Weird Universe Archive

July 2012

July 6, 2012

Jack Fletcher’s House of the Future

In 1954, 23-year-old Jack Fletcher showed off his new home to the media. Reporters called it the "house of the future" because of all the unique features he had designed into it. The windows closed by themselves when sensors felt rain. Lights came on automatically when someone entered a room. The phone had a speed-dial feature. The lamps didn't need cords. Instead you just placed them over induction coils installed in the floor. And strangest of all, electromagnets caused pots and pans to float over the stove (which also used induction coils to heat the food).

The house was in West Covina, CA (in the LA area). I wonder if it's still standing? I don't see why it wouldn't be, but I haven't been able to find an address for it. Read more about it here and here.








Posted By: Alex - Fri Jul 06, 2012 - Comments (9)
Category: Architecture, Buildings and Other Structures, Futurism

July 5, 2012

The ‘Merica Burger

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A 100% ground bacon burger! And if that's not enough its topped with thick sliced bacon, bacon island dressing, bacon cheddar cheese and a fried egg. Its BACON!!!

Posted By: Alex - Thu Jul 05, 2012 - Comments (10)
Category:

Big Bang!


Ever wonder what would happen if an entire fireworks show got set off all at once?

Posted By: Alex - Thu Jul 05, 2012 - Comments (8)
Category:

Mystery Gadget 11

image

What is being done to this poor fellow?

Find out here.

Posted By: Paul - Thu Jul 05, 2012 - Comments (10)
Category: Technology, 1930s

Goldfish Swallowing

There's a site for every fetish, and if your fetish happens to be watching people swallow live goldfish, then check out goldfishswallowing.com. From their site intro:

Welcome to GoldfishSwallowing.com
Our website offers hundreds of videos of beautiful girls and tight men swallowing whole, live goldfish, tetras, bettas, sharks, and other aquatic creatures. Other small items, like diamond rings, wedding bands, sockets, and pretty much anything else that can fit down a throat, can also be seen within our pages. With the largest swallowing archive anywhere on the Internet, you will definitely find what you're looking for, and we are certain you're going to love it!

They offer some more info in their FAQ:

Millions of people around the world enjoy Goldfish Swallowing, enough so that the swallowing of live creatures actually has its own scientific name (vorephilia). The resources dedicated to this passion are few and far between, and the ones that exist are somewhat sketchy. Goldfish Swallowing, the website, is a common, safe place for people to come together, talk about the activity, and watch videos of others gulping down live fish.

Their sample videos all are safe for work (unless, maybe, you work in an aquarium). Which is to say, that although the site may superficially resemble a porn site, that doesn't seem to be the case -- i.e. no nudity. It's just good-old, wholesome fish swallowing.

Posted By: Alex - Thu Jul 05, 2012 - Comments (7)
Category: Fads, Food, Fish

July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July!

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Posted By: Paul - Wed Jul 04, 2012 - Comments (4)
Category: Fireworks and Pyrotechnics, Holidays

July 3, 2012

Happy Birthday USofA

About three weeks ago some talk show host decided that The Star Spangled Banner was an abomination, in part, because it goes on about "bombs bursting in air", "rocket's red glare", "brave and free people" and all that military crap. He also was complaining that it is just too difficult to sing.

Well, those bombs and rockets were keeping and winning our freedom and liberties which have to be, constantly, fought for one way or another and that task is not always a peaceful one. Then there's that bit about it being difficult to sing. Once again, it's much easier to appreciate something that you've put some personal effort into.

So, in response to the melodically challenged shock-jock, I'd like to offer this little rendition of our national anthem as preformed by some little girls.

Posted By: Expat47 - Tue Jul 03, 2012 - Comments (10)
Category:

Clothing for the Emancipated Man

Back in 1968, fashion designer Michael La Mendola put on a show of clothes for the "emancipated man." Forty-four years later, his styles still seem ahead of their time. See more (poorly scanned) pics of La Mendola's lineup here.




(image source: Denver Post)

Posted By: Alex - Tue Jul 03, 2012 - Comments (8)
Category: Fashion

Bad Futurism

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If a car this light could ever be built, how would it cope with even a windy day?

Original ad here.

Posted By: Paul - Tue Jul 03, 2012 - Comments (4)
Category: Technology, Dogs, 1940s, Cars, Yesterday’s Tomorrows

July 2, 2012

Safety Or Spite

The list of 'things one must not say in the airport' has been expanded it seems. A US Airways flight leaving Des Moines was delayed due to the flight crew getting in late and being required to have a 2 hour break before flying again. After the delay, while boarding, a passenger made a joking comment asking if the flight crew had been out late partying. The flight was then delayed an additional hour and a half and the passengers deplaned so the crew could be drug tested. Also, when the flight finally did re board and take off the man who made the remark was not allowed back on the plane. All this in the name of safety. Really? Sounds more like vindictive spite to me.

Posted By: Alex - Mon Jul 02, 2012 - Comments (8)
Category:

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Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction books such as Elephants on Acid.

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Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1.

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