Get Cynical

On This Day is a showcase of some of the most significant as well as some of the quirkier stories broadcast by BBC News since 1950 and now including a new World War II section.

We intend to continue adding stories over the coming years so you will always be able to find something fresh on the site.

In the United States, polio was the most notorious disease of the 20th century until AIDS appeared. On April 12, 1955, it was announced that Jonas Salk, using March of Dimes donations from millions of people, had developed a vaccine to prevent polio.

Plain and simple these M134a version minis were badass. If you were lucky enough to get one while in production it has been like sitting on gold. Nothing came close to the power of these things in a gatling type airgun. The video lower down the page is a good example of the power these things have. Like a school of piranhas the steel 6mm BB’s chew little bits of this inch thick reinforced glass until there is nothing left and with the 3000 round magazine this minigun blows the Japanese guns right off the playing field. Used in good condition with accessories these M134 guns have sold “Used” for over $9000.