1957 Was Quite a Year

We have just finished celebrating the 50th anniversary of quite a special year, 1957. In reflection, it was quite a remarkable year with many "turning point" moments occurring.

First thing was the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik which set off the space race.

Second was the Little Rock Nine, the nine black youths who entered Little Rock's Central High School.

Third , 1957 was the year the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to California and became the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Fourth was Ghana, Africa's independence from Britain. Within ten years, 30 more former African colonies became independent.

Fifth, Ford's big mistake, theEdsel.

Then, sixth, in 1957, the first laser was made at Columbia university. This led to toady's CDs, microwave ovens, and less invasive medical procedures.

Seventh, one of the great bridge-building efforts, the "Mighty Mac." the Mackinac Bridge opened.

Eight, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a birth control pill.

Ninth, US Surgeon General Leroy Burney said that excessive cigarette smoking is a major cause for lung cancer.

Tenth, Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss, had his first book published, ""The Cat in the Hat."

Eleventh, Betty Friedan began writing the "Feminine Mystique."

Twelfth--two guitarists by the names of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, met at a church fair in Liverpool, England.

Well, like them or not, these 1957 had quite an impact on the world.

From December 31, 2007 Chicago Tribune editorial "The end of a golden year."

This was a Remarkable Year Upon Further reflection. --Da Coot