Sunday, October 19, 2008

Marble

A September 11th marble? This handmade glass marble features the Twin Towers inside. A perfect example of a household game influenced by this event. This item does vary from many others because it is a crafted item, rather than factory or mass produced.

Glowing Tribute

















Lighters are definitely a common object to feature September 11th homages. I will be posting other examples in the future, but this one (like my very first post) is unique. The lighter features a built-in light that turns on when the top is flipped open. This light shines through a blue colored airplane shape on the metal case. The case features the Twin Towers and this almost angelic blue plane. The message here is an odd one. On one hand, it is clear that the America flag makes this lighter a patriotic object. On the other hand, why choose the plane to "glow?" The plane seems more a symbol of the weapon that impacted and destroyed the Towers. Why not choose the Twin Towers to "glow?" Maybe the plane is a religious symbol flying skyward? Another interesting example offering different interpretations.


Additional info:
I found a variation of this light recently that was offered for sale that featured a red plane instead of blue. The red light that lit up the plane would blink off and on. Here is the post that offered info on the light according to the seller:

I BOUGHT THIS LIGHTER IN MICHIGAN RIGHT AFTER 911. THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD.

THAT A CERTAIN COUNTRY MADE THIS LIGHTER TO PROFIT FROM THE 911 AND MAKE THEM SELFS LOOK GOOD. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FBI WAS CHECKING ON THIS. AFTER THAT YOU COULD NOT FIND THIS LIGHTER ANYWHERE. I HAVEN'T SEEN ANOTHER ONE. THERE IS AN AMERICAN FLAG ON BOTH FRONT AND BACK OF LIGHTER.--------------- THERE IS THREE SILVER STARS ON EACH SIDE OF THE PART WHERE THE FLAME COMES OUT. YOU CAN FIND OUT YOURSELF WHAT THE THREE STARS STAND FOR. ALSO WHEN YOU LIGHT THE LIGHTER THE PLANE LIGHTS UP RED ON AND OFF. SO IT LOOKS LIKE THE PLANE IS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE TOWERS. THIS IS A SICK LIGHTER BUT VERY COLLECTABLE. THE PLANE WILL NOT LIGHT UP NOW. I GUESS THE BATTERY WENT DEAD. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO REPLACE IT. I THING YOU HAVE TO PRY THE LIGHTER APART. I ALSO LET THE GAS OUT OF IT. JUST NEEDS TO BE REFILLED. THE LIGHTER IS STILL NEW IN ITS WRAPPER. JUST BEEN SITTING ALL THESE YEARS.

24K Gold Belt Buckle



There are numerous examples of belt buckles featuring September 11th. This example is a "limited edition" 24K gold-plated buckle. Themed or decorative belt buckles commonly feature many different influences, and September 11th would be an expected source.

County Fair Finds



Featured here are two ceramic plates purchased at the Otsego County fair. They are collectible items to be "consumed" and put on display as tributes.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

9/11 fabric


There are other examples of September 11th fabric that have been available. Here is one that is simple in design. This is another example of an object that is for everyday use (more specifically, a material to be used for the manufacture of clothing or other related item). Some have argued with me that other events in American history have impacted or been reflected in consumer goods and material culture that compare in scope to September 11th. As I continue to post my collection, the evidence will show that this is incorrect, and September 11th is beyond comparison.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Patriotic garden gnome



Garden gnome tribute to September 11th. A tribute to this tragic event can now be incorporated into your garden. This example further illustrates the full extent that this event impacted material culture.

Frame and cell phone holder


A strange combination, this object features a combination frame and a cell phone holder. In fact, when your cell phone rings, the lights on the Twin Towers flash, alerting you to a call. The frame has the statement "in our hearts forever." Mass produced and somewhat tacky probably best describe this frame.