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 13, 1957
Full News Archive
- Headline: Alaskans' Status Sparks Congressional Debate. Impact: The inquiry into Alaskans' status triggered a series of events that led to the eventual statehood of Alaska, which in turn caused a butterfly effect in American culture. Without this inquiry, we might have missed out on the invention of the Alaskan cruise, where tourists seek 'authenticity' while sipping overpriced lattes.. Fact: Did you know that in the early days, Alaskans were so neglected that they considered starting their own country named 'The Land of the Perpetually Cold and Forgotten'?.
- Headline: Hoover Claims Communist Deception. Impact: Hoover's claims about the Communist party's split with Moscow led to a paranoia that swept through the U.S., contributing to the Red Scare, which in turn inspired countless terrible movies. Who knew that a political statement could lead to such cinematic disasters?. Fact: Did you know that J. Edgar Hoover was such a fan of surveillance that he probably would have invented social media if he had access to the internet?.
- Headline: P.W. Herrick Jr. Passes Away in Paris. Impact: The death of P.W. Herrick Jr. meant one less banker in Paris, which is a tragedy for anyone who enjoys overpaying for wine. His absence may have inadvertently led to the rise of a new breed of bankers who are far less charming.. Fact: Did you know that being a banker in Paris is the second-most sought-after job after being a professional croissant taster?.
- Headline: ADMIRAL JAMES, 72, LED BERMUDA BASE. Impact: Admiral James led the Bermuda base during a time when naval strategy was essential. His leadership might have inspired future generations of military leaders, who, thankfully, have used their powers for more than just protecting tourist traps.. Fact: Did you know that Bermuda is actually known more for its pink sand beaches than its military strategy? Talk about misplaced priorities!.
- Headline: U.S. Asks for Egypt's Aid In Keeping Mideast Peace; Envoy Leaves for Middle East U.S. URGES EGYPT HELP KEEP PEACE French Uncertain on Egypt Syria to 'Listen' to Richards Macmillan Sees Cabinet. Impact: The U.S. asking Egypt for help in keeping peace in the Mideast set off a series of diplomatic dance-offs that have lasted decades. This led to the creation of awkwardly polite summits where leaders nod but donβt quite agree.. Fact: Did you know that diplomatic relations often resemble a bad first date? Lots of forced smiles and awkward silences!.
- Headline: Natural History Museum Names Official on Birds. Impact: Dr. Amadonβs appointment at the Natural History Museum might seem trivial, but it sparked a renewed interest in ornithology, leading to the unintentional rise of birdwatching as a popular pastime among introverts everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that birdwatching is one of the few hobbies where you can be as antisocial as you want while still being in nature?.
- Headline: Accidents Toll in Billions. Impact: The staggering accident toll of $10.8 billion made everyone suddenly care about safety. It was the wake-up call that inspired a decade of 'safety first' campaigns, ultimately leading to the invention of the bubble wrap suit.. Fact: Did you know that if you wrapped a toddler in bubble wrap, they would still find a way to injure themselves? Itβs a talent!.
- Headline: Goodrich Opens Hot-and-Cold Laboratory for Jet Parts. Impact: Goodrich's hot-and-cold laboratory for jet parts may have seemed like a mundane development, but it led to the creation of jet parts that actually worked. Imagine that! A world where planes didnβt just fall out of the sky.. Fact: Did you know that before such labs existed, the phrase 'flying by the seat of your pants' was taken quite literally by many pilots?.
- Headline: FRAUD JURY IS SPLIT; Jersey City Attorney's Trial Ends With No Verdict. Impact: The split jury in the Jersey City attorney's fraud trial meant that no one got justice, which ultimately inspired a generation of lawyers to make even more questionable decisionsβjust to keep things interesting.. Fact: Did you know that jury splits are basically the legal worldβs version of 'We just can't agree on this, so letβs all go get ice cream instead'?.
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)