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 February 18, 1973
Full News Archive
- Headline: Junior Achievers End Conference Highlights. Impact: The Junior Achievers, after this conference, inspired a generation of kids who mistakenly thought they could actually achieve something in life. This led to a spike in self-help books and motivational posters, ultimately resulting in the rise of inspirational quotes on coffee mugs—thanks, Junior Achievers!. Fact: Did you know that 'Junior Achievers' isn't just a conference but also the way we now refer to anyone who tries to sell you essential oils at a party?.
- Headline: A place where the wind blows clean. Impact: This book review sent waves through the literary world, inspiring a new genre of animal memoirs. Soon, every pet owner felt compelled to write about their dog’s existential crises, leading to a spike in cat-themed bestsellers. Thanks, Herriot!. Fact: Did you know that James Herriot was not just a veterinarian but also a secret animal therapist for dogs with performance anxiety?.
- Headline: Diver at Home In Ocean Depth. Impact: Betts’ passion for diving sparked a sudden uptick in midlife crises, leading to a nationwide scuba gear sales boom. Suddenly, everyone wanted to explore the ocean depths instead of facing their actual problems—thanks, E. Betts!. Fact: Did you know that every time someone buys diving gear, an ocean fish gets a little more confused about what humans are really up to?.
- Headline: Boat Show Opens in Na.ssau Coliseum. Impact: The Long Island Boat Show became the epicenter of nautical dreams, leading to an entire subculture of people who now believe they can run a yacht while having never even seen the ocean. The ripple effects? Endless YouTube tutorials on 'how to sail'.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing longer than the lines at boat shows are the stories told by boat owners about 'that one time on the water'..
- Headline: Voluntary World Power. Impact: Nixon’s shift to voluntary armed forces created a world where military recruitment ads became more like dating profiles, causing a dramatic increase in gym memberships among young men—because who doesn’t want to look good in combat gear?. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'join the army, see the world' was originally followed by 'and also meet some really nice folks at the gym'?.
Wall Street Time Machine
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1973, it would be worth $185,625 today (185.6x return)
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1973, it would be worth $200,926 today (200.9x return)
MO
Philip Morris
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1973, it would be worth $2,433,689 today (2433.7x return)