Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON October 24, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: Critique of Hoover Water Policy Report. Impact: This critique sparked a nationwide debate on water policy that eventually led to a multi-million dollar industry dedicated to arguing about water rights. If only they had just shared a glass of water instead.. Fact: Water politics β where the only thing more convoluted than the policies are the arguments over them!.
- Headline: $100,000 Donation for Mental Health Research. Impact: The funding for mental health research inadvertently led to a surge in therapy dog ownership decades later. Who knew the path to emotional stability involved so many furry friends?. Fact: One hundred thousand dollars in 1950 could buy you a house... or a really fancy couch for therapy sessions!.
- Headline: Eisenhower Family Plaque Unveiled. Impact: The unveiling of a plaque set a precedent for commemorating family achievements that would later inspire countless 'World's Best Dad' mugs. Family pride just got a little more tangible.. Fact: Plaques: the ancient version of Instagram posts to show everyone how great your family is!.
- Headline: PRESIDENT STANDS ON SCALE UNAIDED; HAS LOST 4 POUNDS; Physicians Cheered by Drop -- Eisenhower Had Feared a Gain Since Illness WORK LOAD INCREASED Stepped-Up Routine Includes Conferences and Study on State of Union Message PRESIDENT STANDS ON SCALE UNAIDED. Impact: Eisenhower's weight loss became a symbol of presidential health, influencing future presidents who would jump on the fitness bandwagon, leading to more gym selfies than ever. Because nothing says leadership like a six-pack!. Fact: The only time the nation collectively held its breath was when the President stepped on the scale. Talk about high stakes!.
- Headline: ELLENDER SHUNS HIGH FARM PROPS; Committee Head Says Old System Can't Pass Senate -- Offers 'Quality' Plan. Impact: This rejection of high farm props led to a revolution in agricultural practices that would eventually inspire a surge in organic farming. Who knew saying no could lead to so much kale?. Fact: Quality plans: because who doesn't want to pay more for less, right?.
- Headline: DIEM WINS POLL IN SOUTH VIETNAM, OUSTING BAO DAI; Premier's Victory Confronts Big 4 at Geneva With Task of Implementing Truce Diem Winner in South Vietnam; Referendum Ends Bao Dai Rule. Impact: Diem's rise to power set off a chain reaction that ultimately led to the Vietnam War, proving that sometimes, winning a poll can lead to a lot more than just bragging rights.. Fact: Vietnam's political landscape: where elections are anything but a walk in the park!.
- Headline: RABBI PUT IN NEW POST; American Council for Judaism Elevates Elmer Berger. Impact: Rabbi Berger's promotion led to a renewed interest in Jewish leadership, ultimately inspiring future generations of rabbis who would one day become social media influencers. Because spirituality and selfies go hand in hand!. Fact: Elevating a Rabbi: the original version of giving someone a raise for the 'likes'..
- Headline: MORAL INSTITUTE TOPICS; Jewish Seminary Will Open Ethical Studies Tomorrow. Impact: The opening of the ethical studies program eventually led to the creation of countless ethics classes, making students question everything from their snack choices to their life decisions. Spoiler alert: itβs all about the snacks.. Fact: Ethics: the only subject that gets you into trouble for asking too many questions!.
- Headline: Health Expert to Direct State Charities Aid Unit. Impact: The appointment of Dr. Smillie sparked a wave of health initiatives that would eventually lead to the rise of wellness influencers. Because if there's one thing we need more of, it's people telling us how to eat kale!. Fact: Charity work: where you can feel good about yourself while also collecting a paycheck!.
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)