Everyone needs a hobby, and one photographer has made it his mission to take photographs of famous on-location sets years after the movie or show hit the big screen. Paul Slattery has taken hundreds of “then and now” photos of dozens of locations and was kind enough to create an entire website dedicated to his endeavor, where you can find the addresses of film sets and inspiration behind his project. Some of them you’ll recognize easily, as they haven’t changed much at all. Others have undergone a considerable transformation and are almost unrecognizable after so many years. Let’s learn about our all-time favorite movies and TV shows, including a bit of trivia along the way!

#1: “I must have one of those faces you can’t help believing”

Any Hitchcock fan will recognize this house on the hill from the 1960 version of Psycho. An iconic American film, many shows and movies have tried to recreate the suspense and success of this horror. With a relatively small budget of $800,000, it ended up grossing over $32 million in the US alone.

While some of the film was shot on location in various parts of Arizona, this house and many other iconic places were shot on the Universal Studios lot in California. It still stands today as a tribute to the American film genius that Psycho represents. You can see how many years have gone by, leaving it in disrepair and shrouded by trees.

The beloved 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz has captured the hearts of audiences for generations with its tale of a young girl’s journey to the magical land of Oz. However, behind the scenes of this cinematic masterpiece lie a treasure trove of curious and not-so-safe-for-work facts that offer a glimpse into the making of this iconic film. From unexpected friendships and hidden dangers to deleted scenes, there’s a lot we didn’t know about the classic film. Join us as we venture behind the emerald curtain to uncover the lesser-known, sometimes scandalous, and often surprising details that add new dimensions to the timeless magic of Oz.

#1: Apple Juice Was Used for Special Effects

In the 1930s, whenThe Wizard of Oz was filmed, they didn’t have the same technology we have today to create special effects, so they had to come up with unique methods. A surprising and somewhat unconventional method was employed to create a realistic fire effect. To achieve the dramatic scene where the Wicked Witch of the West meets her fiery demise, the filmmakers used apple juice as a clever stand-in for flames.

The innovative special effects team mixed apple juice with a hidden substance to create a controlled burn that convincingly mimicked fire without posing the same risks as actual flames. This clever use of apple juice not only ensured the safety of the cast and crew but also added a unique touch of creativity to one of the film’s most iconic moments. It goes to show that sometimes, the magic of Hollywood lies in unexpected places, even in a simple glass of apple juice.

Realizing you’ve gotten old hits everyone differently. For some people, it happens the moment they hear their favorite song from high school played on an oldies radio station. For others, it’s the moment they first feel the urge to shout at teenagers to quiet down. Whatever it is that makes you realize you’re old, you’re not alone! Eventually, every generation gets hit in the face with the fact that they’re no longer teenagers and are marching inexorably toward the day they can get the senior discount when they go out to dinner. To prove it, we’re going to share amusing posts revealing millennials are the new boomers and gaping the generation gap.

Feeling Grinchy

As a kid, you know the Grinch is the bad guy; he wants to steal Christmas, he refuses to join in the Whos’ festivities, plus, of course, he has all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile. There’s no argument there. Once you get older, though, your view of the Grinch changes.

Truth be told, living all alone in a cave with just your dog for a company has some appeal. The Grinch got the remote control all to himself, he didn’t have to listen to the Whos banging on drums and playing with toys all day, and he still had a furry friend to keep him company. Doesn’t sound half bad, really.

As a proud American, I can tell you one thing for sure: there ain’t no country like America. The land of breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and people that are tough as nails and twice as proud! But did you know we’ve got some of the craziest laws in the world too? That’s just another part of what makes us so great. We can laugh at ourselves, poke fun at our own quirks, and still hold our heads high, knowing we’re the best darn country on this planet. So let’s raise a glass to America and all its weird, wacky, and wonderful laws.

Transparent Clothing

Well, I’ll have to cross off my see-through raincoat from my list of fashionable outfits in Rhode Island. Who wears transparent clothing anyway? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone wearing something that transparent in public. That’s what I call a major fashion fail – have you ever suffered something like this?

You know that outfit you thought would make you look like a million bucks but instead made you look like a clown? That doesn’t even compare to this one. It’s a weird rule, but if you’re going around in transparent clothing, you deserve to be locked up for life, with no chance of getting out!

Have you ever wondered what iconic historical figures might have looked like in the flesh? Thanks to artificial intelligence, we now have the tools to recreate their appearances with relative accuracy. People across the web have used AI technology to breathe life into figures from history books and re-imagine their faces if they lived in modern times, shedding new light on the individuals who shaped our world. From ancient emperors to famous writers and artists, prepare to be astonished by these AI-generated glimpses into the faces of history.

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, one of history’s most legendary conquerors, is often depicted as a striking figure, but his true appearance remains shrouded in mystery. Born in 356 BC, this Macedonian king embarked on a relentless campaign of conquest that spanned three continents.

Although there are no contemporary portraits or descriptions of his physical features, historical accounts from his time suggest that he had golden hair and striking blue or heterochromatic eyes, with one eye possibly brown and the other blue. Such details, however, are debated among historians. Using advanced AI technology, we can now generate a plausible representation of what this iconic figure might have looked like, offering a fascinating glimpse into the visage of a man whose legacy continues to captivate the world.

History is a funny thing. Time flows ever onward, and things happen, sometimes at the same time. And with how disconnected things can be from one another, be it by location, culture, or simply lifestyle, some of the weirdest and unrelated things have happened simultaneously or in a similar span of time. That realization is, for whatever reason, mind-blowing as it forces you to stop and think about it. That’s what this Reddit thread was trying to wrap its head around, and we’ve rounded up some of the most interesting and absurd moments where history converged.

1. Somehow, Sharks Have Found a New Way to Be Terrifying

Very few animals have survived, mostly intact, from prehistoric times to now. Mostly creatures of the sea and birds–birds are, in fact, the descendants of a smaller subspecies related to the T-Rex. None seem to have lived quite as long as the shark, however.

Sharks are so old, they existed even before Saturn got its rings… 100 million years ago. Sharks are, by comparison, estimated to be about 420 million years old. They have survived multiple mass extinctions and evolved into the horror movie beasts of today. Fortunately, they have gotten smaller over the ages, though it hardly makes them less terrifying. At this rate, they will probably outlive us.

Throughout our educational journey, from high school to now, we’ve grown accustomed to encountering awe-inspiring portraits of iconic historical figures such as George Washington, Helen Keller, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. However, it’s truly mind-boggling to consider that the oldest known photograph dates back to a mere 27 years after Washington’s passing in 1799. The birth of photography in the late 1820s opened up a whole new realm of human history. Prepare to be astonished as we delve into a curated selection of photographic relics, showcasing the familiar faces of some of history’s most illustrious personalities.

John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams, born on July 11, 1767, to John and Abigail Adams, served as the sixth President of the United States from 1825 to 1829. He was not just a president but a versatile American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, and diarist. Prior to his presidency, Adams held the role of the eighth United States Secretary of State from 1817 to 1825.

Following in the footsteps of his father, John Adams, who had been the second U.S. President from 1797 to 1801. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, Adams spent a significant portion of his early life in Europe, where his father served as a diplomat. Tragically, in 1848, he succumbed to a stroke and passed away after collapsing on the floor of the House.

The enduring allure of the RMS Titanic’s tragic story still enchants us today. On that ill-fated morning of April 14, 1912, the Titanic, a beacon of dreams and aspirations, met its icy end after an unforeseen collision with an iceberg. For some passengers, it was a journey of opulence and extravagance; for others, it held their life’s savings and the promise of a fresh start in America. Now, let’s explore these rare colorized photos that bring the Titanic’s story to life in a vivid, new way…

The Making of the Titanic

Dive into the fascinating construction of the Titanic, colorized to bring its creation to life. The legendary ship, crafted by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, is a testament to the incredible effort and skill involved in its making.

The Titanic, a masterpiece of luxury and innovation, emerged from an ambitious endeavor that began on March 31, 1909. Over three years, it took shape as an 882-foot testament to early 20th-century engineering, unaware of its impending historical fate.

When Taylor Swift initially burst onto the scene, she was the beloved country sensation known for her radiant golden curls and her ever-present guitar. Fast forward to the present day, and Taylor has become one of the wealthiest self-made women in the music industry. With her substantial wealth tucked away, you can be certain she has her eyes set on some opulent real estate investments – perhaps some luxurious mansions? Regarding Taylor Swift, she is much more than just a pretty face… She is actually a real estate genius.

Nashville Penthouse

Year: 2009

Price: $2 Million

Taylor initiated her foray into the world of real estate with a stylish penthouse condominium located on Nashville’s iconic Music Row. The acquisition of this $2 million condo coincided with the soaring success of her chart-topping hit, “You Belong With Me,” in 2009.

In a shrewd move, Taylor and her family have made their abode in a lavish 3,240-square-foot apartment, strategically positioning themselves at the epicenter of Nashville’s thriving entertainment district. When considering a debut residence, it’s undeniable that this one exudes undeniable opulence!

Undoubtedly, perfection is a myth, and each of us possesses quirks that define our individuality. Even the most dazzling and gifted celebrities harbor their own idiosyncrasies and vulnerabilities, mirroring our own human experiences. It’s a gentle nudge to always bear in mind that they, too, are simply part of the human tapestry.

Angelina Jolie

When it comes to capturing attention, there’s no doubt that Angelina Jolie is a magnetic force in the world of Hollywood. This particular snapshot, taken at the Kung Fu Panda 3 premiere, offers a rare glimpse of her knees, which she playfully admits can be a bit unpredictable at times.

Yet, this unique characteristic doesn’t deter the actress from confidently owning the Red Carpet. Dating back to 2016, this image may not reflect Angelina’s current physique, but one thing remains undeniable – with her wobbly knees and all, she continues to be an undeniably captivating presence in the spotlight.