During our steep cliffside descent from Montespluga, Italy, a block of wood was slipped underneath the shoe to increase friction even further.

FORBES: Antique Roadshow

The two women share the same shoe size, but this only adds to the friction: Rose has a collection that Imelda Marcos would envy, and Maggie likes helping herself.

ECONOMIST: Hollywood's women are triumphing on-screen this autumn

Over the long term the SARS outbreak will add friction to the cost of doing business in Asia, much as impromptu shoe checks, cargo inspections and travel jitters followed Sept. 11 in the U.S. Hotel business in Asia fell 25% from February to March.

FORBES: Aftershock