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 September 14, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: Gore Requests Ticket Buyer Info. Impact: If Gore hadn't bothered to ask for that dinner data, who knows? Perhaps the event would have turned into a wild, unregulated dinner party where rogue politicians would have mingled freely with the public, spilling secrets like cheap wine. Instead, we got more bureaucracy. Thanks, Gore.. Fact: Did you know that asking for a guest list was once considered a revolutionary act? Nowadays, it's just a Tuesday..
- Headline: Yorktown Heights Country Fair Highlights. Impact: The opening of the country fair likely inspired a generation of rural enthusiasts who believed that winning a pie-eating contest could lead to fame and fortune. Spoiler alert: it didn't. But it did create a legacy of competitive pie consumption.. Fact: Fun fact: 'country fair' is just a fancy way of saying 'a place where you can get deep-fried everything and lose your dignity.'.
- Headline: Police Shoot Suspect in Bank Heists. Impact: Had the police not shot the suspect, he might have gone on to become a motivational speaker on the dangers of poor life choices. Instead, the only thing he inspired was a new wave of caution in bank tellers everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that every hold-up can lead to a new episode of a crime documentary? You'd think criminals would want to avoid that sort of publicity..
- Headline: Benson to Dedicate Chapel. Impact: Benson dedicating a chapel may have inadvertently sparked a nationwide trend of people dedicating random buildings. Next thing you know, everyone is dedicating their garages and calling them 'sanctuaries.'. Fact: Fun fact: Dedicating a chapel is like throwing a housewarming party, but instead of snacks, you get solemnity..
- Headline: H.K. Porter Co.. Impact: H.K. Porter Co.'s acquisition could have led to an alternate universe where they instead became a popular fast-food chain. Picture it: H.K. Porter Burgers. Someone should really explore that timeline.. Fact: Did you know that companies often buy others just to make their office supply cabinets look more impressive?.
- Headline: PALSY UNIT OPENS DRIVE; Business Leaders Here Seek $525,000 in Campaign. Impact: The drive for $525,000 might have inspired countless future campaigns, ultimately leading to a bizarre future where every neighborhood bake sale became a political fundraiser. 'Vote for me, and youβll get a slice of my famous pie!'. Fact: Fun fact: 'business leaders' is just a euphemism for people who have mastered the art of asking for money without shame..
- Headline: NEHRU SAYS WEST IS RISKING A WAR; Reveals He Has Urged New Negotiations on Suez NEHRU SAYS WEST IS RISKING A WAR Envoys Get Copy of Speech Australia Awaits Data Ceylon Chief Assails Plan. Impact: Nehru's warning about war likely led to endless late-night debates among politicians, who would spend years discussing the pros and cons of negotiatingβnot realizing that they were just delaying the inevitable. Classic!. Fact: Did you know that while Nehru was talking about war, other leaders were probably just wondering what to have for lunch?.
- Headline: Texts of Speeches by Stevenson and Kefauver at Harrisburg. Impact: The speeches by Stevenson and Kefauver likely led to a long line of politicians trying to one-up each other in public speaking, creating a future where every campaign event felt like a poorly written soap opera.. Fact: Fun fact: Politicians give speeches mostly to hear themselves talk. Itβs their version of karaoke night..
- Headline: BRANNAN MARKS CARROLL VICTORY; Colorado Democrat Offers to Aid His Primary Rival in Bid for Senate Seat. Impact: Brannan's offer to help his rival might have unintentionally set a precedent for political alliances based on mutual respectβjust kidding! The only thing it inspired was more backroom deals and a whole lot of confusion.. Fact: Did you know that 'aiding the rival' is just code for 'I have no idea what Iβm doing, but letβs pretend this is strategic'?.
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)