JULY 20, 1957

Full News Archive

• Headline: Chicago's Hog Prices Surge on TV. Impact: The surge in hog prices led to an unforeseen bacon boom, causing 21st-century brunch enthusiasts to obsessively seek artisanal bacon varieties, ultimately leading to the rise of the hipster bacon craze. Who knew hogs could shape brunch culture?. Fact: Did you know that bacon has become so trendy that it even has its own holiday? No, really! It's called International Bacon Day. Because, of course, we need a special day to celebrate the food that makes everything better..
• Headline: Lafayette Day Celebration in 1957. Impact: Lafayette Day sparked a resurgence of interest in French-American relations, leading to the creation of countless questionable French restaurants across the U.S. If only Lafayette knew he’d inspire so many mediocre croissants.. Fact: Did you know that Lafayette was such a fan of American independence that he volunteered to fight in the Revolutionary War? If only he had known we'd eventually turn his name into a marketing ploy for overpriced French bistros..
• Headline: Film Groups Pursue Pay-TV Franchise. Impact: The scramble for pay-TV franchises led to the rise of cable monopolies, which would eventually morph into the streaming wars of the 2020s. Thanks for the headache, 1970s film corporations!. Fact: Did you know that the first ever pay-TV service was launched in the U.S. in 1972? It was called 'Home Box Office'... or as we now call it, 'The reason you can never finish a series without a subscription fee.'.
• Headline: SCOUTS HEAD HOME AFTER JAMBOREE. Impact: The end of the jamboree led to a decline in scout cookie sales, causing a national cookie crisis. This ultimately resulted in the rise of online cookie delivery services. Thanks a lot, scouts!. Fact: Did you know that the Girl Scouts sell over 200 million boxes of cookies each year? That's a lot of Thin Mints! I guess scouting really does pay off... in sugar..
• Headline: GAS BILL ASSAILED; House Group Minority Sees a 30 Billion Windfall. Impact: The gas bill controversy created a ripple effect that led to the birth of the environmental movement and a global awareness of energy consumption. The irony? It was all about making more money for the industry.. Fact: Did you know that natural gas is often referred to as 'clean energy'? Yeah, if by 'clean' they mean 'slightly less dirty than coal'... but hey, at least it smells better!.
• Headline: Canadian Badger Co. Formed. Impact: The formation of the Canadian Badger Co. led to an unexpected increase in badger-related merchandise. Out of nowhere, badgers became the unofficial mascots for Canadian pride. Who knew they were so marketable?. Fact: Did you know that badgers can dig to six feet deep? So, if you're ever in a hole, just remember: badgers are the ultimate diggers—just not the best company at parties..
• Headline: U.N. Group Urges Wide Trials Of a Live-Virus Polio Vaccine; LIVE VACCINE TEST FOR POLIO URGED. Impact: The push for a live-virus polio vaccine led to a complete overhaul of vaccine attitudes, planting the seeds for the anti-vax movement decades later. Because nothing says 'trust science' like a live virus, right?. Fact: Did you know that the polio vaccine was one of the first vaccines to be tested on humans? Talk about a risky business model! But hey, it did save millions—so there's that..
• Headline: INQUIRY DISCUSSES CIGARETTE FILTER; Cancer Expert Urges U.S. to Require More Effective Tips to Cut Tar Intake HIS VIEWS ARE DISPUTED Pathologist Tells House Unit He Finds No Proof Smoking Is a Cause of Disease. Impact: The cigarette filter inquiry ignited a public health debate that would echo through the ages, leading to countless anti-smoking campaigns and the eventual rise of vaping. Because who doesn’t want to look like they're smoking a science experiment?. Fact: Did you know that cigarette filters were first introduced in the 1950s? They were marketed as a way to reduce tar intake. Spoiler alert: they didn't work nearly as well as promised, but at least they made smoking look a little fancier..
• Headline: Pay Television Talks Open. Impact: The talks for pay television opened the floodgates to a world of endless streaming options, ultimately leading to 'binge-watching' becoming a legitimate hobby. Congratulations, 21st-century couch potatoes!. Fact: Did you know that the average American spends around 4 hours a day watching TV? That’s right—more time than most people spend sleeping! Welcome to the future, where your couch has become your throne..
• Headline: AUTO INSPECTORS TO FACE INQUIRY; Motor Vehicle Bureau Cites Complaints From Drivers-- Hearings Set July 29-30. Impact: The motor vehicle inquiry led to stricter regulations and a nationwide obsession with vehicle safety, which later inspired the popular television show 'Pimp My Ride.' Who knew inspections could be so glamorous?. Fact: Did you know that the first car inspection laws were enacted in the 1950s? They made sure your car was roadworthy, which is ironic considering the state of many vehicles today—thanks to 'creative' modifications!.