May 1959 Popular Electronics
 Table of Contents
Wax nostalgic about and learn from the history of early electronics. See articles
from
Popular Electronics,
published October 1954 - April 1985. All copyrights are hereby acknowledged.
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This series of comics describing the kinds of reactions you might
expect to receive from various people who are visiting your crib
and are introduced to your new stereo setup. Done in a 1959 edition
of Popular Electronics, the scenarios still hold true today, only
now you can extend the equipment type to include your gaming computer
and wide screen television, and add to the distractions the guy
who is dividing his attention between you and his smartphone. It's
too bad you don't see this kind of stuff in newer publications.
Other Carl Kohler masterpieces: "The
Great Electron-Pedantic Project," "Dig That Reel Flat Response,"
"I Married
a Superheterodyne," "Unpopular Electronics,"
"Operation Chaos,"
"Thin Air, My Foot,"
"High Tide in the
Tweeter," "The
R/C Cloud," "Hi-Fi Guest List,"
"Kool-Keeping Kwiz
," "Boner Box," and "McWatts."
Hi-Fi Guest List
By Carl Kohler
Sooner or later the avid hi-fi and stereo enthusiast begins inviting
friends over to admire his latest equipment acquisitions and enjoy
his newest recordings. Portrayed here are a handful of guests any
stereo-loving host may encounter to his bewilderment.
EXHIBITIONIST
Becoming strangely affected the moment the music begins, this
guest fancies himself something of an impromptu conductor. He sometimes
breaks into interpretive dance routines ranging from quasi-ballet
to the common waltz-clog, and has been known to do a fandango to
locomotive sound recordings. He can be persuaded to sit still only
if test tones are played.
KILLJOY
He seems to derive an almost sadistic satisfaction from finding
minor flaws in his host's equipment and pointing out that the same
turntables, tuners and amplifiers are selling for half of what the
host paid, elsewhere. A genius at discovering minute damaged areas
on cabinets which have escaped the attention of his host.
TINKERER
If not closely watched, he will quietly begin "investigating"
any piece of hi-fi stereo equipment he can put his paws on. He can
easily be spotted since he invariably carries a miniature tool kit
in his hip pocket and is given to loitering around the backsides
of cabinets.
CRITIC
This guest hasn't really approved of any recording since "Cohen
On The Telephone" was issued. He listens to his host's latest and
most unique records with utter dissatisfaction and frequent grunts
of derision. Always giving the strong impression that he has been
shanghaied into lending ears (which may be true), he has been known
to stalk out during the first bars of music which keeps other people
rooted to their chairs.
RESEARCHER
Caring little for his host's splendid library of recordings,
he is quite impressed with the cataloging and cross-filing system.
He has a dismal habit of insisting upon discussing record-classification
methods in detail while his host's most enthralling musical selections
are vainly being played for him.
SLOTH
Displaying a flattering interest in anything and everything his
host may suggest be played, this type actually wants only background
music so he can find the most comfortable chair in the room and
take a nap. He demonstrates a weird ability to doze off no matter
what kind of music is offered him.
Posted February 22, 2013
These Technically-Themed Comics Appeared in Vintage Electronics Magazines:
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