the originals. The hobby goes back at least two centuries, when people realized a missing limb from an otherwise perfectly good ancient Roman statue was no reason to toss it in the well. It just might look great in the yard! The British realized that in the 18th century and created some of the most beautiful formal gardens in Europe. ...more

March 15, 2009

I inherited a number of antique loveseats and chairs from my grandmother, including one that has turned legs and casters. Please tell me about it, including its value. ...more

January 25, 2009

SOUTH AFRICA - Nelson Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday Friday by urging the wealthy to share their prosperity with the less fortunate and by saying he wished he had been able to spend more time with his family during the anti-apartheid struggle. ...more

July 18, 2008

Making Choice Clearer When General Wesley Clark decided that John McCain's war record was not relevant to his candidacy for president, it made me consider McCain's sacrifice. ...more

July 7, 2008

My Newcomb pottery vase belonged to my grandmother. A friend of mine, who was enrolled in the pottery program at Tulane University in New Orleans, told me she believes it was made by Sadie Irvine. ...more

February 16, 2008

I would like information about a piece of furniture I inherited from friends. They referred to it as a "breakfront." I cannot identify the type of wood. It is in excellent condition. ...more

January 19, 2008

TAMPA - With only about 48 hours to wait, roughly 25 people are lined up this morning at the entrance to an Ikea store set to open in Orlando on Wednesday. Joseph Roth, a spokesman for the Swedish company, said that number may swell to several thousand by the time doors open in the 309,000-square-foot store at 9 a.m. Wednesday. ...more

November 12, 2007

I inherited my armchair from my grandparents. I know absolutely nothing about it. It is made of dark wood with an upholstered seat and back and is in good condition. ...more

September 15, 2007