Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON August 29, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: British Envoys Ordered to Leave Egypt. Impact: This diplomatic spat ignited an international game of 'hot potato' that left spy networks scrambling, leading to the invention of the 'spy-proof' briefcase that ultimately failed because it was just a cardboard box.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more confusing than diplomatic relations in the 1950s was the plot of any British spy novel from that era..
- Headline: Sukarno's Historic Visit to the Soviet Union. Impact: Sukarno's visit was the catalyst for a series of awkward international friendships that would later inspire a popular sitcom about geopolitics and bad hairstyles.. Fact: Did you know that Sukarno's fashion choices during this tour sparked a short-lived trend in 'diplomatic chic' that never really took off, much like his New Guinea plans?.
- Headline: El Salvador Paves Highway. Impact: This seemingly benign paving project led to a massive increase in road trips and questionable selfies, ultimately resulting in a rise in avocado toast consumption across the region.. Fact: Did you know that the paved roads in El Salvador were so smooth, they were considered a luxury item alongside gold and diamonds? Well, not really, but they should have been!.
- Headline: HERTER BACKS HEDGES; Says State Senator's Use of Guard Plane Was Proper. Impact: This endorsement of dubious travel methods created a new trend among politicians: flying first class on taxpayer dollars, which later inspired the term 'government jetsetters.'. Fact: Did you know that using a guard plane for a quick trip was so normal, it's practically the 1950s version of 'I'll just Uber there'?.
- Headline: Foreign Minister Returns. Impact: The Foreign Minister's return was the catalyst for a series of important coffee breaks that would change the face of international relations foreverβbecause nothing says diplomacy like a good cup of joe.. Fact: Did you know that in many countries, the return of a Foreign Minister is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and a mandatory three-minute awkward silence?.
- Headline: NEW EFFORT SEEN TO UNSEAT I.L.A.; Election Fight Held Likely as Labor Board Refuses to Kill Rival's Petition. Impact: This labor dispute led to a series of organized chaos events that inspired future generations to argue passionately about who gets to sit in the front seatβof the union meeting, that is.. Fact: Did you know that labor disputes are like family reunions? Everyone has an opinion, no one wants to be there, and someone usually leaves with a grudge..
- Headline: MONGOLIA FAVORS TRADE WITH WEST; Commercial Ties Now Mainly With Soviet and Red China --Czech Office Set Up. Impact: Mongolia's pivot to the West created a bizarre economic love triangle that left everyone confused and resulted in more awkward trade negotiations than a high school prom.. Fact: Did you know that Mongolia's love for trade with the West was so strong, it almost led to the formation of a 'Mongolian BBQ' style diplomatic cuisine that never really took off?.
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)