A List Of Things Thrown Five Minutes Ago

PAGING THOMAS FRANK: Yesterday, we had spirited discussion of shopping as socio-economic and cultural field trip. However, I think we've missed the location that must be deemed the essential "shopping as cultural field trip." Ladies and gentlemen--I give you the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World--the leading tourist attraction in Springfield, Missouri. Yes, it's 280,000 square feet devoted to huntin', fishin', boatin', campin', and other outdoors-y activities that end with "in'." Bass Pro has expanded the franchise to other locales, but the Springfield locale is cultural tourism and reckless surrealism at its best. Next time you're in Springfield, enjoy some fine Cashew Chicken, visit Bass Pro, and then had on down to Lambert's for a hearty dinner and some throwed rolls.