Posted by Michael Pinto on Aug 23, 2011 in
Hobbies and Collections,
Tech 
The Great Garloo was first manufactured by the Marx toy company in 1961 — this very creepy looking two foot tall battery powered humanoid lizard robot could go forward or backward and turn his arms. And for extra kitsch we wears a “Garloo” medallion and cute leopard print loin cloth. How to Be a Retronaut discovered this great commercial from 1963 for the little green guy: Read more…
Tags: 1961, 1963, Robots
Posted by Michael Pinto on Nov 20, 2008 in
Science 
The year is 1961 and Hughes Aircraft Electronic Labs is set to revolutionize the world with Mobot the Magnificent Mobile Robot. Mobot is slightly larger than several refrigerators put together and this mechanical marvel will automate every mission critical task in your life like doing your nails, zipping up your dress, and helping you comb your hair while looking at yourself in a mirror. The only minor catch is that Mobot requires a college educated engineer at the controls the robot 24/7 in a little booth in the corner. I wonder why this gizmo didn’t catch on?
Read more…
Tags: 1961, LIFE Magazine, Robots
Posted by Michael Pinto on Oct 31, 2008 in
Pulp Fiction 
In the early 60s Dan Lawler was the star illustrator of Humpty Dumpty’s Magazine for Little Children. What I like about his style is that he manages to be interesting yet charming in a magical way. In the illustration above from 1964 I love the little touches like the crow in the corner and the feather on the hat. In the spot 1961 illustration below Lawler draws you into the picture with his simple yet theatrical staging:
Found via Glen Mullaly, check out his blog here and his Flickr account here.
Tags: 1961, 1964, Dan Lawler, Halloween, Humpty Dumpty's Magazine for Little Children, Illustration
