Inventions & Breakthroughs of November 1972
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Video Game Console (Magnavox Odyssey)
2 
C Language
3 
Computed Tomography Commercial Use
4 
Inkjet Printing Concept
5 
Optical Disc Storage Concept
6 
Automotive Airbag Prototype
7 
Email Protocol Standardization
8 
Electric Wheelchair Control System
9 
Digital Signal Processing Theory
10 
Reusable Spacecraft Studies
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON November 13, 1972
Full News Archive
- Headline: Judge Releases a Homosexual Rather Than Send Him to Attica. Impact: This decision sparked a tiny ripple that would echo through time, influencing future legal systems to consider the humanity of defendants, though some might say it took a few hundred years too long to catch on.. Fact: Judges: sometimes they actually think about the consequences of their actions. Who knew?.
- Headline: Pope Paul Beatifies Nun Who Was Slain In Attempted Rape. Impact: Pope Paul's beatification of the nun became a turning point for the Catholic Church, influencing a surge in protective measures for vulnerable communities, though some might argue they still have a way to go.. Fact: You can always count on the Vatican to throw a beatification party, albeit a little late for the real heroes..
- Headline: POLICE UPBRAIDED ON THEIR GROOMING. Impact: Police grooming standards sparked a nationwide debate about appearance and professionalism, igniting a movement that eventually led to the establishment of 'off-duty' fashion police.. Fact: Who knew that the secret to effective law enforcement was a good haircut and a sharp uniform?.
- Headline: Lawyers to Be Sought For Free Consumer Aid. Impact: The drive for free consumer lawyers laid the groundwork for future legal aid movements, proving once and for all that sometimes you do need a lawyer to tell you that a 'free trial' usually isn't free.. Fact: Consumer protection: because nothing says 'I'm here to help' like a lawyer with a hefty bill..
- Headline: Albanians Open a Mosque Here. Impact: The opening of the first mosque for Albanian Muslims marked a significant moment of cultural integration, which would eventually lead to a potluck of interfaith dialogues and a lot of delicious food.. Fact: Albanian Muslims: proving that you can worship together and still argue about who makes the best baklava..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1972, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1972
$0.61
2025 dataset value
$343,942
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1972, it would be worth $343,942 today (343.9x return)
Rank #2
PG
Procter & Gamble
Price in 1972
$0.54
2025 dataset value
$269,286
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1972, it would be worth $269,286 today (269.3x return)
Rank #3
CVX
Chevron
Price in 1972
$0.51
2025 dataset value
$292,010
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1972, it would be worth $292,010 today (292.0x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Amazing Spider-Man #121
$1,500
Swamp Thing #1
$200
Marvel Spotlight #5
$42,000
Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1
$300
The Tomb of Dracula #10
$600
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Pong Home Console
$1,500.00
Uno
$700.00
Weebles
$150.00
Shrinky Dinks
$25.00
Lite-Brite
$150.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Pong
$50.00
Magnavox Odyssey (console and multiple games)
$1,500.00
Table Tennis
$1,656.00
Shooting Gallery
$150.00
Football
$288.75
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Roberto Clemente Topps #309
$250,000
Willie Mays Topps #49
$100,000
Nolan Ryan Topps #595
$70.00
Pete Rose Topps #559
$66,000.00
Wilt Chamberlain Topps #1
$37,800