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 December 7, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: Cuban Student Protests of 1955. Impact: The student protests in Cuba led to a chain reaction of revolutionary fervor that would eventually contribute to the rise of Fidel Castro. So, thanks to some disgruntled students, Cuba decided that they preferred cigars over democracy. Who knew a little unrest could shape a nationβs flavor?. Fact: Did you know that students have been protesting for centuries? Apparently, itβs a rite of passage for youth to realize they canβt afford brunch without a side of rebellion..
- Headline: Nobel Biochemist Discusses Future Research. Impact: Du Vigneaud's optimistic musings on virus discoveries may have set off a chain reaction of scientific breakthroughs, inadvertently leading to vaccine development. So, if you ever get a flu shot, you can thank a guy who was just trying to impress his peers in Sweden.. Fact: Did you know that scientists love to talk about the future? Itβs basically their version of daydreaming about winning the lottery β except theyβre just as likely to get funding for their ideas!.
- Headline: Business Group Calls for Major Tax Relief. Impact: Ah, tax relief. This headline hints that businesses, in their quest for profit, might have nudged the government down the slippery slope of fiscal irresponsibility. Itβs like giving a child a cookie for good behavior; they just want more cookies until theyβre on a sugar high of debt.. Fact: Did you know that businesses love tax cuts more than they love their own employees? It's true! Just look at the way they rally for tax breaks while the workers are still waiting for that promised raise..
- Headline: 55 Edison Medal Won By Engineer For G. E.. Impact: Winning the Edison Medal? Thatβs nice, but the real impact here is how many more engineers might have decided to pursue electrical engineering just to snag a shiny medal. Thanks, G.E. β youβve officially turned βawards seasonβ into a competitive sport!. Fact: Did you know that the Edison Medal is basically the Oscars for engineers? Too bad thereβs no red carpet; itβs all about the wires and circuits instead..
- Headline: Third of Farms Have TV, With Jersey in the Lead. Impact: With one-third of farms now having TVs, we can only assume that farmers began to prioritize watching soap operas over actual farming. This could have led to a nationwide obsession with televised agriculture competitions. Who needs crops when you have reality TV?. Fact: Did you know that those farm TVs were probably just used to watch reruns of 'Green Acres'? Because if you canβt escape the farm, you may as well watch someone else try!.
- Headline: Western Concern Grows. Impact: Western diplomats fretting over USSR influence probably led to a decade of Cold War paranoia. This created a cycle of mistrust that would come to define international relations. So, thanks to some diplomatsβ anxiety, we got decades of spy movies. Youβre welcome, Hollywood!. Fact: Did you know that the Cold War was basically a really long, tense game of chess? Too bad nobody told the diplomats that a little less paranoia and a few more games could have helped ease the tension..
- Headline: Toll Collector in Jersey Is Wired for 'Thank You'. Impact: The automatic toll collector's 'Thank You' may have sparked the era of automation, where machines became our polite overlords. Soon, weβll be thanking our toasters for the perfect toast. Thanks, New Jersey, for paving the way for our future AI overlords!. Fact: Did you know that the 'Thank You' from a toll collector is just a fancy way of saying, 'Iβm still taking your money, but at least Iβm polite about it'?.
- Headline: Dulles Holds Soviet Llable. Impact: Dulles holding the USSR accountable might have been the diplomatic equivalent of yelling 'loud and wrong' in a crowded room. It set the stage for decades of finger-pointing that led to more misunderstandings than an awkward family dinner.. Fact: Did you know that holding the USSR responsible was basically a full-time job for Dulles? Kind of like being a babysitter for a group of rowdy kids who just discovered they can throw things..
- Headline: Macmillan Hails French Tie. Impact: Macmillan hailing ties with France likely led to an avalanche of diplomatic handshakes and awkward social events. Because nothing says 'we're allies' like exchanging good wine and discussing the weather.. Fact: Did you know that political ties are often more complicated than a family tree? Itβs like trying to untangle a necklace β except it involves a lot more wine and less practicality..
- Headline: Officials Confer With President on Defense Budget; EISENHOWER SCANS DEFENSE BUDGET. Impact: Eisenhower's examination of the defense budget might have saved the country from financial catastrophe or just postponed it. Itβs like putting off a dentist appointment; the pain is coming, but at least you can enjoy that last slice of cake first.. Fact: Did you know that checking the defense budget is like checking your bank account after a weekend out? Spoiler alert: Youβre probably going to regret 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)