TBT

Morton Downey Jr. in a typically subtle attempt at publicity.

A Mouthful: When 'The Morton Downey Jr. Show' Ruled the Airwaves

In the 1980s, provocative talk show host Morton Downey Jr. traded barbs (and fists) with guests. Then he took it a step too far.

‘Clap On ... Clap Off!’ The Clapper Sensation of the ’80s

The device that could turn TVs and lights on with a couple of claps became a pop culture sensation, even though its makers worried people would associate it with venereal disease.

Downsizing: The Shrinky Dinks Phenomenon of the ’70s and ’80s

In 1973 Wisconsin, two Cub Scout leaders discovered a neat trick involving heated plastic. A classic toy was born.

The Fuzzy Dice Fad That Conquered the Car World

The dice sprung up as part of 1950s car culture. But how did they get furry?

The Robosaurus must eat, preferably economy sedans.

When the Car-Eating, Airplane-Devouring Robosaurus Roamed the Earth

With 12,000 pounds of bite force, this 40-foot-tall robot ate cars like candy—and audiences ate it up.

Bob Geldof (L) and Midge Ure (R) outside a London recording studio while working on "Do They Know It's Christmas?" on November 25, 1984.

Band Aid: The Charitable—and Controversial—History of “Do They Know It's Christmas?”

Band Aid's charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" enlisted everyone from Sting to Bananarama, but its efforts to help the Ethiopian famine didn't go exactly as planned.

Robert Brian Wilson in 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' (1984).

Santa Slays: When 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' Caused a Public Panic

'Silent Night, Deadly Night,' 1984's killer Santa slasher, led some psychologists to worry kids might develop panic disorders and even regress in their toilet training.