1950s
A better rattrap
The July 14, 1952 issue of Life had a photo feature about a contest sponsored by the city of Hammond, Ind., in which schoolchildren were asked to design a better rattrap. The challenge apparently released the inner sadist in some of the kids.Arnold Knopf's trap: a weight falls, releasing a crossbow which shoots an arrow into the rat's back.
Jim Olsen's contribution: after the rat trips a trigger, a weight falls, jerking a noose tight around the rat's neck.
Steve Miller and Ed Cox designed a rat guillotine that included a basket to catch the rat's head.
Posted By: Alex - Tue Feb 11, 2014 -
Comments (6)
Category: Death, Inventions, Pests, Plagues and Infestations, 1950s
Follies of the Madmen #216
I understand James Cameron is already adapting parts of this for the Avatar sequel, along with all his other "influences."
Posted By: Paul - Sun Feb 09, 2014 -
Comments (2)
Category: Anthropomorphism, Business, Advertising, Products, Hygiene, 1950s
COKE TIME with Eddie Fisher
"Product placement? What product placement?"
The lowdown from Wikipedia.
Posted By: Paul - Mon Feb 03, 2014 -
Comments (5)
Category: Business, Advertising, Products, Television, Soda, Pop, Soft Drinks and other Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 1950s
Ghia Jet Turbine Car
Now we know where the sound of the 1966 Batmobile came from.
Be sure to watch until they open the hood.
Details here.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Feb 02, 2014 -
Comments (7)
Category: 1950s, Cars, Yesterday’s Tomorrows
Make Molds for Fun & Profit
Posted By: Paul - Thu Jan 30, 2014 -
Comments (3)
Category: Hobbies and DIY, Sexuality, Advertising, 1950s
“Now you can SHAVE in your car!”
The dawn of the era of distracted driving.
Original ad here.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Jan 25, 2014 -
Comments (2)
Category: Advertising, 1950s, Facial Hair
Life in America: 1959
Posted By: Paul - Mon Jan 20, 2014 -
Comments (2)
Category: Customs, 1950s, North America
Mischief Again!
I understand Michael Bay has already optioned this book for his next film, due to its over-the-top action.
View the whole book here.
The author.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Jan 19, 2014 -
Comments (1)
Category: Animals, Anthropomorphism, Cats, Dogs, 1950s
Early Darwin Award Winner
More info here.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Jan 14, 2014 -
Comments (4)
Category: Daredevils, Stuntpeople and Thrillseekers, 1950s, Natural Wonders
One of These Ads Is Not Like the Others
I think Dad would rather look at the last ad in this sequence.
All taken from the same 1951 issue of BOYS LIFE.
Posted By: Paul - Thu Jan 09, 2014 -
Comments (5)
Category: Bicycles and Other Human-powered Vehicles, Magazines, Advertising, Sex Symbols, 1950s
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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 |