Inventions & Breakthroughs of May 1966
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Dynamic RAM Concept
2 
Computer Networking (ARPANET Design)
3 
Charge-Coupled Device Theory
4 
Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor
5 
Compact Video Camera
6 
Space Docking System
7 
Electronic Calculators (Handheld)
8 
High-Speed Optical Scanner
9 
Industrial Robotics Vision
10 
Medical Laser Surgery
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON May 13, 1966
Full News Archive
- Headline: Douglas Joins Hilton Board of Directors. Impact: Douglas somehow convinces Hilton to invest in time travel technology, leading to a future where everyone vacations in the 1800s, only to find that the beds are as uncomfortable as ever.. Fact: D.W. Douglas Jr. once tried to get a hotel chain to serve breakfast in bed... but they thought he meant 'breakfast in the 1800s.'.
- Headline: West Germany's First Satellite Initiative. Impact: This satellite launch leads to the creation of a new reality show, 'Space Bachelors,' where contestants compete for love among the stars, causing a surge in intergalactic matchmaking services.. Fact: Germany’s first satellite was named 'The Bachelor', but it never found a date. Space is a lonely place!.
- Headline: Major Bookmaking Operation Cracked Down. Impact: The arrests lead to a mini-revolution in the bookie world, where housewives become the ultimate underground betting agents, inadvertently inspiring the 'Housewives of Nassau County' reality show.. Fact: Who knew that housewives could double as bookies? The PTA meetings just got a lot more interesting..
- Headline: ERNEST T. GARDNER, RUTGERS EXECUTIVE. Impact: Ernest T. Gardner’s election leads to an unprecedented focus on academic excellence, which later results in the first-ever university to offer a degree in 'Advanced Procrastination'.. Fact: Gardner was known for his impressive collection of staplers. Truly, the man who could hold it all together..
- Headline: Medal Arrives 72 Years Late. Impact: Receiving his medal 72 years late sparks a global trend of delayed recognition, leading to a future where everyone is constantly expecting awards for things they did in kindergarten.. Fact: Reginald Bradley was so patient that he once waited 100 years for his favorite TV show to get revived. Spoiler: it didn't..
- Headline: Russian Technicians at Aswan Stick to Work and Shun Politics. Impact: The Russian technicians' decision to avoid politics leads to a sudden rise in dam-building competitions, eventually resulting in a reality show called 'Dam It All!'. Fact: Turns out, the Russians were just there for the free food. Politics? Nah, just give us the borscht..
- Headline: Plan for Panel to Oversee C.I.A. Passes Senate Committee Test; A C.I.A. CHECKREIN WINS SENATE TEST.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1966, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
IBM
IBM
Price in 1966
$1.58
2025 dataset value
$189,590
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $189,590 today (189.6x return)
Rank #2
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1966
$0.12
2025 dataset value
$1,807,152
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $1,807,152 today (1807.2x return)
Rank #3
PG
Procter & Gamble
Price in 1966
$0.20
2025 dataset value
$713,064
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $713,064 today (713.1x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Fantastic Four #48
$108,000
Silver Surfer #1
$30,000
Amazing Spider-Man #41
$250
The Avengers #28
$42,000
Strange Tales #146
$300
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Action Man
$150.00
Suzy Homemaker
$150.00
Thingmaker (Creepy Crawlers)
$200.00
Easy-Bake Oven
$150.00
Barbie Color Magic
$150.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Topps Mickey Mantle
$12,600,000
Topps Willie Mays
$500,000
Topps Jim Brown
$33,600
Topps Joe Namath
$250,000
Topps Hank Aaron
$350