Archive - Inconspicuous Consumption

Wanted: Your Stories of Aiming for Precision

If you’re in the habit of challenging yourself to get something Just Right, I want to hear about it.

Aug 15 •

The Endless Comedy of Stick Figures in Peril

What’s funnier than a stick figure experiencing misfortune? Hundreds or even thousands of them. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!

Aug 14 •

The Strange World of Tsunami Warning Signs

There are countless ways to depict massive waves crashing down on tiny stick figures — many of which are oddly amusing. Plus a new gift-subscription…

Aug 12 •

Little Stories: The Bogus Middle Initial

How my second grade teacher opened a big can of worms by trying to modify my name. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup, and more!

Aug 7 •

Two of a Kind: Inconspicuous Consumption Meets The Art of Noticing

A talk with The Art of Noticing’s Rob Walker, whose sensibility will likely appeal to Inconspicuous Consumption readers.

Aug 4 •

July 2025

Some Thoughts About Stripes vs. Solids

A simple game of pool can be more aesthetically complex than you might think.

Jul 31 •

Some Thoughts About Odd Numbers and Even Numbers

And why I strongly prefer one over the other. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!

Jul 29 •

Little Stories: The Special Fork

How I sent coded messages while setting the table for dinner.

Jul 24 •

The Mind-Blowing Geometric Design of Diatomaceous Earth

To the naked eye, it’s a plain white powder. But if you zoom in with an electron microscope, a stunning industrial landscape emerges.

Jul 22 •

We’ve Now Had a Full 12 Months of Inconspicuous Consumption

And it’s been a very good year.

Jul 16 •

A Close Look at Auxiliary Prescription Labels

The ubiquitous little stickers are classically inconspicuous.

Jul 15 •

The Shift from “Passed Away” to “Passed”

Some thoughts about a recent linguistic trend — or at least I think that’s what it is.

Jul 10 •

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