Shop for Yourself

Even today, in our hurried, abbreviated attention to a printed page, we still value distinguished diction, carefully guarded and guided irony, and especially meticulous observation. It's worth the effort to enjoy this kind of writing once again. Economy of events substitutes for economy of explanation and description. The book isn't very long, but its shadow is. Not a lot happens, but what does pierces through to a layer below everyday intercourse. more »

The number of vehicles earning either of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety two awards has jumped to 71 from 39 this time last year, giving consumers more choices for optimum protection in crashes. The number of winners in the top tier — Top Safety Pick+ — has increased by 11 for 2015, despite a tougher standard for front crash prevention. Collision claims go up in ZIP codes around NFL stadiums on game days, especially when the home team loses, a new HLDI analysis has found. more »

Rose Madeline Mula writes: Something was definitely wrong with this picture. Earrings, nose rings, eyebrow rings, bizarre hair-dos, purple nail polish ... on the boys. Even weirder, one of them was actually wearing a bathrobe and slippers. I swear. The others sported second-skin-tight bicycle shorts or kaleidoscopic, ridiculously baggy pants obviously stolen from Barnum & Bailey. more »

Shopping for STEM gifts, especially for a math-mad granddaughter, isn't easy but Boutique Academia's necklace, She Who Dares, Wins is apt as well as Tardis, Ada Lovelace and molecule necklaces. A soft little book of tips for fresh and saltwater fishers should be a hit as well as other flipbooks. A beautiful line of clothes from Edinburgh is a year round find, as well porcelain from Itsuko and Central Park plates. For my husband, a dopp kit, construction kits for grandchildren from National Building Museum. And an additional shop, SpiceAce. more »