1. Nelson Asterisk Clock – Improve your punctuality with the clock modeled after actual punctuation. The Asterisk Clock combines bold symbolism with sleek monochrome style creating the perfect modern timepiece. Find yours at Design Within Reach.

2. “Florence” Prolon Melmac Dinnerware – Add some serious credibility to the current Melmac revival with these vintage serving pieces designed by Harper. Bright and bold, they bring a mod bloom of color to your table. Get the set on Etsy.

3. Pavement Fabrics – The asterisk shows up again in this graphic textile designed by Harper in 1950. Some 60 years later, the design still resonates, inspiring a new generation of modern interior. Find it at J&O Fabrics.

4. Nelson Marshmallow Sofa – Though attributed to Nelson, the piece was also a Harper creation, designed while he was part of the Nelson office. The sofa’s 18 panels were originally meant to be injected plastic discs, but were eventually swapped out for traditional construction and upholstery. Own the one-of-a-kind design from Herman Miller.

5. Pavement Boltabest Serving Tray – With this vintage tray, the asterisk makes one more appearance. The subtle colors and fine-lined graphics are both sophisticated and lighthearted. It’s distinctly modern and still homey, a smart vintage addition to your kitchen. Find it on Etsy.

6. Nelson Ball Clock – Arguably one of the most recognized of Harper’s many timepiece designs created while at George Nelson Associates. Originally produced by Howard Miller, they’re now available at Design Within Reach.

Photos linked within the text.

1. “I’m blogging” | David Airey He’s a graphic designer who creates visual identities for big corporations and little one-person start ups. He’s also smart and funny and his blog is a must-read for anyone trying to understand this weird online world we regularly find ourselves in. Look out for our interview with David next week. Best place to start: Check out his post on design agencies and studios who use Twitter well (and those who don’t).

2. Core 77 I know this wont come as a surprise to most of you. This online design mag has been around since 1995. Under the keen eye of editor-in-chief Allan Chochinov it just keeps getting better. Best place to start: The news sections are excellent but don’t overlook the photo galleries. Funnily enough I didn’t make it to Dutch Design Week last October but Core 77 did and they’ve got the pics to prove it.

3. Modern Tom Andersen and Gina Federico blog from their own modern home in Westchester, New York. While the design of the blog is a little rough around the edges, their obsession with all things modern plus a strong sense of style makes this a fun read. Best place to start: Check out the woodpile studio Piet Hein Eek designed for musician Hans Liberg.

4. Discovering Design OK, full disclaimer – this addition is slightly self-serving in that it is part of Herman Miller’s website. But I’ve seen the stats and I don’t think enough people know about this cool design source. Best place to start: Choose a product or designer and just click. I like George Nelson’s audio files – especially him talking about the origins of the wood slat bench.

5. Design Observer After you’ve looked at lots of pretty pictures it is time to get down to some smart writing and this is the place to be. The site was founded in October 2003 by Michael Bierut, William Drenttel, Jessica Helfand and Rick Poynor with design and technology by Ruby Studio. It’s one of the few places you can still read essays online. Best place to start: An excellent piece by ex-I.D. editor-in-chief Julie Lasky about the demise of that beloved design magazine.