TBT

1987 Micro Machines Car & Playset Commercial (Featuring John Moschitta the Micro Machine Man)

When Micro Machines Took Off

The thumbnail-sized cars were a hit thanks in large part to John Muschitta Jr., the world's fastest-talking pitchman.

The Unlikely Origins—And Rapid Rise—of Chili’s Iconic “Baby Back Ribs” Jingle

It’s 1995, and Guy Bommarito has just bungled an ad campaign so badly that he’s begging Chili’s not to fire him. They give him one last shot.

Gene Simmons won't let death stand in the way of a KISS merchandising opportunity.

Dead Serious: When KISS Unveiled the KISS Kasket

Devout decedents of the KISS Army could opt to be buried in an official KISS coffin, where Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley would wag their tongues at you for all eternity.

E.T. or B.S.? When Fox Aired Its Infamous 'Alien Autopsy' in 1995

'Alien Autopsy,' a gruesome 1995 special that aired on Fox, purportedly depicted an extraterrestrial cadaver being dissected. Was it a hoax? Yes, but also no.

How Steven Seagal Claimed His Place as the Worst Host In 'Saturday Night Live' History

For more than 30 years, 'SNL' cast members have regularly cited Steven Seagal as the worst host the show has ever had—an ignoble distinction for a program that's been on the air for half a century.

'20 Original Hits! 20 Original Stars!' Inside K-Tel, the Innovator Behind the 'As Seen on TV' Compilation Album

If you've ever bought a best-of CD or record, you can thank Philip Kives, the pitchman who brought us '24 Great Truck Drivin' Songs.'

Nirvana's Kurt Cobain was into fuzz, but was not a lamestain.

'Wack Slacks': When the Media Fell for a Grunge Slang Hoax

In 1992, the mainstream media was eager to learn about the lexicon of the surging grunge scene. So a New York Times reporter phoned up an insider—who proceeded to make up a bunch of words.