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 May 20, 1957
Full News Archive
- Headline: Harriman's Controversial Resignation of Stone. Impact: The forced resignation of Stone set off a chain reaction in political maneuvering, leading to an increase in backdoor deals that resulted in more 'panicky' politicians. Eventually, this led to a 21st-century phenomenon where politicians use social media to announce their own resignations in dramatic fashion, paving the way for reality TV politics.. Fact: It's funny how one man's 'panic' can lead to a full-blown circus. If only Harriman had known that silence is sometimes the loudest form of protest..
- Headline: New Rochelle's Aged Hebrews Home Launch. Impact: The dedication of the home for aged Hebrews became a focal point for community gathering, inadvertently inspiring a series of neighborhood potlucks that ultimately led to the formation of the 'Potluck Preservation Society' in the 21st century. They now hold annual competitions for the best kugel.. Fact: New Rochelle is still trying to figure out how to fit all those kugels into one place without starting a food fight..
- Headline: Kansas City Makes Big Strides In Integration Despite Tensions; KANSAS CITY GAINS IN DESEGREGATION. Impact: The strides in integration in Kansas City ignited a nationwide movement that resulted in the creation of countless awkward family reunions where distant relatives argue about who really invented barbecue.. Fact: Integration in Kansas City was so successful that it almost overshadowed the heated debates over who gets the last rib at a cookout. Almost..
- Headline: BUST OF JACKSON IS GIVEN TO N.Y.U.; Will Stand in Hall of Fame --North and South Join in Tribute to 'Stonewall'. Impact: The unveiling of the bust of Jackson led to a resurgence of interest in Civil War history, ultimately causing the rise of 'Civil War Reenactor' as a legitimate career choice, complete with overpriced costumes and questionable authenticity.. Fact: If you think modern politics is divisive, try reenacting a battle with someone who insists on using a different cannonball type. Talk about drama!.
- Headline: Whooping Crane Is Hatched in Zoo; WHOOPING CRANE HATCHED IN A ZOO. Impact: The hatching of the whooping crane brought awareness to endangered species, which eventually led to a global movement where people started adopting endangered animals as their personal Instagram pets. #SaveTheCranes took off, and now everyone has a whooping crane filter.. Fact: Congratulations, you just witnessed a new whooping crane hatch! Now, if only they could hatch a plan to stop their numbers from dwindling... or at least hatch some better social media strategies..
- Headline: LABOR REIN URGED BY ROSCOE POUND; Unions Now Have Privileges Kings Lost Long Ago, Says Ex-Harvard Law Dean. Impact: Pound's comments about unions created a ripple effect that ultimately led to a resurgence in labor debates, resulting in the bizarre phenomenon of 'union karaoke nights' where workers belt out labor-themed anthems in dive bars across the country.. Fact: Unions with more privileges than kings? Sounds like the aristocracy is just one bad karaoke rendition away from a revolution!.
- Headline: 3 NAVY SHIPS PLANNED; Keel Laying Is Set for First of Ammunition Carriers. Impact: The laying of the keel for navy ships heralded an era of military expansion that led to an unexpected side effect: the naval theme park craze of the 21st century, where kids can βdriveβ ships while simultaneously learning about maritime historyβbecause nothing says fun like a history lesson.. Fact: Keel laying: the one time when a ship is βbornβ and it doesn't even get a cake. Someone should really work on that!.
- Headline: TULSA FLOOD LOSS LESS THAN FEARED; Arkansas Crest Passes City as 8,000 Fugitives Plan to Return to Homes. Impact: The Tulsa flood's surprisingly low damage opened the floodgatesβpun intendedβfor disaster preparedness discussions, leading to a series of increasingly ridiculous reality shows about urban survival and flood-proofing your home with bubble wrap.. Fact: Turns out, the worst floods in history can still be less damaging than your average family reunion. Who knew chaos could be so relative?.
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)