The Monday outlook: Get the picture on computer animation

pick of the week: You don't have to bring your inner child with you to "The Science Behind Pixar" at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The interactive exhibit, which showcases the technology used by the artists who create computer-animated films, has plenty to enlighten the stodgiest adult. But it's even better if you let yourself acknowledge how excited you are to meet the likes of Buzz Lightyear from the "Toy Story" movies and Sulley from "Monsters Inc." Spoiler alert: They're not at all standoffish the way you might expect Hollywood superstars to act. In fact, they're more than happy to pose for selfies with you. But you have to get to the museum soon because they're going to be there only through Labor Day. For tickets or more information, go to smm.org/pixar.

Day by day: Enjoy it while you still can. Friday is national Mail Order Catalog day, marking the date in 1872 that Montgomery Ward began taking orders for goods delivered via the Post Office. Alas, both the day and the process are likely soon to be forgotten (if they haven't been already), with catalogs replaced by websites and "mail order" now known as "online shopping."

Life hack: It's easy to make a DIY ice pack for your next picnic. After drenching a sponge with water, lock it in a zippered plastic bag and freeze it.

recommended reading: Forget golf and bowling. Escape rooms are the new go-to for Twin Cities companies looking for team-building events. In Wednesday Variety.