Re my essay about owning a piano in the Oct. 4 issue 

“We have pianos in both our homes, too, for about the same reason as you do…. Two other items come to mind when I think about what used to make a house a home. The Encyclopedia Britannica and a globe. Later came the NYPL Desk Reference, but that was on the eve of the internet.” – SL

My Response: Yes, you are SO right. We had no money, but we had the hardcovered books and the Britannica and the globe. These were prestige items for anyone that wanted to be seen as well educated in the very suburban communities of Long Island, NY.

You couldn’t tell at arm’s length, but our globe was made of cardboard. But because it was so nicely made, in three dimensions and with all the colors one could imagine, it looked expensive, like an expensive heirloom.

Because of its size (I think there were 24 volumes in the set) and the leather binding, the EB was very expensive. I think my dad bought it on some kind of payment plan. I used it exclusively in college. Thanks for the reminder!

Re my brief about self-checkout machines in the Sept. 30 issue 

“Based on your experience, I think you’ll like this. Click here.” – JD