Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year β Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON December 4, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: Dartmouth Student Fatality in Collision. Impact: The tragic death of Dartmouth sophomore Eric H Deutsch sparked a chain reaction that led to stricter safety regulations for vehicles, which ultimately contributed to the invention of the airbag. So, thank you, tragic accident, for saving lives in the future.. Fact: Dartmouth is known for its rigorous academics. Little did anyone know, it would also become a prime location for advocating vehicular safety..
- Headline: Indian School Contract Let. Impact: The contract for the new school in Round Rock, Arizona, set off a wave of educational reforms across the country, eventually leading to the rise of the 'No Child Left Behind' initiative. Because who doesn't love a good bureaucratic catchphrase?. Fact: Building new schools is a fantastic way to distract from the fact that children are still learning how to calculate tips on a calculator in 2023..
- Headline: Ex-Marine Accused as Slayer. Impact: J W Whiteard's arrest for murder and assault drew attention to issues of veteran mental health, inadvertently sparking a national conversation that would lead to more support for ex-military personnel. Who knew a crime could lead to progress?. Fact: Ex-Marines are often misunderstood; they really just need a good hug and a therapist, not more headlines about their alleged crimes..
- Headline: ON RADIO. Impact: The continuation of talks on the radio about various issues led to the rise of talk radio as a dominant force in media, paving the way for countless hours of unqualified opinions on everything from politics to why pineapple on pizza is a crime.. Fact: If only the radio talks could have solved world peace as easily as they turned into endless debates about the best flavors of potato chips..
- Headline: SOVIET STEPS UP REVOLT CHARGES; It Accuses U.S. in Particular of Plotting in Hungary-- Radio Outlets Assailed U.S. Aide Accused. Impact: Soviet accusations against the U.S. for instigating revolts in Hungary contributed to the Cold War paranoia, leading to a long-standing tradition of blaming America for everything from bad weather to global warming. Thanks, USSR!. Fact: Pravda's claims about U.S. involvement were so outrageous that they could have been a plot twist in a bad spy novel. Spoiler alert: America wasnβt the villain this time..
- Headline: HOTEL CHECKS OUT AS THE 'Y' SIGNS IN; The Capitol Here Becomes Largest Women's Branch of Christian Association. Impact: The YWCA taking over the Capitol as a women's hostel symbolized a shift in societal views on women's rights, leading to a future where women can confidently demand equal pay while still managing to forget where they parked their cars.. Fact: The Capitol becoming a women's hostel is ironic, considering it took centuries for women to be allowed inside the building for actual governance..
- Headline: 5 Hungarian Athletes Ask Australian Asylum. Impact: The request for asylum by Hungarian athletes highlighted issues of government oppression, leading to a trend of athletes using their platform for political activism, eventually resulting in the rise of the socially aware athleteβwho knew sports could be so political?. Fact: Asking for asylum is a bold move, but trying to defect during a game is definitely a new level of commitment to one's principles..
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)