Gaming the Gods Course Hones Analytical Skills at UChicago reposted by Ruth Paget

The Gaming the Gods course at the University of Chicago Divinity School challenges students to identify religious and belief systems present in games like Halo and India.

The class learns about insider/outsider analysis skills as one of the class outcomes.

Students are invited to bring in content from their studies outside the class such as in economics and art history to enrich the class experience for all students as they analyze the games.

Many students are learning about foreign cultures and religions through gaming imagery in the 21st century making these game analysis necessary like media literacy.

The University of Chicago article on the Gaming the Gods course follows:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/please-play-syllabus?utm_medium=05.21email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGh6rBPisKWxgFkMPrctnu1smQvweUMz_uZursjGo9Rwf1rNpAoW10BZHihQNeOGUsfQmkFuXP6v2lqqsiPZJjTT9jAT2GXfPCm3k3Ni2fs0C4DsMo

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

Sweet Pea Shrub Sightings at The Market at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Sweet Pea Shrub Sightings at the Market at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

While drinking my Peerless organic coffee at The Market at Pebble Beach (California), I used the Google lens app to identify a sweet pea shrub grown by the side of The Market. 

The sweet pea shrub is originally from South Africa and grows well in coastal conditions like those at Pebble Beach. 

It requires frequent watering when first becoming established, but once it is established it can withstand drought conditions. The sweet pea can be trimmed to a hedge with purple-magenta flowers poking out of the hedge like those at the Market at Pebble Beach.  

More information about the sweet pea shrub follows: 

https://www.thespruce.com/sweet-pea-shrub-profile-5074216

Happy Garden Strolling! 

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

Painting in the 1980s Art Book on sale by UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

The overarching ambiguity of Painting in the 1980s characterizes outwardly diverse styles such as Neo-Geo and Italian Transvanguardia in this book by Rosemary Vohane Erpf sold by the University of Chicago Press during its book sale which runs until June 15, 2026.

Details about the book and purchase information follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19e455f9e35b502a

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

UChicagoNode makes 200 Special Library Collections Available to Researchers reposted by Ruth Paget

The following article in UChicago News discusses UChicgoNode which makes 200 University of Chicago Special Library Collections available to researchers in digital format.

These collection reflect the diversity of the University from archaeological digs in Turkey to 1960s news television.

UChicagoNote comments on collected data (metadata) and is designed for the easy addition of future materials.

The article follows:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/new-uchicago-digital-research-tool-opens-paths-connecting-cultures-and-continents?utm_medium=05.19email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGh4AzgoUOZsLO-MulJ7Rukz0BjZdsHtSLTeJWU-Q6hYX7ea3Ef_zKXwag9Oi0vLPvzzcyj2Pl5OQ2EzRAQVoBy8rU8Vp-WrOrigM6xUoyOeHq87Xo

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

Chicago Booth article on making AI training faster and cheaper reposted by Ruth Paget

The following article on ways to make AI training faster and cheaper so businesses can use their own data to develop AI human language models for business needs according to Kawin Ethayarajh from Chicago Booth (one of the article’s authors) details one of  the reasons AI is expensive to implement and how to potentially lower implementation costs:

https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/ai-works-better-when-its-little-bit-human?source=ic-em-20260519&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGh37md3Qyng25f9hdCmgxj_tv1SYe0irSC34Wfyzil116NrgQ4pngdhJHD4ZZ9ZCjeBLpf8fj8zcj2ZovIGqXnV1GNAXErzgRh1bOO4-gMr7Svb5U

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

Great Courses Travel Videos Look Good reposted by Ruth Paget

I have used Great Courses videos to study photography, nutrition, tai chi and qigong, microeconomics, and English literature.

I have been very happy with these courses and think their travel videos might be great preparation for trips to the following countries:

-Germany

-Vietnam

-Great Britain

-Japan

-Norway

-France (Paris - Belle Epoque)

-Italy (Ancient Rome)

Information about these travel videos follows:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19e3adbeca47fea8

Happy Trails!

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

Upcoming Food Festivals 2026 on California’s Central Coast by Ruth Paget

Upcoming Food Festivals on California’s Central Coast by Ruth Paget

Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival 

May 23 - 24, 2026

Morgan Hill, California (30 miles north of Salinas)

Event information follows:

https://morganhillmushroomfestival.org/

Taco Festival 2026

May 30 - 31, 2026

Salinas, California

Event information follows:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taco-fest-2026-tickets-1980288197306?aff=ebdiglgoogleliveevents

Pinot & Paella

June 7, 2026

Templeton, California

Event information follows:

https://www.slocal.com/event/pinot-%26-paella-festival/16386/

Gilroy Garlic Festival

July 24 - 26, 2026

Gilroy, California

Event information follows:

https://gilroygarlicfestival.com/ 

Japanese Bon Odori Events in California (typically in August)

https://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/p/obon-popular.php

Strawberry Festival

August 1 - 3, 2026

Watsonville, California

Event information follows:

https://www.watsonville.gov/1117/Watsonville-Strawberry-Festival

Turkish Arts and Culture Festival

August 22, 2026

Monterey, California

Event information follows:

 https://whatsupmonterey.com/events/food-wine-events/california-turkish-arts-culture-festival/504

Artichoke Festival

September 5, 2026

Castroville, California

Castroville claims to be the world capital of artichoke production.

Event information follows:

https://kioncentralcoast.com/news/2025/08/18/organizers-confirm-artichoke-festival-will-return-to-castroville-for-two-events-in-2026/

Festa Italia

September 11 - 13, 2026

Monterey, California

Event information follows:

https://festaitaliamonterey.org/

SLO Oktoberfest

October 3, 2026

San Luis Obispo, California

Event information follows:

https://www.slocal.com/event/slo-oktoberfest/16581/

Food festivals which I always associate with Italy, Spain, and France are very much part of Central California’s culture as well. ((See Carol Field’s book Celebrating Italy and Discovering Spain by Penelope Casas on this topic.  For France, the fete de Cochon or late fall hog killing festivals in Auvergne are examples.)

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

The Mystical Arts of Tibet on May 22, 2026 in Carmel, California by Ruth Paget

The Mystical Arts of Tibet Culture Showcase will take place on May 22, 2026 at the Sunset Center in Carmel, California.

More information about the Mystical Arts of Tibet Showcase and ticket purchase details follow:

https://www.sunsetcenter.org/event/the-mystical-arts-of-tibet-sacred-music-sacred-chants/

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

Antique Yellow Lady Banks Rose Sighting at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Antique Yellow Lady Banks Rose Sighting at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

Antique roses seem to have many petals and a noticeable fragrance. The yellow lady banks rose by the post office behind The Market at Pebble Beach, California certainly seems to fit this description. 

Yellow lady banks roses can grow up to 20 feet. The one by the post office at Pebble Beach stands at about 9 feet and still growing. 

This rose bush blooms in spring but is most abundant in summer. It is valued in California, because it is drought resistant. 

I admired it with a Peerless organic coffee from The Market at Pebble Beach. Sipping coffee and identifying plants, flowers, and trees is a nice way to slow down and relax on the weekend for me. 

I used the Google lens app to identify the yellow lady banks rose. I then checked several other website to make sure I had a correct identification. 

More general information about the yellow lady banks rose follows: 

https://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/products/lady-banks-yellow?srsltid=AfmBOopKnG852Vl9dY07CyYcCJGt-kJucSZWiLt9LBT2yc3qYN5vfZLo 

Nursery information and purchase details follow: 

https://heirloomroses.com/products/lady-banks?srsltid=AfmBOopJYZwspbqhJUjU9xj889f2MSkh2iKKtn_1ym4-iVeOLio5-Ola 

Happy Garden Strolling! 

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

Japanese Gyoza Dumplings at Raley’s Nob Hill - try ‘em for dinner! By Ruth Paget

I love Japanese gyoza pork and cabbage dumplings.  You can make them in a variety of ways, but I have the best results when I sauté them stovetop.

As a condiment for dipping, you can dunk them in soy sauce or ponzu sauce which is made with soy sauce, mirin wine and citrus.  They are very good with snipped green onions and rice on the side.  Pickles go well with this too for crunch and a fermented, probiotic side.

A link for them at Nob Hill follows:

 https://www.instacart.com/products/73709863-ajinomoto-chicken-gyoza?retailer_id=291&product_id=73709863&region_id=10432246829&utm_medium=sem_shopping&utm_source=instacart_google&utm_campaign=ad_demand_shopping_mixed_catchall_california_evergreen&utm_content=accountid-8145171519_campaignid-19755274999_adgroupid-149557268627_device-m&utm_term=targetid-pla-855649034760_locationid-9031879_adtype-pla_productchannel-online_merchantid-260497098_storecode-_productid-73709863&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19755274999&gbraid=0AAAAADO98hYoEH_teTS9MYNCzdwsrurf_&gclid=CjwKCAjwq6DQBhBVEiwA4ZD5XO_FmgHRLwXPsI1yTXwQOaSrNe5PZFBPa1bMrwAnhMhVU5_h9KFB6xoCIuAQAvD_BwE

H Mart sells these and you could probably find them at Asia Pacific Market in Marina, California as well.

Happy Cooking!

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

Salinas Valley Fair Happening Now - May 15 - 17, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

Salinas Valley Now, the online sister publication of Monterey County Now, has a great story about this weekend’s fair.

Lots of activities for kids and wine tastings for adults.

A link to the Salinas Valley Now story follows:

https://www.salinasvalleynow.com/2026/05/animals-rides-and-wine-all-come-together-at-salinas-valley-fair/ccec64a6/?utm_source=Monterey+County+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=999b685ea2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_05_11_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-2bcfee4788-424991269

Have fun strolling in the sun!

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

Oppenheimer film lovers book suggestion reposted by Ruth Paget

People who loved the film Oppenheimer and want to know more about the experiments carried out in Los Alamos might enjoy the book Trinity: An Illustrated History of the World’s First Atomic Test by Emily Seyl named for the work done in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Trinity is published by the University of Chicago Press.  

General Information and purchase information follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/19e2ba1413cd6830

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

Oleaster (Silverberry) Sightings and Others at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Oleaster (Silverberry) And Other Sightings at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

On my latest outing to Pebble Beach (California) for organic Peerless coffee at The Market, I used the Google lens app to identify a dense, leaf-packed shrub called an oleaster or silverberry. 

The oleaster can be trimmed to make a hedge for privacy. It blossoms in summer and can grow into a mid-size tree (about 5 to 8 feet). 

The oleaster is popular in coastal areas due to its ability to withstand salt and wind. 

More general information about the oleaster follows: 

https://mygardenlife.com/plant-library/russian-olive-oleaster-elaeagnus-angustifolia

Nursery information and purchase information about the oleaster follow: 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/FLOWERWOOD-2-5-qt-Elaeagnus-x-Ebbingei-Ebbings-Silverberry-Oleaster-Live-Evergreen-Shrub-for-Hedges-and-Screens-1417Q/300800527

Thanks to the Google lens app, I was able to easily identify the oleaster. I checked other websites to make sure I had the right plant. 

The Google lens app has allowed me to add nature photography, nature writing, and gardens walks to my hobby list. I have used field guides in the past to do this, but Google lens speeds up the process considerably. 

I will use Google lens to identify flowers, plants, trees, and animals throughout Pebble Beach now. I already like to visit this spot for bird watching. Pebble Beach has brown pelicans, cormorants, and seagulls in abundance with Great Egrets starting to make appearances on a regular basis. 

Deer and seals also make Pebble Beach home. I enjoy looking at them at a distance and use my phone camera close up zoom app to take photos of them. 

Taking time to learn about the oleaster plant I saw at The Market made me appreciate the organic coffee and all the wildlife at Pebble Beach, California even more than usual. 

Other visitors might enjoy adding plant identification to their Pebble Beach, California outings as well. 

Happy Strolling on the Coast! 

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

UChicago offers free tuition to students with yearly family income less than $250,000 reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago is offering free tuition to students with families whose families have $250,000 or less in yearly income.

Details about this program follow:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/uchicago-will-offer-free-tuition-families-incomes-below-250000-greatly-expanding?utm_medium=05.14email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGhx2QI0LjSSFLSXEP6CgXf5yJ8kxuCPO5EaGxYwbb2b5fFdfHwvOT12JJdCGwCmfs__95GtvNOK5sWVN2Zk2f4jR88I6Slzh7MAyfzv4133_dsVxk

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

Chaos, Creativity, Completion on sale by UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

The book Chaos, Creativity, Completion by Martinez and sold by the University of Chicago Press just looks so interesting for all kinds of creators during a time of technological change and economic challenge.

Purchase details follow:

 https://cdcshoppingcart.uchicago.edu/Cart2/ChicagoBook?ISBN=9780226834931&PRESS=CHICAGO&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BUY%20THIS%20BOOK&utm_campaign=Reader%27s%20Picks%20April%202026

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

Free E-Book for May 2026 from UChicago Press - Big Bosses reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press Free E-Book for May 2026 is Big Bosses: A Working Girl’s Memoir of Jazz Age America.

Information about the book and download details follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/search/Uchicago/19e031b7867f335d

Happy Reading!

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

Karuta Japanese Poetry Card Gaming on May 22, 2026 at UChicago reposted by Ruth Paget

Karura, Japanese poetry card gaming, will take place at the University of Chicago on May 22, 2026 as part of the Year of Games at the University of Chicago.

The media release below relates that Karuta was introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese traders.  

Details about this fast-paced Karuta card gaming event follow:

https://events.uchicago.edu/event/264199-karuta-japanese-poetry-card-game-demo-talk

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

Pulitzer Prize Winner Yiyun Li’s Lectures at UChicago reposted by Ruth Paget

2026 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Literature Yiyun Li gave three lectures at the University of Chicago right before winning the Pulitzer Prize.

These three lecture, part of the Berlin Family Lecture Series, are available at the University of Chicago link below:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_personal/19e26ae89a15e189

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

Toy-Anime-Comic Con in King City, California - August 23, 2026 - reposted by Ruth Paget

The Ohana Toy-Anime-Comic Con King City will be held on August 23, 2026 at the Fairgrounds from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Details about Ohana Comic Cons follow:

https://ohanacomiccon.com/

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

Salinas Valley Fair - May 14 to 17, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

The Salinas Valley Fair will be held between May 14 to May 17, 2026 in King City, California.

My daughter Florence Paget sang in the talent show here one year as part of our day in the country.

Details about the Dalinas Valley Fair follow:

https://www.salinasvalleyfair.com/

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

UChicago Alums Win 2 Pulitzer Prizes reposted by Ruth Paget

Two University of Chicago alumni have won 2026 Pulitzer Prizes.

Details about their award-winning work from the University of Chicago website follow:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/uchicago-alumni-earn-pulitzer-prizes-international-and-local-reporting?utm_medium=05.12email&utm_source=UChicagoNews&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGhvJc4xtGhjbqAxwoMJlIji-rWSexEWKO1dBSaC8KfR-_VVPC12u8yf04RjGHbI-ucyiRunsSbo7bncaBQ23SrBWRDBpU8nUiZsudLP2SshF1lqLc

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

Monterey Peninsula Barter Fair on May 16, 2026 in Marina, California reposted by Ruth Paget

The Marina Dunes Promenade in Marina, California will be hosting a Barter Fair on Sunday, May 16, 2026.

Trading services and/or products of equivalent value is an economics lesson.

The cost is free with more information on the Monterey County Weekly’s online community calendar below:

https://salinasvalleytribune.com/events-calendar/#/details/monterey-peninsula-barter-fair/18306767/2026-05-16T11?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Culture%20Rustler%3A%20The%20Salinas%20Valley%20Events%20Calendar&utm_campaign=Culture%20Rustler%3A%20The%20Salinas%20Valley%20Events%20Calendar

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

UChicago Booth Review on Honduran Pig Farms Adopting MIA AI Mentor Leading to Formalized Business Structures Including Loans and Implications for World reposted by Ruth Paget

In a recent University of Chicago Booth School of Business article, the authors write about a small Honduran pig farm that used MIA, an AI mentor, to formalize accounting processes, taxation reporting, and marketing campaigns.

These formalized structures helped the small business obtain loans to expand the business.

This lengthy and informative article then expands upon how AI has been used throughout the world to help small businesses grow.  

The Booth Review article follows:

https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/how-supercharge-tiny-businesses?source=ic-em-20260512&mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGhu62FVTlXlN5UVlX3RxXHeq0YOelnsFSJLfJIspoFDdyWh5lkl0hsa3Z4-0gsrBXpjBMVPHTbwLfB3KBfEXrzPn6Nz3a81c9kXJUlhCm5-TCSomI

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

Feathers in Flight - Fundraiser for Condors reposted by Ruth Paget

The Monterey County Weekly online community calendar has listed an important fundraiser for June 7, 2026: Feathers in Flight - Fundraiser for Condors.

The Ventana Wildlife Society is organizing the fundraiser ($150 per ticket).

Information about this event and ticket purchase information follows from The Weekly website:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/events/#/details/feathers-in-flight-fundraiser-for-condors/18851230

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

Movies + 3-course Dinner in San Jose, California reposted by Ruth Paget

Movies + 3-Course Dinner While Watching the Film now being done in San Jose, California  -

I just saw this streaming on TikTok.  The video did not say where, but it filled the front section of the theatre where the film was being shown.

Dinner theatre becoming dinner movies is a great way to increase profits even in theatres that are less full for theatre owners.

Been scrolling -

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

Spanish Conversation Club for Intermediate and Advanced Speakers reposted by Ruth Paget

The Monterey County Weekly has listed the Spanish Coversation Club for Intermediate and Advanced Speakers on their online community calendar for several weeks.  

The Spanish. conversation club takes place on Sundays in Pacific Grove.  

More details about this free event and contact information follow from the Monterey County Website:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/events/#/details/spanish-conversation/18161469/2026-05-17T15

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

Tasmanian Flax Lily Sightings in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Tasmanian Flax Lily Sightings in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

While drinking my weekly Peerless organic latte from the Market at Pebble Beach (California), I admired the large, puff-ball shaped Tasmanian flax lilies from southeastern Australia and the island of Tasmania originally. 

Up close, you can see that Tasmanian flax lilies have spiky pointed leaves with green and white stripes running along the leaves. The leaves bounce in wind and have a white stripes running down the center of the thin leaves. 

Tasmanian flax lilies are drought and deer resistant – both very important traits in coastal, wooded areas of California. 

You can find Tasmanian flax lilies by the Market at Pebble Beach. 

More information about these hardy yet frail looking plants follows: 

https://txmg.org/hendersonmg/files/2020/06/FLAX-LILY-VARIEGATED.pdf

Nursery information and purchasing details follow: 

https://www.budgetplants.com/variegated-flax-lily

Take a mini trip to Tasmania and Southeastern Australia as you stroll around the Market and Lodge and Pebble Beach, California! 

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

Two German Sandwiches for Tourists in Germany by Ruth Paget

Two German Sandwiches for Tourists in Germany by Ruth Paget 

My go-to German “fast food” sandwiches when I lived in Stuttgart (Germany) for five years were schinken-käse-brot (ham and cheese sandwiches on dinner rolls) and butter-brot (open-faced sandwiches like they make in Denmark). 

Both sandwiches are ideal for tourists especially tourists who visit German cities and towns on foot. 

The place I would order schinken-kâse-brot was Sehne Ihre Bâckerei. Sehne (pronounced ‘zay-nay’) is a national bakery chain like McDonalds that sells bread (supposedly 365 kinds in German) and provides seating for kaffee klatsches (coffee breaks). 

They have white bread baguettes, which I always picked up for toast. As a little treat, I would get two schinken-kâse sandwiches. I liked ordering these in German, “Zwei schinken-kâse, bitte – two ham and cheese sandwiches, please.” I drank Gerolsteiner fizzy water with these sandwichs and contemplated braving the 30 below, windy weather outside to go home. 

The other sandwich I sometimes ate at home was a butter-brot or open-faced sandwich. I bought the ingredients for these at the Total Gas Station down from our apartment or Ikea’s grocery department downtown. 

I toasted rye or pumpernickel bread and spread it with brown, large grain German mustard. On top of this, I would place tinned, smoked trout or smoked salmon and sliced red onion. 

I thought this sandwich was very northern German and would drink a Beck’s lager with my Baltic sandwich. Our local Edeka supermarket had many choices of beer in 4-packs so you could sample beers from all around Germany. I was able to get Beck’s from Bremen in northern Germany this way in southern Stuttgart. 

These sandwiches are available year-round usually at a pretty reasonable price. Tourists and locals alike can enjoy these while visiting or doing errands in cities and towns in Germany.  

Note: Brot bread can be made with spent grain from beer making.  

Polar Vortex Memories! 

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

The Everything Indian Cookbook: 300 Tantalizing Recipes Reviewed by Ruth Paget

The Everything Indian Cookbook: 300 Tantalizing Recipes Reviewed by Ruth Paget 

Monica Bhide’s The Everything India Cookbook: 300 Tantalizing Recipes helped me solidify the knowledge I have gained about Indian from eating in Indian restaurants and preparing several dishes at home over a few decades. 

Bhide writes that Indian cooking has six tastes that cooks try to achieve when putting together a meal. These six tastes follow: 

-sweet 

-sour 

-salty 

-spicy 

-bitter 

-astringent 

These flavors are often brought into a meal with a variety of condiments. 

Bhide further writes that spices distinguish Indian cuisine from others. Indians have a specific spicing order when cooking that promotes flavor and gut health, which follows: 

-whole spices 

-herbs 

-powdered spices  

Spice powders are made from dry roasted whole spices that are ground and kept in air-tight jars in dark places. 

Thickening agents for cooking include: 

-yogurt 

-chickpea flour 

-onions

-nut pastes 

Bhide cites Indian Ayurvedic traditional medicine when she writes that ancient texts promote the use of spices for the following reasons: 

-medicinal properties 

-ability to act as food preservers 

-healing 

The 300 recipes in The Everyday Indian Cookbook are well written and invite Indian food lovers to try cooking some of their favorite restaurant foods. 

Some of the recipes that I think are particularly good for cooking after a farmers’ market visit include:

-Indian paneer – cheese made with milk, lemon juice, and cheese cloth from draining 

-spinach soup 

-Indian-style coleslaw 

-potato and yogurt salad

-Maharastrian cabbage salad 

-shredded carrot salad 

The Everything Indian Cookbook: 300 Tantalizing Recipes by Monica Bhide is enjoyable to read and cook from. 

Novice cooks and Indian restaurant habitués can all find tasty recipes to try in The Everything Indian Cookbook – an absolute great reference cookbook for the kitchen bookshelf or Kindle library. 

Note: In Salinas (California) you can eat Indian food at Avatar Indian Grill,  In Monterey, (California) Ambrosia has two locations.  Ambrosia also has a location in Los Gatos outside San Jose, California.

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

TikTok Video Restaurant Reviews Suggested Format by Ruth Paget

I have been watching video restaurant reviews on TikTok (mostly Asian - I love all Asian food) and find that reviews in the following format give me the best idea of what a restaurant is like:

-panoramic shot outside the restaurant

-panoramic shot inside

-menu shot - I like photo menus and ordering list 

-if restaurants have a delivery robot, it is cute to see food delivered by them

-close-up shots of food ordered, names, and ingredients

-descriptions of dishes with individual portion shots coming up to the camera

-opinions of why you like a dish and who else might like a dish

-to finish, if they have merchandise for sale like a sauce, calendar, language-learning CDs,  children’s educational books from Daiso or Scholastic, pencils, pens, logo stationery, or chopsticks, that is a cute good-bye

Thanks filmmakers for the fun videos and restaurant ideas.

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

Ulysses S. Grant Biography Info reposted by Ruth Paget

Ulysses S. Grant wrote his autobiography to support his family after his death according to the book’s description below:

https://www.amazon.com/American-Ulysses-Life-S-Grant/dp/1400069025

For people interested in the Civil War and its aftermath, this looks like a fascinating read.

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

Monterey Cypress Trees at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Monterey Cypress Trees at Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

The Lone Cypress Trees at Pebble Beach, California is the symbol of the Pebble Beach Company that runs the elite resort on property and world-famous golf tournaments.

This hardy, salt-resistant tree is native to the Monterey Peninsula and can grow up to 82 feet in height.  Its branches bend in the direction of the wind and eventually permanently contort to show wind direction.

The tree’s deep roots and its ability to grow in sandy soil make it an erosion fighter.  This trait is very important in coastal areas.

The Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach appears to grow from bare rock on the a ledge over the coast.  It’s improbable surroundings make it a sought after souvenir photo for tourists and a reminder for locals that their bent cypress trees hold expensive property in place.

More information about the Monterey Cypress follows:

https://calscape.org/Hesperocyparis-macrocarpa-(Monterey-Cypress)-2

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

Cinco de Mayo at Home for Mom by Ruth Paget

I am an older mom now, so my daughter ordered me a Taco Bell dinner:

-crunch wrap 

-hard shell taco

-low-sugar strawberry agua fresca

I thought it was great, because I did not have to cook it.

Cheerios!

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

TikTok Travel Video Itinerary Outline by Ruth Paget

TikTok Video Travel Itinerary Outline (Suggested) for California’s Central Coast by Ruth Paget

I have been watching TikTok travel videos for my region and like TikTok’s that have an itinerary like the following for Central Coast California tourism:

Recharge Overnight Stay in Monterey or Carmel for example:

-hotel description

-dinner out

-breakfast out

-coffee for walk through town or coastal drive with hike with some wildflower and tree identification and description

-lunch

-outing with 1 or more of the following

-art or craft making activity (new form of tourism here)

-writing workshop shots

-farmers’ market

- museum visit - history museums have an anthropological bent often with exhibits about Native Americans and settlers from other places

-agritourism such as visiting artichoke farms, orchards, oyster farms, organic farming operations, and so on

-cooking class (done in Europe but US could do this too) - chicken noodle soup, dinner rolls for homemade sliders, pork chops with homemade applesauce, sheet pan baked vegetables, scalloped potatoes and mashed potatoes, and roast beef with vegetables are some good American dishes to start with.

-wine tasting

-art gallery visit

-shopping for books, kitchen items, regional food souvenirs

-decaffeinated coffee or agua fresca for drive home with sunset

I like videos like these for giving me travel ideas.

Thanks TikTok filmmakers!

Note: This is a nice outline for print travel stories too.

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

Great Egrets Wading by the Coast in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget

Great Egrets Wading by the Coast in Pebble Beach, California by Ruth Paget 

On the last three outings I have made to Pebble Beach, California during April and May 2026, my husband Laurent and I have seen Great Egrets wading in tide pools by the coast and flying low and strong around the golf courses at Pebble Beach. 

Great Egrets are part of the heron family. They have orange, long, dagger-like beaks for spearing fish, frogs, rabbits, and other small shoreline animals for food. 

Their economic value comes from eating rodents like rats and mice in oceanfront, high-property value areas and from their eco-tourism sightseeing interest. Bird watchers are tourists who might come to Pebble Beach just to see them. 

Great Egrets have long necks that they crunch up into S-curves. The neck and body of a Great Egret is white while their long legs are black. 

Great Egrets can be seen in larger numbers a little farther north of Pebble Beach in Moss Landing by Elkhorn Slough. They can also be seen wading in the Salinas River along Highway 68 when the Salinas River is low. 

Great Egrets are found on all continents except Antarctica. They were an endangered species at one time, but conservation efforts early in the 20th century restored populations. 

More information about Great Egrets, photos, and bird calls follows:

https://www.sacramentoaudubon.org/kids-corner/meet-the-great-egret

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

Mediterranean Pork Chops Recipe by Ruth Paget

Mediterranean Pork Chops Recipe by Ruth Paget

I just made Omaha Steak pork chops for lunch winging it in the kitchen, but I am pretty sure the following measures would work:

Ingredients:

-2 Omaha Steak pork chops, thawed in the refrigerator

-2 tablespoons olive oil

-5 sprigs rosemary, snipped 

-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

-1/4 cup water

-Kirkland salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

1-Heat olive oil in frying pan and add pork chops. Cook on high heat 5 minutes per side.

2-After ten minutes, add balsamic vinegar to color pork chops.

3-Add water and snipped rosemary to the pan and turn pork chops to darken the pork chops.  Use a wooden scraper to deglaze the pan.  Let pork chops cook another 5 minutes.

4-Run the pork chops through the microwave to thoroughly cook and to help carsmelize the balsamic sauce on the pork chops.

Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Bon Appetite!

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

Costco’s Quiche Lorraine is a Deep-Dish Quiche! By Ruth Paget

I made Costco’s Quiche Lorraine for lunch today and really liked it -

The quiche was about 3 inches thick and almost reminded me of deep-dish pizza.

There was enough quiche for 8 portions.  Leftovers went into Pyrex containers to be eaten for lunch tomorrow.

Some of my favorite ingredients are in quiche - eggs, cheese, cream, and savory ham.  

We drank a De Tierra Coco red wine from Salinas’s local winery tucked away in Corral de Tierra made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel The Pastures of Heaven.  

If you like quiche, Costco’s deli quiche is a pretty good deal especially on busy event weekends.

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

Hot Pot Trending on Tik Tok and my Cookbook Recommendation by Ruth Paget

I saw that H Mart’s Chinese Hot Pot Kit has people lining up at stores almost like a video games or manga release.

My blog about Jeff Mao’s Hot Pot Cookbook might provide some interesting recipes for first-time purchasers:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2023/04/chinese-hot-pot-meals-by-ruth-paget.html?m=1

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

Kalanchoe Flowering Plants from Madagascar at Lowe's Nursery in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Kalanchoe Flowering Plants from Madagascar at Lowe’s Nurserty in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

On a trip out to Lowe’s Nursery in Salinas, California by Northridge Mall, I saw that Lowe’s was selling the perkiest, blooming plant called a kalanchoe whose origins are in the island of Madagascar off the eastern coast of Africa. 

The flowering blooms in this plant at Lowe’s were a tight cluster of pink in a naturally forming bouquet surrounded by a ring of green leaves at the bottom of the plant. 

The kalanchoa would look great by a specials board in a coffee shop, diner, or bistro. Hotels might like to place this plant on a counter with brochures about area shops (shopper guides noting store specialties), restaurants, spa services, and tourism sites. 

The kalanchoa plants require little water and are pretty safe to place next to promotional materials. More information about the kalanchoa plant follows below: 

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/kalanchoe/#:~:text=Factsheet%20%7C%20HGIC%201563%20%7C%20Published:,houseplant%20fertilizer%20once%20a%20month.

As of today, kalanchoa flowering plants sell for $12.99. Information about this plant and others for sale at Lowe’s Nursery follows:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Multicolor-Kalanchoe-in-1-4-Quart-Pot/3628346?store=3095&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lwn-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_LWN_Online_Mid_Priority(E+Band)_Omni-_-3628346-_-local-_-22862735652-_-&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22862735652&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W8u5cdqRslx8uc91NE-qkPGX

Lowe’s by Northridge Mall in Salinas, California has a large nursery next to its hardware store with competitive prices and a large parking lot. It is located off Highway 101 by North Main Street. 

For San Jose and Bay Area visitors, a plant, herb, or even a tree or two make great souvenirs of a trip to Salinas and Monterey County. 

A place like Lowe’s Nursery is important if you want your town to be like a French “ville fleurie” – a town decorated with flowers. Information about France’s Villes Fleuries program follows:

https://www.travelfranceonline.com/villes-et-villages-fleuris-basic-facts/

Happy Nursery Strolling! 

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

May 1 in Salinas, California - Spring Carnival is Here posted by Ruth Paget

For more information about the Spring Carnival in Salinas, California today through May 10, 2026, check out my blog below:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/04/spring-carnival-may-1-to-may-10-2026-at.html?m=1

A carnival in town always reminds me of California writer Ray Bradbury’s dark fantasy novel entitled Something Evil This Way Comes. 

Maybe there is a movie idea here too.

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

Sky Pencil Japanese Holly Trees at Carmel Valley Park, California by Ruth Paget

Sky Pencil Japanese Holly Trees at Carmel Valley Park, Carmel by Ruth Paget

Out for a walk at the Carmel Valley Park outside Carmel, California, I used the Google lens app to identify flowers, shrubs, and trees around the park.

One of the most interesting trees I saw was a Sky Pencil Japanese Holly that had been trimmed to look like tapering columns on either side of the entrance to the Carmel Valley History Museum (open on weekends and just in time for the 2026 Carmel Valley Garden Show).

According to the Monrovia Nursery Site, these trees are rabbit resistant and can tolerate pollution.  They are ornamental trees that can grow in tight spaces and tolerate pollution, making them good decorative plants for cities.

A photo and information about Sky Pencil Japanese Holly Trees follow:

https://www.monrovia.com/sky-pencil-japanese-holly.html

Happy Garden Strolling!

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