Category: TV

6 min 0

Lawn Darts: The Lethal Backyard Game of the 1980s That Parents Regret Ever Allowing

Few 1980s toys hold a reputation as wild and controversial as lawn darts. Known officially as “Jarts,” these backyard game pieces weren’t your average playthings. They were heavy, sharp-tipped metal projectiles disguised as family fun. Sold alongside croquet sets and badminton rackets, they were marketed as wholesome outdoor entertainment for the whole family—except they had the curious distinction of being capable of piercing skulls. For a generation of kids raised on free-range summers and very little adult supervision, lawn darts weren’t just a game—they were a gamble. The concept behind lawn darts was deceptively simple. Players stood at one end…
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6 min 0

Getting Slimed: The Glorious Rite of Passage on You Can’t Do That on Television

For children of the 1980s, few TV moments were as iconic, mysterious, and weirdly thrilling as getting slimed on You Can’t Do That on Television. Airing on Nickelodeon, the show became a cultural juggernaut and launched a phenomenon that defined an entire generation’s sense of humor, chaos, and fun. While You Can’t Do That on Television was known for its irreverent sketch comedy, deadpan delivery, and offbeat Canadian charm, it was the green slime — that cold, gooey, unpredictable avalanche of gunk — that elevated it to legendary status. Getting slimed wasn’t just a gag; it was a badge of…
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6 min 0

TV Commercials for Lawyer Jim “The Hammer” Shapiro

In the landscape of 1980s television, one of the most memorable and enduring cultural phenomena was the rise of charismatic, bold, and sometimes eccentric personal injury lawyers who took the airwaves by storm. Among these figures, Jim “The Hammer” Shapiro carved out a particularly distinctive niche with his aggressive marketing style and unforgettable commercials. His TV ads weren’t just another run-of-the-mill legal commercials; they were a phenomenon that captured attention, entertained viewers, and ultimately changed the way lawyers advertised themselves forever. The story of Jim “The Hammer” Shapiro’s 1980s commercials is a vivid reflection of the decade’s media culture, legal…
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