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The Names We Give Our Grandparents
Gramps? Grandpa? Pop-Pop? How do we decide what to call these beloved family members?
Jun 25
•
Paul Lukas
29
64
2
The Power of the Unlikely Time Capsule
As I recently discovered, even the most random-seeming artifact can unlock a series of potent memories.
Jun 23
23
11
1
The Pleasures of Improvised Bookmarks
A recent Inconspicuous News Roundup included an item about a guy who works at a bookstore collects the improvised bookmarks that people have left in the…
Jun 18
•
Paul Lukas
31
20
1
A Very Special Postal Art Project
For 36 years, a man mailed letters to himself and matched his handwriting on the envelopes to the visual themes of the stamps, with amazing results.
Jun 16
•
Paul Lukas
40
6
3
The Pleasures of Paying With Cash
A recent purchase left me with an interesting piece of change, which sent me down a fun new rabbit hole. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
Jun 11
•
Paul Lukas
26
17
1
Can You Design a New Inconspicuous Consumption T-Shirt?
If so, then I have a project for you. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
Jun 4
•
Paul Lukas
27
13
1
What Did People Die of 140 Years Ago?
Can laryngitis be fatal? What exactly is “Fatty Heart”? We look into these and other intriguing questions raised by an 1884 cemetery ledger.
Jun 2
•
Paul Lukas
28
17
1
May 2026
The Fascinating Story of Juicy Fruit Gum
The unassuming product has had an odd history — including a key role in the evolution of modern retailing.
May 28
•
Paul Lukas
35
7
3
Lost and Found: The Power of a Rediscovered Artifact
How an old gum wrapper sent me on a nostalgic reverie. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
May 27
•
Paul Lukas
24
10
2
A Very Special, Utterly Enjoyable Piece of Mail
A reader sent me an extremely thoughtful letter. Plus more apostrophic signage and a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
May 21
•
Paul Lukas
39
16
1
In Which I Attend a Matchbook Collectors’ Event
Hanging out with a bunch of phillumenists turned out to be surprising on several levels. Plus more apostrophic signage!
May 14
•
Paul Lukas
45
6
3
Where Should the Apostrophe Go on a Vertically Lettered Sign?
A deep dive on an enduring typographic conundrum.
May 12
•
Paul Lukas
40
36
1
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