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 November 22, 1972
Full News Archive
- Headline: Ali's Epic Victory Over Foster. Impact: This epic knockout led to a surge of interest in boxing, resulting in an explosion of snack food consumption during fights. The resulting obesity crisis in the late 70s? Thanks, Ali!. Fact: Ali was known for his lightning speed and quick footwork, which probably helped him dodge not just punches, but also health advice..
- Headline: Hong Kong's Diplomatic Standoff. Impact: This standoff inspired future generations of spies to develop a keen interest in hiding in plain sight, which led to the rise of hipster culture in the 21st century. Who knew espionage could lead to artisanal coffee?. Fact: The only thing worse than being a spy no one wants is trying to explain that to your mother at Thanksgiving dinner..
- Headline: Victory at Highlands Camp: November 21, 1972. Impact: This battle not only delayed the end of the Vietnam War but also inadvertently contributed to the popularity of '80s action movies. Thanks to all the explosions, Hollywood realized they could sell tickets just by blowing things up.. Fact: The B-52s were so effective that they probably could've been used to promote a new line of military-themed action figures..
- Headline: Raleigh Theater Pats Boxing Fans in Dark. Impact: The cancellation of the telecast led to a mass exodus of boxing fans seeking other forms of entertainment, thus igniting the birth of underground bingo night in North Carolina. The rest is history.. Fact: Nothing says 'I love sports' like a bunch of disappointed fans sitting in a dark theater, wondering if they should just go home and watch paint dry..
- Headline: JAPAN SIGNS ACCORD TO BUY U.S. PLANES. Impact: This agreement not only solidified U.S.-Japan relations but also paved the way for future collaborations in pop culture, resulting in the bizarre yet beloved phenomenon of Japanese giant robot shows.. Fact: If only the planes could have signed the accord themselves, they might have gotten a better deal..
- Headline: Kissinger and Tho Confer for 4½ Hours. Impact: These secret talks, filled with tension and awkward silences, inspired future generations of politicians to refine their negotiation tactics—relying mostly on the art of staring at the clock until someone leaves.. Fact: Kissinger's secret talks were so secretive that even the coffee cups had to sign non-disclosure agreements..
- Headline: To Joan O'Shea, the Race Is the Thing. Impact: Joan O'Shea's rise in horse racing not only inspired women in sports but also inadvertently led to a whole new line of horse-themed merchandise that no one really needed but everyone pretended to love.. Fact: In a world where everyone is scrambling for the next big thing, Joan O'Shea was just trying to keep up with her horse..
- Headline: Canada Sets Conditions. Impact: This diplomatic tête-à-tête led to future generations of Canadians perfecting the art of politeness, which is now their secret weapon in international negotiations—along with maple syrup, of course.. Fact: If only Canada had a dollar for every time they had to set conditions, they could probably buy the whole U.S. a round of poutine..
- Headline: TV Review. Impact: This review not only shaped the future of Thanksgiving television specials but also contributed to the rise of family dysfunction, as everyone sat together but secretly wished they were elsewhere.. Fact: If you ever wondered why everyone loves to binge-watch shows now, just remember: it started with awkward family gatherings and terrible TV specials..
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)