Chicago Center for Writing Launched at UChicago reposted by Ruth Paget

University of Chicago Launches Chicago Center for Writing to Primote Original Work in the Age of AI reposted by Ruth Paget

One of the main objectives of the newly launched Chicago Center for Writing at the University of Chicago is to promote writing without AI.

The Center will continue the use of writing to develop, analyze, and communicate ideas across all university departments and with the public at the University of Chicago.

More information about the Chicago Center for Writing follows from an article in UChicago News:

 https://news.uchicago.edu/story/new-hub-writing-age-ai?mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGlS_PdmwG7vFmf0daLkZtKVBfhLTAFV_yafiWSlApp6vropuxIcjINarkCCodzAcnAEE38zcr69UQTjX79h1hvZ508H0-jcnBsLqoV7A0f7yvjLTo

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

Torta Thursday = Sandwich Thursday reposted by Ruth Paget

Torta Thursday is Sandwich Day in Diverse Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Tortas are Mexican sandwiches.  I like mine with carnitas (pulled pork) and sliced fresh jalapeños.  There are a few calories in that very delicious sandwich, so I order some other equally delicious dishes from the following places in Salinas, California:

Tortas - Super Pollo

Subs - Jersey Mikes

Banh Mi - Saigon Noodle

Bagel Sandwiches - Bagel Corner

Reuben - Black Bear Diner

American Deli - Sourdough & Company

American Deli - Nob Hill

Bon Appetit!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Cambria Christmas Market (Central Coast California) Happens November 27 - December 31, 2027 reposted by Ruth Paget

Cambria, California Christmas Market is Coming Soon!

The Cambria Christmas Market is taking place between November 27 - December 31, 2026 on California’s Central Coast (28 miles from Paso Robles off Highway 101).

The Christmas Fair features:

-music and caroling

-food

-German inspired merchandise

-Santa

-train rides

Ticket purchase information follows:

https://www.cambriachristmasmarket.com/

Have fun!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Native American Christmas Market in Spreckels (near Salinas), California on December 12 - 13, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

Native American Christmas Market Coming to Spreckels (outside Salinas off Highway 68), California reposted by Ruth Paget

There will be a Native American Christmas Market on December 12 - 13, 2026 in Spreckels (outside Salinas off Highway 68), California..

Admission is free.

Features arts, crafts, and food.

More information follows:

https://festivalnet.com/42597/Spreckels-California/Holiday-Celebrations/Native-American-Christmas-Market

Have fun!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs

Turkey-Bacon-Avocado Bagel Sandwich from Bagel Corner in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Turkey-Bacon-Avocado Bagel Sandwich from Bagel Corner in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

I tried a turkey, bacon, and avocado bagel sandwich from Bagel Corner in Salinas, California for the first time this morning and really liked the mix of flavors. 

The jumbo seeded bagel sandwich came with the following ingredients:

-several strips of thick-cut apple smoked bacon, which brought back memories of living of Chicago and eating bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches in my Marina City apartment 

-several slices of thick-cut smoked turkey breast

-avocado slices 

–I never tire of these -tomatoes 

-red onion slices 

-lettuce 

-mayonnaise 

This California bagel sandwich is a deluxe version of my Chicago bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich of my youth. (Both are good.) 

This filling sandwich is hard to hold together, but worth the effort for the outstanding flavor. I ate some potato chips with this and a diet soda to have a totally college days brunch post election.

By Ruth Paget 

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Europe + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Vegetables Revised: 300 Recipes for $1.99 on Amazon Looks Like a Great Deal reposted by Ruth Paget

People interested in selling the 200+ vegetables and fruit grown in Monterey County, San Luis Obispo County, and San Benito County might be interested in James Paterson’s Vegetables Revised: The Most Authoritative Guide to Buying, Preparing, and Cooking with more than 300 Recipes.

It is selling for $1.99 on Amazon kindle today or $20.99 hardback for a go-to reference.

A good recipe can sell products.

Information about the book follows:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ACCLPU?lv=shuf&_bbid=369862578&nodl=1&tag=core_cohort_a_email-20&dplnkId=e05debf6-922f-48a4-bdde-0350df25ad85&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge game

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

$22.89 Santa Fe Salad for Mid-Term Election Night 2026 from Chili's Bar and Grill in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

$22.89 Santa Fe Salad for Mid-Term 2026 Election from Chili’s in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Chili’s makes filling comfort foods even for items like salad. 

On mid-term election night, I ate a Santa Fe Salad with crispy chicken tenders to relive my college days watching election returns in Chicago, usually at Bennigan’s Bar downtown. The Chicago Democratic Machine turns out the vote and turns out big money for its very nice bars and restaurants, which prepare full-menu dinners for all special events from elections to symphony fundraisers. 

My new Bennigan’s is Chili’s Bar and Grill in Salinas, California. My light yet filling Santa Fe Salad featured two crispy chicken tenders that sat on top of a generous salad with the following items: 

-pico de gallo salsa made up of tomato, red peppers, onion, cilantro, and lime juice

-house-made guacamole 

-cilantro 

-corn tortilla strips

-house-made ranch dressing 

-a drizzle of spicy Santa Fe sauce 

Mixed together, this salad was a spicy immune system booster with Vitamin C-rich ingredients like cilantro and pico de gallo salsa. Vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant and helps regenerate cells in the body. 

I ate a few extra tortilla chips with the salad, but just alone it was sufficient. 

I liked eating something healthy on election night when a historical race was happening here in California – Xavier Becerra was elected the first Latino governor. 

(I also watched Harold Washington, the first African-American mayor of Chicago, be elected in Chicago at Bennigan’s.  I got news of Deb Halaand’s Neew MEXICO WIN ON TikTok.   If you live long enough, you see lots of “firsts.”) 

Chili’s Santa Fe salad is a really good catering item for fundraisers for its easy assembly and availability of basic ingredients locally. These salads also come in easily stackable delivery boxes.  

I like the Santa Fe Salad from Chili's in Salinas (California) and think salad lovers would like it too. It has an added benefit of being a not too expensive dish to use for fundraisers. 

Bon Appétit! 

By Ruth Paget 

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

UChicago’s Arts and Humanities Day is November 7, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

University of Chicago scholars will meet with artis and social commentators for Arts and Humanities Day on November 7, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

Events include free and paid art exhibits, concerts, and panel discussions.

Event schedule and ticket purchase details follow:

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/arts-humanities-day-returns-reconsider-familiar-stories-and-americas-legacy-250?mkt_tok=MjUwLUNRSC05MzYAAAGlQXSuGGQBAmSgLWkCat5H2-Ibiu8N6qtji47nDItKVIycRvqPmKvtQw-ijSdClQ5BhFuBYQHtWd8iBiz1tKWTLeGsF2Noaf7ylGCNGddGJ5dSG6A

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

Mediterranean Diet is Made Up Many reposted by Ruth Paget

My favorite foods come from the Mediterranean.

If you can keep your portion size down to avoid obesity, the Mediterranean Diet has the following benefits summarized in the video below:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfoahHDd/

A sample Mediterranean food pyramid follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLHMHD9h/

Bon Appetit!

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

2 Blank Journals (192 pages each) for $15.99 on Amazon reposted by Ruth Paget

2026 - 2027 will provide the material for many stories and memoirs.  

Journaling is a great way to record events while dealing with them.  Journaling entries provide material for later analysis and story writing

I also use journals to note economic lessons from literature.  Balzac made many economic remarks.  In the Bal de Secaucus, he even stated that his youngest daughter is not matching possible marriage partners with her small dowry after marrying her older sisters to rich men - very grumpy French dad remark.

The journals I Like to use have:

-a hard leather cover

-inside pocket for receipts, photos, stamps, and post cards

-two attached bookmarks

-192 blank pages

-a built in pen holder

-a built-in strap to hold the journal tightly together

Two journals like this cost $15.99 on Amazon as of today (November 3, 2026).  The journals lie flat when open.

More details follow at Amazon’s link below:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08PNRDXDD/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A1GNZ5R621YPTF&psc=1

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, and the Carmel Valley History Centet

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs

Istara P’tit Basque Sheep’s Milk Cheese is around $18.69 per pound today at Costco in Sand City, California by Ruth Paget

One of my favorite products at Costco (worth the membership for me) is the French Istara P’tit Basque sheep milk’s cheese at $18.69 per pound as of today. (November 2, 2026)

This round cheese with a basket shaped rind is festive for Thanksgiving, but I eat a slice of it or Brie with breakfast or with charcuterie as a light dinner. 

The cheese is semi-hard and has a buttery taste.  I like it with apple slices.  P’tit Basque comes from France’s Southwestern corner and is part of the Basque Country that is made up of territory in modern-day France and Spain.

Information about the cheese follows:

https://www.thekitchn.com/costco-istara-ptit-basque-review-23490414

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs

Chic $18.99 Toblerone Frozen Cake at Costco for Thanksgiving at Sand City, California reposted by Ruth Paget

I have taste-tested the Swiss Frozen Toblerone Cake from Costco at Sand City (near Monterey), California and think this would be a chic dessert for college students and up for Thanksgiving.

It costs $18.99 (as of November 1, 2026) and features honey and nougat with chocolate flavors.  It is gluten-free and crunchy - perfect with coffee or Darjeeling tea.

Information about the cake from Almondy follows:

https://www.almondy.com/en/foodservice/almond-cake-with-toblerone/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Good Deal Fish and Chips at Black Bear Diner in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget

Good Deal Fish and Chips Dinner at Black Bear Diner in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget 

When my family wants to go out for a California diner meal, we do a beeline for Black Bear Diner in the Westridge Mall in Salinas, California. 

This California chain offers a mini newspaper full of classic American dishes, but my favorites at Black Bear Diner are Friday Night Fish Fry, reuben sandwiches, and fish and chips. 

For $16.99 (online menu price as of 10-28-1016), the fish and chips meal comes with the following items: 

-3 large, deep-fried pieces of cod with a golden crust that is hard enough to be tapped for sound yet soft enough to be easily cut with a fork 

-a generous helping of double-fried French fries that take up half the plate. The fries arrive salted and do taste great with ketchup. 

-coleslaw with a delicious dressing of cream and apple cider vinegar. 

Black Bear offers a choice of sides, but I like what is on the menu. 

I drank two large unsweetened iced teas with this meal and thought everything was refreshing. 

I had no leftovers, but my husband Laurent and daughter Florence Paget gave me their leftover fries and coleslaw for lunch the next day. 

I thought the meal was delicious and also thought $16.99 for this meal was a reasonable price. With the iced tea, my meal cost about $20. 

I like fish and chips and think that the Black Bear Diner in Salinas, California does a good job with this meal.

By Ruth Paget 

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

I still love $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken from Costco in Sand City, California by Ruth Paget

I still love $4.99 Rotisserie chicken from Costco in Sand City (near Monterey), California with mashed potatoes and sometimes a fruit and cheese tray to eat as dessert.

There is easily enough for 4 to 6 people in this meal.

If you like roast chicken, this might be a meal to consider for winter.

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Dollar Tree Sells Sudoku and Word Search Books reposted by Ruth Paget

Dollar Tree appears to have shelves and shelves of sudoku and word search books.

TikTok has videos showing everything.

Kohl’s has brainstacking materials too.  Walmart has been onboard for a long time.  TJ Maxx carries many brainstacking items.

 Happy brainstacking!

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

$24.99 Fruit and Cheese Trays at Raley’s Nob Hill for Members reposted by Ruth Paget

Raley’s Nob Hill in Salinas, California members can purchase fruit and cheese trays for $24.99 with a 24-hour lead time.  

That is a nice deal for people who like these items.  

These trays  are time savers for book groups, scrapbooking work at home, and writing nights.

You can sign up for the Nob Hill members app online or in-store.

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Centrr

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coadt California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs

Hunger Games Advent Calendars reposted by Ruth Paget

Hunger Games created an Advent calendar.

Great for re-reading the series after watching the newest Hunger Games a little each day.

The TikTok merchandise link follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLyySMb6/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author seating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Cosst California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Coffee:A Global History Distributed by UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

Coffee: A Global History distributed by the University of Chicago Press for Reaktion Press is a coffee lovers non-fiction brainstack item to read in a coffee shop.

Information about the book follows:

https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/C/bo31238025.html

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

UChicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth Summit Notes reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Climate Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth has posted its October 28, 2026 Wrap-Up Notes with information about careers in the climate and sustainable growth field.

The notes fillow:

https://climate.uchicago.edu/events/event/climate-frontiers-2026-energy-and-climate-at-uchicago/?utm_campaign=24152484-Institute%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8hWTWs2ftKlUxBHgEk8rC9c3yc6RwU77eqqhrqjf-gdIxDiMaIt1Bre7SDe56MnNtknK1gh762r-OMwqENXT_03gLKOg&_hsmi=446765161&utm_content=446765161&utm_source=hs_email

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

Caps from the Hunger Games reposted by Ruth Paget

Caps are always useful for walking outside, hiking, and shielding your skin from sun.  

The following Hunger Games cap comes with a notebook for noting ways ways to save money for example as you drink coffee:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLUvo3xC/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs