Innovation . . . Inspiration . . . Here's a list of five innovations or inspirations of the last 60 years that have had an impact on contemporary American life.

• Abstract Expressionism (1950s): This was the first major art movement to begin in the United States. It featured vibrant color patterns and motion over subject. Its leader was Jackson Pollock, who discarded easel and palette and laid his canvas on the floor to drip and pour paint on it.
• Elvis Presley (1956): The king of rock and roll had three No. 1 hits, outraged adults, and thrilled teens with his pelvic gyrations to become a cultural icon. Every rock idol coming after him was compared to the King.
• The establishment of the NEA (1965): Other countries have long supported the arts and the United States finally got into the act by establishing the National Endowment for the Arts. In its 37-year history, the NEA has supported a wide range of artistic efforts, some of them intensely controversial. It has also sponsored exhibits from around the world.
• Woodstock (1969): This three-day music festival in rural New York became one of the biggest happenings in world history. More than 400,000 people braved rainstorms to dance, play, and listen to music. Three people died; two were born. More importantly, the festival opened the eyes of many older Americans who felt they had nothing to learn from the "peace and love" mantra of the Flower Children.
• "Deep Throat" (1972): It was like any other porno movie — inane plot, bad puns, worse acting. But "Deep Throat" was somehow labeled as chic by Middle America. The movie played in "legitimate" theaters, attracted couples instead of just men, and paved the way for greater acceptance of sex in the movies, and society in general.