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 June 25, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: Chartered Ships Facilitate Refugee Immigration. Impact: The arrival of 1,215 immigrants on that fateful July 12 sparked a chain reaction; one of them forgot their umbrella, which led to a torrential downpour in a nearby town, causing a local bakery to close temporarily, resulting in a nationwide shortage of croissants. Yes, you read that right.. Fact: Did you know that the first ship wasn't actually named after a famous explorer? It was called the 'SS Hopeful' – which is ironic considering how many people were just hoping to find a decent job..
- Headline: Truman Advocates for U.N. Leadership. Impact: Truman's proclamations about the UN were like planting a tree that would eventually grow into a massive oak of bureaucracy, shading countless nations in endless debates. Who knew a few words could lead to decades of international meetings that could make even the most patient person lose the will to live?. Fact: Fun fact: Truman was actually a fan of poker. Perhaps he thought the UN was just one giant game of bluff..
- Headline: Daniel C. Colesworthy's Notable Impact. Impact: Daniel C. Colesworthy's mere presence in headlines led to the invention of the Colesworthy Sandwich, which is just a regular sandwich but with an excessive amount of mayonnaise. Who knew one man's name could inspire such culinary tragedy?. Fact: You'd think with a name like Colesworthy, he would have been destined for greatness. Instead, he became a footnote in history..
- Headline: CLUB LOSES SUIT OVER NEGRO BAN; First Supreme Court Case of Kind-Upholds State Unit in Bronx Pool Ruling. Impact: The Supreme Court case regarding the Bronx pool ban rippled through time, leading to various swimming clubs now having to deal with awkward family reunions in public pools. Imagine the drama when Grandma shows up with her floaties!. Fact: Here’s a shocker: that same pool is now known for its annual 'Swimwear Fashion Show' – which is just a fancy way of saying 'let's see who can wear the most embarrassing swimsuit.'.
- Headline: F. T. C. CHARGES DENIED; Anheuser-Busch Says It Cut Prices in Good Faith. Impact: Anheuser-Busch denying FTC charges was like throwing a pebble into a pond, creating ripples of price hikes that would eventually lead to the modern-day craft beer movement. So, thanks a lot for the hipster revolution, guys!. Fact: Did you know that Anheuser-Busch once tried to market a beer that was just water with a hint of regret? It didn’t sell well..
- Headline: COURT PICTURES URGED; Editor Says Judges Should Allow News Cameras. Impact: The push for court cameras was the beginning of the age of reality TV – because who doesn’t love watching judges argue while people in the back yell 'objection!' like they're on a game show?. Fact: Surprise! The first courtroom camera was actually a candid shot of a judge sneezing. It went viral before going viral was a thing..
- Headline: Harriman to Address Editors. Impact: Harriman addressing editors was like a butterfly flapping its wings, eventually causing a tornado of political commentary that would lead to a million hot takes on Twitter. Thanks for that, Harriman!. Fact: Rumor has it that Harriman’s speech was just him reading the weather report. Editors were thrilled!.
- Headline: RICHARD W. LUCE. Impact: Richard W. Luce’s name has been lost to history, but it’s theorized that he might have been the inspiration for the phrase 'Luce-tastic,' which ironically never caught on. So, thanks for nothing, Richard!. Fact: His name sounds like a fancy Italian dish, but it’s just a name. Sorry, folks, no spaghetti here..
- Headline: DAVID J. ALDEN. Impact: David J. Alden’s fleeting mention in the headlines set off a chain reaction of people mistakenly thinking he was a famous author, leading to a surge in book sales of 'How to Pretend to Know Famous People.'. Fact: His name is so common that it has been statistically proven that at least three other David J. Aldens are also waiting for their moment in the spotlight..
- Headline: 46,000 AT FORD GET GAINS LIKE U. A. W.'S. Impact: The announcement of benefits for 46,000 Ford salaried workers triggered a nationwide discussion about workplace perks, leading to an explosion of office snack parties. Apparently, donuts are the real drivers of productivity!. Fact: The stock-purchase plan was so popular that it inspired a new trend: 'buying shares in your coworkers' lunch decisions.'.
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)