This series of photographs by John Cyr are fantastic! They are stunning reminders of an artform and a craft that is nearing obsolescence. Many more to see if you go here. Thanks, yet again, Flavorwire!!

The Renault 4 is turning 50 years old! Happy Anniversary!! Over 8 million vehicles were sold between 1961 and 1992, when Renault finally decided to retire the design. One of the interesting facts about this car is that during its 30+ year production run, the design itself remained virtually the same. The size and shape were a constant. This philosophy exists in total defiance of today’s approach to design, whereby marketing has wrested control of industry. Products change (not everything, but almost everything) simply for the sake of change. Not necessarily to make them better, but in the service of selling more. Not these babies.

For more pictures go here.

And thanks designboom for running this story.

I am on a bit of a jag lately when it comes to my office supplies and tools. Like most of us, I used a regular stapler for the majority of my adult life. But then I came across the ZENITH, with its tiny elegant staples. Look at the difference in size compared to normal staples. Anyway, my stapling experience changed from boredom and often frustration to that of enjoyment. That is saying a lot for a pretty mundane task. I frequently ponder how and why we get attached to tools and functional objects. Sometimes it’s an aesthetic experience. Most often, for me at least, it is dictated by the efficiency and feel of the tool itself. If it works, AND it feels good to use it, then why use anything else. The other factor that looms large for me is the notion of longevity. If the thing feels as though it’s built well and will last the requisite eternity, then I am in.

It was love at first sight. I knew the very moment I saw this little clip that we were destined to spend the rest of our lives together. What I didn’t know, was how much this three dollar piece of metal and spring would alter my life. Having to search for a pen is the perfect impediment to committing an idea to paper. So the notion that I would always always always be able to find my pen, and that it would be attached to my sketchbook (!!) at all times, was a true game-changer. I spent some time trying to track these down online, with not much success. They seem only to be available in the UK, without any option to ship to the US. How can this be?

I have no idea where this compulsion comes from. But it’s undeniably bad. For years now, probably since I was seven, I’ve been collecting labels and tags of all kinds. This is but a sampling of my arsenal. Once, when I was in Paris, I confess to having ripped three pages of stationery store listings out of the phone book in my hotel room. And the thing is, I am definitely not alone in this pursuit. That said, I’ve promised myself that if this stockpile ever threatens to outgrow the confines of its designated box…out it goes.