Kirsten Hively's Collection of Coffee Cup Lids and Registration Marks

When I first got a coffee with the unusual red slide-lock hole cover, it seemed such an ingenious and elaborate design, with such a satisfying “thunk” as it locks into the open or closed position, I couldn't throw it away.
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SUSAN ROY

Better Homes & Bunkers: The Fallout Shelter for the Nuclear Family

In the 50s and 60s tens of thousands of Americans built family fallout shelters, and millions considered doing so. How could so many people believe that hiding in an underground concrete cube would save their lives during a nuclear attack? And then, if they somehow did survive, why did they believe they could function in a post-apocalyptic world with fires raging, cities destroyed, and a landscape littered with the dead and injured?
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JOHN FOSTER

Accidental Mysteries, 05.15.11

Accidental Mysteries, a weekly cabinet of visual curiosities curated by John Foster, highlights images of design, art, architecture and ephemera brought to light by the magic of the digital age.
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On May 4, in NYC join us for: Present Tense: 2011 D-Crit Conference, Rob Walker is the keynote speaker. While your there, check out our MPS/Branding program, taught by the best in the business.
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ADRIAN SHAUGHNESSY

Philosophy, Graphic Design and Virtue of Clarity

I spend a lot of time looking at the work of undergrad and post-grad visual communication students. The best work is frequently distinguished by an abundance of well-intentioned and sophisticated thinking around social issues. But I notice something else; it can be described as a reluctance to express ideas with clarity and brevity. It’s as if there is a fear — a loathing even — of simplicity.
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JESSICA HELFAND

Mothers Day Special: Baby, It's You!

Before everyone had cameras, the baby picture was the purview of Mom and Dad, and among so many other things, we have them to thank for remembering to capture us as we once were: smaller, rounder, goofier, balder. (Although, in some cases, less bald.)
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OBSERVATORY ARCHIVE

On the Shiv

Gail's Collection

Moving An Obelisk

POEM OF THE WEEK

"@"

@. "Like the whorl of an out-of-this-world ear..." A poem celebrating our most contemporary punctuation mark by Paul Muldoon.
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RECENT BOOKS RECEIVED

Things 19/20 (Winter 2010)
Hildi Hawkins & Jonathan Bell, editors

Celebrations of Curious Characters
Ricky Jay

TypoMag

TypoMag
Laura Meseguer


WEEKLY EMAIL: MAY 20, 2011
FEATURED THIS WEEK : KIRSTEN HIVELY Kirsten Hively's Collection of Coffee Cup Lids and Registration Marks When I first got a coffee with the unusual red slide-lock hole cover, it seemed such an ingenious and elaborate design, with such a satisfying “thunk” as it locks into the open or closed position, I couldn't throw it away. READ MORE
SUSAN ROY Better Homes & Bunkers: The Fallout Shelter for the Nuclear Family In the 50s and 60s tens of thousands of Americans built family fallout shelters, and millions considered doing so. How could so many people believe that hiding in an underground concrete cube would save their lives during a nuclear attack? And then, if they somehow did survive, why did they believe they could function in a post-apocalyptic world with fires raging, cities destroyed, and a landscape littered with the dead and injured? READ MORE JOHN FOSTER Accidental Mysteries, 05.15.11 Accidental Mysteries, a weekly cabinet of visual curiosities curated by John Foster, highlights images of design, art, architecture and ephemera brought to light by the magic of the digital age. READ MORE FROM OUR SPONSORS Felt & Wire Shop, a curated marketplace of designer papergoods, gifts and also an industry blog. Shop here for beautifully uniques gifts, journals, note cards, posters and stationary. Read about Daisy Carlson's newest endeavors and learn about how Design is Love! The Felt & Wire Shop >> The art of being Daisy Carlson >> Design is Love >> On May 4, in NYC join us for: Present Tense: 2011 D-Crit Conference, Rob Walker is the keynote speaker. While your there, check out our MPS/Branding program, taught by the best in the business. Present Tense: 2011 D-Crit Conference, May 4 >> Visit MPS/Branding site today >> SVA Website >> ADRIAN SHAUGHNESSY Philosophy, Graphic Design and Virtue of Clarity I spend a lot of time looking at the work of undergrad and post-grad visual communication students. The best work is frequently distinguished by an abundance of well-intentioned and sophisticated thinking around social issues. But I notice something else; it can be described as a reluctance to express ideas with clarity and brevity. It’s as if there is a fear — a loathing even — of simplicity. READ MORE JESSICA HELFAND Mothers Day Special: Baby, It's You! Before everyone had cameras, the baby picture was the purview of Mom and Dad, and among so many other things, we have them to thank for remembering to capture us as we once were: smaller, rounder, goofier, balder. (Although, in some cases, less bald.) READ MORE		BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK \| FOLLOW US ON TWITTER Present Tense: 2011 D-Crit Conference at SVA in NYC, May 4 >> From Mohawk Fine Papers a curated marketplace of designer papergoods and gifts. Browse the Felt & Wire Shop >> Good design can influence positive change! Learn more Ideas that Matter >> The leading health conference where design matters. Register today >> OBSERVATORY ARCHIVE On the Shiv Gail's Collection Moving An Obelisk POEM OF THE WEEK "@" @. "Like the whorl of an out-of-this-world ear..." A poem celebrating our most contemporary punctuation mark by Paul Muldoon. READ MORE RECENT BOOKS RECEIVED Things 19/20 (Winter 2010) Hildi Hawkins & Jonathan Bell, editors Celebrations of Curious Characters Ricky Jay TypoMag Laura Meseguer
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