We live in an era where everything is in a constant state of change. From the latest technology to customs to fashion trends, as a culture we tend to keep things moving. But isn’t it interesting to look back at the various outdated objects that, at one point, were completely essential to your life?

In her new collection of short essays, Obsolete: An Encyclopedia of Once-Common Things Passing Us By, New York-based writer Anna Jane Grossman(and also a six-word memorist) examines all of the “everyday apparatuses, ideas, and behaviors that are quickly disappearing–or have already left the building.” Grossman has also created a companion site to the book where you can submit a post of whatever has become obsolete to your life. She’s running a contest through September 21, accepting photos, videos, short essays, and audio clips of “obsolete” items or ideas in your life. The best submissions will be featured daily, and the day’s top entrant will receive a free signed copy of the book.

And my obsolete item? Compaq Persarios and the comedy of John Cleese come to mind.

…Just kidding about Cleese. He totally holds up.

Tags: anna jane grossman, Call for Submissions, obsolete the book, obsolete: an encyclopedia of once-common things passing