The Institute for the Preservation of Endangered Devices
Some Things That Should Never Go Out of Style
The Institute for the Preservation of Endangered Devices was established by Billiam M. Forbes “for the preservation of endangered devices,” or rather, the collection of outdated technologies.
The evolution of gadgetry has exploded in recent years. In the period it takes you to read from the top to the bottom of this paragraph another apparatus (probably one very helpful) went into storage. For some, maybe even two. i.P.E.D. volunteers have predicted with science that if the world spins any faster it will come off its axis and roll out of orbit.
While some devices take their natural course to the landfill—old televisions are hard on the back—others are needlessly discarded, cast aside, and forgotten. Sometimes the old is way is still the best way, sometimes progress is the opposite of progress.
Please buy carefully and give generously.
Original Art
May 19, 2010 / Paint
Everyone makes original art when they are young because they know it is good. As people get older, most of them get too busy folding socks and washing dishes to make original art, and they forget how good it is. How it can transform a space and create conversation. Make you laugh, wretch, or stare with perplexion. Buy art that's as unique as you, and feel even more unique.
Luddites
May 16, 2010 / I Like Treasure
One of the main reasons the iPED is not a popular destination is that it resembles a large scale attic or garage. The other reason is that there are fewer people who fear technology like the Luddites. The Luddites were a rambunctious group that formed at the start of the Industrial Revolution in response to new factories and broke some machines. They had spunk. Luddites today appreciate quality and don't like to join every new type of social networking website that comes up. Objects are treasures to them. They like to hold things, like books and babies.
Regular Lego
May 10, 2010 / Building Materials
Everyone knows that lego is great...original lego, that is. If your parents ever get lazy and buy you a lego expansion pack, throw it across the room, stomp on it, and smoosh it with your foot like a cigarette. Don't let them stifle your creativity the way their parents did to them.
Knitting Needles
March 15, 2010 / Soft Things
Has anyone ever knitted you something? Me neither, but I've been told it's the best feeling in the world, to know that someone has toiled day and night to keep you warm in the cold, lonely winter. Sometimes I'll buy a scarf and mail it to myself, pretending that someone made it for me. Feels good.
The Paper Fortune Teller
February 12, 2010 / Paper Items
One of the most magical of all devices, the Paper Fortune Teller is always right, except for the one time in fourth grade when it predicted I would marry a chair. Come to think of it, that's not entirely inaccurate. Fold and enjoy, but watch out for cooties.
