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Jan

Vintage Paper Collecting: Fun and Finds

by Sheron Long on January 16, 2014

A collection of old valentines are part of the ephemera at a vintage paper fair. (Image © Sheron Long)

Which valentine will strike a chord in a collector’s heart?
© Sheron Long

The Lasting Connections of Ephemera

I have only a fleeting understanding of the word ephemera, perhaps because it means something short-lived. In the collecting world, it refers to antique and vintage paper products whose intended use was not long-lasting—

postcards and calendar pinups,

movie memorabilia,

ticket stubs and bridge tallies,

greeting cards and old photos,

food and luggage labels,

concert handbills, and more.

And yet, families have stored away these items for years, even across generations. Collectors have preserved and enjoyed them, bought and sold them, donated them to museums, and thus extended their lives long past the intended use. Read more...

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The World's Art & Design

Jan

From Smart Dogs: 10 Lessons for a Happy Life

by Sheron Long on January 2, 2014

Dog laughing, illustrating how learning life lessons from dogs can lead to a happy life. (Image © Dezi Greig)

Want a happy life in 2014? Ask a dog for advice.
© Dezi Grieg

Oh, I See. My Dog Taught Me!

Smart dogs can sit and stay. They can fetch and even speak on cue. But the lessons we humans give to our dogs in one-syllable commands fall way short of the rich life lessons we get in return.

Oh, I See Moments found that out when we asked dog owners to tell us the lessons they’ve learned from their smart, funny, loving and lovable pups. Read more...

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Secrets to Life

Dec

Culture Smart: Wrap a Gift and Don’t Forget the Feather

by Sheron Long on December 8, 2013

Swan standing on planet Earth, representing a Chinese gift giving legend. Image © Denis Zaporozhtsev / Hemera.

In Chinese tradition, the legend of the swan feather dates to the Tang Dynasty (618-906 CE) and is still relevant today, especially during this gift-giving season.

According to legend, a local official in a far-away vassal state asked Mian Bogao to take two swans to the emperor as a gift. Such gift-giving was customary to show respect to the emperor, and swans (rarely found in China) were the most precious of gifts.

Swan feather, symbolizing gift giving with sincerity and respect in Chinese tradition. Image © Lendy 16 / iStock.

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China/Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Cultural Symbols/Literary World

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