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 24, 1955
Full News Archive
- Headline: Carroll P. Sherwood's 1955 Milestone. Impact: This mysterious figure, Carroll P. Sherwood I, sparked a chain reaction that led to the invention of the Sherwood Forest, which is now a popular destination for tourists looking for a place to pretend they are Robin Hood.. Fact: The 'I' in his name is actually just a placeholder for all the other Carroll P. Sherwoods that never made it into the history books!.
- Headline: The Proof on Probation Initiative. Impact: The idea of exchanging views between new and former probationers led to the establishment of the first-ever 'How Not to Mess Up Again' support group, which now has branches in every city.. Fact: This exchange of views was so effective that it inspired the creation of βHow to Make Bad Decisions 101β classes in local community colleges..
- Headline: Fox Dropped as U. S. Bobsled Delegate, But Benham 3-Year Suspension Stands. Impact: This bobsled drama distracted the nation from the fact that they were about to enter a major economic recession, proving once again that sports politics can be just as convoluted as actual politics.. Fact: If you thought bobsledding was just about ice and speed, think again; it also involves a lot of political maneuvering and drama that would make even high school student council elections look tame..
- Headline: Jersey City Chief to Retire. Impact: The retirement of Police Chief McNamara marked the beginning of a new era in Jersey City, which, much like a soap opera, would see more twists than a pretzel factory.. Fact: Rumor has it, McNamara's retirement party was the most exciting event Jersey City had seen since the last time someone found a stray cat..
- Headline: Rudel to Conduct in Vienna. Impact: Rudel's conducting in Vienna set off a chain reaction that led to the emergence of countless hipster music festivals, where people pretend to appreciate classical music while sipping overpriced coffee.. Fact: Conducting in Vienna is basically like being a rock star, except instead of screaming fans, you get polite applause and the occasional 'bravo!' from an elderly patron..
- Headline: ROE S. CLARK. Impact: Roe S. Clarkβs appearance in the headlines created a ripple that led to the invention of a new type of coffee that keeps you awake just long enough to read boring news articles.. Fact: Roe S. Clark is actually a pseudonym used by a group of historians trying to make dull records seem more exciting. Spoiler: it didnβt work..
- Headline: LEFTIST VETERAN REGAINS PENSION; V. A. Lifts Ban on Award to Double Amputee Active in Trotskyite Party Leftist Veteran's Pension Barred; V. A. Reverses Ruling on Protest. Impact: This event marked a significant turning point in the recognition of veterans' rights, creating a ripple effect that would eventually lead to debates about equity and support for all veterans, regardless of their political affiliations.. Fact: The fact that a double amputee fought for a pension while being active in a Trotskyite party is just a reminder that life is often stranger than fictionβand way more complicated..
- Headline: JOHN W. WlTHROW. Impact: John W. Withrow's mention here will ripple through time, ensuring that no one remembers who he was, but his name will pop up in trivia games for decades to come.. Fact: Withrow is just one of those names that gets thrown around like confetti at a partyβeveryone sees it, but no one knows why it's there..
- Headline: I. C. C. QUESTIONS CURB ON POWERS; New Transportation Policy Called Competition Under 'Laws of the Jungle' I. C. C. QUESTIONS CURB ON POWERS. Impact: This questioning of the I.C.C.'s powers catalyzed the eventual rise of corporate lobbying, which now influences everything from transportation policies to the price of your morning coffee. Thanks, I.C.C.!. Fact: The βLaws of the Jungleβ are surprisingly similar to the rules of a toddlerβs playgroundβmight makes right, and the loudest kid often gets their way..
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)