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 August 9, 1972
Full News Archive
- Headline: U.S. Physics Funding Crisis Exposed. Impact: The reduction in physics funding led to a shortage of scientific innovation, causing the U.S. to fall behind in technological advancements. Fast forward a few decades, and we find ourselves relying on foreign tech for everything from smartphones to toaster ovens, all while our physics departments are still arguing over funding like it’s a high school prom budget.. Fact: Did you know that without proper physics funding, we might still be trying to figure out how to make a light bulb? Oh wait, we actually did that already, didn't we?.
- Headline: Senate Repeals .22 Ammo Sales Restrictions. Impact: By lifting restrictions on .22 ammunition, the Senate inadvertently paved the way for a boom in backyard shooting ranges and memes about 'how to make your own bullets' videos on the internet. Who knew that a simple vote could lead to a renaissance in DIY projects?. Fact: Fun fact: the .22 caliber is often called the 'gateway drug' of ammunition. Once you start, it's hard to stop! Just like that time you binge-watched an entire season of a reality TV show..
- Headline: China Establishes UN Office in Geneva. Impact: China's decision to establish a mission in Geneva set off a series of diplomatic maneuvers that would eventually lead to international conferences where world leaders would awkwardly sip coffee while pretending to solve global issues. Cheers to that!. Fact: Did you know that establishing a mission in Geneva is basically like getting a VIP pass to the world's most boring party? Everyone's invited, but nobody really knows what to talk about..
- Headline: Jury Gets Phillips Case After Mistrial Is Denied. Impact: The Phillips case, with its dramatic courtroom antics, would go on to inspire a generation of legal dramas on television. Who knew that a murder trial could lead to a spike in lawyer-themed shows, turning litigators into the new rock stars?. Fact: Fun fact: Murder trials are like reality shows for lawyers. Drama, suspense, and the occasional shocking twist that leaves everyone yelling, 'I did NOT see that coming!'.
- Headline: New Soviet Chief in Prague. Impact: The appointment of a new Soviet commander in Prague signaled a shift in military strategy that would ripple through Eastern Europe, leading to a series of events that would eventually make history textbooks. It’s like a military game of musical chairs, but with slightly more tension.. Fact: Did you know that in the world of military appointments, it's all about who you know and whether you can navigate a bureaucratic maze without getting lost? Spoiler alert: most can't..
- Headline: Governor Approves York College Plan, Reversing Decision. Impact: Governor Rockefeller's reversal on the York College plan set the stage for a lifetime of bureaucratic flip-flopping, which would become a hallmark of political decision-making. In a parallel universe, this moment is celebrated as the birth of the 'politician's dance'—one step forward, two steps back.. Fact: Did you know that politicians are like indecisive diners at a restaurant? They’ll change their order five times before finally settling on the special of the day, which they then complain about..
- Headline: Owners Say Taxes May Drive Knicks and Rangers From City. Impact: Madison Square Garden's threat to move the Knicks and Rangers introduced the idea that sports teams could hold cities hostage for tax breaks. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find cities throwing money at teams like it’s confetti at a parade—everyone's smiling, but nobody knows why.. Fact: Did you know that sports teams are like your friend who keeps borrowing money? They promise to pay you back, but somehow you end up footing the bill for their next big adventure instead..
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)