UChicago Press - Creativity in.Chaos Books reposted by Ruth Paget

University of Chicago Press books about creativity in times of chaos and turmoil look interesting.

Francophiles might be especially interested in the notebooks of Albert Camus, winner of the 1967 Nobel Prize in Literature.  The notebooks have been translated into English.

Details on books and purchasing flow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d44887b6b026ba

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Hunan Chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Hunan Chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Hunan chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California is not a secret menu item but almost. Basically, Hunan chicken is breaded and deep-fried chicken tenders. Then, the deep-fried tenders are coated in honey-soy sauce, which tastes like a barbecue sauce to me. 

The Hunan aspect of this dish comes in with the Sichuan hot peppercorn sauce. Chinese cookbook writer Fuchsia Dunlop describes Sichuan hot peppercorns as numbing. This affect is diminished somewhat by the sweet honey sauce the fat in the bread coating in the Hunan chicken at Golden Star. 

If you want the Vitamin C in the Sichuan hot peppercorns and the antioxidants without the chile pepper sting Hunan chicken might be for you. It has a pretty high calorie content, so dieters beware. For me, it is a once awhile treat. 

For super healthy Hunanese Chinese food, check out Fuchsia Dunlop’s cookbook Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook: Recipes from Hunan Province. (Hunan is considered revolutionary, because Chairman Mao was born there.) 

I have listed a link below to a recipe for Hunan chicken that is similar to what Golden Star offers by Nicki Borbishley: 

https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/chinese-crispy-chicken-honey-garlic-sauce/

Barbecue lovers who would like to try something similar in Chinese food might enjoy the Hunan chicken at Golden Star Restaurant in Salinas, California. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

China’s 8 Main Regional Cuisines reposted by Ruth Paget

The following website on fine dining does a great job describing ingredients,?seasonings, and techniques used in China’s main regional cuisines - it’s great a mini work of cultural anthropology:

https://www.finedininglovers.com/explore/articles/8-regional-chinese-cuisines-explained-depth#:~:text=The%20principles%20of%20Chinese%20cuisines,to%20distinguish%20regional%20Chinese%20cuisines.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Teen in China and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Farmers' Markets Agritourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Farmers’ Markets Agritourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Market town Salinas, California has 5 Farmers’ Markets where locals and regional visitors can do some agritourism centered on the purchase of organic produce and prepared regional food dishes from food trucks and market stalls. 

These markets include: 

*Northridge Mall Night Market at Northridge Mall 

-Wednesdays 

-4 pm to 9 pm 

Features local food vendors, taco trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities like pony rides and bounce houses. 

*Oldtown Salinas Farmers’ Market held one block from the Steinbeck Center on Main Street 

-Saturdays 

-9 am to 2 pm 

*Alisal Certified Farmers’ Market 

-Tuesdays 

-11 am to 4 pm 

Near WIC office. Accepts EBT/WIC 

*Natividad Certified Farmers’ Market on Constitution Boulevard at Natividad Medical Center

-Wednesdays 

- 10 am to 2:30 pm 

Accepts EBT/WIC 

*Salinas Valley Health Certified Farmers’ Market on Romie Lane 

-Fridays 

-11:30 am to 4 pm 

Accepts EBT/WIC 

These are market hours and dates as of March 30, 2026. Check websites to verify dates and times as we head into spring and summer. 

Salinas reminds me of the English town of Epping outside London that I visited on a trip to England. My blog about the town follows: 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/touring-epping-london-suburb-uk-with.html?m=1

I am watching YouTube and TikTok videos by Luke Palladino and Giovanni Siracusa for ideas on how to use market purchases for Italian dishes.

Note: Seaside has a market on Thursdays (3 pm to 7 pm) and Marina has a market on Sundays (10 am to 2 pm) with some Asian food products.

Happy Marketing!

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

French Armchair Travel and Culture Games Created by Ruth Paget

A Sampling of French Armchair Travel and Culture Games Created by Ruth Paget

Saintoge: The La Rochelle France Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/saintoge-la-rochelle-france-touring.html?m=1

Majorelle: The Lorraine France Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/05/majorelle.html?m=1

Ausone: The Bordeaux Region Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/07/ausone-bordeaux-region-touring-game.html?m=1

Guigone de Salins: The Burgundy Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/10/guigone-de-salins-burgundy-touring-game.html?m=1

Jean Vrolicq: The French Basque Country Travel Gale

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/jean-vrolicq-french-basque-country.html?m=1

Dukes of Brittany (France) Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/01/dukes-of-brittany-touring-game-created.html?m=1

Bocuse: The Lyon France Touring Game

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/paul-bocuse-lyon-france-touring-game.html?m=1

Created by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

European Beer and Lemonade Drinks Tradition by Ruth Paget

European Beer and Lemonade Drinks Tradition by Ruth Paget 

I first discovered European beer and lemonade drinks when I drank a French panaché at the St.-Nom-de-la-Bretèche Golf Club outside Paris, France. 

I had organized a golf outing for several of the Japanese clients of the firm where I worked. I do not play golf, but I have learned to keep score for many sports after being part of a junior bowling league in Royal Oak, Michigan at the Yorba Linda Lanes. 

This early bowling experience taught me how sports can promote food and beverage sales in local communities. I was very interested in the beer and lemonade combination and so were the Japanese, avid golf players. 

In the 1990s, panaché became available in canned versions in Paris and rivaled Orangina for television advertising ads. I might not have started the trend, but I was there and certainly drank my share of French beer and lemonade when I lived in Paris.

I discovered that Germany also has beer and lemonade drink called radler (or radlermass) when I lived in Stuttgart, Germany. Germans mostly make radler with lemonade, but will sometimes add grapefruit and/or oranges to the citrus mix. 

Back in California, I wondered if the English also have a beer and lemonade tradition. I looked through the internet responses and saw several websites describing a shandy, a beer and lemonade drink that can also be made with carbonated lemonade. 

Recipes for these drinks call for 50% beer (Pilsner or ale) to 50% lemonade. 

My preference among the three is German radler, because you can add many kinds of citrus to the citrus ade and avoid food waste. 

All three beer and lemonade drinks – panaché, radler, and shandy – are easy to prepare summer drinks perfect for a barbecue. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Pico de Gallo Salsa with Chips and Greek Chicken Salad at Woody's Bar and Restaurant at the Monterey Regional Airport (California) by Ruth Paget

Pico de Gallo Salsa and Chips and Greek Chicken Salad at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant at the Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey, California by Ruth Paget 

A recent heat wave with temperatures in the 90s encouraged my family to dine at Woody’s Bar and Restaurant and the Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey, California for their great food and equally great air conditioning. 

I wanted salty food and ordered pico de gallo salsa and chips as a starter. This dish at Woody’s is made with chopped tomatoes, chopped and mild green and reddening Serrano peppers (probably from nearby Prunedale), chopped onions, chopped cilantro, salt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. 

This salsa bursts with Vitamin C and helps rid the body of free radicals that may cause cancer. This chunky salsa tastes wonderful on house-baked tortilla chips that are lightly salted. This appetizer definitely “opens the appetite” as the French say. 

As my main dish, I ordered one of my favorite dishes from teen years in Detroit, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois – a Greek salad. The Salinas, California version of this dish comes with sautéed chicken breast seasoned with lemon-pepper salt and oregano, a heaping mound of bitter red and green frisée lettuce, and red wine and vinegar dressing as the basic ingredients. 

The red wine vinegar is sharp, probably house-made with apple cider vinegar and aged. It is mixed with the addition of oregano. This dressing makes the salad outstanding. The chicken, lettuce, and dressing alone are full of vitamins and antioxidants that taste wonderful for bitter and sour flavor combination lovers. 

Woody’s adds the following items to their Greek salad for flavor and spa dining: 

-sour feta goat cheese cubes for calcium and protein 

-pitted small Niçoise olives 

-minced red onions 

-heirloom cherry tomatoes cut in half 

-slice yellow banana peppers 

I never get tired of tonic Greek salads. I always feel healthy and chipper after eating one. 

I drank a bitter, unsweetened tea with a squeeze of lemon juice with the salad. I like bitter tea when it is hot out and it made the bitter lettuce taste even better with the red wine dressing. 

Locals and visitors alike can benefit from eating Monterey County’s organic produce at Woody’s at the Monterey Regional Airport in California along with organic chicken from neighboring San Benito County.  

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Chicago Architecture Center Tours of Chicago by Boat reposted by Ruth Paget

Chicago Architecture Tours by boat on the Chicago River are a pretty spectacular way to visit the city.

Details about the boat tours follow:

https://www.architecture.org/city-tours/river-cruise?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=cbc_gsearch_cBC-RiverCruiseMXC&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22327194634&gbraid=0AAAAADlWBGHMPR1jd0Ibu78_epcd5ZvrA&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1ZjOBhCmARIsADDuFTCS3KItZRoxn1uy4j9vGUmfus0FcphFhu6byOLDsO1vijB4UbsvG28aAuXtEALw_wcB

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Bricks Tell Chicago’s History Reposted by Ruth Paget

The book Fire and Clay: How Bricks Reveal the Hidden History of Chicago by Will Quam recounts Chicago’s history through the development of brick.

Details about this book from the University of Chicago Press follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d2f4755400207e

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Free, In-Person US-China Relations Lecture at UChicago on April 17, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago will host a free, in-person talk on April 17, 2026 by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Secretary of Defense Chuck Havel on US - China Relations Amidst the War with Iran.

Reservations are required to attend this event.

Details about the speakers and reservations follow:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2026-hagel-lecture-americas-role-in-asia-in-context-of-war-with-iran-tickets-1984629245498?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Californian Building Use Idea: Bookstore or College Classrooms by Ruth Paget

Former Californian Newspaper Building Use Idea by Ruth Paget

Perhaps Hartnell College could use space in this building for a coffee shop, bookstore, classrooms, student lounges, study areas, or dining areas.

If Hartnell College became a four-year institution, this extra space would be especially useful.

Just a thought,

Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Milestone Gift to UChicsgo Endows Chair in Game Design and Media Innovation reposteD by Ruth Paget

Mouly-Carlson Family Establishes Endowed Chair to Advance Game Design and Media Innovation at the University of Chicago.

Details about this milestone gift to the University of Chicago follow:

https://humanities.uchicago.edu/articles/2026/03/mouly-carlson-family-establishes-endowed-chair-advance-game-design-and-media

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author of Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

UChicago Press Book Sale till June 15, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press Book Sale is on till June 15, 2026.

There are many deals under $15.

Book lists and sale details follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d24ed5a8aaa204

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento at Games

Personal Chef Information to Consider by Ruth Paget

Personal Chef Information to Consider reposted by Ruth Paget

The price of gas to transport groceries and deliver meals might influence prices in this information sheet website, but it provides good background:

https://www.gradito.com/blog/personal-chef-cost-for-one-person#:~:text=For%20a%20private%20chef%20to,$150%20to%20$300%20per%20person.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Camembert Cheese Games and Dijon Mustard Party Games

Italian Baking Secrets is on sale for $1.99 on Kindle today reposted by Ruth Paget

Italian Baking Secrets by Father Giuseppe Orsini is on sale on Kindle today (March 25, 2026) for $1.99 - 362 pages long.

I just bought this for its anthropological value and flavor secondarily.  :) - MS-DOS emoji.

There are historical details in this book as well.  Italian sweets are often linked to rites of passage, so this does look like a good read for Italian culture lovers.

Details about the book follow:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIL9B9W?_bbid=329559119&tag=bookbubemail1-20

Note: I am not sure if the author is related, but the Orsini family is an ancient Roman family.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vienna coffee shames and Camembert Cheese games

UChicago Receives $50 Million Gift to Restore Historic Campus Building

The University of Chicago received a $50 Million Gift to Restore Ida Noyes Hall from Board of Trustees ChairmanDavid M. Rubenstein.

Details about the gift to update Ida Noyes Hall follow:

 https://news.uchicago.edu/story/50-million-gift-revitalize-historic-ida-noyes-hall-space-students-visitors?utm_medium=03.24email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGgv85EecShwczKYTLJ-4XqZii3nU3jR_W1EVL4GnH5ThYaHaE9XwWB4tZGpOQeIj38i8gExmZ5miNGFA0rweYsgddFurmf2Z4KE82a4k3VODovnYg

Personal Note: I was a student office assistant in the Student Activities Office located in Ida Noyes Hall and helped inventory the University’s collection of Marc Chagall paintings that students can take out on loan.  I also helped organize campus concerts in this building where the Major Activities Board had an office in the 1980s.  Lots of good memories here!

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Mediterranean Diet Outline by Mayo Clinic reposted by Ruth Paget

Mediterranean Diet Outline by Mayo Clinic reposted by Ruth Paget

The following outline of the Mediterranean Diet by the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota describes a meal plan that 

-is delicious

-good for you

-easy to follow in Salinas, California

-good for the economy of the Monterey County region

Mediterranean Diet Outline

I continue to follow the Mediterranean Diet for all the reasons above.

I began eating Greek and Middle Eastern food in Detroit, Michigan where I grew up.  I began eating French Mediterranean food when I lived in Paris.  When I lived in Wisconsin and Virginia. I began preparing Spanish food, which was very fashionable in the 1990s due to the Olympics held in Barcelona. When I moved to California, I added Italian cooking to my repertoire and regularly order from Gino’s in my neighborhood in Salinas.

I can say with 100% accuracy that eating this way has made me a happy middle aged blogger and writer.

Living in Salinas, California  makes it easy to maintain this dietary lifestyle at home and in restaurants too.

Regional tourists can surely find restaurants and fresh produce at markets for an agritourism mini vacation in California focused on Mediterranean food.

Note:  Rsteban Restaurant at the historic Casa Munras in downtown Monterey serves Spanish food and serves tapas on the patio and Nick the Greek just opened up.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Ancient Western Civilixation Games Background by Ruth Paget

Ancient Western Civilization Games Background by Ruth Paget

Ruth Paget has collected her blogs about Egypt, Greece, and Italy as a background for her ancient Western civilization games.

These blogs follow and contain several ideas for learning about Egypt, Greece,and Italy in Salinas, California.

*Egypt

-Visiting the Papyrus Museum in Syracuse on the Island of Sicily in Italy

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2014/11/papyrus-museum-syracuse-italy.html?m=1

-Visiting the Egyptian Museum in San Jose, California

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/egyptian-museum-san-jose-california.html?m=

*Greece

-Enjoying Feta Omelets

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/01/feta-omelets-at-agora-restaurant-by.html?m=1

-Visiting Knossos on the island of Crete in Greece

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/knossos-greece-island-of-crete-visiting.html?m=1

-Visiting Chania and Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete in Greece

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/chania-and-samaria-gorge-visiting-world.html?m=1

-Greek Grape Leaf Recipes

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/greek-grape-leaf-recipes-reposted-by.html?m=

-Visiting Athens - the Plaka and Parthenon

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/greek-grape-leaf-recipes-reposted-by.html?m=1

-MENSA Greek Myth Activities

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/mensa-book-review-writing-for-kids.html?m=1

-Having Fun at Greek Home Parties

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2012/03/honorary-maid-of-athena.html?m=1

-Introducing Greek Culture to Florence Paget

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/01/savvy-mom-ruth-paget-takes-juilliard_22.html?m=1

-Preparing Greek Food at Home

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/06/greek-meal-preparation-with-juilliard.html?m=1

-Driving Crete

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/driving-around-crete-exploring-greeces.html?m=1

-Greek Festival - 1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/05/greek-festival-pointers-from-monterey.html?m=1

-Greek Festival - 2

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/05/greek-festival-pointers-part-2-by-savvy.html?m=1

*Italy

-Verona and Its Roman Arena

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2012/09/veneto-italy-verona.html?m=1

-Fiesole

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/07/touring-hilly-fiesole-outside-florence.html?m=1

-Taormina

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2014/11/sicilian-car-stories.html?m=1

-Vicenza - Eating a Venetian Lunch

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2012/09/veneto-italy-vicenza-2.html?m=1

-Eating an Ancient Roman Meal

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/ancient-roman-dining.html?m=1

For reference on the ancient Western Civilization Games, click the link below:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/ancient-western-civilization-games.html?m=1

Note: For Greek meals for take-out, Woody’s at the Airport serves Greek salads and Nick the Greek in Monterey is now open for business.

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup from Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup with Jalapeños (optional) from Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

I view the chicken with rice noodle soup at Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California as a tonic recharge when I eat it mid-week, especially if I add in sliced, fresh jalapeño peppers that come with the dish one the side as an add-in item. 

The defatted, chicken bone broth comes in a quart-size container while the cool rice noodles and pulled chicken breast come in a large delivery bowl. The rice noodles take up 2/3 of the delivery bowl while the chicken breast takes up 1/3 of the delivery bowl. Optional add-ins come in a separate bag. 

The add-in items I use include: 

-lemon quarters to squeeze lemon juice into the soup 

-Thai basil leaves that are still attached to stems. I remove the leaves and tear them in half so their oil will come out and place them in the soup. Thai basil has a lemon-pepper flavor unlike its Italian basil cousin that has a savory not tangy flavor. 

-sliced, fresh jalapeño peppers. I eat these with mouthfuls of rice noodles and chicken breast to cut down on the stinging, heat. 

Other items that come in the add-in bag that other family members eat include: 

-sriracha sauce 

-soy sauce 

-fresh bean sprouts 

-sometimes Sichuan pepper corn oil with pepper corns still in the sauce (You might have to order this separate.) 

I prefer eating chicken thigh meat, but I recognize that white breast meat has two important nutrients with less fat that I should eat: protein and selenium. Selenium promotes thyroid wellness. (See the following selenium guide from the National Institutes of Health for further information: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/)

Fresh jalapeño peppers have a citrus flavor and a pleasant crunch when you get past the heat. Their nutritional value is high in Vitamin C and capasaicin. These nutrients promote immunity. (See the following website for information: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-jalapenos)

If you are not allergic to chile peppers, the Vietnamese chicken noodle soup with added jalapeños is very healthy. It is simply seasoned with salt and white pepper and delicious. 

I predict that Vietnamese chicken noodle soup is going to become as popular as pizza and tacos on American dining room tables thanks to restaurants like Saigon Noodle in Salinas, California. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vienna Coffee Games and Darjeeling: The India Tea Game

Does Coffee Reduce Cancer Risk Article reposted by Ruth Paget

Coffee Consumption Appears to help Reduce the Appearance of Colo-Rectal Cancer according to the following study by the University of Southern California:

https://today.usc.edu/new-study-links-coffee-consumption-to-decreased-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/

I love coffee, but I am still limiting myself to one cup of good coffee in the morning to try and stay with my three meals and no snacking meal plan that is now a Californian Diet of Italian, Asian, and Mexican food.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vienna coffee game.

German Spent Grain Bread Recipe reposted by Ruth Paget

German Spent Grain from Beer Making Bread Recipe (Biertreberbrot) follows:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/spent-grain-bread-recipe-1447221

This basic recipe can probably be modified for pizza dough, donuts, and buns as well.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Gambrinus Beer Game

Chiles as Infection and Cancer Fighters Article Reposted by Ruth Paget

Chiles as Infection and Cancer Fighters Article reposted by Ruth Paget

I have always eaten spicy red and green chile peppers for their Vitamin C content and Vitamin A content for red chile peppers.  Vitamin A is good for your eyes while Vitamin C promotes immune function.

The article below details their antioxidant content which removes free radicals that may cause cancer from the body:

https://wmmc.com/chili-peppers-the-superfood/#:~:text=Fighting%20Infections,absorb%20the%20iron%20it%20contains!

If you like chile peppers you can usually find these in supermarkets and at the Farmers Markets in Salinas,  California in abundance.

Note: This Mayo Clinic Group Interview below is all about eating to prevent cancer;

https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/a-cancer-fighting-diet-managing-symptoms-and-food-safety/

Note: National Institutes of Health examination of antioxidants in chile peppers:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6274000/

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

Candy Haul at the Market at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Candy Haul at the Market at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

My husband Laurent, daughter Florence Paget and I went out to Pebble Beach, California after a dinner at Woody’s at the Monterey Regional Airport.

Laurent went candy shopping at the Market and bought Monterey Bay Saltwater Taffy candy, French egg white, almond and honey nougat made by Cartier, blood orange lozenges candy, and a decaf latte for me.  I consider lattes caffeine candy.

The cool breeze off the water and through the forest felt great after our weeklong heat wave in Monterey.

The candy is all good and will be doled out over upcoming weeks.  They are all good souvenir items, too.

This was a fun Salinas night out on the Monterey Peninsula.

Note: This study from the University of Southern California suggests that coffee consumption lowers the risk of colorectal cancer

https://today.usc.edu/new-study-links-coffee-consumption-to-decreased-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Tevolution recommended by Ruth Paget

Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Jo Li Jiang deals with a period in China that is relatively unknown in the US when foreigners especially people from the US were referred to as foreign devils in school classrooms.

This book is a good read for students interested in entering careers in politics or diplomacy.

Information about the book from Amazon follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Scarf-Girl-Revolution-September/dp/B01JNY31DQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=2I24MWIK4MI70&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wJjAn6HEU3BMsdH5FosX2qvFfS-TesKW2CQrB8FQTfB0ZyHI8RjNp37JTtnpsEr_ZFbFvog_BnSm3Tyw18MmuzS57MIJD0Hzd-lDCx7gUO4oNgp_8Q7ZPCNx-k2Ho_2rhX68rjw_kO-awtjodgXclE-yZHDJYrbnfLe-cMZzkPInu0u2rjFu6CZQaHJr4BPBBh1-cjEmXCCAka6z5598Fw.oTAtNYlAzI2suzUl4NUIz-IXBePQDiYygcEcVj4yUyM&dib_tag=se&keywords=red+scarf+girl&qid=1774028119&sprefix=red+scarf+girl%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-2

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Znovhorod and Bento War Games

Persepolis - an Iran graphic novel recommendation by Ruth Paget

Persepolis a graphic novel memoir about life of child in Iran by Marianne Satrapi is certainly an a propos read right now.  This graphic novel was made into a film as well.

Persepolis is intended for young adult readers, especially those interested in careers in politics or diplomacy.

The Amazon link to Persepolis follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Persepolis-Childhood-Pantheon-Graphic-Library/dp/037571457X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=AMFKEVXTGT0R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wxlF-a_sujIpqm_vp8M1LSCiDNL9URaC7VGf578QI9_bCOycXHx-UNA3MLxfXBt6gFOjjFDlHZbM0cOIZoInMckM7ripIbnL0OgIN3MS_JPLOzGc3KQvB85t8glRhjp9HdvvXDSbTSQcIq1aIk8PEXwAuPwHyz_D102xeMIEaNETEzaejU-gbCQFd_tp5pCkh1NGjsztGYnTFxU1XfCmJg.CKneTe0eXridHsJHL2b-rdePbqtMHj-sroWYJ7iXzJA&dib_tag=se&keywords=persepolis&qid=1774019962&sprefix=persepolis%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Pyongyang:A Journey to North Korea by Guy De Lisle recommendation by Ruth Paget

The graphic novel Pyongyang: A Journey to North Korea by Guy De Lisle recounts a tale of military parades and starvation in the film on paper format of a graphic novel.

This graphic novel is tended for a young adult audience, especially for young people who would like to pursue careers in politics or diplomacy.

The link to the Amazon entry follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Pyongyang-Journey-North-Guy-Delisle/dp/1770463372/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=14WQQC14J946R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9AeP2czX5p7xTapgiBtu48uWE8PkEhbo1Sq-JROUxOscLglPCM7br9qmMLmnn3Z_ibWxuEmpkTexGEFXze8X-60_NNZfvhKQzvdyl24b2_IqqzooMM66gC8McdYVsD_9INmYSmLh87uFUGfeLuaVwb_u3NKGPBVNgtjVhXeQiPqksScwLSLJtlP8tjdJYJ3aUfa0hOvkFQKDVrLmy8Ijhg.uXeq8Yhk0bzwUas_jsORimgVkp-eUnjQe5HvX4IxZqU&dib_tag=se&keywords=pyongyang&qid=1774019386&sprefix=pyongyang%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Black Potatoes book about the Irish Potato Famine -Young Adult Book Recommendation posted by Ruth Paget

Black Potatoes by Susan Campbell Bartolettii writes about The Great Potato Famine in this book about the exodus of many Irish people to the US to escape death by starvation.

While the potatoes died, wheat flourished and was shipped to England Campbell-Bartoletti writes.  This fact makes The Blsck Potatoes compelling reading, especially for teens interested in entering politics and diplomacy as careers.

The Amazon link to this book follows:

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Potatoes-Story-Famine-1845-1850-ebook/dp/B00LRI90PK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=31ZJCYWBN9J0D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pHPXydK0uhhJx5E6yt7S7jcExHfMLIPnzqCVe_7Ck1RpF9CheIz1pJFWCr-qa-UERZdXmpj5DMFMMuS-C-y3ygWBsgzotWAEeAB3tbOS0Ci3nV_Hys2_8J_18l_VEwfd0hx5JX20mteja_x2iPO0clCAHZwpdlzRS2zwRjsMObVB8JnP5NBM53fffYTwHpLhKNFQ83zJLR0knluHP61vTg.MLIAanAMNk7ufaXlnLXLATvLZVp-valmnpDOx4pNmr8&dib_tag=se&keywords=black+potatoes+book&qid=1774016738&sprefix=black+potatoes+book%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Earthquakes and Faults in Monterey County California reposted by Ruth Paget

The US Geological Survey has a detailed website about earthquakes and faults in Monterey County California on their website below:

https://www.usgs.gov/maps/faults-and-earthquakes-monterey-bay-region-california

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse French Culture Games

Flood Warning Information for Monterey County reposted by Ruth Paget

Flood warning information for Monterey County is available on the website below:

https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/government-links/water-resources-agency/programs/flood-warning-alert/alert-flood-warning-system

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse French Culture Games

Wildfire Prevention Information for Monterey County reposted by Ruth Paget

The County of Monterey has a website devoted to wildfire hazard zones and notification information, which I have listed below:

https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7573/18?arch=1&npage=55

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse French Culture Games

Tsunami Information for Monterey County reposted by Ruth Paget

The County of Monterey has put together information on tsunamis and how they could affect the coastal region.  This is very interesting reading and provides information on the alert system:

https://www.readymontereycounty.org/prepare/tsunamis#:~:text=The%20entire%20coastal%20area%20of,are%20highly%20susceptible%20to%20tsunamis.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Vauban and La Perouse Games on French Culture

Heritage Tourism on California’s Central Coast by Ruth Paget

Heritage Tourism on California’s Central Coast (with some Northern California Spots as well) by Ruth Paget

Some of the places my family has visited over the years on California’s Central Coast and in Northern California might interest other travelers as well. 

This list is not exhaustive, but includes blogs I have written about these places:

Paso Robles:

Lunch at Firestone Walker, a California Brew Pub, is always a treat!

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/pretzels-burgers-and-rock-music-at.html?m=1

San Miguel Arcangel Mission:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/san-miguel-arcangel-mission-near-san.html?m=1

Morro Bay:

Two Fantastic Seafood Meals at Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/morro-bay-oysters-and-dungeness-crab.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/calamari-appetizers-and-seafood-pasta.html?m=1

San Luis Obispo:

Lure Fish House Meals, Novo Restaurant Meals, Hotel Cerro Breakfast, and Madonna Inn

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/italian-linguine-with-clams-at-lure.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/fusion-seafood-feast-at-lure-fish-house.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/franco-italian-meal-at-novo-restaurant.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/primo-pumpkin-risotto-at-novo.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/cowboy-eggs-benedict-at-hotel-cerro-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/madonna-frittata-and-apffels-coffee-at.html?m=1

San Simeon

Hearst Castle and Southern Big Sur Road Trip on Highway 1 -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/12/visiting-hearst-castle-with-juilliard.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/southern-big-sur-california-day-trip-by.html?m=1

Carmel:

La Perouse the Explorer Game and La Perouse the Explorer Cruise Idea-

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/04/la-perouse-explorer-historical-fashion.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/09/la-perouse-explorer-cruise-idea.html?m=1

Hiking in Point Lobos -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/point-lobos-hiking-carmel-california.html?m=1

Carmel Valley:

Carmel Valley History Center even has dinosaur bones -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/09/dinosaur-bones-ohlone-reed-boats-wagon.html?m=1

Earthbound Farms for lunch, pumpkins, and tulips -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/10/grown-up-kid-at-earthbound-farm-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/tulip-tourism-outside-salinas-at.html?m=1

Monterey:

Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale Watching, the Dali Museum, and the Crown, Anchor Pub, and Old Fisherman’s Grotto (subject of an Anthony Bourdain video) -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/01/cannery-row-for-new-years-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/monterey-bay-aquarium-monterey.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/11/whale-watching-field-trip_44.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/03/figueres-spain-dali-land.html?m=

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/producer-mom-dinners-at-crown-and.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2023/10/fishermans-grotto-in-monterey.html?m=1

Pebble Beach:

Trap’s Lounge, Roy’s, Peppoli,  Stillwater Cafe, Gallery Cafe,  Market Reuben Sandwich Combo Deal, and Hay’s Place for great tasting meals.  The Market and Visitor Center have picnic tables and there are picnic tables at the pullouts between China Rock and Bird Rock.  You can do seafood tourism just about anywhere in Pebble Beach:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/04/seafood-tourism-at-gallery-cafe-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/pulled-pork-sandwich-with-coleslaw-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/deluxe-bar-nibbles-at-traps-lounge-in.html?m=

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/04/hibachi-salmon-and-mango-cheesecake-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/spicy-crab-salad-at-roys-in-pebble.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/12/sardis-like-birthday-party-at-peppoli.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/organic-spinach-and-blue-cheese-salad.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/11/tonic-fall-deli-meal-at-gallery-cafe-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/sticky-buns-and-vegetable-frittatas-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/mexican-seafood-enchiladas-at-hays.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/enchiladas-de-mole-al-fogon-at-hays.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/04/reuben-sandwich-deal-at-pebble-beach.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/04/sunrise-brunch-at-gallery-cafe-in.html?m=1

San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Marin County -

Celebrating Chinese New Year’s (two weeks in February), Napa Valley, Parisian Brunches at Cafe de la Presse, Skyline Dining at the Intercontinental,  Sliders and Kopi Liwak Coffee at the Mark, and the Asian Art Museum

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/chinese-new-year-parade-san-francisco.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/06/visiting-napa-valley-napa-california.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/06/lunch-at-cafe-de-la-presse-san.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/skyline-dining-at-intercontinental-san.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/06/sliders-and-kopi-luwak-coffee-at.html?m=1m

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/06/visiting-asian-art-museum-san-francisco.html?m=1

Minnesingers and Mayfair in Carmel Valley and Medieval Games in Marin County -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/04/minnesingers-and-mayfair-for-children.html?m=1

Millbrae: 

Sampling seafood dim sum in Millbrae -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/dim-sum-primer-millbrae-california.html?m=1

Los Gatos:

Memorable Meals at Chez Philippe!

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/06/apple-duck-confit-at-chez-philippe-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/12/salade-nicoise-with-salmon-at-chez.html?m=1

San Jose:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-tech-museum-san-jose-california.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/egyptian-museum-san-jose-california.html?m=1

Seaside 

Manga and anime rallyes at Harumi Restaurant -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/12/manga-and-anime-rallyes-in-seaside.html?m=1

Stammtisch for authentic German fare - 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/01/oktoberfest-at-stammtisch-restaurant-in.html?m=1

Hispanic Day of the Dead -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/04/day-of-dead-monterey-california.html?m=1

Lake Tahoe:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/anniversary-town-lake-tahoe-california.html?m=1

Mount Lassen and Shasta Caverns:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/lassen-peak-and-lake-shasta-caverns_4.html?m=1

Yosemite National Park Hiking:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/05/hiking-in-yosemite-national-park-sierra.html?m=1

Salinas:

Lunching at John Steinbeck’s Home near the Steinbeck Center with a bookshop downstairs -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/02/lunching-at-steinbecks-childhood-home.html?m=1

Market Town Salinas has a Wednesday Night Farmers Market at Northridge Market  with 100+ Food Trucks and Stalls and a Saturday Morning Market that closes down Main Street by the Steinbeck Center.

Natividad Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2:30 pm.  Salinas Valley Health Farmers Market is held on Fridays from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm.  East Alisal Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays 11 am to 4 pm.

Alvarado Street Brewery is a California Brewpub Pub -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/02/german-style-kolsch-beer-and-loaded-blt.html?m=1

Growers Pub - Pub’s - is the oldest bar in Dalinas established in 1901.  It preserves many American bar traditions -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/10/prime-pork-chop-dinner-at-pubs-prime.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/chicago-meal-at-pubs-growers-pub-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/salinas-surf-and-turf-dinner-at-pubs-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/08/lobster-ravioli-at-pubs-growers-pub-in.html?m=1

Villa Azteca is aiming for a Michelin Star -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/mole-amarillo-shrimp-enchiladas-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/mole-rossa-at-villa-azteca-in-salinas.html?m=1

Neapolitan Pizza at Gino’s and Italian Bar Dining:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/always-great-pizza-at-ginos-in-salinas.html?m=

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2022/09/venice-film-festival-at-ginos-in.html?m=1

Tourism at the Farm in Summer:

Goats, Kiddy Tractors, and Organic Produce - 

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/09/goats-kiddy-tractors-and-organic.html?m=1

Pumpkins -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/09/pumpkin-harvest-2025-in-monterey-county.html?m=1

Squash -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/10/squash-harvest-is-in-at-farm-in-salinas.html?m=1

Art at the Farm -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/10/art-at-farm-in-salinas-california-by.html?m=1

Agricultural towns all need a planetarium like the one at Hartnell College -

https://www.hartnell.edu/academics/meta-majors/stem/planetarium/index.html

Salinas reminds me of the English market town of Epping, which is now a London suburb:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/touring-epping-london-suburb-uk-with.html?m=1

Salinas with its Hartnell College and tree canopy around campus and city hall also reminds me of Cambridge in England as well:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2018/08/visiting-cambridge-uk-with-savvy-mom.html?m=1

Market towns with adventurous and skilled cooks need food games like the ones I created below:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/food-games-created-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

Food Games Background Reading List to enjoy country outings before and after visits -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/food-games-background-information-by.html?m=1

Soledad:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/condor-country-monterey-county.html?m=1

San Juan Bautista:

Parading Roosters, Ohlone Native Americans, Everyday Alchemy, Images of the Virgin Conference by Artist Jennifer Colby

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/enjoying-tex-mex-food-with-juilliard.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/11/learning-about-ohlone-on-californias.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/12/alchemy-for-kids-san-juan-bautista.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2015/03/living-history-day-san-juan-bautista.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/07/images-of-virgin-exhibit-review-by-ruth.html?m=1

Big Sur -

Eggs Benedict by the Pacific at Nepenthe with a little shopping is pretty terrific for views and flavor -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/brunch-on-grand-terrace-big-sur.html?m=1

Wildflower Drawing

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2016/11/wildflower-drawing-in-big-sur.html?m=1

Eating English Breakfast at River Inn -

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2017/12/english-breakfast-at-big-sur-river-inn.html?m=1

Monterey - Salinas Airport:

Woody’s Restaurant and Bar at the airport and in Carmel Valley offers many dining options that also draws local diners:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2025/12/authentic-monterey-county-lunch-at.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/02/miyagi-raw-oysters-and-jumbo-shrimp.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/09/calamari-steak-and-sand-dabs-at-woodys.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/05/seared-ahi-salade-nicoise-at-woodys-in.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/02/beet-salad-at-woodys-in-monterey.html?m=1

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2024/01/woodys-at-monterey-ca-airport-by-ruth.html?m=1

Culture of the American West Reading Game Created by Ruth Paget for topics to consider when thinking of your own travels in California’s Central Coast:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2021/08/culture-of-american-west-game-created.html?m=1

That is the blog round-up so far on Central Coast California tourism.  There is definitely more to explore, but all these places provide intellectual stimulation, delicious food, and relaxation to create what I consider a sense of well-being for Salinas, California residents.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Ancient Western Civilization Game Series (https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/ancient-western-civilization-games.html?m=1)

Information Data and Society at SJSU reposted by Ruth Paget

San Jose State University announces its new combined major of Information Data and Society. which includes AI in its coursework.

Details about this new major at San Jose State follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_personal/19d03207bbec8f84

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and Eating Soup with Chopsticks and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

UChicago Press Book Release: Bicentenniel - a history of 1970sreposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press has just released Bicentenniel about the revolutionary history of the 1970s by Marc Stein.  Bicentenniel refers to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 1976.

Details about the book follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19d00f005ef9dd37

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Author Yiyun Li is the 2026 Berlin Family lecturer at UChicago reposted by Ruth Paget

Yiyun Li will spray at three lectures at UChicago as part of the Berlin Family Lectures.  Zoom attendance is possible for people who cannot attend in person.

Lectures occur on March 31, April 7, and April 14, 2026.

Details about this event follow:

https://mailchi.mp/uchicago.edu/invitation-humanities-day-on-october-5865889?e=cef015051e

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Salinas Surf and Turf Dinner at Pub's in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Salinas Surf and Turf Dinner at Pub’s in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

My husband Laurent, daughter Florence Paget, and I went out for a Salinas surf and turf meal at Pub’s in Salinas, California that was reliably great. I love eating at the oldest bar in Salinas. 

We began our meal with an order of deep-fried Monterey Bay calamari. The squid was lightly coated and came with a creamy, chipotle-mayonnaise dipping sauce. This was the delicious surf part of my meal. 

We all ordered steaks for the turf part of our meal. Florence and I ordered the flatiron steaks while Laurent had the filet mignon with shrimp scampi special. 

All the steaks came with an appetizer salad. The salad was crisp romaine lettuce like you would expect to eat in a top-notch steak house. I ate Thousand Island dressing with my salad made with ketchup-mayonnaise and pleasantly sour, house-made pickles. That was a refreshing break after eating the delicious calamari. 

I ordered my steak medium rare and it came out perfectly cooked and a little salty, the way I like steak. 

I chose to eat tiled, scalloped potatoes made with sharp cheddar cheese as my potato option. This tasty side is something I would eat as a vegetarian meal during the week. 

Steamed vegetables coated in butter rounded out the steak platter. Carrots, celery, and zucchini made up the vegetable selection when we went, but they can change with the seasons. The vegetables had a slight, sugary flavor letting you know they were fresh and at their peak ripeness. 

We brought our own bottle of wine to go with the steaks – a Mayard Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau de ma Mère produced in the Rhône River Valley by Avignon, France. The wine was six years old and excellent with steak. (The corkage fee at Pub’s is $20 – very reasonable, if you drink your entire bottle.) 

For a really great seafood and steak dinner in a country town, Pub’s in Salinas, California has been a number one option since its opening in 1901. 

Note: The dining in town comment refers to John Steinbeck’s character Elisa preferring to eat in town than run away the traveling repairman in the short story The Chrysanthemums in his short story collection entitled The Long Valley.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Portable, Battery Operated Fans for Hot Weather Car Waiting reposted by Ruth Paget

It’s supposed to be 89 in Salinas, California today.

For people doing delivery and other driving fleet work, I thought portable, battery operated fans might be useful to stay cool while waiting for assignments or trying to cut down on AC use while driving.

Walmart has a good selection and two locations in Salinas and one in Marina:

https://www.walmart.com/browse/home-improvement/battery-operated-fans/1072864_133032_1231458_1230511_3882908?adid=222222222285457627962_101114166_189154538570_23625811341&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=799457721965&wl4=pla-2461816942250&wl5=9031879&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=554347038&wl11=online&wl12=5457627962_101114166&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23625811341&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIpCQkpRBrq-DWH051YxvzN54&gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp6uAjdwqQepBZzVl_v5sic9aqWBaac9gJp5DTeG3rllY5ysdacJ90xoCj0YQAvD_BwE

Target, Ace Hardware, and Amazon probably carry these items as well.

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Quarter 2 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Monterey County California by Ruth Paget

Quarter 2 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Monterey County California by Ruth Paget 

Quarter 2 (Q2) sales drivers for the period April 1 to June 31, 2026 in Salinas and Monterey County California feature many national sporting playoffs and championships that can generate bar-restaurant sales as well as supermarket and market sales for home-based celebrations. Merchandise, sponsorships, and concessions bring in big money from sports, if managed well.

A preliminary list by month of events follows: 

April: 

-Easter – April 5 

-Earth Day – April 22 

-Hidden Hills Hoedown – April 19 

-ComicCon Salinas (Spreckels) – April 22 

-NHL Playoffs start – April 18 

-Smog check cars

May: 

-Kentucky Derby – May 2 

-Quilt Show Pacific Grove – May 1 

-WNBA Playoffs start – May 8  

-Cinco de Mayo - May 5

June: 

-NBA Playoffs start – June 3 

-Wimbledon begins – June 29 (their signature dish is strawberries and cream) 

-World Cup Soccer - beginning June 11

Ongoing: 

-Spring releases of books

-Major League Baseball

-LA ComicCon – November 30 to December 1 

-Room Air Conditioner Sales

-Fan sales

-time to get a personal gardener to clear out weeds and get the garden tidy

-spring is time for pet grooming and making sure shots and insurance are up to date

-In the South, people do laundry for other people as a gig job.  clothes can dry on lines in Spring.

-Spring is time to contact a cleaning company to set up spring cleaning

-start pricing educational toys for the holidays at Thinker Toys in Carmel

-set up landscaping services for summer

I used to do sports rallyes to watch basket games when I live in Chicago. It was easy for me to buy Greek food so I put together many Greek buffets.  My sports rallye blog follows:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-chicago-bears-rallye-game-sports.html?m=1 

*Catch up on vaccinations

*Get an oil change

*take coins in rollers to the bank and deposit them 

*School graduations and proms

*Buy year’s worth of stamps

*Schedule yearly physical and lab work.  Young people going to summer camps often need physicals.

*Check supply of medications and make sure refills are on schedule

Note: Nick the Greek Restaurant has opened in Monterey on Alvarado Street recently, if you would like to try some Greek food sports buffets too. Demetra in Marina and Carmel also serves Greek dishes.  Woody’s also has fried calamari and Greek salads for adding Mediterranean flair to sports night.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Seven Seas Soup Seafood Tourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Seven Seas Soup Seafood Tourism in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Over the years, I have tried and really enjoyed eating seven seas soup (caldo siete mares) at neighborhood restaurants in Salinas and Monterey County. 

Seven seas soup is a tasty seafood tourism food for staycations and on the road trips. Its tomato-based broth usually come with shrimp, crab legs, scallops, octopus, mussels, clams, and white sea fish to make up seven items for the seven seas soup.  the vegetables in the soup are onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes.  For a seafood soup, seven seas soup is very filling.

Chicago restaurateur and anthropologist Rick Bayless uses fewer seafood items in his seven seas soup, but makes a great broth. I have included his recipe for the soup below: 

https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/steaming-seafood-or-chicken-or-vegetable-caldo/#:~:text=A%20caldo%20in%20Mexico%20is%20a%20soul%2Dsatisfying,seven%20seas%20soup/stew%2C%20that's%20so%20popular%20on

There are six places listed for seven seas soup in Salinas online which I have listed below: 

-Guadalajara Grill - this restaurant is a Blue Zone designated restaurant

-Mariscos El Kora 

-Phil’s Fish Market (This might be a special there, so call to make sure it is on the menu.) 

-El Zacatecano 

-Mariscos Puerto Nuevo 

-La Casa del Sazón 

Online delivery services usually have a pick-up option, if you want to sample some seafood tourism close to home to brighten up winter. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Cheese Enchiladas for Flavor and Maybe Catering at Super Pollo in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Cheese Enchiladas for Flavor and Maybe Catering at Super Pollo in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

Cheese enchiladas, one of my favorite Tex-Mex dishes, is also what I consider a great catering dish for small dinner parties, office meetings, and team events for several reasons: 

-you can count the enchiladas out so everyone gets a fair share

-enchiladas can be made with either corn or flour tortillas (flour tortillas are made with lard whereas corn is sticky enough itself to hold a tortilla together) 

-enchiladas can be baked in a tray and served buffet style or plated up at a dining venue 

-enchiladas can be made with a variety of melting cheeses or with meat 

-the dried chiles used to make the sauce in cheese enchiladas can be mild or spicy and contains vitamin c

-cheese and peppers are both plentiful in California because they are produced here, which keeps purchasing costs down 

-cheese has both calcium and protein in it 

-Spanish rice is the usual side dish for cheese enchiladas. Rice is a grain that grows in California, which also keeps production prices down on cheese enchiladas 

-Spanish rice is usually made with chicken broth and tomato juice with a few whole jalapeño peppers added. This rice has protein, Vitamin C, antioxidants, and carbohydrates for energy 

I like the cheese enchiladas at Super Pollo and think they could make them as catering items with advance notice. Interested diners could try them first for take-out for 6 to 8 diners to test flavors and presentation before asking about catering. 

Super Pollo’s cheese enchilada combination seems similar to the recipe for them in The Best Mexican Recipes by America’s Test Kitchen (the test kitchen is in Boston). 

The sauce makes the dish. The sauce is made with stemmed and seeded dried ancho peppers that are toasted with cumin before being ground into a powder. This powder is added to salt and spices with chicken broth added that reduces the sauce to thick brick red. 

Some of this sauce is placed on the bottom of the baking dish. America’s Test Kitchen warms flour tortillas in a microwave. You can also do this with corn tortillas, but they crack easily so you need to be careful wrapping the corn tortillas around grated cheese. 

The cheese-filled wrapped tortillas are placed seam-side down on the baking dish. Sauce is spooned over the tortillas. Grated cheese is sprinkled on top of the tortillas before baking. 

When the cheese enchiladas are done, chopped scallions are placed on top of the enchiladas before serving. 

Spanish rice made with chicken broth, tomato juice, and maybe some whole jalapeño peppers is the side with hot sauces served in small dispenser cups. 

Cheese enchiladas with Spanish rice are inexpensive to make, easy to prepare and serve, and very healthy in terms of protein, calcium, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. The salt used has iodine in it I assume as well.

 i understand how Texas is Football Nation with a great catering dish like cheese enchiladas to serve player and everyone involved in making football games a profitable venture. 

Personally, I am a fan of the cheese enchiladas at Super Pollo in Salinas, California and think anyone involved with having to organized catering might want to try this dish. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Saint Patrick’s Day Books from UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press has put together a list of books about Irish history for Saint Patrick’s Day that the University of Chicago Press has published.

The list of books with their link follows:

https://t.e2ma.net/message/fh5tvi/vl7y5aok

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Quarter 1 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Monterey County by Ruth Paget

Quarter 1 Sales Drivers for Salinas and Surrounding Monterey County by Ruth Paget 

Quarter 1 (Q!) sales between January 1 and March 31 are typically considered a dry period for sales after the Christmas season and before the end of tax season. 

However, there are some ongoing and monthly events that can generate money from regional tourism. Regional tourists from Silicon Valley and the Bay Area can arrive in Salinas and Monterey County via car, train, bus, and commuter air flights from San Francisco. Day trips and weekend trips are areas for expansion. 

Also, Salinas can profit from drive-through tourism by business people going from southern California to northern California. 

Ongoing Tourism Events: 

*seafood tourism – u

Rainy, cold weather is good for seafood fishing and the perfect backdrop for seafood tourism. Maine has snow and sleet and a healthy seafood tourism industry. You can check tourism figures during winter months for Maine to see the magnitude of this tourism industry.   

Salinas can pair seafood tourism with whale watching tours in Monterey as a mini winter vacation.  Another pairing for seafood tourism is spa tourism or a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

*spa recharge tourism – 

This lucrative industry could be expanded to one-day or weekend tourists, especially for students in sustainable tourism, tourism workers, restaurant workers, and drivers in addition to traditional markets. 

*Northridge Mall Farmers Market on Wednesday nights – 

This market has 100+ food trucks and food stalls. Make sure that everything sells to Salinas and the surrounding regions. Reservations on food items managed with QR codes and Apple Pay might expand the number of people served and speed up the payment process so there are no lines.  Expanded product sales might include spa products and potted herbs. (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Natividad Farmers Market on Wednesday morning and afternoon

Located on Constitution Boulevard. See remarks above about the Northridge Market. This market sometimes has cooking demonstrations. (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Main Street Farmers Market on Saturday mornings – 

This market is well developed, but might also benefit from using a reservation pick-up system for food truck items similar to the one I described above. (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Salinas Valley Health Market on Friday mornings and afternoons -

See remarks on markets above (Part of agritourism - Portland, Oregon is famous for its market)

*Mall Shopping Tourism -

Salinas has malls with large parking lots so parking is typically not a hassle here even on busy weekends 

*Restaurant Tourism -

Restaurants in Salinas have outstanding organic produce, meat, and fish to work with. All our restaurants should be top-notch within their food category. Websites should all include parking options in their directions descriptions even if people tend to uber there. 

*Fashion Industry, Perfume, Make-Up, and Accessory Sales -

Clearance sales to make way for spring and summer collections in fashion, make-up, perfume, and accessories usually happen in January and run till everything is sold. Individuals can also go through their clothes and sell designer items at consignment shops or online. Clothes past their prime might be able to be made into rag paper. Black polyester might be able to be used for nets.

Donations of old clothing to non-profit organizations can sometimes be written off taxes as well.  You can stock up on Christmas gifts at a reasonable price January through March. This is a good time to buy winter coats like Burlingame (there is a store in Gilroy), sweaters (check out Kohl’s in Salinas), and winter boots.

*Family Reunion and Genealogical Tourism -

Many families hold reunions in upscale restaurants with good photo opportunities.  Family members might include hotel stays, tourism outings, and visits to grave yards as part of their reunions.  Florists and photographers might be part of the tourism sale for a family reunion.

*Wedding Tourism -

Wedding and honeymoon travel are available in one spot in Monterey County.

*24/7 Salinas Traveler’s Services

24-Hour Pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, and car maintenance facilities are on the following blog I put together:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/247-salinas-california-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

*Little League Sports Tourism -

Visiting teams often eat in restaurants and stay overnight in hotels.

*Alumni Club Discounts / Organization Discounts for Staycation Tourism -

Saving money on purchasing a needed item is money earned too - Check if your alumni clubs or organizations have discounts for members on items like grills, televisions, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and dishwashers, if you need to replace these items.  Also, many alumni clubs have discounts at JC Penney for family holiday photos.

*Join Airline, Rental Car, and Hotel Loyalty Point Programs and keep track of points for use on weekend vacations

*Join loyalty programs for upscale restaurant chains like Landry’s and plan travel around memorable meals to save money on dining out and travel. Chart House in Monterey is a Landry Restaurant. (McCormick and Schmick’s is an upscale seafood chain.  Check it out when traveling.)

*Recycle cans, plastic bottles, and glass

You can recycle these items in the parking lot of Star Market at the yellow recycling truck for cash.

*Sign up for car dealer club mailing lists

BMW in Seaside has one.  Learn about new models and any sales.  Year-end purchases can sometimes be discounted.  Read Consumer Reports magazine from library to study car options as well.

*Use Rewards Points at Starbucks

Get bags of coffee for use on the weekend.

*Look into any corporate gifts to be made like chocolate from Ghirardelli or See’s for birthdays or team meetings

*Set up corporate accounts for deli ordering at Costco and other supermarkets 

*Before subscribing to magazines, see if your local library has an online version of it.  You can spend money saved on a local newspaper subscription.

*Think of reading e-books 

Online books are sometimes less expensive than paper copies.  Check out this option to save money.

*T-shirts for family reunions, sporting events, corporate events, and class reunions

Get orders for these items in early

*Center for Photographic Arts Portfolio Counseling in Carmel

*Catch up on vaccinations

*East Alisal Farmers Market - Tuesdays - 11 am to 4 pm in East Salinas

*Buy year’s worth of stamps

*Ticket Sales for Spring and Other Seasonal Events can Start in January for events such as the following:

-season tickets for the Western Stage at Hartnell College 

-season tickets for Ariel Theatrical the children’s theater 

-Rodeo tickets 

-Salinas Air Show tickets 

-Ferrari Challenge tickets 

-Bach Festival

-Concorso Italiano

-Concours d’Elegance

-Planetarium tickets at Hartnell College 

-Pro-Am Golf Tournament Tickets (held in February)

-season tickets to classical music events like Bach Fest, the Symphony, and Chamber Music of Monterey 

-season passes to the Monterey Museum of Art

-Steinbeck Center 

-Steinbeck House Restaurant Reservations 

-Shakespeare Santa Cruz

-Quilt Show - Beginning May 1 - Pacific Grove

-Hidden Hills Hoedown Fundraiser - 4-19

-Carmel International Film Festival

Once tickets are sold, people tend to make hotel and restaurant reservations.

Events that can generate sales for restaurants, grocery stores, books, and movie downloads by month for restaurant and at-home celebrations include: 

*January 

-New Year’s Day (January 1) 

-Martin Luther King Day (January 18) 

*February

-Chandeleur (February 2) 

-Mardi Gras (February 17)

-Lent (40 days before Easter. Food products to be eaten include fish, seafood, dairy, vegetables, and legumes but no meat related products) 

-Valentine’s Day (February 14) 

-President’s Day (February 15) 

-Chinese New Year’s and Vietnamese Têt – two-week celebration in February 

-Super Bowl Watching Parties – various venues 

*March 

-Tulip viewing and purchasing at Earthbound Farms - 

See my blog below for information on the history and cultivation of tulips:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/tulip-tourism-outside-salinas-at.html?m=1

-Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17) - 

See my blog below for a home-based celebration:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/saint-patricks-day-recipes-and-cultural.html?m=1

-ComicCon Salinas held in Spreckels at the end of March 

For ticket information, see my blog below:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/comiccon-salinas-is-march-22-2026-in.html?m=1

*Planted Flower Sales -

Flowers grow from inexpensive seeds and command high prices when potted and sold at markets.  This is a nice gig job, if you have a warm, sunny yard to grow plants and a buyer who will sell them. Herbs are a favorite for cooks.

*Landscaping Trimmings Sales

The wood in these trimmings might be able to be recycled into paper products.

-Major League Baseball begins on March 25

These cultural and educational events and seasonal items are what I would like to see sold to 100% capacity. With a little planning, I think this 100% sale of cultural and educational events can be a realistic goal. 

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Tulip Tourism Outside Salinas at Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley, California by Ruth Paget

Tulip Tourism Outside Salinas at the Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley, California by Ruth Paget 

While scrolling through my TikTok feed, I saw some posts about the You Pick Tulip Days at Earthbound Farm Stand in Carmel Valley, California. 

My husband Laurent, daughter Florence Paget, and I all thought this would be a nice family outing for the weekend and set out on a warm Sunday morning for Earthbound Farm Stand. 

I have put together a blog round up about tulip tourism for bouquet gatherers wanting more information. 

Earthbound Farm Stand’s Instagram has the best souvenir photo of tulip days, which I have provided a link for below: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DUWFm4PD_ny/

Earthbound was packed with diners when we arrived at 9:30 am. People wanted their coffee and baked goods before heading out to snip their bouquets. We would pick up some food after visiting the tulip garden. 

Earthbound Farm Stand naturally offers some great organic salads on its menu, which I have provided a link to below:

https://www.earthboundfarm.com/recipe-category/mains/

Tulips are most commonly viewed as a cultivated flower from the Netherlands. However, they are a wild plant that originally grew in the mountains of Central Asia. The Turks cultivated the tulip before it was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. At one time, tulips even became part of a speculation frenzy called tulipomania. 

The following blogs go into more detail on the history and cultivation of tulips:

*Tulip origins – Amsterdam Tulip Museum 

https://amsterdamtulipmuseum.com/blogs/tulip-facts/where-did-tulips-originate

*Tulip history and cultivation 

https://www.sarahraven.com/articles/the-history-of-the-tulip?srsltid=AfmBOopi3XWXQHCZaj1aVanKcLFW1x9gXT0g8F7fIzhhDdsmbcfPRx3M

*Tulipomania – fact https://www.history.com/articles/tulip-mania-financial-crash-holland

The tulip season is approaching its end in mid-March, so you might want to call and make sure they are still blooming at the Earthbound Farm Stand. 15 tulips currently cost $35. The tulip field is open 9 am to 3 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

After photographing tulips and visiting the tulip field, Florence bought a turkey club sandwich and a greeting card with a line drawing of the Earthbound Farm Stand by Margaret Schaller. 

I like it that Salinas and Monterey County have no shortage of flowers like tulips or artists. 

Note: I grew up in Michigan, which honors Dutch culture, especially tulips, in its town of Holland, whose website follows:

https://www.holland.org/things-to-do/dutch-experiences/

Note: Daffodils are pretty spectacular as a flower too.  Maybe Earthbound Farms could do Daffodil Days as a featured plant this summer for purchase.

By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

UChicago Year of Games 2026 Still Going Strong reposted by Ruth Paget

The 2026 Year of Games at the University of Chicago is still going strong, including a visit to the Gygax House in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where the game Dungeons and Dragons was born several decades ago.

For a calendar of events, lectures, and exhibits, click on the following link for the Year of Games at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois:

https://mailchi.mp/uchicago.edu/subject-line-5865619?e=cef015051e

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Vincent performed by Shakespeare Santa Cruz April 24 - May 10, 2026

Shakespeare Santa Cruz is performing Vincent, a one-act play, from April 24 - May 10, 2026 in Danta Cruz, California about the life of Vincent van Gogh as told by his brother Theo.

Ticket information and play details follow:

https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/santa-cruz-shakespeare/vincent

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Ariel Theatrical 2026 Ticket Information posted by Ruth Paget

Ariel Theatrical has tickets for sale for its 2026 spring season available now:

For ticket information and play details, click the following link to their website:

https://www.arieltheatrical.org/tickets-show-schedule/

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

ComicCon Salinas is March 22, 2026 in Spreckels, California reposted by Ruth Paget

The Salinas ComicCon with Anime and Cosplay is being held on March 22, 2026 in Spreckels, California.

For ticket information and event details, click on the event link below:

https://ohanacomiccon.com/salinas-toy-anime-comic-con/

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Western Stage Season Pass Sale Extended to March 31, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The Western Stage at Hartnell College in Salinas, California has extended its 2026 season pass purchase period to March 31, 2026.

See the link below for ticket information and details about plays:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19cd9df99cd97681

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France

LA ComicCon - 11-30 to 12-1, 2026 repost by Ruth Paget

The Los Angeles (CA) ComcCon will take place from October 30 - December 1, 2026.

Details about tickets and the event follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19cd937cef152b40

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

German Back-to-School Schultute Goody Cone Tradition and Craft Project repost by Ruth Paget

The German Back -to-School Schultute Goody Cone Tradition and Craft Project Reposted by Ruth Paget

The German Back-to-School Scultute Goody Cone Tradition dates back to the 1800s.  

Schultute cones are filled with Germany candy and school supplies.  You can buy these cones ready made in Germany or make them yourself for a more personalized selection of candy and decorative style.

The following website details the current tradition, the history, schultute contents, and how to make these back-to-school cones at home:

https://whysogermany.com/schultute-the-german-first-day-of-school-tradition/#:~:text=Children%2520receive%2520this%2520cone%2520as%2520they%2520start,just%2520a%2520gift%252C%2520the%2520Schult%C3%BCte%2520stands%2520for

Have fun planning for your next back-to-school project!

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

German Strawberry Jam Recipe reposted by Ruth Paget

German Strawberry Jam Recipe reposted by Ruth Paget

This recipe from Best German Recipes is great for Monterey County California with its strawberry fields, too:

https://mybestgermanrecipes.com/german-strawberry-jam-recipe/amp/

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Jam-Filled Berliner Donuts reposted by Ruth Paget

Jam-Filled Berliner Donuts reposted by Ruth Paget

The following post about Berliner donuts is interesting:

https://www.daringgourmet.com/berliner-german-donuts/

Donut Shops in Salinas, California:

Winchell’s 

https://winchells.com/ or DoorDash

Sunshine Donuts

Order on Door Dash

Reposted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Making Classic Donuts with Beer reposted by Ruth Paget

Making Classic Donuts with Beer reposted by Ruth Paget

I found this interesting blog about making Classic donuts with beer. There are some other recipes as well, but the old fashioned donuts are most interesting for brew pub California:

https://domesticfits.com/classic-glazed-beer-doughnuts/

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

April 22, 2026 is Earth Day by Ruth Paget

April 22, 2026 is Earth Day by Ruth Paget

National Geographic Kids - History of Earth Day

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/earth-day

Recycling Landscaping Trimmings Idea

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/03/recycling-landscaping-trimmngs-by-ruth.html?m=1

Making Biofuel from Landfill Idea

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/01/list-top-10-bioenergy-companies.html?m=1

Making Classic Beer Glazed Donuts

https://domesticfits.com/classic-glazed-beer-doughnuts/

Earth Day has an official organization.  Their website follows:

https://www.earthday.org/

Posted by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games

Saint Patrick’s Day - 3-17-2026 - Recipes and Cultural Background - March 17 - posted by Ruth Paget

Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17th every year.  I put together a blog round up of cultural information and recipes for a home-based celebration for families with young children: 

National Geographic Kids has cultural information that includes dying the Chicago River green in addition to holding a parade.: 

 (I loved going to the parade when I lived in Chicago after graduating from the University of Chicago.  I worked downtown where the parade was held and called myself Ruth O’Pennington on that day.)

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/st-patricks-day#:~:text=Patrick's%252520Day%E2%80%94observed%252520every%252520March,a%252520celebration%252520of%252520Irish%252520culture.

Recipes for a Home Based Celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day:

Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe.  

You would probably use beef broth instead of Guinness for this recipe if cooking for children:

https://therealfooddietitians.com/corned-beef-and-cabbage/

Roasted Sheet Pan Root Vegetables Recipe:

https://therealfooddietitians.com/garlic-roasted-root-vegetable-fries/

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Recipe:

https://therealfooddietitians.com/garlic-mashed-potatoes/

Colcannon - Irish Mashed Potatoes with cabbage, butter, and cream recipe:

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/colcannon/

Blog Round Up by Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France and developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games