Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
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HEADLINES ON December 5, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.N. Assembly Votes on Hungary Resolution. Impact: This roll-call inadvertently sparked the creation of a secret society of diplomats who now meet annually to argue about Hungary while eating goulash. They believe it helps their negotiation skills. Spoiler: it doesn't.. Fact: Did you know that the U.N. Assembly has more roll-calls than a kindergarten class? And just like in kindergarten, someone always forgets their name tag..
- Headline: Grand Opening of Salhaven Retirement Village. Impact: The creation of this retirement village led to an unexpected boom in the upholstery industry, as every retiree suddenly thought they could become the next big designer. Present-day reality TV shows are forever altered.. Fact: Fun fact: This retirement spot is rumored to be the only place where you can find more recliners than people. Comfort is key, after all!.
- Headline: Clinton School Integration Prosecution Begins. Impact: The prosecution of these obstructionists created a ripple effect, leading to the establishment of 'How Not to Be a Bigot 101' classes in schools across the nation. Unfortunately, not all students attended.. Fact: Itβs fascinating how some people still think that segregation is a valid option. Spoiler: itβs not. History has a way of reminding us, though..
- Headline: $919,374 Paid in Tax Case. Impact: This massive tax payment inspired a new tax form named the 'I Wish I Hadnβt Done That' form, which is now filled out annually by millions who didn't manage their finances well. Itβs a bestseller.. Fact: Did you know that paying taxes is just like going to a buffet? You think youβre getting a deal until you realize you overdid it, and now youβre regretting every decision..
- Headline: U.S. SYMPATHETIC TO BRITAIN'S PLEA; Congress Will Be Requested to Change Its Terms to Waive Current Interest Canada Willing But Cool. Impact: This financial flexibility led to an era of confusing diplomatic dinners where countries served up interest rates instead of appetizers. Guests left hungry and bewildered.. Fact: It's funny how countries can negotiate billions while the average person canβt even negotiate a discount on a used car..
- Headline: Excerpts From the Speeches in the United Nations Debate on the Hungarian Issue; Felixberto M. Serrano, Philippines Begum Ikramullah, Pakistan Gregoire Cassimatis, Greece Dr. Fadhil al-Jamali, Iraq Hans Engen, Norway Yugoslavia Dr. Mladen Ivekovic, Frederick H. Boland, Ireland Rak Panyarachun, Thailand Jaramillo Arrubia, Colombia Edmond Michelet, France M C. de Freitas-Valle, Brazil Sir Pierson Dixon, Britain Imre Horvath, Hungary Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., United States. Impact: These speeches inspired an international game of 'who can talk the longest without saying anything' that became a popular pastime, leading to the invention of the world's most boring board game.. Fact: Fun fact: The UN debates are the only events where you can fall asleep sitting up and still be considered a participant..
- Headline: PROTESTANTS ACT TO HELP REFUGEES; Drive Begun for $2,000,000 in Behalf of Those Fleeing Hungary and Mideast Resolution on Refugees. Impact: The drive to help refugees sparked a movement that inadvertently led to the rise of the world's worst DIY home improvement shows, as volunteers attempted to renovate homes for incoming families.. Fact: Did you know that helping refugees can sometimes look like an episode of a badly produced reality show? Spoiler alert: thereβs always a dramatic twist..
- Headline: YUGOSLAV PLAINT ON NAGY REJECTED; Soviet and Puppet Hungarian Regime Spurn Demand for Ex-Premier's Return Hungary Repeats Story New Accord Reached. Impact: This rejection led to the creation of countless conspiracy theories about the whereabouts of ex-Premier Nagy, including one where he becomes a secret agent on a quest for world peace. Spoiler: he doesnβt.. Fact: Itβs amazing how political drama can sometimes feel more scripted than your average soap opera. Tune in next week for the shocking plot twist!.
- Headline: Upstate Bank Shut; 1.3 Million Missing; BANK IS CLOSED; 1.3 MILLION GONE Arraigned on U.S. Charge. Impact: The mystery of the missing 1.3 million turned into a local legend, inspiring a series of detective novels that all ended with 'it was the cat all along.'. Fact: Did you know that banks going missing money is basically the adult version of losing your homework? Except itβs a lot more serious, and no one gets a gold star..
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)