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time out

Need a 10-minute break? Step into the Reading Room…

Life in Japan, NYC subway signs, and the Oxford comma.

LOOKING FOR SOME articles and videos to help break up the afternoon, but only have 10 minutes to spare?

Try these nuggets for size – all take 10 minutes or less to enjoy.

1.Life in Japan


Marc Ambuehl / Vimeo

This stunning video of two weeks in Japan will have you reaching for the guide book and credit card. [Vimeo - 4 mins]

2. NYC Subway signs

nyc subway kickstarter Kickstarter Kickstarter

The New York City Transit Authority has a Graphic Standards Manual, which dictates precisely what every bit of signage on the subway should look at. A Kickstarter has raised more than enough money to get the book published – and believe us when we say it looks like a visual treat. [Slate - 5 mins]

3. Black Victorians

sean o'hagan photos The Guardian The Guardian

These incredible photographs from the Victorian times are from a new exhibition that focuses on the first black people every photographed in Britain. [The Guardian - 5 mins]

4. Oxford comma, or no Oxford comma?

There’s always plenty of debate about the use of an Oxford Comma. Stan Carey attempts to set some things straight. [Stan Carey - 7 mins]

5. Facts about Friends

DjLj11 / YouTube

Watched every episode of Friends? Thought you knew everything about the show? Turns out you there is probably plenty you don’t know… [Buzzfeed - 8 mins]