Yay!!!! Rima Suqi from the NYT wrote a little piece in Thursday’s Home Section about my Tupperware designs. Thanks Rima! Thanks NYT! I hope this gives the containers a little extra street cred. Photos by Richard Gary.

So, I won’t be getting rid of these. They embody a lot of what’s been lost in the digital world — the things I miss the most. Those little marks capture a process, even though it took place decades (or even a century) ago. I found these at the Vanves flea market in Paris which is smaller and far less overwhelming than the giant St. Ouen market at Clignancourt. They were lying flat on a table at the back of a stand. I saw a tiny hint of twine and wood peeking out among all the other more self-important objects, and that was it. They have since become an odd sort of talisman, of both work and perseverance.

The top two images are of French mouse traps. The second one is from the US. And the last ones are Swedish. Wondering how each of these reflects their respective national character. I love the French, but honestly, I’m a little scared of that double guillotine model. Let them eat cake!

Let me introduce to you the Miniman M-702 Germanium Radio. According to Wikipedia, “Germanium is an important semiconductor material used in transistors and various other electronic devices. Its major end uses are fiber-optic systems and infrared optics, but it is also used for polymerization catalysts, and in electronics and solar cell applications. It is finding a new use in nanowires.” As an element, it didn’t really come into its own until after WWII when it became an important component in the manufacturing of electronics. This particular radio was produced circa 1950’s or 60’s in Japan. These radios are still readily available on ebay and elsewhere. Check out this great flickr set of other germanium radios. And this one. And while you’re at it…these are amazing!

Just a couple of shots of what is  actually a city of fencing. Roll upon roll, row upon row, of wire fencing in every possible configuration. My camera died halfway through. Lesson learned.