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 March 12, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: Eden and Mollet Discuss Soviet Relations. Impact: This meeting set the stage for a diplomatic tango that would leave future leaders second-guessing every handshake, ensuring that all future political discussions would require a choreographer.. Fact: Fun fact: their meetings were so polite that it almost made the Cold War feel like a genteel tea partyβminus the tea, of course..
- Headline: Soviet Union's Support for Sudan. Impact: This aid offer marked the beginning of Sudan's long and tumultuous relationship with foreign loans, leading to what historians now refer to as 'Sudan's Financial Roller Coaster,' which has left many dizzy.. Fact: Did you know that Sudanβs economy has been on more ups and downs than a yo-yo champion? Talk about a wild ride!.
- Headline: New Evidence Against Makarios Sought by British in Grim Cyprus; BRITISH SEARCH PALACE IN CYPRUS. Impact: The British search of Makarios' palace not only fueled tensions in Cyprus but also set a precedent for future palace invasions, eventually inspiring a reality show called 'Palace Hunters: Who Took the Last Croissant?'. Fact: The EOKA documents found were so incriminating that they could have filled a small library, or at the very least a very awkward family reunion..
- Headline: VETO OF TAX CUT SET BY HARRIMAN; G.O.P. IS DEFIANT; Move to Override Is Slated Tonight, but It Has Only Failure in Prospect '56 REDUCTION UNLIKELY Deadlock Appears to End Issue for Session--Motor Fuel Rises Face Defeat Roads Plan in Stalemate VETO OF TAX BILL SET BY HARRIMAN Appears on Television. Impact: Harriman's veto sparked a chain reaction of defiance that resulted in future politicians adopting the motto 'If at first you don't succeed, veto, veto again!' This has become a time-honored tradition.. Fact: Fun fact: The deadlock in government has inspired countless sitcoms, proving that when it comes to political gridlock, laughter is the best therapy..
- Headline: Atlanta Will Not Ban Movie. Impact: By rescinding the movie ban, Atlanta inadvertently paved the way for a thriving film industry, leading to the eventual rise of movies that are so bad they become cult classics. Thanks a lot, Atlanta!. Fact: Did you know that this decision led to more movie-related arguments in homes than there are seats in a cinema? Popcorn fights have never been the same!.
- Headline: NEW L.I. CARS DELAYED; Westinghouse Strike Holds Up Building of Last 16 of 222. Impact: The strike not only delayed train deliveries but also inspired future generations of rail enthusiasts to appreciate the art of waitingβalso known as 'the commuter life.'. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'better late than never' was coined during one of the many delays caused by this strike? Commuters everywhere nodded in solemn agreement..
- Headline: Tunisian Police Study Due. Impact: This police study marked the beginning of Tunisia's endless cycle of investigations, leading to a national pastime of 'What are the police looking into this week?' that continues to this day.. Fact: Did you know that 'studying police procedures' is actually a euphemism for 'let's hope this leads to better coffee in the station'?.
- Headline: Bulganin Hails the Martini As Road to Spirit of Geneva; Allusion to Communique. Impact: Bulganin's toast to the martini inadvertently ignited a global cocktail renaissance, where world leaders now believed they could solve tensions over a shaken, not stirred drink.. Fact: The martini became so popular after this that it is now considered a diplomatic toolβnothing says 'let's negotiate' like a well-crafted cocktail!.
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)