Ah, so that's what cassette tapes are good for!

Last week, during my morning commute, I did a double take when I saw a woman on the subway listening to a walkman.

Yes, a walkman - not an iPod or other mp3 player, not even a discman, but a good old, tried and true portable cassette player. She was fast-forwarding and rewinding, and thankfully, totally oblivious to my stares.

Seeing it did get me thinking though - whatever happened to all those cassettes? Are they hanging out in people's basements and attics, filling up landfills, or for sale at yardsales?

Thankfully, while doing my daily perusal of the blogosphere, I got my answer: They're being turned into lamps!

Ooomydesign sells a surprisingly stylish collection of cassette tape lamps lamps, including floor lamps (shown, about $330), box lamps (about $60), and small yet sweet lamps (about $40). Contact the company for shipping information.

From the photos, it looks like they cast a pretty fabulous light, and I think this would be a lovely addition to any audiophile's den!

(Via inhabitat)