A Blast from the Past: 1987 TV Commercials

A nostalgic journey through the commercials and promos that graced our screens decades ago.

Ever wonder what television was like over three decades ago? Well, buckle up, because we're taking a trip back to 1987! This recently unearthed video is a time capsule, packed with the commercials and program promotions that filled our screens back then. It's a fascinating look at the trends, the products, and the entertainment that shaped the year.

YouTube Video

What's on this Retro Reel?

This video is a compilation of various segments, offering a diverse glimpse into 1987:

• 1

  Beer Commercials:

  Remember Dawn Adams? She's here, representing Coors Light [00:00:08].
• 2

  Tech and Services:

  New England Telephone shows off its cutting-edge (for the time!) fiber optic network [00:00:44], and Duracell boasts about its improved copper top batteries [00:02:26].
• 3

  Entertainment:

  Jack Wagner's concert gets a shout-out [00:01:13], along with movie promotions for "River's Edge" [00:03:05] and Harrison Ford's "Mosquito Coast" [00:06:13]. Plus, "Crime Story: The Movie" and "The A-Team" were Sunday night must-sees [00:05:54].
• 4

  Food and Beverage:

  Burger King claimed to be "the best food for fast times" [00:02:18], and Bartles & Jaymes got creative with their red wine cooler ads [00:03:40].
• 5

  Automotive:

  Toyota trucks emphasized their reliability and carrying capacity [00:04:16].
• 6

  Public Service and News:

  "Wednesday's Child," a segment focusing on adoption [00:02:50], and WBZ Radio's Dave Maynard morning show [00:04:40] get some airtime. There's also a reminder about the importance of news programs [00:05:08] and a PSA about respecting handicapped parking spaces [00:06:47].
• 7

  Health and Beauty:

  Bain de Soleil offered a free Tan Accelerator [00:01:39], and there's even a message about eating healthy [00:05:39].

Why This Matters

This video isn't just a nostalgic trip. It's a reminder of how much things have changed (and in some ways, stayed the same). It's a glimpse into the cultural landscape of a specific time, offering insights into advertising techniques, entertainment preferences, and societal values. For anyone interested in media history, pop culture, or just a good dose of retro fun, this video is a treasure trove.

So, dive in, enjoy the ride, and let us know what your favorite part is!

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Perot's Announces New Party

Video Clip from 1995

In a news update from CNN Center [00:16], the focus is on the upcoming closing arguments in the O.J. Simpson double murder trial. Simultaneously, billionaire Ross Perot made a significant announcement on the Larry King Show [00:21].

YouTube Video

Perot Forms Third Party

Ross Perot declared his intention to form a third party in preparation for the 1996 election. This new political entity will be known as the Independence Party, or the Reform Party in states where the former name presents a conflict [01:10].

Representing the Unrepresented

Perot emphasized that this party aims to represent the 62% of the population who feel their interests are not currently addressed by the existing political framework. He assured that the party would remain independent and free from the influence of special interests [00:48].

Reactions and Historical Context

George Bush's former press secretary, Marlon Fitzwater, offered a critical perspective, suggesting that Perot views politics as a "giant video game for billionaires" [01:22]. President Clinton responded by stating his commitment to balancing the budget and advocating for political reform, leaving the ultimate judgment to the American people [01:37]. The update concludes with a historical note: throughout the history of the United States, no third party has ever succeeded in winning a presidential election [01:55].

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Unleash Your Inner Power: A Look Back at Tony Robbins' 1986 Infomercial

Part of a Classic Informercial from the 1980s

Step back in time to 1986, where big hair and even bigger promises filled the airwaves. One such promise came in the form of an infomercial for Tony Robbins' "Unlimited Power" program, later known as "Personal Power." This wasn't just any self-help pitch; it was a star-studded affair featuring endorsements from a diverse range of personalities:

• Rep. Claudine Schneider [00:08]
• Casey Kasem: Radio and Television Celebrity [00:10]
• Ken Blanchard: Co-Author, "One Minute Manager" [00:12]
• John McCormack: Author, "Self Made in America" [06:07]
• Barbara De Angelis, Ph.D.: Author, Radio-TV Host [05:12]
• Sonya Powers, Ph.D.: Psychologist [14:07]
• Jim Lefebvre: Baseball Manager [14:22]

The infomercial showcased a young and energetic Tony Robbins captivating audiences [00:19, 03:20], connecting with individuals [03:26, 03:48], and even demonstrating his adventurous side with clips of skydiving and martial arts [03:31, 03:36].

YouTube Video

But what exactly was being offered? The "Unlimited Power" program consisted of 24 audio cassettes [16:46], designed for daily immersion. The program boldly claimed to help users:

• Overcome fear and take decisive action [16:53]
• Craft a compelling vision for the future [16:53]
• Break free from financial self-sabotage [17:00]
• Cultivate a mindset for wealth creation [17:01]
• Boost energy levels [17:05]
• Achieve peak performance in all areas of life [17:06]
• Conquer procrastination once and for all [17:07]

To sweeten the deal, the infomercial touted a $79 value free bonus [17:42], the convenience of three easy installments [17:46], and a 60-day money-back guarantee [18:08]. The program was even recorded in 3-D Holophonic Sound! [17:41]. For those eager to transform their lives, the infomercial provided a phone number (1-800-243-4999) and an address (5796 Martin Rd., Irwindale, CA 91706) for ordering [18:14].

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Alaska Airlines Flight 261: Revisiting KRON's Immediate Coverage of the 2000 Tragedy

Remembering Alaska Airlines Flight 261: The Chilling Initial Reports from January 31, 2000.

On January 31, 2000, tragedy struck off the Southern California coast as Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crashed into the ocean. This KRON news report details the immediate aftermath and unfolding events of the disaster.

YouTube Video

The Incident

Alaska Airlines Flight 261, a San Francisco-bound jetliner carrying 88 souls, went down off Point Magoo, near Los Angeles. In the initial moments, the scene was grim, with only debris and an oil slick visible, leading authorities to believe there were no survivors.

Pilot's Distress Call

The pilot had radioed in, reporting stabilizer problems and requesting an emergency landing in Los Angeles. This detail underscores the urgency and the pilot's awareness of the impending crisis.

Search and Recovery Efforts

A massive search and recovery operation was launched, involving the Coast Guard and Navy, both by sea and air. As of the time of the report, seven bodies and some debris had been recovered. The Coast Guard emphasized that finding survivors was their top priority and that they would continue the search as long as there was a chance, noting that the relatively warm water temperature (around 56 degrees) could aid survivability.

Support for Families

Alaska Airlines dispatched a passenger assistance team to provide support to the families affected at various locations. Mental health counselors, clergy, and relief workers were present at SFO to assist loved ones awaiting news of the passengers.

Investigation Begins

Crash investigators from Washington were en route to the scene to determine the cause of the crash, with initial suspicions pointing towards a mechanical problem.

Aircraft Details and Prior Concerns

The aircraft was identified as an MD-83, part of Alaska Airlines' fleet since 1992, with a capacity of 137 to 172 passengers. The report also highlighted a disturbing detail: a San Francisco Chronicle report indicated that a federal grand jury had been investigating the maintenance of MD-80s at Alaska Airlines' Oakland facility, and the FAA had previously proposed a fine for maintenance violations.

Challenges in the Search

The search efforts faced challenges, including the reduced effectiveness of night vision goggles due to the bright lights from other vessels at the scene.

NTSB Involvement

The report concluded by stating that if the operation shifted from rescue to recovery, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would take over the investigation.

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Buick's Self-Driving Test and Robotic Gas Pump

KPUX-TV News Segment from April 1997

While reviewing an old VHS tape from my collection, I found a short but fascinating segment from KPIX-TV featuring longtime anchor Dave McElhatton. It was just a few minutes long, but it packed in some seriously forward-thinking technology.

The segment highlighted Buick's early experiments with autonomous vehicles. Long before terms like full self-driving or lane assist became common, Buick was testing cars that could navigate a course without human input. The footage showed a vehicle moving slowly but confidently, guided by an early guidance system. It looked rough compared to modern tech, but the core idea was there. This was innovation in motion.

The other part of the clip might have been even more unusual. The newscast showed off a robotic gas pump prototype. This machine could identify the location of a vehicle’s fuel door, open it, and fill the tank automatically. No driver interaction needed. While it looked a bit like something out of a science fiction movie, the idea was practical: simplify the refueling process entirely.

McElhatton's tone throughout was balanced and curious. He treated the segment not as a gimmick, but as a genuine look at where the auto industry might be heading. Watching it now, it feels like a reminder that the seeds of today's innovations were planted decades ago, often on local news segments that few people saw more than once.

Why This Clip Matters

This kind of segment is a great example of how long it takes for new ideas to become reality. Whether it is autonomous driving or contactless fueling, the concepts have been around for a while. The real magic is in the slow, steady progress that transforms prototypes into practical tools we use every day.

I will be digitizing the clip and sharing it online soon. It's a fun snapshot of the past trying to imagine the future, and a nice reminder that even in the analog age, people were thinking digitally.

YouTube Video

Stay tuned for more stories from my VHS archive. There are more tech time capsules waiting to be uncovered.

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Rewinding to 1986 Commercial Gold (with a Little Audio Hijacking)

Blast from the Past!

Hey everyone! I recently unearthed a real gem from the depths of my VHS collection – a glorious commercial break from 1986! And of course, I had to share it with you all on YouTube. Now, this isn't just your average dusty tape; let's just say a little teenage me might have gotten a bit creative with the audio back in the day.

YouTube Video

But before we dive into my audio shenanigans, let's talk about the stars of this retro commercial reel:

Ford Motors

First up, we have Ford Motors with their iconic slogan, "Quality is Job 1." It's fascinating to see how companies positioned themselves back then, emphasizing reliability and craftsmanship. This commercial definitely takes you back to a time when those words carried a specific weight in the automotive industry.

Emery

Next, Emery steps in with their promise: "It's as good as there." This one always stuck with me. The focus on dependable delivery, even before the internet dominated logistics, highlights a timeless need for efficient service.

Sears

And then, the moment that truly made me chuckle – a Sears commercial featuring a customer returning a broken hammer. Now, here's where it gets really interesting. The commercial mentions the hammer was purchased in 1942! That's right, a full 44 years before this commercial even aired. Imagine the stories that hammer could tell!

This got me thinking: if someone bought a hammer from Sears in 1986, and Sears was still around in its traditional brick-and-mortar form (a nostalgic thought!), they could potentially be walking into a Sears store to replace it around the year 2030. Talk about a long-lasting tool and a (formerly) long-lasting retailer! Do they even still sell hammers at Sears these days? It's a genuine question!

Whoops!

Now, about that audio... well, let's just say young me had a bit of fun with the record button while these commercials were playing. There are a few spots where the original audio takes a little detour into my teenage world of questionable musical taste and probably some hilarious voiceovers. It definitely adds a layer of unintentional "art" to this historical snapshot. Consider it a bonus feature – a glimpse into the mind of a kid armed with a dual-cassette deck!

So, if you're ready for a trip down memory lane, complete with vintage slogans, a surprisingly old hammer, and a few audio surprises courtesy of my younger self, head over to my YouTube channel and check out this 1986 commercial break! I'd love to hear your thoughts and any memories these commercials might spark for you. What were your favorite commercials from back in the day? Let me know in the comments!

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Clinton Admits "Inappropriate Relationship" - Grand Jury Testimony

August 17, 1998 (MSNBC Clip)

This is a direct clip from MSNBC featuring President Bill Clinton's key statement during his August 17, 1998, grand jury testimony. In this excerpt, he acknowledges an "inappropriate relationship" with Monica Lewinsky. (Found on a VHS tape)

This short video captures the moment President Clinton addressed the core of the investigation, which ultimately led to his impeachment proceedings.

Key points in this clip:

• President Clinton's admission regarding his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
• A crucial historical moment from the MSNBC broadcast.
• A concise look at the language used during the grand jury testimony.

This clip provides a powerful and direct look at a pivotal moment in American political history.

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A Trip Back to 1998: Commercial Breaks You’ll Actually Want to Watch

From my personal VHS collection

Today, we’re diving into another gem from my VHS collection - a slice of TV history from November 1998!

Back then, flipping through channels meant stumbling across iconic commercials, catchy jingles, and some weird (but wonderful) ad concepts. I've digitized a set of commercials from a tape recorded during that time, and I've uploaded the full compilation to YouTube for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s what you’ll find in this nostalgic rewind:

Watch the Full Compilation on YouTube!

I've edited these into one seamless video, complete with original VHS fuzz and tracking lines for that authentic '90s feel.

If you grew up in the '90s, or you're just a fan of retro ads, this will be a great trip down memory lane. Let me know which one brings back the most memories in the comments!

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250th Anniversary Drone Show in Boston

Great View of the Show

On April 18, 2025, Boston's skyline transformed into a canvas of light and history as 400 drones danced above the harbor, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s legendary Midnight Ride. This breathtaking spectacle was a highlight of the city's Boston 250 celebrations, honoring its pivotal role in the American Revolution.

A Night Where History Took Flight

The evening's festivities began with a reenactment of Revere's departure from his North End home, followed by a lantern procession to Langone Park. There, attendees were treated to a performance by musicians from the Boston Pops and a reading of the play Revolution’s Edge. As anticipation built, the Old North Church's steeple illuminated with the historic "two if by sea" signal, echoing the warning that once alerted colonists of British troop movements.

The Drone Show: Illuminating the Past

At 8:30 p.m., the sky over Boston Harbor came alive. The drones formed intricate patterns and images, including a lantern, a rider on horseback, and the Old North Church, narrating the story of Revere's ride through light and motion. This innovative tribute captivated spectators across the city, from the North End to Charlestown and East Boston.

Reliving the Experience

For those who missed this historic event or wish to relive the magic, here’s a video capturing the essence of the drone show:

This visual journey offers a glimpse into how Boston masterfully blended tradition with technology, paying homage to its revolutionary roots while embracing the future.

Continuing the Celebration

The Boston 250 festivities continue throughout the year, with events planned to commemorate other significant milestones of the American Revolution. From reenactments to educational programs, the city invites everyone to participate in honoring its rich history.

Stay tuned for more updates and reflections as Boston continues to celebrate its enduring legacy of freedom and innovation.

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Flashback to 2000: Commercials, News Intros & Tech Ads!

Classic Dot Com Commercials

Take a ride back to the year 2000 with this collection of TV clips and commercials that aired around the San Francisco Bay Area. From local news intros to quirky tech ads and political spots, this mashup captures the look, sound, and mood of the new millennium.

Clips featured in this compilation:

• KTVU Mornings on 2 Promo
• KTVU Evening News intro (August 5, 2000)
• Benihana – An experience at every table
• FusionOne – Sync is Everything (Guy on the Street)
• FusionOne – Sync is Everything (Lady in the Ocean)
• Inktomi Essentials – Makes the Internet come alive
• Prop 38 School Vouchers – Pro-voucher argument
• Prop 38 School Vouchers – Featuring Gov. Gray Davis
• Verizon Wireless – New Single Rate
• Verizon Wireless – Mobile Web Launch
• Ricochet – High-Speed Mobile Access
• New York Life – The Company You Keep through the years
• KSFO – Rush Limbaugh moves to the left side of the dial
• KSFO – Lee Rodgers & Melanie Morgan
• A&W Root Beer – It’s Good to Be Thick Headed

Whether you're here for nostalgia, advertising research, or just a blast from the past, this collection is sure to bring back memories of flip phones, dial-up internet, and early 2000s energy.

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