Obsolescence Project

Day 73 – TI-55-II Scientific Calculator

Ti 55 Scientific Calculator

Texas Instruments TI-55-II Scientific Calculator. Programmable!

“With 112 powerful functions for professional engineering, science, and math applications…Use up to 8 memories.“

which should make calculations easier than using ye ol’ slide rule.

TI calculator case

I don’t think the quick reference guide below is the Sourcebook, but it does have basic explanations. “Comes with the revised and expanded edition of Calculator Decision-Making Sourcebook that shows how to use all its power.”

For more than you would ever need to know, there are several vintage calculators museum.

Ti 55 calculator manual

Status: The sea monster is growling that this needs to be opened and pulled apart for parts. She is hungry.

Posted on by Deanne in Objects

Day 72 – Boston 3 Hole Paper Punch

3 Hole Punch from Side

Modern Mechanix marks the debut of the 3 hole punch to 1940 via an old ad, but I noticed Wikipedia says the first patent was in 1866 by a German inventor/entrpreneur named Friedrich_Soennecken . So people have been getting all efficient for over a century.

Boston 3 Hole Punch Back View

Mine is relatively contemporary and standard. It’s been gathering dust for several years. I did wipe it off before photographing, but some dust remained on the insides.

Dust in 3 Hole Punch

Status: This is also tricky. It’s not that I’m sentimentally attached, but there is that sense that something so utilitarian should be kept.
Perhaps a project involving lots of punched holes is in the future.

Posted on by Deanne in Objects, Paper

Day 71 – Singer Sewing Machine Manual

Instructions Singer Manual

Instructions Fashion Mate Zig-Zag Sewing Machine/Model 237. Copyright 1968 the Singer Company. Printed in Italy.

What’s new for tomorrow is at SINGER today!

I wonder why they had to outsource the printing to Italy?

This is the remnants of a gift – a friend gave me the sewing machine for this old model, which I believe I gave back to her? Gosh, how awful I can’t remember. That’s the thing about gifts. You feel like you should display them, keep them in a special place, or at the very least remember all the details.

I do remember I got into sewing for a while, but with this machine the bobbin was broken or something, and I couldn’t fix it.

Singer Manual Detail

The manual has an aesthetic I really enjoy. It’s the same era as the napkin holder, I would think – definitely Mad Men.

Singer Manual Detail

Status: This is singing out for a macro lens. Reason #8 I think for purchase. Perhaps I’ve skipped one. Now I will have to start saving as I only need 10 reasons to justify purchase of lens. Every page of this beauty should be re-photographed.

Posted on by Deanne in Books

Day 70 – Tech Book CSS

css book open

CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standard Solutions, 2006. 1st Edition

Unlike many books, I’m pretty sure that tech books are the exception to the rule that a First Edition adds value and is much desired. I deliberately didn’t put the title of the book in the “title” area, as I certainly don’t want to give the impression I’m dissing the book. It was a fine book in its day and I’m sure the latest edition is even better. Go check it out.

Css Book Detail

About a year ago, I went to Book Warehouse and was browsing for a certain tech book I’d read good reviews of (online of course). I couldn’t find the computer section and when I asked, the clerk said “Oh, we don’t have that section anymore, no one buys them”. Or something like that.  Book Warehouse has been in business for 32 years and will close soon. Apparently lack of sales is not the reason for their closing, the owner is retiring. But a staff member told me he couldn’t find anyone to take over the leases. Whatever the exact truth, it’s clear that bookstores are fragile creatures, and I like to think the computer section at BW was the canary in the coal mine.

The last 4 or 5 tech books I’ve bought have all been pdf or e-pub format.

Css Book

I like this shot as it shows the coffee stains on the edge. I haven’t had a cup of coffee in just over one year now.

Status: Put in bag to donate to library. Say farewell with fondness.

Posted on by Deanne in Books

Day 69 – Photo of Capilano Suspension Bridge

Photo of Capilano Suspension Bridge

Old Photo of Capilano Suspension Bridge – 1940s-50s?

This was part of the same ephemera flea market find that has started me with a new hobby (collecting old postcards).  I can find a few old pics of the Suspension Bridge on the official website, and some at the City of Vancouver archives, but not from this exact angle, which would help me pinpoint the date.

I like that the mom (?) (closest to daughter) is wearing trousers and that the daughter is not looking at the camera, something has caught her attention.

Alas, unlike the captain on board the 29th batallion, there is nothing written on the back of the photograph. Which, I suppose, does have some merits, in that the mind can wander.

Photo of Capilano Suspension Bridge Close up

Status: Search for a pair of women’s slacks like these.

Posted on by Deanne in Paper, Photography