On the night of Sunday, November 22nd, 1987, a mysterious figure in a Max Headroom mask hijacked two Chicago TV stations. Spoiler alert: The perpetrators were never found.

An informal (not to mention, loose) history of Civil Defense Broadcasting in the U.S.

Remember when TV stations used to go off the air late at night? Anyone?

Interested in seeing a clown so laid-back, he forgets he's on camera? Now about a Hawaiian teen idol with a pen fetish? Maybe an American Bandstand ripoff with an evil spirit hosting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, watch this episode--then seek immediate professional help.

The Archive's most infamous episode--for some reason.

Meet the artists that made the likes of Joan Baez and Pete Seeger fear for their careers.

VHS or Beta? Laserdisc or CED? What the hell is a CED anyway? These burning questions (amongst others) answered in this episode!

Join Ben as he launches his own 1-900 number. What could possibly go wrong?

We still get a lot of flack for this episode (did you really think there were 37 minutes of odd VHS endings out there?). Nonetheless, it's still a favorite.

An Archive double header: The two most famous occurrences of Broadcast Signal Hijacking (well, save for the Max Headroom Incident) are discussed here.

The Oddity Archive will now be switching to scrambled mode. Please turn on your (preferably, circa 1984) decoder box now.

Because we always like to go the extra mile (at least, when it's convenient), the Archive tackles TWO lists of the worst of the (19)90's: The top 4 Trendy Turkeys and the top 4 Technological Turkeys of the (again, 19)90's.

The 13th episode is a very unlucky one for Ben as he discusses some (all too often, rather off) U.S. Kiddie Show hosts from the early 1950's through the late 1990's.

All Ben wanted for Christmas was a silent night...

Ceefax and Keyfax, Nite-Owl and Cable Chuckles, oh my...

It's movie day at the Archive! Unfortunately, due to copyright issues, you're not invited. But, at least you can join us for an intermission reel (conveniently containing all Public Domain footage!).

Given how much we discuss TV on the Archive, a history lesson seemed in order.

?segassem lanimilbus tahW ?huH Everyone knows there are no subliminal messages in music...(!slatrom nwod wob ,woN)

Join Ben as he discusses some of the Dating Services of the 1980's to present. And, if you're good, maybe Ben will let you join him in his own quest for a date.

Temporarily exiled from the big leagues of Internet TV, Ben (again, temporarily) sets up camp at his local Public Access outlet.

It's the feel-good episode of the year as Ben discusses the (in)famous British Nuclear War preparedness campaign.

Because you can (apparently) never have enough nukes...

What is it about end logos and FBI Warnings that scared so many children of the VHS era?

Can pure rock sound really hard-boil an egg? Of course not. It does make for some wicked "deviled" eggs though.

Things have gotten so dire at The Archive that Ben's been forced to take a "real" job. Join him as he takes a look at his potential employers' training videos.

Ever wanted to know the absolute root of the Oddity Archive? Well, it involves a creepy guy in a Hamster costume...

Because nothing says "Happy 200th, America" like crappy "collectibles", Up With People and bizarre Government films.

Featuring such great (non-)hits from the likes of Hairy Nielsen, BAAB, William Turkey and many, many more! Order today!!!

What do you mean Ben is fashion-challenged?

Seeing as the Archive somehow managed to hit the 30 episode mark, it seemed like a good time to throw a nice, little (tax-deductible) party. Plus, Ben sings a viewer poll-selected song (a move that was instantly regretted by all who voted).

Covert broadcasts...and how to decode them (your results may vary).

Or, as Ben likes to call it, the Max Headroom Incident's annoying, less creative little brother.

And Ben thought it would just be another cool toy for his collection. How naive...

Learn to gamble--Archive style! God help us...

Come visit the Archive Children's Disco before it's condemned!

Forced to discuss his fourth knockoff Disco record in a row, Ben has a slight meltdown.

VHS vs. Beta? How 1977...

Ben's still having nightmares about being forced to play charades with Rich Little.

An interesting, but (unsurprisingly) failed, early attempt at multimedia interactivity.

Five forgotten holiday albums that will...more than likely remain forgotten.

Have you ever wanted to make "melons" in real estate? If so, you've come to the right place!

...because salesmen need the comfort of knowing that their product is truly the answer to all problems (consumerist OR existential).

Don't screw with Jam Handy!

The Archive is currently experiencing technical difficulties...LOTS of them...and Ben refuses to take responsibility. So there.

If V.D. really is for everybody, why don't I have it?

...because only Ben would be stupid enough to devote an entire regular Archive episode to between-show filler.

Alternate Title: Why Ben should never make a full "behind-the-scenes" episode. Alternate Title #2: Ben stammers for 38 minutes. Alternate Title #3: Why Ben will never get a date.

The Archive gathers together all your favorite '70's hits--then realizes that the major labels, the RIAA, etc. would have our nuts in a sling over it. More ripoff records it is then! All 70's edition!

Wait, there's a logic to all this?

It's time for a few changes in Archiveland.

***THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A ***SEVERE FALSE NOSTALGIA WARNING*** FOR YOUR AREA UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***

Alternate Title: How to Survive an Unprovoked Attack From Your Electric Mixer.

So much for taking a break...

Another existential crisis in Archive-land? Get your head out of your ass, Benny boy! NOTE: If viewing this episode on a Pioneer VP-1000 unit (Serial #'s: 12467-21804), please turn your frame display function to the ON position.

We've only just begun...to hurt.

Copying this video may cause your computer to randomly burst into flames. The Archive assumes no liability.

Is there really such a thing as too much LaserKaraoke? Let's find out with this special double (if not triple) length episode!

For all the time we've spent with this format, a full look at it (and its offshoots) seemed only natural.

WARNING: This episode is coated in a new, ultra high-tech substance that may cause colorful sparks to emit from your computer. Also, <<

The most headache-inducing Archive episode to date. Guaranteed.

This year's (apparently now requisite) Halloween album review. This was actually meant to be just a minisode, but it ran really long. Consider it a "bonus" Archive episode.

Test-driving a new, potential recurring concept, "Archive Wares". The idea is to look at items from the golden age of infomercials ('80's through early 2000's) and their ads and/or tutorial videos. Given that it's Halloween, it seemed only natural to discuss the most nightmare-inducting product sold via infomercials: the "Rejuvenique Facial Toning System".

Well, that only took a year-and-a-half to follow through with another Local TV installment. No, this wasn't painful at all.

Ben reviews the Archive (and then the world imploded).

And welcome to the Oddity Archive, the show that isn't afraid to piss off VHS fetishists.

This episode is dedicated to----you, Amber.

After being asked all year about what Ben thinks the next generation of oddities will be, a New Year's special seemed to be in order (somehow).

You asked, we gave. $683.43 will now be added to your next phone bill.

Ladies' man that Ben and Ed are, they didn't really need this. This is really for all the lonely folks (especially the guys) that watch the Archive.

Maybe all those DuMont jokes in all the 50's-centric Archive episodes will make sense now. Maybe.

Q: y u no duvide gams? A: Because I'm not that kind of girl--er, wait. Did you mean "Video Games"? I guess...

Because, you know, VIDEOcassette board games went so well...

How many times do I have to tell you, China Cabinet? The money is NOT in the fishtank!

Every now and then we get to thinkin' you'd like to hear somethin' from us done nice and easy. Well, lemme tell ya, we don't do NOTHIN' "nice and easy"...

An (unintentional) almost-three years in the making...

It's a computer! It's a home video unit! It's a video game console! It's...a little underdeveloped.

boxes Boxes. BOXES!!!

The Archive has been deemed obsolete. Irony noted.

The Archive is back on YouTube! But, not without (desperately) seeking out some alternatives in the meantime.

Today's burning question: Is it pronounced "stare-eo" or "steer-eo"?

Naughty words WITHOUT Oddity Archive® – 22 Naughty words WITH Oddity Archive® – 21

The 3rd annual Archive LaserKaraoke Party is on (sort of)!

Breaker for a short-short. This is the Oddity Archive. What's yer handle, good buddy?

Oddity Archive®: Also available for birthday parties, weddings and bar mitzvahs.

Recently, we came into a small jackpot of Pickwick albums. Given this label's long-standing history with the Archive, it only seemed appropriate to devote an entire episode to the king of all "drugstore" labels.

Oddity Archive: Now in high-pile carpetvision!

VCR Ephemera, or, Oddity Archive for beginners.

I got a message from the Action Max. “I’m crappy. Hope you’re crappy, too.”

You wanted a history lesson, you got a history lesson. Hope you don't mind a really, really long slideshow.

Some of you aren't singing. Don't think I can't tell.

The donations were multiplying like, well, rabbits. I figured y'all were trying to tell me something. (Did I really just type "y'all"? Heaven help me.)

Movies pressed on records? Should've waited for the 21st century (the hipsters would love it).

Lots of effort for little (or no) reward? Sounds about right for the Archive.

The Oddity Archive® keeps you up to date with what’s hot—as long as the system doesn’t crash—again.

Dramamine? Check. Airsick bag? Check. My confidence? Nope.

...or, Ben vs. Another Expensive Hobby or, Ben cures the hams or, Ben was already a total ham. Why make it worse?

The Oddity Archive® strives to provide the best and latest in home theater tune-ups. They still make laserdiscs, right?

The most risque episode of the Archive since...the last one.

The Archive attempts to preserve some (intentionally) disposable culture. It was inevitable.

It’s the 100th episode of the Archive and the expectations are high. Guess we better do something good and commercial.

Can you really become “techno-hip” all because of a computer chip?

It’s been a long and difficult season. Let’s end it with something fun (if I can figure out how to assemble these toys, that is).

A little success, a little failure, a little intrigue, a little frustration. In other words, your standard between-season break for Ben.

…dragging the Record Ripoff concept kicking and screaming out of the 70’s. What the hell was I thinking?!?

Have your credit cards handy because we're about to launch our own Home-Shopping-type channel! What could possibly go wrong?

Crank it up and sing along! The madness will naturally follow.

Oddity Archive®: Now in ULTRA lo-fi!

Oddity Archive: Your home for absurd, costly and borderline-useless “broadcast” experiments since 2015!

…because I haven’t REALLY opened myself up to mass criticism for a long time now.

The Archive takes it to the max--the Betamax, that is.

This is your Civil Defense announcer speaking (er, typing) with a VERY important message. But first, this nearly 27-minute Oddity Archive episode. NOTE: Yes, I’m well aware that the LP’s discussed in the video have nothing to do with the Conelrad broadcasting stuff—just humor me, will ya?

…because as we all know, learning is most fun with famous people.

Another Thanksgiving episode? Must be time to unload some more proverbial turkeys (now more cynically than ever)!

The second (and hopefully final) installment in the Archive’s “Idiot’s Guide” how-to series.

The most deep-hurtingest Christmas ever!

Looking at the Interactive Program Guide’s especially awkward adolescence.

Bargain Bennie is having his all-time biggest sale on local (and regional) TV commercials! Get ‘em before they’re gone!

‘Tis the season for love—and love gone down the garbage disposer.

Crank up the Fisher-Price turntable!

It’s (100% showtune-free) Musical March (read: Audio Geek March, “Musical March” is just a lot catchier) in Archiveland! Let’s kick it off with a little reevaluation of a format that I’ve bashed in the past.

Oddity Archive®: Now with new Superlife® coating!

And welcome to the Oddity Archive…the show that rapidly contracts and expands—but clearly not rapidly enough.

A mere 5 years in the making! You’d never know it though…

No, this isn’t about those 100 million (or more) copies of “Titanic” and “Jerry Maguire”—useless as they are.

With all this talk of so-called “mobile devices” these days, it seemed worth taking a look into.

And welcome to the Oddity Ar-ar-ar-ar-ar-arc-arch-(SLAP)-Archive!

12 inches of Archivian goodness!

What’cha doin’ on your rump? Hopefully, you’re watching this episode!

A King-sized episode for a King-sized anniversary. Of course, we can't play any actual Elvis, so let's look at some of the cash-ins based around the man.

A cooking show—Archive style.

New from Sing Alone Video!

I was burning incense on not-quite vinyl (while listening to Playtapes) before you were. Take that, hipsters.

This offer will expire without notice! Order now!

A double (if not triple) dose of failure.  You know you love it.

The scariest (in the existentialist sense, at least) Archive Halloween to date!

Let’s reminisce about the great bully/child abductor epidemic of the ‘90’s.

The Archive returns to its deepest roots (largely because it was convenient).

Oddity Archive® Vinyl: Now 50% lighter and with 50% more foreign debris!

Broken equipment, bad records and loopy videos—in other words, your standard Archive Christmas.

No fees! No contracts! No service! Dial 1-800 ARCHIVE and save 0%!

More hissy (and at times, indecipherable) goodness from the deepest, darkest depths of the Archive.

Bring your earplugs! And, no, this isn’t false modesty—these recordings are pretty harsh (in every meaning of the word).

This is what happens when Benny-boy’s control-freak tendencies get the best of him. Honestly, it’s not too terrible. Shame the product is mediocre.

The Archive sets sail for the United Kingdom in search of some unusual computer storage and sharing methods—we weren’t disappointed.

No Billy Joel songs were harmed in the making of this episode.

These talking pictures will never catch on…come to think of it, these didn’t.

Funny how a little kiddie music, a little commercialism and a heaping helping of Easy Listening stewed in someone’s garage for 40+ years equals such a lovely sonic bouquet.

Finally! An Archive episode with true A E S T H E T I C S!

…because the first reel-to-reel worked so well.

The Archive is getting ready to leave Beautiful Downtown Aurora. Better look at some of our local stuff before we go.

Let’s close our Beautiful Downtown Aurora years without any tears (maybe).

Archive HQ Version 2.0. Was it worth it?

By (inexplicably) popular demand, the Rock N’ Roll equivalent to “American Movie” rolls on.

Attempting to realize a viewer’s vision of an old-school, drive-in theater—at home.

We haven't had a good roast in awhile, have we?

More 8 frames-per-second at 1,800 revolutions-per-minute goodness from the darkest pits of the Archive!

Well, I kinda killed the Archive’s old LaserKaraoke machine…and I’d been threatening to upgrade the main Laserdisc player. Upgrade time!

IT’S BA-ACK!

The future of the common audiocassette is (er, was) here!

Another fragrant bouquet of dusty, musty, moldy slabs of wax!

The Archive finally acquires some genuine off-air U.K. tapes…complete with some genuine U.K. mold (er, mould).

Some Christmas oddities (and one not-so-oddity) with a real bang to them!

New year, old hindrances…

Let us take another dip into the well of televised municipal culture…

Our trucks are currently scouring your neighborhood with sophisticated equipment to detect anyone watching our show illegally. Don’t you dare question how we do it. Punks.

A massive dose of hissy, sticky goodness that should never be degaussed after midnight!

A genuine(ly twisted) labor of love from your friends at the Oddity Archive®.

Search Frame 30609. Then, add in 29,000. Then, multiply by .84. Then, write down your findings (in order). You are now ready to begin watching this episode of Oddity Archive.

Like in sports, sometimes musicians need a rebuilding season. I promise, it starts resembling "real" music this time…

About a year ago, I came across a pair of unmarked, somewhat damaged 8mm films. Since they both needed some repair, it seemed like a good time for an educational OA episode.

In the name of commercial appeal, the Archive cheapens itself to toilet humor.

Recorded not-live at the fabulous Archive Theatre!

Ben gets far more than he bargained for…and it was hardly a bargain.

A special limited addition—because we don’t think this’ll sell too well.

Oddity Archive®: On the cutting edge of amateur, home recording (as of 1965).

A banquet of oversaturated and generation-lossy goodness from the Archive! Fill-in-the-blankwave fans will love it.

…and the jackpot goes up to 178…episodes, that is!

Our seventh annual marathon of soft rock and mullets…lots and lots of mullets.

…or, Ben enters the Loss Prevention Protection Program.

Another batch of (no more than) 7.5ips goodness…straight from the hea-a-a-arrt.

It takes a LOT of sacrifice to maintain the Archive…

Getting the History of Home Video train back on track with the first great (albeit rather dull) camcorder format.

Guaranteed to get stuck in your head for days…er, weeks…er, months…er, years after viewing!

Would you please make welcome to the Archive…tap-dancing Christmas trees, teddy bears that can wipe out entire armies and…Dennis.

Saying goodbye to the decade that brought us selfies, Alexa, and fidget spinners…and not a minute too soon.

A history lesson so big, it’s gonna have to be its own subseries.

Please silence your phones, mobile devices and other electronics…actually don’t. You won’t be able to hear this episode otherwise.

It’s a love obsession at the Archive!

We interrupt this episode of Oddity Archive to bring you…a bunch of other interruptions.

Time to leave the ol’ cassette 4-tracker behind…

A springtime-fresh bouquet of ferric (or chrome) goodness!

Oddity Archive®: Now in our exclusive EP (Endless Play) Mode!

…or, the Archive’s idea of nocturnal delight.

Some shows were pre-destined to land in the dumpster or collide with the ol’ bulk eraser…here are five of them that have (at least) somewhat cheated fate.

…or, how an unlikely hit album launched an even more unlikely tidal wave of cash-ins and imitators. In a way, it’s the perfect Archivism.

Well, my (working) Summer Vacation turned into a (working) Summer Staycation…

Featuring some of the genuine leg ends of Rock N’ Roll!

A film made especially for the occasion by Swedish documentarian Hans Krullitzer.

Either the all-time most beautiful or most psychedelic episode of the Archive…we’re not sure.

It’s not just VHS…it’s SUPER VHS!

Just when you thought the Archive couldn’t possibly get any more tacky…

Looking at a trio of (slightly misguided) discs touting Pioneer Laserdiscs and Home Theater gear…

Life has gotten so tangled lately. As such, let’s roll things back to the absolute (commercial) basics of Halloween…

You’re not getting older. Just crazier…

Spending Thanksgiving with some prime, succulent, deep cuts of…the Archive.

With (backhanded, insincere) apologies to Hunter S. Thompson: Film Preservation is a cruel and shallow nitrate ditch, a long celluloid hallway where good films rot. That’s just the negative side.

It’s a Vinyl and VHS Christmas! It’s not anywhere near as cool as it sounds…

Myasthenia is better than Yourasthenia. So there.

…or, how Bing Crosby’s golf game launched a technological revolution.

Benny-boy’s unintentional swan song…or is it?

Uh-oh. Benny-boy's playing preservationist again...

Oddity Archive®: Where the thrills are cheap as radio, and radio is cheap as thrills…

The Oddity Archiveland Service (OAS) has issued a WEATHER WARNING…warning.

Teletext: Not just for Europeans anymore! Well, not really…

…well, listen now to what the Archive says!* *Apologies to The Byrds

A serious dissertation on the dangers of workplace stress and how to cope with it…using pure silliness.

All good things must come to an end…or must they?

...because cassettes are for poseurs.

Some of the most grody tunes we’ve ever covered fer sure, fer sure.

Let us take an all-night flight to remember why USA once was “America’s Favorite Cable Network”…

Whatdaya do when you’ve had your fill of analog media? Start hittin’ the ones and zeros…

Benny-boy celebrates the first annual Silent Movie Day by…talking at great length about the silents. Nobody ever accused him of being sharp…

As of this posting, we’re right on the edge of the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the DVD. Guess it’s finally ripe for Archivedom…

“Benny & The Bot”…coming this fall to KLAK…whether Ben likes it or not. NOTE: Just consider this a 20-minute art film.

Benny the Script Doctor makes a housecall regarding some bad sitcoms.

10 ads (or series thereof) selected by viewers. Any turkeys in this Thanksgiving episode are purely coincidental.

Ah, the good, old days. Back when owning a 16mm film or recording something off the TV could get you a visit from the Feds. Good times…

Archivisms roasting on an open fire…

Hey buddy, wanna hear my (horribly impractical) mixtape?

100% pure, shameless, unfettered nostalgia, courtesy of the Oddity Archive®

Learn all about the fine art of meeting Ben!

Vinyl Potpourri is back! It’s a (1,885 second) miracle!

A solid-state tuner is recommended for the viewing of this OA episode…in some way we haven’t figured out yet.

Another (belated) salute to the bottom of the Mom-and-Pop video rental store barrel!

It’s time for the New $25,000 Pyramid…scheme.

Times are changing and KLAK-AM needs to keep up. As such, let’s look at some gimmicks (stunts) used by other radio stations to plug their new formats…

Taking a leisurely, country stroll through the (cowpie-laden) great audiovisual pasture…

Oddity Archive®: Now available in 64kbps mp3!

Four months, three countries, two-hundred-plus dollars all in the name of…meh. Or, what Dolby was to cassette, CX was (supposed to be) for vinyl.

…or, the OA’s (slightly-belated) 10th Anniversary Special.

The Archive finally presents some 100%-pure, down-home musical manure!

This episode is dedicated to those that say we don’t do TV stuff anymore. Maybe we shouldn’t…

Slim Whitman? Blech. Boxcar Willie? Poseur. Only the original TV album guru will do.

Just how close are we to seeing what moviegoers saw in the 1920’s? In these two cases, as it turns out, not very.

We’re all goin’ on a…(quiet, mellow) Autumn Holiday…

Watch horror films, keep Archiveland strong, keep Benny-boy (in)sane.

It’s a friend! It’s a companion! It’s a lifestyle! It’s…supremely annoying…

After 10 years, I guess it’s time for the inevitable “Greatest Hits” package…

Super Oddity Archive®: Now with 50% MORE image than Standard Oddity Archive®! Which is 95% LESS image than HD Oddity Archive®…

Christmas wrapping is so lame—we’re into Christmas Rapping around here!

…because (as we know) what works for 90 minutes once will ALWAYS work for 30 minutes on a regular basis.

Snowbound. Let’s sleep in today…and tomorrow…and the day after…and the day after that…

The new & improved Oddity Archive®! Now cracks those pesky filberts!

A true horror show—just not in the way you’d expect.

Finally (partially) fulfilling that long wished-for Archivism—beavers—specifically, disco beavers.

You won’t believe your CD-I’s!!!

The Archive drops some MAD flava in your ear…

Don’t let THE MAN bring you down. That’s what Oddity Archive® is for…

Pourin’ one out (er, unraveling a tape) for our vidiot homies…

The OA celebrates Memorial Day with some genuine WTF from the AFN (AFRTS). Presented on the DL of course, ‘cause we gotta think OPSEC.

Ever wonder what it would’ve been like if Rube Goldberg designed a VCR? Neither did I.

You’re in for a “great” time! Would you believe “good” time? How ‘bout “adequate” time?

Quite possibly the ultimate “headphone” episode of OA…for realsies this time.

The Archive finds itself caught in a celluloid jam…

The Archive does a little home video archaeology…

Time to fill up on bratwurst and get down to that fonky, fonky, meut-sick!

Public Domain stuff, VHS, weird music, surrealist humor--your Oddity Archive® bingo card should be 80% full from this one episode alone!

Everybody loves a trilogy…and here’s the last piece of it.

Even the comedy gods (and goddesses) have their off days…

You’ve heard of turkey coma, right? This one’ll give you Archive coma.

Learn all about the ins and out of SCMPF (Simply Can’t Muster Proper Functionality) for your newfangled VCR thing!

‘Twas a few days before Christmas and all through the Archive/A Benny-boy was stirring, to madness he’ll drive…

An episode that’ll make you want to yell “TB-Yes”!

Today’s Oddity Archive® may be taped (analog only) for classroom use until December 31, 2024. After December 31, 2024, all copies must be wiped or destroyed…and don’t think we don’t have the means of finding out if you didn’t.

Oddity Archive® lights up your TV’s* with the ads that please!** *A computer screen will also suffice. **As long as your expectations are suitably low.

The chocolate and peanut butter of the Archive, together at last in the same episode!

The episode where cardboard boxes and BoxCars collide…at last!

Hey, you said you wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark. Be careful what you wish for.

“Fun” Project. “Fun” Time.* *According to the uber-cheap DIY FM transmitter I bought.

Record Ripoffs gets back to its roots…man.

Let’s get real! Surreal, that is… (er, sur-reel?)

When this episode was first released, it was an (actual) off-air copy. Thing is, a lot of detail was lost in the microbroadcast. As such, here’s what an “in-house feed” of the proceedings looked like.

A 8-course feast of Vertical Helical Schlock for your Thanksgiving!

Four stereotypically inedible fruitcakes…and one semi-digestible one for your holiday.

Let’s celebrate comedy on cable TV…with only the barest minimum of humor.

It’s new! It’s today! It’s now! It’s…recycled.

This is it. My own personal “ground zero” for Archivedom…