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When Is a Catalog More Than a Catalog?
A close look at functional objects that also serve as catalogs. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
Nov 7
28
10
1
The Pleasures of Decorator Colors
How a recent purchase led to a deep dive on a colorful marketing term.
Nov 4
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Paul Lukas
37
19
2
I Thought I Knew About the Poll Tax, but I Was Wrong
How a bunch of vintage documents gave me a fascinating history lesson.
Oct 2
•
Paul Lukas
36
9
In Which I Finally Land My White Whale ... Sort Of
I finally found a long-sought item — or at least a representation of it. Plus still more stick figures, right-handed toilets, and more!
Sep 3
•
Paul Lukas
25
12
1
A Shirt with a Very Unusual Backstory
A gift I gave to a now-deceased friend 30 years ago is up for purchase in a digital estate sale, which raises some interesting questions. Plus a new…
Aug 25
•
Paul Lukas
31
7
1
Little Stories: The Special Fork
How I sent coded messages while setting the table for dinner.
Jul 24
•
Paul Lukas
33
13
1
A Very Satisfying Piece of Hardware Design
One of my favorite possessions spends most of its time buried in my toolbox. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
Jun 9
•
Paul Lukas
24
8
My Favorite Industrial-Trespassing Artifact
Transforming a story of death into a flicker of life.
May 23
•
Paul Lukas
27
8
Why I Don’t Like Estate Sales
Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
May 22
•
Paul Lukas
34
21
A Sample Catalog for Something You Probably Never Thought About
If you’re giving out a diploma, certificate, or other fancy document, it likely needs a decorative border.
May 16
•
Paul Lukas
19
10
Some of My Latest Home Décor
But first, some thoughts about material culture.
May 9
•
Paul Lukas
33
14
The Collector’s Dilemma
A generous gift leads to an existential crisis. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
Apr 29
•
Paul Lukas
27
14
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