Sarah A. Leavitt writes: The most fun shopping trip of the year occurred when the NBM's exhibitions staff went to Frederick, Maryland's antique stores. We agreed on the beautiful wicker chair but were less sure when deciding among various sets of kitchen containers and vessels. Did the other set have a more unusual pattern? We already had a Hamburglar juice glass, but what about a Kentucky Derby collectible glass? more »

“British tourists in Italy in the 1770s were time-travellers, imagining themselves in the classical past amidst the landscapes and ruins they encountered on their journeys. The maps, books and antiquities that they purchased and works of art they commissioned were imbued with meaning and memories." Tourists today can experience scientific discoveries in Oxford museums and their shops. more »

Lacy Schley writes: "Laughter is the best medicine — at least that’s the case for some anxiety sufferers trying improvisation training at The Second City. The Panic/Anxiety/Recovery Center in Chicago is partnering with a well-known theater troup to use improv to help people overcome their fears." more »

Julia Sneden writes, "The next time you wonder where your taxes are going, I recommend reading this book. You may also want to take an aspirin or a Xantac, or at least a glass of wine before reading this section of Drift, to dull the pain." more »