Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON July 29, 1972
Full News Archive
- Headline: Eagleton's Commitment to Vice Presidency. Impact: Eagleton's insistence on staying in the race led to a series of awkward debates and a sudden spike in American political memes, which in turn inspired a generation of future candidates to take their fashion advice from TikTok influencers.. Fact: Did you know that Eagleton's campaign was such a rollercoaster that it could have qualified as a theme park ride? 'The Eagleton Experience' would have been a thrilling ride of ups, downs, and unexpected twists..
- Headline: Royal Wedding of Princess Chantal. Impact: Princess Chantal's marriage sparked a trend of royal weddings that would eventually lead to a global obsession with televised royal events, culminating in a reality show featuring distant relatives of European monarchs who can't find the remote.. Fact: Did you know that marrying into royalty is still the most popular way to avoid paying taxes? Just ask any Count or Duchess!.
- Headline: Dynamics Corp Files for Reorganization. Impact: Dynamics Corp's reorganization petition became a case study in corporate failure that inspired future executives to write self-help books on how to avoid catastrophic decisions while still looking busy in meetings.. Fact: Did you know that filing for reorganization is just corporate speak for 'Oops, we spent all our money on a fancy coffee machine and forgot to pay our employees'?.
- Headline: THE 1972 CAMPAIGN. Impact: McGovern's comments about Nixon's election tactics set off a chain reaction of cynical political commentary that would eventually culminate in the invention of the internet, making it possible for people to complain about politics from anywhere, even while binge-watching cat videos.. Fact: Did you know that McGovern's statements could have inspired an entire generation of politicos to claim they were 'just following the polls'—long before polls became a thing?.
- Headline: Continued Retail‐Sales Strength Is Seen. Impact: P.J. Solomon's predictions about retail sales were so spot-on that they inadvertently created a new generation of economic analysts who think 'consumer confidence' is just a fancy term for 'how many coffee shops are in the area.'. Fact: Did you know that 'retail sales strength' is just code for 'everyone is buying more stuff they don't need'? The economy thrives on our impulse buys!.
- Headline: Cowboys Triumph, 20‐7, Over College All‐Stars. Impact: The Cowboys' victory became a rallying cry for fans, leading to the birth of thousands of tailgate parties and an inexplicable rise in nacho sales across the United States, which would later be studied by sociologists as 'The Great Nacho Phenomenon.'. Fact: Did you know that the Cowboys’ victory over the All-Stars is often cited as the moment when the phrase 'America's Team' became synonymous with 'team that can make nachos disappear in seconds'?.
- Headline: Tail Engine of Plane Falls Near Homes on the Coast. Impact: The falling engine incident became a pivotal moment for airline safety regulations, prompting an unexpected surge in the popularity of air travel insurance and the creation of the first airline safety mascot, 'Captain Caution.'. Fact: Did you know that the only thing scarier than a plane losing its engine is the in-flight safety demonstration that no one ever pays attention to? It's like a magic show gone wrong!.
- Headline: MESKILL WARNS MAYORS ON AID. Impact: Meskill's warning about the budget surplus led to a series of government meetings that could only be described as a soap opera, resulting in future politicians using it as a case study for what NOT to do during a fiscal crisis.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing less exciting than a politician discussing budget surpluses is watching paint dry? At least with paint, you know it will eventually change color!.
- Headline: 13 Puppies Die in Plane. Impact: The tragic death of 13 puppies aboard the plane triggered a nationwide outcry that led to stricter regulations on animal transport, eventually inspiring a series of viral campaigns for pet welfare that would turn every pet shop into a mini animal rights activist hub.. Fact: Did you know that if you combine 'flying with pets' and 'suffocation' in the same sentence, you’re likely to start a heated debate among pet owners that could rival any political discussion?.
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)