Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year β Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON June 28, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: Prendergast Favored for Democratic Chair. Impact: When M. H. Prendergast became Democratic Chairman, it set off a chain reaction of political favoritism that led to a reality TV show about political backroom deals. Who knew democracy could be so entertaining?. Fact: Political meetings often have more drama than a soap operaβjust with fewer exciting plot twists and more paperwork..
- Headline: UAW Seeks Lay-Off Fund from Chrysler. Impact: The UAWβs negotiations with Chrysler not only saved jobs but also taught future generations that if you whine enough, you might just get a cookie. Or a lay-off fund.. Fact: The UAW has been around longer than many pop songs, yet they still struggle to get the same radio play as a catchy jingle..
- Headline: 7 More Are Named In Police Card Case; 7 POLICEMEN CITED ON BRIBE CHARGES. Impact: The police card case scandal was just the beginning. It paved the way for a new genre of detective novels, where the police are just as corrupt as the criminals they chase. Bestsellers ensued.. Fact: Bribery among police isn't just a crime; it's often the plot twist that makes for great TV shows. Just not in real lifeβwe hope..
- Headline: Tito Will Visit the Soviet Union; Talks With West End in Accord; TITO WILL RETURN VISIT BY RUSSIANS. Impact: Tito visiting the Soviet Union was like a diplomatic Tinder date. It set the stage for future alliances and awkward momentsβbecause nothing says 'we're friends' like a political agreement over a vodka toast.. Fact: Tito was known for his attempts to balance between East and West, proving that sometimes, you can be friends with your ex without getting caught in the drama..
- Headline: Murder Conviction Upheld. Impact: The upheld murder conviction showed that the justice system sometimes gets it right. This event sparked a new trend of true crime podcasts that would eventually lead to the rise of armchair detectives everywhere.. Fact: Murder convictions are so popular they could probably run for office and win. They certainly have more drama than most politicians..
- Headline: MEASURE TO EXTEND DEFENSE ACT GAINS. Impact: The extension of the Defense Act was like giving a toddler a timeoutβno real change, just a delay in inevitable consequences. It kept the military-industrial complex well-funded and busy plotting its next big move.. Fact: Legislation extensions are the adult version of saying 'five more minutes' when you really mean 'Iβm not ready to deal with this yet.'.
- Headline: TAGS ON 'JUNK' CAR COST OWNER $110. Impact: H.L. Williams' junk car saga taught future generations that parking violations could lead to serious financial regret. It also inspired many to reconsider their life choicesβlike buying a car in the first place.. Fact: Leaving a junk car on the street can actually inspire a community cleanup initiative. Or a reality show about hoardingβpick your poison..
- Headline: Meyner's Secretary on Leave. Impact: Meynerβs secretary taking leave might have been the catalyst for a whole new office culture of 'working from home'βonly back then, it was called 'not showing up and hoping no one noticed.'. Fact: Taking leave in the office world is like pressing the snooze button on productivityβeveryone knows it's happening, but no one wants to talk about it..
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)