MARCH 14, 1957

Full News Archive

• Headline: Chinese Medical Workers Against Abortion. Impact: The opposition to abortion led to a butterfly effect where future generations found themselves debating bodily autonomy while simultaneously creating a black market for DIY abortion kits. Who knew that 'pro-choice' would turn into 'pro-choose-your-own-adventure'?. Fact: Did you know that in some places, seeking an abortion could have you navigating a legal maze that rivals an escape room? Talk about a stressful choice!.
• Headline: Midwest Aid Plan Rejected in 1957. Impact: The rejection of the G.O.P. Corn Plan sent shockwaves through the agricultural world, leading to a future where corn became the main ingredient in everything, including the questionable health of the American diet. Soon, corn syrup would reign supreme, and the nation would struggle with muffin-top inflation.. Fact: Did you know that corn is basically the Swiss Army Knife of agriculture? It's in everything from your soda to your fuel, making it the most overachieving vegetable!.
• Headline: Soviets Shift Coal Sources in 1957. Impact: Moscow's decision to forgo Polish coal created a ripple effect that helped East Germany develop a new appreciation for the term 'fuel crisis.' It sparked a love-hate relationship with the Soviets that would eventually lead to a whole new level of diplomatic drama.. Fact: Did you know that coal was once as valuable as gold in some places? Just wait until you see what they try to barter with next!.
• Headline: BRITAIN OFFERS U.S. ATOMIC POWER DATA. Impact: Britain offering atomic power data to the U.S. was like handing a toddler a box of matches. It led to a series of nuclear misunderstandings that would have catastrophic consequences, ultimately culminating in a world where everyone has a backyard bomb shelter.. Fact: Did you know that sharing atomic secrets is a bit like sharing your Netflix password? You never know who might use it against you!.
• Headline: Atomic World Colossus; Niels Henrik David Bohr To England in 1911 A Knight of the Elephant. Impact: Bohr's knighthood in 1911 led to a future where scientific achievements were celebrated with more pomp and circumstance than a royal wedding. This trend of giving Nobel Prize winners a crown would have scientists everywhere donning tiaras instead of lab coats.. Fact: Did you know that being knighted doesn't come with a sword? Just a lot of really confusing paperwork and 'Sir' before your name!.
• Headline: U.S. SURVEY URGED ON WOMAN POWER; President Gets Proposal for Study of Maximum Use in Case of Emergency GROWTH IN FORCE CITED 9 of 10 Women Are Likely to Work Outside of Home, National Council Says Advice to Employers Types of Work Listed. Impact: The call for a U.S. survey on woman power opened the floodgates for discussions about gender roles, leading to a future where women broke glass ceilings while simultaneously balancing work and family, and making it all look far too easy. Thanks, 1950s!. Fact: Did you know that in the future, women would be expected to do everything while still managing to look fabulous? Because that's fair!.
• Headline: CUBA SUPPRESSES YOUTHS' UPRISING; FORTY ARE KILLED; Students Storming Batista's Palace Routed as Tanks and Troops Attack Ten Tanks Rushed to City Batista Accuses Pro-Reds CUBA SUPPRESSES RISING BY YOUTHS Slain American Was 38 Fighting Flares at Batista Residence. Impact: The suppression of the youth uprising in Cuba created a historical precedent for future governments to ignore the voices of the young, leading ultimately to a generation of disillusioned dreamers who just wanted to be heard. Spoiler alert: they still want to be heard.. Fact: Did you know that revolutions often start with young people and end with them saying, 'Well, that didn’t go as planned?' History loves irony!.
• Headline: Foster Home Bureau to Move. Impact: The Foster Home Bureau's move was like a game of musical chairs but with children and social services. It set the stage for future bureaucratic relocations, making sure that no one could ever really find the paperwork they needed.. Fact: Did you know that moving offices can be as chaotic as a toddler's birthday party? Just with fewer balloons and more red tape!.
• Headline: YALE WILL REVISE SET-UP FOR MUSIC; School to Be for Graduate Students Only in 1958-- 3-Year Course Planned. Impact: Yale's revision of its music program was the start of a trend where elite institutions began to view music as a serious endeavor rather than just a hobby for the eccentric. This led to a future where students could major in 'Angry Interpretive Dance' as a legitimate form of expression.. Fact: Did you know that music schools have a secret hierarchy based on how pretentious your instrument is? Good luck with your kazoo!.
• Headline: EXPANSION BOOM SAID TO LEVEL OFF; U.S. Study of Business Plans Puts Total at 37.3 Billion for Year, Up 6.5% EARLIER GOALS LOWERED But Sales Also Are Expected to Set Highs--Increases in Prices a Factor Most Industries Aim Higher EXPANSION BOOM SAID TO LEVEL OFF. Impact: The leveling off of the expansion boom foreshadowed economic cycles that would confuse economists for decades. It led to a future where everyone pretended they understood graphs and charts, while secretly Googling 'What is a recession?'. Fact: Did you know that predicting the economy is a bit like predicting the weather? Sometimes it's just a shot in the dark with an umbrella!.