1980s
Super Paper
Not mentioned in the article below, Derek Best was also selling an adult-version of Super Paper that was printed with sexual suggestions, for subliminal seduction.
Miami News - Aug 27, 1982
Posted By: Alex - Fri Feb 26, 2021 -
Comments (0)
Category: Frauds, Cons and Scams, Hypnotism, Mesmerism and Mind Control, 1980s
Butler In A Box
Before there was Alexa or Google Voice, there was the Butler In a Box. It was invented in the early 1980s by Gus Searcy, a professional magician, with help from Franz Kavan, a computer programmer. In response to voice commands it could control connected household devices. So, it could operate the lights, turn on the heat, make a phone call, etc.About 9000 of them were reportedly sold. But at around $1500, the gadget was too expensive. Plus, the voice recognition was somewhat buggy. By the early 1990s they were off the market, but there's still some of them for sale on eBay.
More info: Popular Science (Mar 1987), vcfed.org
Austin American-Statesman - Aug 6, 1989
Posted By: Alex - Fri Jan 29, 2021 -
Comments (1)
Category: Technology, Computers, 1980s
Stunt Rock
The trailer first, then the backstory.The Wikipedia entry.
Posted By: Paul - Thu Jan 14, 2021 -
Comments (1)
Category: Death, Destruction, Ineptness, Crudity, Talentlessness, Kitsch, and Bad Art, Movies, Music, 1980s
The TopPop Video Archives
The Wikipedia page, from which:TopPop was the first regular dedicated pop music television series in the Dutch language area. The Netherlands broadcaster AVRO aired the programme weekly, from September 22, 1970, to June 27, 1988.
Scores of videos at their YouTube site, many of which, like the one below, are pleasingly daft. Flute and zither quasi-disco easy-listening? Why not!
Many thanks to pal Peter Danssaert!
Posted By: Paul - Mon Dec 28, 2020 -
Comments (4)
Category: Music, 1970s, 1980s, Europe
Static
A quirky, out-of-place worker (Keith Gordon) at a crucifix factory invents a device he claims can show pictures of Heaven. Discouraged and confused by the inability of those around him to see anything but a screenful of static, he charismatically hijacks a bus of friendly elderly people in order to get media attention for his invention.
The director's page.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Dec 05, 2020 -
Comments (2)
Category: Death, Eccentrics, Crackpots, Inventions, Television, 1980s
I Go Pogo
Your election alternative.
Posted By: Paul - Thu Oct 29, 2020 -
Comments (0)
Category: Anthropomorphism, Humor, Satire, Politics, Comics, 1980s
Have a nice day
The driver said the customer responded with one punch to his face and six to his stomach.
Casper Star-Tribune - Nov 23, 1983
Posted By: Alex - Sat Oct 24, 2020 -
Comments (6)
Category: Antisocial Activities, 1980s
Where Would You Hide Two Elephants?
Source.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Sep 29, 2020 -
Comments (6)
Category: Animals, Crime, Eccentrics, 1980s
Killed by oranges
Weird way to die — Ingrid Kerztin was walking by the side of the road, minding her own business, when suddenly 16 tons of oranges landed on top of her, crushing her to death.
New York Daily News - July 5, 1984
Posted By: Alex - Thu Sep 17, 2020 -
Comments (4)
Category: Death, 1980s
Remove the braces, or else…
I'm sure this must have been the strangest day in Norman Carstens' career as an orthodontist:"I had him in the chair and he leaned over and pulled the gun out of his pocket and said, 'Would this make you change your mind?' and I said, 'Yes,'" Carstens said.
(click to enlarge)
Central New Jersey Home News - Feb 16, 1985
Posted By: Alex - Thu Sep 10, 2020 -
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Category: 1980s, Weapons, Teeth
| Who We Are |
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| Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo 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. Contact Us |