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 January 14, 1972
Full News Archive
- Headline: Potential Soviet Liberalization Discussions. Impact: If the USSR had actually liberalized, perhaps '90s grunge music would have been a thing in Moscow instead of just Seattle. Who knows, Nirvana could have been a global sensation, and we might be living in a world where flannel shirts are the official uniform of diplomacy.. Fact: Fun fact: The USSR’s idea of liberalization often meant letting people out of jail, but only to stand in line for bread. So, progress!.
- Headline: Kennedy Declines Delegate Role. Impact: Kennedy's refusal to be a delegate might have saved him from a political career, but it also opened the door for a million 'Who would have been a better candidate?' memes in the future. Talk about a legacy!. Fact: Did you know? In politics, saying 'I won't run' is often just code for 'I'm totally running.' It’s the ultimate form of political hide-and-seek!.
- Headline: Exploring Haggard's Literary Conflicts. Impact: The review of 'Too Many Enemies' likely caused a ripple effect leading to a surge in self-help books about managing enemies. This eventually gave rise to countless wellness influencers—thank you, William Haggard.. Fact: Did you know? The phrase 'too many enemies' is often mistaken for 'too many friends' when you realize your social media following is just a bunch of trolls..
- Headline: Shadows Cloud World of Ronald Kaufman. Impact: Ronald Kaufman’s escapades likely inspired a whole genre of action films featuring rogue characters planting bombs and evading the authorities. Hollywood, as we know, loves a good villain!. Fact: Tragically, the only thing Ronald Kaufman planted successfully was fear. It’s always the quiet ones you have to watch out for!.
- Headline: VIOLENCE FLARES IN MALTA CAPITAL. Impact: The violence in Malta could have sparked a wave of anti-British sentiment that might have altered Malta's relationship with the UK, leading to a different kind of tourism—one centered around history instead of sunbathing.. Fact: Violence often clouds the beauty of a place. Malta is famous for its stunning coastlines, but who knew it was also a hotspot for political rock-throwing?.
- Headline: Sadat Terms Aid to Israel Peril to U.S. Oil Interests. Impact: Sadat’s warning about oil interests opened up a Pandora's box of geopolitical maneuvering, leading to countless 'oil wars' and, ironically, the creation of those awful gas station snacks we all regret but buy anyway.. Fact: Did you know? Oil is often referred to as 'black gold.' Unfortunately, that also means it's worth fighting over, and we all know how that story goes..
- Headline: PAY UNIT PROVIDES FOR THE RECOVERY OF FROZEN RAISES. Impact: The formation of this temporary court likely led to a series of bureaucratic nightmares that still haunt wage disputes today. Cheers to endless paperwork and frozen raises!. Fact: Frozen raises: the only thing colder than your boss's heart during budget cuts!.
- Headline: A Nice Idea at Boston's Concert. Impact: That concert could have sparked a musical renaissance in Boston, leading to a wave of creativity that might have birthed the next great American composer. Or, you know, just more cover bands.. Fact: Did you know? The Boston Symphony can make even the most mundane day feel like a scene from a movie—complete with the dramatic soundtrack!.
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1972, it would be worth $343,942 today (343.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1972, it would be worth $269,286 today (269.3x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1972, it would be worth $292,010 today (292.0x return)