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 March 12, 1957
Full News Archive
- Headline: Britain's Response to the Nuclear Age. Impact: This aggressive mood in Britain set the stage for a series of existential crises that would lead to the phrase 'Stiff Upper Lip' being used more than everβbecause nothing says 'we're fine' like a good old-fashioned emotional denial.. Fact: Did you know that during this time, the British also invented a popular beverage called the 'Nuclear Tea'? Just kidding, but wouldn't that be something?.
- Headline: POLAND ASKS U.S. FOR $300 MILLION; Bids for Surplus Crops and Machinery Loan--Offer Expected to Be Lower. Impact: If the U.S. had just opened its wallet, we might have seen a very different Poland todayβperhaps one where pierogi is the official currency. Imagine the global economy revolving around dumplings!. Fact: Poland's economy was in shambles post-war, but hey, at least they had a great sense of humor about itβlike the time they asked for help and got a coupon instead..
- Headline: Nation Warned of Perils Ahead From Rise in Atomic Pollution; Engineer Group Urges Plans by States to Control Wastes in Air and Streams From Nuclear Industry Plants Wide Range of Discussion Power Plant Held Safe. Impact: If only states had taken this warning seriously, we might have avoided the rise of mutant fish with superpowers. Instead, we just got a lot of contaminated water and some very weird sushi.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'atomic pollution' could have been the name of a late-night punk band? It certainly has the right vibe for a mosh pit..
- Headline: INDUSTRY SAVINGS ASCRIBED TO ATOM; Dr. Libby of A.E.C. Tells Times Forum of Use of Isotopes-- Westinghouse Awards Members of Panel 'Moral' Question Raised Further Broadcasts. Impact: Had Dr. Libby been more transparent, we might have avoided a few decades of conspiracy theories about atomic energy being a cover for aliens. You canβt spell 'conspiracy' without 'C', 'O', and 'N.'. Fact: Did you know that isotopes are just atoms playing dress-up? Some are more popular than others, like the ones that glow in the darkβwho wouldnβt want to be that one?.
- Headline: ARAMBURU ADVISER RESIGNS OVER 'LEAK'. Impact: This resignation could have been a minor blip, but it set off a chain reaction of political leaks that now has us all wondering if anyone can keep a secret anymore. Thanks, social media!. Fact: Did you know that political leaks have become so common that they might as well have their own reality show? 'Keeping Up with the Politicians' could be a hit!.
- Headline: NEW TRAIL REFUSED; Supreme Court Bars Action on Virginia Lands Suit. Impact: Had the Supreme Court ruled differently, Virginia might be a haven for land disputes instead of just being known for its historical significance and, of course, its barbecue.. Fact: Did you know that the Supreme Court's decisions can sometimes feel like they were made by a group of very serious people playing a game of Monopoly? Just without the fun..
- Headline: RENEWED VIOLENCE REPORTED IN CUBA. Impact: This renewed violence marked a pivotal moment in Cuba's tumultuous history, setting the stage for decades of struggle and conflict that would affect not just the island, but international relations for years to come.. Fact: Cuba has a rich cultural history that often gets overshadowed by its political turmoil. It's like having a beautiful painting draped in a not-so-appealing curtain..
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1957, it would be worth $3,433,941 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1957, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1957, it would be worth $23,651,363 today (23651.4x return)