Category:
1970s

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

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

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

A search for love on the No. 94 bus

While visiting Los Angeles from Elk River, Idaho in May 1978, 33-year-old Zan Lawrence met a young woman on the No. 94 bus. They talked for about 20 minutes before she disembarked.

Lawrence was smitten, but he didn't know how to contact her. Or even what her name was. So he spent the following weeks riding the same bus back and forth, hoping to meet her again. He also put up signs and placed newspaper ads.

Eventually his search came to the attention of the media, and he was featured in articles. However, the publicity didn't help him locate the young woman. He never did find her again.

Of course, maybe she didn't want to be found.





Los Angeles Times - June 10, 1978



Los Angeles Times - Aug 14, 1978

Posted By: Alex - Mon Sep 02, 2024 - Comments (1)
Category: 1970s, Bus, Love & Romance

The egg on the head scam

San Francisco Examiner - Dec 22, 1974

Posted By: Alex - Thu Aug 29, 2024 - Comments (0)
Category: Frauds, Cons and Scams, 1970s

In three weeks he may be dead…

Look at Bambi lying in a field. Bambi will be dead soon.

Sports Illustrated - July 1970



Coincidentally, this ad appeared within a year of the release of the classic animated short "Bambi Meets Godzilla." Perhaps the ad men had seen Marv Newland's film. Newland went into advertising after making his film, so it's at least possible.

Posted By: Alex - Wed Aug 28, 2024 - Comments (3)
Category: Advertising, Cartoons, 1960s, 1970s

“Dude” on Broadway




One of the most spectacular theatrical bombs. Read the full story here.

And also here, with more pix.

The Wikipedia page.

I am going to include some quotes from the 1972 NYT article on this massive failure, but the whole piece is behind their paywall.








Posted By: Paul - Mon Aug 19, 2024 - Comments (0)
Category: Ineptness, Crudity, Talentlessness, Kitsch, and Bad Art, Success & Failure, Theater and Stage, 1970s

Most Beautiful Ear

In 1975, the Koss Corporations (maker of headphones) sponsored a "most beautiful ear" contest. Unlike most beauty contests, it was open to both men and women. Nor was overall attractiveness even considered. Entrants were judged on an earprint that they submitted.

Des Moines Register - Oct 15, 1975



The eventual winner, out of more than 3000 entrants, was Mrs. Lloyd Borne of Binghamton, New York.



Roanoke Times - March 3, 1976

Posted By: Alex - Sat Aug 10, 2024 - Comments (0)
Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests, 1970s

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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.

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