Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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The biggest hits of the year β Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON May 17, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: GM Tech Center Opening Highlights. Impact: Curtice's push for tech research led to an unforeseen chain reaction: a secret society of engineers forming underground innovation clubs. By 2023, theyβve created self-driving cars that refuse to stop for red lights, claiming itβs part of their 'freedom' program.. Fact: Did you know that the very first self-driving car was actually a horse? It was called the 'Horseless Carriage,' and it just stood there, waiting for someone to tell it where to go..
- Headline: Cooling Plan Urged for New Homes. Impact: This seemingly mundane suggestion led to a nationwide obsession with air conditioning. In 2023, homes are equipped with so much cooling tech that they have become the leading cause of polar bear migration to the suburbs. Talk about a climate crisis!. Fact: Did you know that air conditioning was originally invented to keep paper from curling? So next time youβre chilling in your frosty fortress, remember: it all started with a bunch of cranky documents..
- Headline: Senate Approves Niagara Power Development Bill. Impact: This bill sparked a fierce love affair between New Yorkers and electricity, leading to an annual festival called 'Electricity Appreciation Day,' where citizens wear costumes made of light bulbs and compete in the 'Best Power Surge' contest.. Fact: Did you know that in the early days of electricity, many believed it was caused by angry spirits? So, next time you flip a light switch, think about how many ghosts you might be offending!.
- Headline: Policeman Is Dismissed. Impact: The dismissal of Ptl D Shaughnessy inadvertently led to a city-wide crackdown on misconduct, resulting in the formation of a 'Golden Code of Conduct' that has since inspired numerous reality TV shows about policing.. Fact: Did you know that the first police force was established in London in 1829? They had a strict code of conduct too, which mostly involved not getting caught napping on the job..
- Headline: JOSEPH S. FRIEDMAN, COLOR-FILM EXPERT. Impact: Friedman's expertise in color film changed the way movies were made, leading to an explosive increase in blockbuster films. By 2023, the average person spends 3 hours a day watching color films, resulting in a shortage of popcorn and an increase in couch potato populations.. Fact: Did you know that the first color film was produced in 1903? It was called 'A Visit to the Seaside,' and surprisingly, it didnβt involve any actual beach vacations..
- Headline: BRAZILIAN RIOT QUELLED; Police Break Up Demonstration Against Rise in Fares. Impact: The police intervention sparked a series of protests worldwide against fare increases, leading to a global movement that saw citizens demanding free transport. By 2023, people are now suing public transport for being 'emotionally taxing.'. Fact: Did you know that the first public transport system dates back to ancient Rome? Riders were just as disgruntled, but instead of fare hikes, they complained about chariot traffic jams..
- Headline: THOMAS M. PEPPERDAY. Impact: The mere mention of Pepperday's name led to a highly questionable cult forming in his honor. By 2023, followers believe that he possesses the secret to eternal youth, which includes extensive skincare routines and daily yoga.. Fact: Did you know that no one really knows who Thomas M. Pepperday was? Heβs like the ghost of historical figuresβhaunting us with his ambiguous legacy..
- Headline: DAVID M'KAY DIES; SERVED PORT BODY; Former Treasurer of Bi-state Authority Also Had Been President of Bank. Impact: M'Kay's passing revealed a web of political intrigue surrounding the bi-state authority, leading to a documentary series titled 'The Port Body Conspiracy' that captivated audiences and made conspiracy theorists everywhere rejoice.. Fact: Did you know that the role of a treasurer dates back to ancient times? They were often entrusted with counting the gold, which is still a problem today, especially when it comes to counting calories..
- Headline: CITY URGED TO AID SUBWAY PARKERS; Traffic Commissioner Calls for Immediate Building of Lots at Stations. Impact: This plea ignited a parking revolution, leading to a boom in underground parking lots, which eventually transformed into underground communities where people live like moles. By 2023, there's a whole culture of 'subway dwellers' thriving beneath the city.. Fact: Did you know that the first subway system was built in London in 1863? It was so cramped that people often took their pet rats for company, just to feel at home..
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)