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 June 30, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: Amortizer Sets New World Record in 1956. Impact: The world record set by Amortizer caused a chain reaction leading to the creation of ultra-competitive dog racing leagues, where dogs now train harder than Olympic athletes. Who knew chasing a frisbee could lead to a gold medal?. Fact: Did you know that Amortizer's record-breaking pace inspired a new fitness trend called 'extreme horse yoga'? Yeah, it's a thing now..
- Headline: Crisis in Communism: The East German Influence. Impact: The crisis in Communism led to an unexpected rise in ironic t-shirt sales. People began wearing shirts that said 'I Survived the Communist Crisis' while sipping lattes at capitalist coffee shops.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'inner crisis' was later adopted by therapists everywhere to describe their clients' obsession with avocado toast?.
- Headline: Grace's Arrest Warrant Issued in 1956. Impact: Grace's arrest warrant created a ripple effect, inspiring an entire genre of reality TV shows where rich heirs evade the law and then complain about their privileged lives.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'shipping heir' was later coined to describe the bizarre trend of marrying off wealthy heirs in soap operas?.
- Headline: Rotary Honors Helen Keller. Impact: Helen Keller receiving a Rotary award sent shockwaves through the world of advocacy, leading to a future where awards are given for simply showing up. Thanks, Helen!. Fact: Did you know that Helen Keller once famously said, 'If I can receive an award for doing nothing, so can you!'? Just kidding, she was far more profound..
- Headline: JENNER'S CHOICE WINS IN INDIANA; Senator Triumphs in Feud With Craig as G.O.P. Picks Handley for Governor. Impact: Jenner's triumph over Craig started a political feud that set the precedent for future political debates, where candidates would rather throw mud than discuss real issues. Thanks, politics!. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'feud with Craig' became a popular euphemism for any political argument that devolves into childish name-calling?.
- Headline: Homeless Boy Jailed as Vagrant; Lawyer Assails Welfare Bureau; Department Relents, Agrees to Provide Week's Upkeep for Youth, 16, After Counsel Charges 'Poor Judgment'. Impact: The case of the homeless boy sparked a nationwide movement for welfare reform, leading to the eventual establishment of 'Welfare Awareness Day,' celebrated by giving free donuts to those in need.. Fact: Did you know that 'poor judgment' became the official motto of many welfare departments across the nation? It's catchy, right?.
- Headline: Dumas Clears Seven-Foot Ceiling in High Jump at Olympic Trials on Coast; YOUTH SETS MARK OF 7 FEET INCH 50,000 See Dumas' Historic Feat--Davis Clips Record --Sime's Chances Fade Three Tie World Mark Hurdle Final Draws Cheers Two Tie for Second Fame Gained as Schoolboy. Impact: Dumas clearing the seven-foot ceiling inspired future generations of high jumpers to attempt increasingly ridiculous stunts, including jumping over actual buildings. Spoiler: it hasn't gone well.. Fact: Did you know that after Dumas' jump, high jumpers started practicing on trampolines just to keep things interesting? Safety first!.
- Headline: Bostonian a Bishop at 35. Impact: Rev G H Pearce becoming a bishop at 35 led to a new trend of 'young bishops,' who often confused their congregations by referencing memes in sermons.. Fact: Did you know that the average age for bishops has been steadily decreasing, with the youngest now offering sermons on TikTok? Bless us all!.
- Headline: Milestone for Hall of Fame. Impact: J F Morrisy being the millionth visitor to the Hall of Fame sparked a bizarre trend where only millionth visitors were celebrated, leading to long lines and disappointed fans.. Fact: Did you know that Morrisy later tried to cash in on his fame by selling t-shirts that said 'I was the millionth visitor,' only to be outdone by a cat video going viral?.
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)