Living: Invasion of The Airwave Snatchers

Electronic gremlins have Americans tuning in their neighbors

"Turn that thing off," Irene said. "Maybe they can hear us." Jim switched the radio off. "That was Miss Armstrong, the Sweeneys' nurse," Irene said. "She must be reading to the little girl. They live in 17-B. I've talked with Miss Armstrong in the Park. I know her voice very well. We must be getting other people's apartments."

"That's impossible," Jim said.

-The Enormous Radio

Try telling that to Blanche Fawell. The Glen Ellyn, Ill., mother of two stumbled into the technological twilight zone when she bought a two-channel monitor to keep audio tabs on her new baby. The machine works...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!