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 December 4, 1947
Full News Archive
- Headline: George W. Poss's Historical Significance. Impact: George W. Poss's name was almost forgotten until a distant relative decided to start a genealogy blog in 2025, inadvertently linking him to a popular reality TV star, thus making him a household name in a series about family trees and bad decisions.. Fact: Did you know that George W. Poss was once a contestant on a 1950s game show? Spoiler: he didnβt win..
- Headline: Tribute to Judge Littlefield. Impact: Judge Littlefield's passing led to a sudden surge of interest in juvenile justice reform, kickstarting a movement that eventually transformed how young offenders were treated, and inspiring the creation of a hit TV series where a judge solves crimes with a talking dog.. Fact: Judge Littlefield was known for his unique sentencing methods, including mandatory poetry readings for juvenile offenders. Not exactly a tough love approach!.
- Headline: Murder of Chang Duk Soo in 1947. Impact: The assassination of Chang Duk Soo sparked a series of events that eventually led to the rise of the K-pop industry, which, ironically, became a unifying force for peace in the regionβproving that sometimes, a catchy beat can do what diplomacy cannot.. Fact: Did you know that Chang was rumored to have a secret stash of disco records? Because nothing says 'political threat' quite like a groovy dance party!.
- Headline: Rail Strike Called in Chile. Impact: The rail strike in Chile inspired a worldwide movement that eventually led to the 'Strikes for Snacks' phenomenon, where union workers demanded better snack options during negotiations, resulting in a global increase in pretzel and donut consumption.. Fact: Did you know that this strike led to the invention of the 'strike burrito'? Because who doesn't want to protest with a full stomach?.
- Headline: MRS. MILO DEYO. Impact: Mrs. Milo Deyo became a symbol of resilience after her garden was featured in a local magazine, leading to an unexpected boom in home gardening and a fierce rivalry with her neighbor over who could grow the biggest tomatoes.. Fact: Rumor has it that her secret gardening tip involved singing to the plants. Because obviously, plants respond to bad karaoke!.
- Headline: ELIZABETH THORWDYKE i. Impact: Elizabeth Thorndyke's quiet life was so unremarkable that it inspired an entire genre of 'boring autobiographies,' which became a cult favorite among hipsters looking for something to read ironically.. Fact: Did you know that Elizabethβs idea of adventure was rearranging her living room? Live life on the edge, Elizabeth!.
- Headline: RAY E. SHILLING. Impact: Ray E. Shilling's name was forgotten until a distant relative found it on a 19th-century ledger and turned it into a bestselling novel about a time-traveling accountant who saves the world from financial ruin.. Fact: Ray E. Shilling once tried to start a band called 'Shilling and the Pennies' but quickly disbanded after realizing no one could take them seriously..
- Headline: RAILROADS DEMAND NEW RATE INCREASE; Approval of ICC Urged for 3% More on Freight -- Total Is 30% Over July Average RAILROADS DEMAND NEW RATE lNCREASE. Impact: The railroadsβ demand for a rate increase set off a chain reaction that caused the price of everything from bread to luxury yachts to skyrocket, leading to a nationwide 'bread and water' diet that was all the rage in 2025.. Fact: Did you know that the last time railroads raised their rates, it led to the invention of the 'Railroad Diet'? Itβs exactly as thrilling as it sounds..
Wall Street Time Machine
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $3,433,943 today (3433.9x return)
PG
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
KMB
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark - If you invested $1,000 in 1947, it would be worth $147,887 today (147.9x return)