Weird Universe Archive

September 2018

September 10, 2018

Inductive Nasal Device

Norman Lake's cure for the common cold. Otherwise known as the "IND".

the temperature in the nose normally is around 91 degrees, making it an ideal breeding ground for the rhinoviruses, he said. Lake contends that this is where his idea has merit. By clamping the nose for up to an hour, the temperature inside rises to around 98 degrees and the cold never gets a chance to take root.

More info: Chicago Tribune - Nov 20, 1985

Chambersburg Public Opinion - Apr 23, 1982



Arizona Republic - May 8, 1982

Posted By: Alex - Mon Sep 10, 2018 - Comments (1)
Category: Health, Inventions, Cures for the common cold, 1980s

Johnson Smith Catalog Item #38



From the 1930s catalog.

Posted By: Paul - Mon Sep 10, 2018 - Comments (3)
Category: Johnson Smith Catalog, Sports, 1930s, Brain Damage

September 9, 2018

Miss National Defense

I can't find any evidence that this contest occurred in any year other than 1941.


Posted By: Paul - Sun Sep 09, 2018 - Comments (0)
Category: Beauty, Ugliness and Other Aesthetic Issues, Contests, Races and Other Competitions, Military, 1940s

Insect Balls

In order to meet Swiss safety laws, the insects must be bred under strict supervision for four generations before they're ready for human consumption.
The insect balls represent a healthy culinary specialty that mixes meal worms with rice, carrots, celery, leeks and a pinch of chili, said Essento co-founder Christian Bärtsch.

Currently, they're only available in Switzerland. More info.

Posted By: Alex - Sun Sep 09, 2018 - Comments (1)
Category: Food, Insects and Spiders

September 8, 2018

Mystery Illustration 76



What actress, most famous in the 50s and 60s, lurks beneath this makeup?

The answer is here.

And after the jump.

More in extended >>

Posted By: Paul - Sat Sep 08, 2018 - Comments (2)
Category: Hollywood, 1950s, 1960s

Miracle Boost Jeans

Debuted in 1995. Promoted as the Wonderbra for your butt.



Sydney Morning Herald - Oct 6, 1995

Posted By: Alex - Sat Sep 08, 2018 - Comments (3)
Category: Fashion, Denim, 1990s

September 7, 2018

Mystery Gadget 64



NASA uses this. What is it?

The answer is here.

And after the jump.

More in extended >>

Posted By: Paul - Fri Sep 07, 2018 - Comments (3)
Category: Spaceflight, Astronautics, and Astronomy, Technology, 1960s

Method of Preserving the Dead

Patented Dec 29, 1903 by Joseph Karwowski:

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in methods of preserving the dead; and it has for its object the provision of a means whereby a corpse may be hermetically incased within a block of transparent glass, whereby being effectually excluded from the air the corpse will be maintained for an indefinite period in a perfect and life-like condition, so that it will be prevented from decay and will at all times present a lifelike appearance...

In carrying out my process I first surround the corpse 1 with a thick layer 2 of sodium silicate or water-glass. After the corpse has been thus inclosed within the layer of waterglass it is allowed to remain for a short time within a compartment or chamber having a dry heated temperature, which will serve to evaporate the water from this incasing layer, after which molten glass is applied to the desired thickness. This outer lay of glass may be molded into a rectangular form 3, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, or, if preferred, cylindrical or other forms may be substituted for the rectangular block which I have illustrated. In Fig. 3 I have shown the head only of the corpse as incased within the transparent block of glass, it being at once evident that the head alone may be preserved in this manner, if preferred.

It will be at once noted that a body preserved in this way may be kept indefinitely, as the body being hermetically inclosed within the outer glass covering it will be impossible for air to reach it, and hence it will be effectually preserved from decay. The glass surrounding the corpse being transparent, the body will be at all times visible.


Posted By: Alex - Fri Sep 07, 2018 - Comments (6)
Category: Death, Inventions, Patents, 1900s

September 6, 2018

Follies of the Madmen #381



If you're going to make an outrageous claim for your product, why not go big!

Alice Pearce.

Joey Heatherton.

One source I have seen credits this ad to the famous George Lois.

Posted By: Paul - Thu Sep 06, 2018 - Comments (2)
Category: Beauty, Ugliness and Other Aesthetic Issues, Body Modifications, Business, Advertising, Cosmetics, 1960s

The Bridge of Stupidity

From the Moscow Times:

This Sunday, yet another truck driver ignored all the warning signs to become the 150th brave soul to get stuck under an infamous low-clearance bridge outside St. Petersburg.
The so-called “Bridge of Stupidity,” built on the outskirts of Russia’s second-largest city in 2009, has become an online sensation for the number of accidents its 2-meter height has caused. Fourteen trucks have already gotten stuck underneath the bridge this year, despite a banner overhead warning drivers of low clearance.


Posted By: Alex - Thu Sep 06, 2018 - Comments (8)
Category: Architecture, Trucks

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