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 August 23, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: French Moroccan Tensions Escalate. Impact: This conflict may have sparked the world's first extreme sports event: riot surfing. People all over began chasing after chaos in hopes of catching the next big wave of rebellion.. Fact: Did you know that the French Open is actually a tennis tournament? It's hard to tell with all this rioting and military action happening nearby..
- Headline: Tragic Death of Henry Howard. Impact: Henry Howard's tragic passing may have inspired a series of tragicomic plays about aristocracy's struggles with mental health. Who knew the upper crust had feelings too?. Fact: Suicide is a heavy topic, but itβs worth noting that mental health awareness has grown significantly since the 20th century. Letβs hope we can keep moving forward..
- Headline: PLANE RANGE WIDENED; Navy Reservists Fly Bomber 4 Hours Beyond Rating. Impact: This little adventure might have prompted the Navy to consider 'The Great Reserves Reality Show', where wannabe pilots compete for the title of 'Most Overextended Bomber Pilot'.. Fact: Did you know that pilots have to adhere to strict regulations? Apparently, 'winging it' doesn't count as a qualification..
- Headline: NEW DRUG FOR ANXIETY; Wyeth Says Equanil Brings Safe and Quick Relief. Impact: Equanilβs introduction could have incited a global trend of people seeking relief from anxiety through bizarre means, like yoga with llamas or bubble wrap popping competitions.. Fact: Wyeth Labs could have saved a lot of time by just recommending a cozy blanket and a good cup of tea instead..
- Headline: HAM RADIO COUPLE HELPING RED CROSS. Impact: This couple's dedication to ham radio could have sparked a global movement of amateur radio operators, leading to the establishment of the 'Ham Olympics', where only the best communicators take home the bacon.. Fact: Ham radio is like the internet but with less cat videos and more static. Who knew saving lives could be so retro?.
- Headline: Brass and Bronze Prices Up. Impact: The sudden rise in brass and bronze prices likely led to a surge in DIY projects, resulting in more people attempting to make their own brass instruments and failing spectacularly.. Fact: If you ever wondered why brass is so popular, itβs because itβs shiny and helps you look classy while you struggle to play 'Hot Cross Buns'..
- Headline: 5,000 Koreans Demonstrate. Impact: The sheer number of demonstrators may have convinced future generations that group activities could be a valid form of cardio. Who needs a gym when you can protest?. Fact: Demonstrations have a long history of being effective. Just ask anyone whoβs ever protested against pineapple on pizza!.
- Headline: Benson Joins Soviet Farm Group in Washington Fete; BENSON IS HOST TO SOVIET GROUP. Impact: This event may have accidentally started the tradition of awkward dinner parties where political leaders exchange gifts, leading to a future of bizarre state dinners featuring gift-wrapped potatoes.. Fact: Nothing says diplomacy like sharing a mealβunless itβs a meal of borscht, which might start a food fight instead..
- Headline: Child Camp Head Listed as a Red Pleads 5th Amendment 30 Times; CHILD CAMP HEAD ACCUSED AS RED. Impact: The accusations against this camp head may have inadvertently led to a surge in summer camp themes focusing on espionage, ultimately resulting in kids learning how to craft spy gadgets with pool noodles.. Fact: The 5th Amendment is often a favorite at summer camps. Who wouldnβt want to plead the fifth at campfire storytelling?.
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)