JANUARY 7, 1956

Full News Archive

• Headline: New Superintendent Appointed in Rhode Island. Impact: The appointment of J G Smith as the Rhode Island school head sparked a chain reaction in educational reforms, resulting in a nationwide 'Smith Effect' where every school system adopted a 'No Homework Friday' policy. The world has never been the same since.. Fact: Did you know that despite being a school head, J G Smith probably still had to remind students that 'school is cool'? Spoiler alert: It wasn't..
• Headline: Eisenhower's Baseball Jibe and Its Impact. Impact: President Eisenhower heckling a baseball team led to an unprecedented rise in sports diplomacy, causing future presidents to feel the need to throw out ceremonial pitches. The awkwardness of these pitches has since become a staple of American politics.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'presidential pitch' now refers to both a ceremonial throw and a desperate attempt at charm during a press conference?.
• Headline: Norris Assures Helfand of Cooperation and Continuation of Boxing Here; I.B.C. PRESIDENT BACKS COMMISSION Norris Supports Helfand in Dispute With Pilots--Plans Syracuse, Garden Bouts Syracuse Fight Planned TV Fees Considerable Jensen Manages Fullmer Ohio Cities Must Decide. Impact: Norris's assurance of cooperation in boxing led to the most dramatic soap opera of the sports world: 'As the Gloves Turned.' Ratings soared, and now every sports network has to include a 'boxing drama' segment.. Fact: Nothing says 'serious sport' quite like watching grown men in shorts punch each other while the rest of us snack on popcorn. Truly, a noble pastime!.