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 December 31, 1957
Full News Archive
- Headline: Leaders Gather for Nuschke's Funeral. Impact: The attendance of Premier Grotewohl at this funeral may have led to him having a moment of profound reflection, causing him to propose policies that inadvertently inspired a generation of political activists in Eastern Europe. They, in turn, started a trend of unprecedented hairdos in the 60sβthank you, Premier!. Fact: Funerals: where politicians attend to show solidarity while secretly hoping they aren't next on the list..
- Headline: Illinois Appoints Education Aide. Impact: The appointment of Mrs. Chapman as an education aide sparked a minor revolution in the Illinois education system. This led to a chain reaction where students learned more about the world but still couldn't find their way to class without Google Maps.. Fact: Education aides: the unsung heroes of the classroom, often mistaken for glorified babysitters by the very students they help..
- Headline: 4 HARLEM PARKS OPEN; Jack Turns Over Ten-Acre Play Area to Moses. Impact: The opening of these parks catalyzed an unintentional fitness revolution, leading to a nationwide obsession with jogging. Little did they know that this would eventually result in the rise of overpriced athleisure wear. Thanks, Jack and Moses!. Fact: Parks: where weekends are spent contemplating life choices while trying to avoid stepping in dog poop..
- Headline: Lawley F.H.L.B. Vice Chairman. Impact: I G Lawley's appointment as vice chairman somehow led to a bizarre series of financial decisions that ended with people misplacing their savings in bizarre investments like Beanie Babies. Thanks for the financial wisdom, I G!. Fact: Being a vice chairman is like being the second-in-command of a ship thatβs already sinkingβcongratulations on your promotion!.
- Headline: BANK INSURANCE GAINS; Life Coverage by Savings Institutions Up in 1957. Impact: The surge in life insurance led to a generation of people who meticulously planned their funerals, only to forget to enjoy their lives. This resulted in a booming market for 'How to Live Life' seminars by motivational speakers.. Fact: Life insurance: because apparently, planning for death is more popular than actually living!.
- Headline: N.Y.U. WINS RIGHT TO EVICT TENANTS; State Rent Chief Reverses Own Ruling in Washington Square Housing Dispute. Impact: This eviction saga sent ripples through the housing market, leading to a future where rent prices skyrocketed, and terms like 'affordable housing' became a punchline in a bad joke.. Fact: Evictions: the adult version of 'you can't sit with us' but with a lot more paperwork and legal fees..
- Headline: Topics of The Times. Impact: The discussion of cultural accomplishments sparked a renaissance of sorts, inspiring future generations to create art that, unfortunately, would still be misunderstood by their parents.. Fact: Cultural accomplishments: the polite way of saying, 'Look what I did that you wonβt understand!'.
- Headline: Argonne Plant Cuts Atomic Power Cost To Nation's Lowest; Shippingport Exceeded. Impact: The drop in atomic power costs led to a surge in demand for nuclear energy, which eventually caused a spike in suspiciously glowing plants in people's backyards. Who knew saving money could be so radioactive?. Fact: Nuclear power: the only energy source that can give you a tan and a side of cancer in one fell swoop!.
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)