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 April 28, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: Moscow Art Theatre's Possible U.S. Visit. Impact: Little did they know, this cultural exchange would lead to a series of increasingly dramatic American adaptations of Russian literature, culminating in a musical version of 'War and Peace' featuring tap-dancing peasants. Thanks, Hurok!. Fact: Did you know that 'Anna Karenina' is a great reminder that no matter how many trains you take, you should probably avoid the whole falling-in-love-with-a-royal thing? It rarely ends well..
- Headline: Schiller's 'Mary Stuart' Performance. Impact: The performance of 'Mary Stuart' sparked a renewed interest in historical dramas, which eventually led to a slew of mediocre biopics that no one asked for. Thanks, Schiller!. Fact: Did you know that Mary Stuart was not only a queen but also a hotbed of political intrigue? Kind of like 'Game of Thrones,' but with fewer dragons and more beheadings..
- Headline: COURT ADJOURNED TO LOT IN THE PARK; Hofstadter Permits a Stay, Then Makes Personal Tour of Contested Ground MOSES DEFENDS ACTION Asserts Area Near Tavern Is Not a Playground and Project Will Improve It A Walk With Carnegie 'A Question of Degree'. Impact: This court case over a park lot became a catalyst for urban planning debates, leading to the infamous 'not-a-playground' movement that still haunts city planners today. Clearly, parks are just too radical.. Fact: Did you know that park disputes often lead to heated arguments over the definition of 'playground'? It's like a really boring episode of a courtroom drama..
- Headline: 4 SAILORS REJECT SOVIET 'FOREVER'; Inform Russian Envoy They Want to Stay in U.S.--To 'Tell Everything' Today Rebuttal From Moscow 4 Soviet Sailors in Washington Renounce Homeland 'Forever' Russian to Leave May 9. Impact: The sailors' decision to defect kickstarted a wave of disillusionment among Soviet soldiers, leading to a series of 'Iβd rather be anywhere but here' rebellions throughout the USSRβtalk about a bad PR move for the Kremlin.. Fact: Did you know that these sailors probably thought they were just signing up for a free cruise but ended up on the 'Freedom Express' instead? Talk about a plot twist!.
- Headline: Pelosi Named Opera Manager. Impact: Pelosi's foray into opera management opened a Pandora's box of political operas, eventually leading to the creation of 'The Impeachment of Figaro'βa classic tale of power struggles and misplaced arias.. Fact: Did you know that managing an opera is just like politics? Lots of drama, questionable alliances, and someone always ends up getting overshadowed by a stronger soprano..
- Headline: ARMY EASES CODE INSECURITY CASES; Limits 'Guilt by Association' --Says G.I. 'Risk' Himself Must Lean to Subversion. Impact: This decision led to a more relaxed military culture, paving the way for future generations of soldiers to embrace their inner rebelsβcue the rock music and '80s hairstyles!. Fact: Did you know that guilt by association is basically the adult version of being shunned on the playground? 'You played with Jimmy? Well, then you must be just like him!'.
- Headline: COURT UPHOLDS BAN ON 'OBSCENE' BOOKS. Impact: This ruling kicked off a censorship debate that would continue for decades, leading to modern-day book bans that make you wonder if the 'obscene' books are just the ones that challenge the status quo.. Fact: Did you know that banning books is a great way to ensure they become instant bestsellers? Nothing says 'read me' quite like a legal ban..
- Headline: STEVENSON TO OPEN COAST DRIVE TODAY. Impact: Stevenson's opening of the coast drive encouraged a love for scenic drives, leading to the invention of the selfie stickβbecause who could resist a picture of themselves in front of a beautiful view?. Fact: Did you know that coast drives are just like therapy sessions for people who want to feel existential dread while staring at the ocean? 'Isn't it beautiful? Now, why am I so alone?'.
- Headline: Foreign Affairs; Soviet Monkeyshines : I-- A Platter of Heads. Impact: This headline foreshadowed the increasingly bizarre political maneuvering that would define the Cold War, leading to a series of confusing alliances and even more confusing foreign policy.. Fact: Did you know that 'monkeyshines' is a fancy way of saying 'let's do some shady stuff and hope no one notices'? Clearly, the Soviets were skilled in the art of the political sleight of hand..
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)