Weird Universe Blog — September 10, 2024

September 9, 2024

How to hold a press conference

Chico Enterprise-Record - June 7, 1972

Posted By: Alex - Mon Sep 09, 2024 - Comments (0)
Category: Diplomacy and Foreign Relations | Officials | 1970s

September 8, 2024

Please don’t throw explosives in the trash

A very British way of asking people to not blow up garbage workers:

[Detective-constable Frank Loydall] urged that members of the public wishing to dispose of explosives of any sort should not put them into dustbins or other refuse containers

Derby Evening Telegraph - May 14, 1966

Posted By: Alex - Sun Sep 08, 2024 - Comments (1)
Category: 1960s | United Kingdom | Weapons

The Idea

Posted By: Paul - Sun Sep 08, 2024 - Comments (0)
Category: Philosophy | Allegories, Parables, Fables and Moral Lessons | Cartoons | 1930s

September 7, 2024

Subversive Coca-Cola Bottles

In 1965, thousands of sealed Coca-Cola bottles containing "subversive bulletins" were found floating off the coast of the Northern Celebes.

Miami Herald - July 30, 1965



I can't find any information about who was responsible for this strange act of subversion. But it recalls a later subversive use of Coca-Cola bottles by the Brazilian artist Cildo Meireles.

It was during the 1970s when used glass bottles would be returned and refilled. Meireles would modify the bottles before returning them by adding white text on the side showing messages such as "Yankees Go Home" or instructions for turning the bottle into a Molotov cocktail.

As the bottle progressively empties of dark brown liquid, the statement printed in white letters on a transparent label adhering to its side becomes increasingly invisible, only to reappear when the bottle is refilled for recirculation.

More info: Beach Branding and Packaging Design

Posted By: Alex - Sat Sep 07, 2024 - Comments (1)
Category: Art | Soda, Pop, Soft Drinks and other Non-Alcoholic Beverages | 1960s | 1970s

September 6, 2024

The Second Home

Surprise, honey, we're going to be living in a camper shell!

TV Guide - Jan 10, 1970

Posted By: Alex - Fri Sep 06, 2024 - Comments (2)
Category: Advertising | 1970s | Trucks

Combined Ear Muff and Neck Protector

This thing is stiffened with wire, so it must feel like wearing a medical neck brace.

Full patent here.




Posted By: Paul - Fri Sep 06, 2024 - Comments (0)
Category: Fashion | 1900s | Pain, Self-inflicted and Otherwise

September 5, 2024

Politician promises weight loss

A low-ambition campaign promise: Adeline Geo-Karis promised that, if elected Comptroller of Illinois, she would lose 50 pounds. She didn't win.

Bloomington Pantagraph - May 23, 1986

Posted By: Alex - Thu Sep 05, 2024 - Comments (1)
Category: Politics | 1980s | Dieting and Weight Loss

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All original content in posts is Copyright © 2016 by the author of the post, which is usually either Alex Boese ("Alex"), Paul Di Filippo ("Paul"), or Chuck Shepherd ("Chuck"). All rights reserved. The banner illustration at the top of this page is Copyright © 2008 by Rick Altergott.

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