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 December 10, 1956
Full News Archive
- Headline: Herter's Appointment and U.S. Diplomacy Challenges. Impact: Herter's appointment was the catalyst for a diplomatic chain reaction; he accidentally set off a series of miscommunications that eventually led to a bake sale in the State Department to fund a peace treaty. Who knew cookies could be so powerful?. Fact: Did you know the State Department is just like a high school cafeteria? Full of cliques, lots of gossip, and a surprising amount of drama over who gets to sit where..
- Headline: Tragic Bus Accident Near Medellin. Impact: This tragic accident resulted in stricter bus safety regulations in Colombia, which inadvertently led to the rise of a new superhero: Captain Safety, who patrols the roads ensuring every bus has seatbeltsβand a snack bar.. Fact: It's a grim reminder: buses are only safe if they're not plummeting down cliffs. Who knew gravity was such a dangerous force?.
- Headline: CITY WILL PERMIT BURLESQUE AGAIN; But Strip Tease, Bumps and Grinds Will Be Missing Under New License. Impact: The ban lift on burlesque without the 'burlesque' part paved the way for a new genre of entertainment: awkward, fully-clothed dance performances. Today, we can thank this event for the existence of cringe-worthy TikTok dance challenges.. Fact: Did you know that burlesque originally started as a way to mock serious topics? So really, they were just ahead of their time with memes..
- Headline: ELECTION INQUIRY SET; House Unit to Start Hearings on Law Changes Dec. 17. Impact: The inquiry into election laws became a massive game of 'hot potato,' where politicians tossed blame around until no one remembered what the original problem was. Spoiler: it still hasn't been solved.. Fact: Did you know that election inquiries are basically Congress's version of a family meeting? Lots of yelling, very little actual resolution..
- Headline: TOWING MEN ORGANIZE; Willis Employes Pick S.I.U. Unit to Represent Them. Impact: The organization of towing men led to the creation of a new union that eventually became known as the 'Towing Brotherhood,' which now holds annual BBQs and debates fiercely about the best methods for tie-downs.. Fact: Fun fact: Towing is a lot like relationshipsβthere's always someone getting pulled in, and sometimes, it's a real drag..
- Headline: UNIONS GIVE UP PLAN FOR SOVIET BOYCOTT. Impact: The decision to back down from a Soviet boycott left many wondering if they could ever truly trust unions again. Ironically, it sparked a new era of 'let's just be friends' diplomacy that would later be mocked in sitcoms.. Fact: Did you know that boycotting is essentially the adult version of holding your breath until someone gives in? Spoiler: it rarely works..
- Headline: YUGOSLAVS SEND 90 EXILES HOME; Belief Growing in Hungarian Frontier Region That the Repatriation Is Forced Relatives in Hungary Envoy to Budapest Recalled. Impact: The repatriation of exiles caused a ripple effect that made Hungary rethink its approach to immigration, ultimately leading to a future where Hungarian food trucks became a staple in every European city. Goulash on wheels!. Fact: Fun fact: Exiles returning home often have the same excitement as kids coming back from summer campβlots of stories and a few awkward moments..
- Headline: CONSERVATION PRESSED; Benson Lists Big Increase in Farmers' Projects in '55. Impact: The increase in farmers' conservation projects led to a surprising boom in organic farming, which would eventually spark the hipster craze for artisanal everything. Thanks, Benson, for the kale smoothies!. Fact: Did you know that conservation measures are basically farmers' way of saying, 'We really don't want to deal with the fallout of climate change, so let's just be responsible?'.
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)