Underwear exhibit at N.Y. museum ... Lonely Planet's top food destinations

I've heard of the sex museum in New York City. I even went in once and found it rather unexciting, to be honest.

But now comes something slightly different; an exhibit about underwear through the ages. It's being staged at the History Center in Ithaca, N.Y. - only a few hours drive from Toronto if you're so inclined.

A piecein USA Today says the exhibit features "woolen long johns, corsets and cage crinolines -- a rigid structure worn under long skirts, which not only made sitting impossible, but, in a stiff wind, could lay a hapless wearer flat."

"If anything, this exhibit shows that women have long suffered for fashion," says The History Center's executive director, Scott Callan.

But men have been victimized by their underwear, too. Woolen long johns were standard issue into the 20th century, as were corsets, worn by high-ranking military officers, Callan notes in the USA Today piece.

"I'm happy when someone comes in and has a good laugh," Callan said. "After all, everyone can relate to what's in the exhibit. "

Given how stiff some museum types can be, Callan sounds like a good guy.

TOP FOOD DESTINATIONS - NO USA?

Lonely Planet has a list out of its top 10 food destinations. Thailand, which I'd have to put right up there, was listed first although the LP folks said the countries weren't listed in any particular order.

Also on the list are Greece, China, France, Mexico, Spain, Italy (naturally), India (ditto), Japan (for sure) and Indonesia/Malaysia. It's hard to argue with those, although I might have put Argentina in there for a bit more geographic balance and a bit of old-fashioned steak and potatoes sort of thing.

I guess it's because Lonely Planet is based in the U.S., but I still was surprised to see the USA not listed. I mean, any place that can deliver awesome barbeque, original Cajun recipes and fresh takes on cuisine from around the world deserves a mention.

I'd probably put Thailand and Italy at the top of my list. I can think of no better soup in the world than Tom Yum Goong, with its spicy, rich flavours and shrimp and lemongrass and mushrooms and coriander and chiles. Italy, of course, for pasta and wine and olive oil and great cheeses. I've been making bucatini alla amatriciana a lot since gorging on it in Rome last summer, and it's really terrific.