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 January 21, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: Tobacco Trade for Housing Units. Impact: This bizarre trade agreement inadvertently led to the creation of a black market for American cigarettes in the UK, sparking a fascination with American pop culture that would eventually give rise to the British obsession with BBQ sauce.. Fact: Imagine trading something as addictive as tobacco for housingβsounds like a real estate agent's worst nightmare or a hipster's dream job..
- Headline: MRS. MOLLIE HARE, FOUNDED SCHOOLS; Leader in Special Education of Retarded Children in Pennsylvania Is Dead. Impact: Mollie Hare's death marked a pivotal moment in special education, igniting a movement that would eventually lead to federal mandates for inclusivity in schools, forever changing the landscape for educators and students alike.. Fact: Mollie Hare was known for her fierce advocacy and compassion; it's believed she could single-handedly challenge any school board with just a glare and a stack of research papers..
- Headline: Coast Lobbyist Surrenders. Impact: This lobbyist's surrender led to a brief but intense debate about the ethics of tax evasion, resulting in the birth of a new, bizarre subculture where people proudly flaunted their tax-dodging techniques as if they were secret recipes.. Fact: They say 'the truth will set you free,' but in this case, it just led to three years of 'free' time in a very uncomfortable place..
- Headline: One Car Dealer Offers Ford Stock to Buyers. Impact: This promotional stunt inadvertently caused a minor stock market fluctuation, leading to an unexpected surge in car sales that would inspire future dealers to attach stock options to all kinds of products, including groceries.. Fact: Nothing says 'trust me' like a car dealer offering stock; itβs like saying, 'Buy this lemon, and Iβll throw in a piece of the lemon orchard!'.
- Headline: BAD AIR IS CALLED TOP CANCER CAUSE; Federal Scientist Absolves Cigarettes of Major Role in Disease of Lungs. Impact: This revelation led to an unexpected public health campaign that ultimately resulted in the rise of air quality activism, spurring the invention of air purifiers that would later become a must-have for every hipster cafΓ©.. Fact: Isn't it ironic that while we were busy pointing fingers at cigarettes, the real culprit was quietly lurking in our industrial cities, plotting its next move like a bad villain in a horror movie?.
- Headline: Phone Call Provides A Message of Faith. Impact: This innovative phone service led to the rise of automated religious messages, paving the way for future generations to experience spirituality through voicemail, which is probably how God intended it, right?. Fact: They say God works in mysterious ways; apparently, one of those ways involves an automated phone message at 3 AM to tell you to be a better person..
- Headline: Young Polio Victims Turn Sailors for Day on the Leyte. Impact: This heartwarming event not only raised awareness about polio but also inspired countless initiatives that would focus on inclusivity and empowerment for children with disabilities, changing perceptions for generations to come.. Fact: Nothing says 'let's fight this disease' quite like a day out on a carrier; who knew a boat ride could inspire more hope than a thousand pamphlets?.
Wall Street Time Machine
PFE
Pfizer
Pfizer - If you invested $1,000 in 1956, it would be worth $168,691 today (168.7x return)
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1956, it would be worth $3,433,939 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1956, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)