Been Harassed 2 Years. Impact: This tragic event sent shockwaves through the community, leading to stricter laws on juvenile behavior and a significant uptick in the popularity of gardening workshops for teachers. Green thumbs were the real winners here.. Fact: Did you know that lawn bombs are not a recognized form of protest? But if they were, I bet teachers would have a lot more job security!.
- Headline: FAMECHON KEEPS TITLE; European Featherweight King Outboxes Kelly in Dublin. Impact: Famechon's victory not only solidified his place in boxing history but also inspired a generation of featherweight fighters to wear ridiculously oversized hats in his honor. Fashion in the ring was never the same.. Fact: Did you know that featherweights are known for their speed and agility? But letβs be honest, itβs mostly to avoid getting hit by those oversized hats!.
- Headline: TROUBLE IN THE AIR; Pollution Blamed for Damage to City Hall Exterior. Impact: The revelation of pollution damage effectively turned City Hall into the poster child for environmental activism, ultimately leading to the city's first 'Green Day'βand no, Iβm not talking about the band.. Fact: Did you know that if you put all the pollution damage costs together, you could buy a small island? Too bad it wouldnβt come with clean air!.
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)