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 Dpecial 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 Rating 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

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

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