JULY 23, 1956

Full News Archive

• Headline: Drive-In Theatre Revolution in Africa. Impact: The establishment of drive-in theatres in Africa triggered an unexpected surge in popcorn consumption, leading to a global popcorn shortage in the late '70s. This, in turn, sparked the rise of alternative snack foods, including kale chips. Who knew a theatre would change the world of snacking?. Fact: Drive-ins became wildly popular because people could enjoy movies in their pajamas without being judged. The same can’t be said for Netflix binging in sweatpants, though..
• Headline: Walter L. Breen's Impact on Numismatics. Impact: Walter L. Breen's life may seem insignificant, but his existence inspired a series of poorly written biographies, leading to a dangerous trend of 'celebrity historians' mistaking fame for legacy. Thanks, Walter!. Fact: Walter L. Breen was a numismatist. Yes, that’s right, a coin collector. Talk about a thrilling life!.
• Headline: Pope Urges Catholics in Politics. Impact: The Pope's urging for Catholics to engage in politics led to a dramatic increase in religious-themed political memes, which would eventually contribute to the creation of the hashtag #PopePolitics. You can't spell 'engagement' without a little social media drama!. Fact: The Pope encouraging political involvement? Shocking! Next, he’ll say the Church can also shun bad hairstyles..
• Headline: WITNESS SEES PEACE; Tells Convention God Will Soon Intervene Personally. Impact: This declaration of divine intervention set off a chain reaction of doomsday prophecies, leading to a new religion that worshipped the humble potato as the true savior of humanity. Who knew God would choose a vegetable?. Fact: Witnessing the impending apocalypse has become a popular pastime. Just ask anyone with a soapbox and a wild beard!.
• Headline: NUCLEAR HAZARD SEEN; Briton Says Increase of Tests Would Peril Humanity. Impact: Dr. G. V. Phillips' warning about nuclear hazards led to the formation of an underground group of nuclear safety enthusiasts who took up knitting as a coping mechanism. Their sweaters became the hottest trend in anti-nuclear fashion.. Fact: Did you know that nuclear testing is often compared to baking cookies? Because it’s all about the right temperature and the fallout!.
• Headline: Heads of American States Sign Declaration of Ideals; Discussion Follows Signing. Impact: The signing of the Declaration of Ideals ignited a series of idealistic movements, leading to numerous protests, including one demanding the right to wear pajamas in public. Society has never been the same since.. Fact: Declarations are just the adult version of making a pinky promise. Spoiler alert: none of them are binding..
• Headline: Eisenhower's Four Years; An Analysis of President's Influence Upon This Country and the World. Impact: Eisenhower's accommodating approach to politics led to a generation of politicians who prioritized popularity over policy. Thus began the era of selfies in Congress.. Fact: Eisenhower's presidency is often referred to as the 'Great Compromise.' Which is just a fancy way of saying 'we couldn’t agree on anything, but let’s pretend we did!'.
• Headline: SCHOOL TV TEST APPEARS DOOMED; Los Angeles Board Split on Joining System to Those Here and in Chicago. Impact: The split over the educational TV test resulted in a rise in the popularity of educational cartoons, which would later pave the way for the phenomenon of binge-watching children's programming as adults. Thanks, Los Angeles!. Fact: Educational TV? More like 'how to avoid adult responsibilities while watching cartoon animals solve problems.'.