Explore the fascinating journey of products like Silly Putty, Play-Doh, Viagra, Rogaine, and Liquid Ass, which were initially designed for one purpose but ended up finding their true purpose in a different line of work. Discover the fascinating story behind the creation and popularity of 'liquid ass' as a prank item. Learn about the process of creating realistic combat training simulations for military trainees, including the use of Hollywood effects and sensory experiences like Liquid Ass.
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Quick takeaways
Liquid Ass, originally invented as a prank product, found a new purpose in combat training by simulating the smell of feces in tear situations, helping soldiers respond better amidst chaos and intense sensory experiences.
Many products, like Silly Putty and Liquid Ass, have found success in unexpected roles, highlighting the unpredictable paths that products can take and their surprising relevance in different contexts.
Deep dives
Liquid Ass: From Prank to Combat Training Tool
Liquid Ass is a pungent smell that was originally invented as a prank product. However, it found a surprising new purpose in combat training. Stu Segal, a producer of television shows, repurposed old TV sets and Hollywood effects to create realistic combat scenarios for military training. As part of the hyperrealism, the soldiers needed to be familiar with the smell of feces, as it indicates a tear in the intestine, a serious medical emergency. Liquid Ass, with its truly terrible smell, was the perfect tool to simulate this situation. Its use in the military training has helped trainees better respond to life-threatening situations amidst chaos and intense sensory experiences.
Finding Meaning in Unexpected Places
Many products have found success in entirely different roles from what they were initially intended for. Play-Doh, for example, was originally invented as a wallpaper cleaner before becoming a beloved children's toy. Viagra and Rogaine were initially designed for different purposes but ended up helping with erectile dysfunction and hair growth. While some products settle for less meaningful roles, others, like Liquid Ass, unexpectedly stumble upon more heroic and honorable destinies.
The Unconventional Journey of Silly Putty
Silly Putty, made from a mixture of boric acid and silicone oil, was a byproduct of research into synthetic rubber during World War II. It had no practical use until it was marketed as a fun toy. Similarly, Liquid Ass, created as a prank item by a teenage boy, eventually became an indispensable tool in combat training. These examples highlight the unpredictable and sometimes extraordinary paths that products can take, finding surprising relevance in different contexts.
Many material trifles, such as Silly Putty, started as attempts at serious inventions, but in rare cases, the process works in reverse: something developed as a gag gift can turn into something truly heroic. Invented by high school prankster Alan … Continue reading →
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