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Tag Archives: 1980s
Now your English Mistakes are History – Smith Corona Word processor, 1988
As I sit here typing away on my computer that automatically corrects my spelling and transmits whatever I write to the four people who pay attention to this blog, I’m reminded that there was a day not so long ago when one was responsible for ones own mistakes. Thanks be that those days are gone.
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From Classic Ads – Misc |
Filed under technology
Before there was Bud-Weis-er…. 1981 Budweiser
Before there were talking frogs, there were pull-tab cans. The current slogan of “this bud’s for you” appears in the newspaper on the right-hand side of the street.

1981 Budweiser
Except for the obsolete can-opening mechanism the ad is fairly unremarkable except for the reaction of the gentleman in the foreground. His lady friend is leading him across the street but he’s become distracted by the giant beer in the sky. She clearly couldn’t care less but he is enthralled. Is the advertising trying to tell us that beer is more important than a relationship with a woman in a blue velour dress? Well, maybe. Well… velour? Very probably.
Sweet Georgia Boombox – 1980 JVC Boombox
Before they were officially dubbed boomboxes, they were “Portable Component Systems” and this one has an optional record player though it escapes me how you’d carry that down the street with you.

Sweet Georgia Boombox
Not long after, the boombox would become king and the record player would die a slow death filled with needle-drop hiss. But don’t feel bad because albums are back with a force. Can eight-tracks and wax cylinders be far behind?
Filed under music equipment
Popeye the Movie – It yis what it yis. [1980]
Today’s ad from the dim and misty past comes with an embarrassing personal anecdote. People always talk about the first bit of recorded music they bought as a child. I’ve heard Bob Marley, REO Speedwagon, The Monkees, or even Bing Crosby (from the older set). The first music you actually bothered to spend money on as a child can say a lot about you. I, sadly, am always forced to admit that the fist music I bought on purpose was the sound-track to this movie. It was 99 cents at Woolworths and I bought it proudly home when I was apparently not old enough to know any better. Interestingly, I’m fairly certain that I hadn’t actually seen the movie.

Popeye - 1980
I don’t think I need to point out that this movie was NOT the entertainment event of the season. I must admit though… pretty good music.
Filed under Movies
They’re on a Mission from God – The Blues Brothers [1980]
Coming June 20th to a Theatre near you, The Blues Brothers! Rated R, I’m always amused to note because of some profanity. I wonder what rating it would earn in today’s profanity-filled world?

The Blues Brothers
In a few words though, best movie EVER and music to die for.
Filed under Entertainment, Movies
Jose Cuervo Tequila 1981
Looking at this ad you can sure tell just how close we are to the 70s. Fashions of the day were… especially unfashionable. Note the all-denim on the left and the sea of spandex and generally stretchy stuff everywhere else. The moose, however, is ludicrously fashionable in those spiffy sunglasses.
Ad Text:
9 to 5 I sell stocks. Weekends, I bust loose with my buddies & Cuervo
We are intended to believe, I presume, that these motley-dressed people are professionals of some sort. I’m certainly hopeful that I never become unlucky enough to invest with someone who has such poor taste in clothing.
Filed under alcoholic, Uncategorized