Differing perceptions of gift giving,?especially corporate gifts, can diminish or increase a gift’s impact according to Chicago Booth researchers in the following Chicago Booth Review article:
Reposted by Ruth Paget
-author of Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books
-developer of food and beverage knowledge games
I have reposted a full schedule of free and paid events for the University of Chicago’s Arts and Humanities Day being held November 7, 2026, now in its 46th year.
Pulitzer Prize winners join UChicago faculty at this year’s event.
More information, a complete schedule, and ticketing details follow:
https://artshumanities.uchicago.edu/engage/events/arts-humanities-day/presentations
Reposted by Ruth Paget
-author of 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
Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking by Gianaclis Caldwell - quick review by Ruth Paget
Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking by Gianaclis Caldwell is a technical guide for people who really want to make cheese and create a company to do it.
I bought this book as a follow-up to my Wisconsin Dairyland 2026 Vacation. The book was more than I needed, but I am glad to know that:
Cheese has four basic ingredients:
-milk
-starter similar to what is used in yogurt
-coagulant, which can be rennet, vinegar, or lemon juice
-salt
When coagulant is added the milk separates into curds (solids) and whey (liquid).
When solid cheese sets, the inside is called the paste and the outside is called the rind.
This knowledge is enough for me.
If you want to make cheeee, Caldwell’s book has the details:
Have fun reading!
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
Wisconsin’s Paper Industry is Huge by Ruth Paget
My Wisconsin Dairyland 2026 Vacation reminded me that Wisconsin has industrial forests and a large paper industry that employs more people than you would think.
Every disaster in the US has my Wisconsin family remarking, “Buy toilet paper.” They also want the entire country to send greeting cards and write letters.
I think the craft-that-can-become art of journaling they would certainly encourage as well.
People interested in paper industry jobs might want to check the websites for the following companies listed on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/forestbusinesses/industries
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
Basic journals and pens are the basic tools of the creator economy whether you are writing, planning a video shoot, sketching in art museums, or noting ways to save money in 2026 - 2027.
TikTok has been featuring journaling materials from the most basic to the elaborate.
I have posted the following TikTok video for readers to see the kinds of items being advertised for the holidays:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfVXaU3C/
Have fun journaling!
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
Starbucks has a cute coffee cup keychain bangles Advent calendar on sale.
For more information, check out the TikTok video below:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTf45DuMU/
Happy Holidays!
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
Costco is selling 12 mini pots of Bonne Maman jam for $15.99 at its Sand City, California store near Monterey.
Two boxes would give two people enough jam for toast in the morning for the 24 days before Christmas.
The mini pots are individually wrapped to look like gifts.
They can be placed on a mantle or window sill and opened daily.
They are a thoughtful way to begin an Advent day.
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
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s (California) annual Pumpkin Roll down hilly Ocean Avenue to Carmel Beach for smashing is happening on October 24, 2026.
Details about this free event where pumpkins are provided follow:
https://whatsupmonterey.com/events/community-events/annual-pumpkin-roll/2883
Have a smashing good time!
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 th 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 Sydney, Australia Study Abroad Program Enjoys Excellent Start reposted by Ruth Paget
The University of Chicago’s new study abroad program in Sydney, Australia analyzes environment, geography, and urbanization. UChicago’s inaugural 3-week study abroad program in Sydney led by assistant professor Christopher Kindell features much trekking to and in Sydney’s 20+ museums, learning why the city looks like it does based on history and geography, and visiting parks and geographical sites outside the city to understand past development and future challenges as Sydney expands.
Details about UChicago’s recent study abroad program to Sydney, Australia follow from a UChicago News article:
This sounds like a great college experience.
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 Gams + 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
My daughter Florence Paget made homemade barbecue chicken drumsticks and filmed herself making it.
Her barbecue sauce has all five flavor elements that the Chinese like, so I think this recipe might have very wide appeal.
Her video from TikTok follows:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfybhspc/
The barbecue sauce is made with the following flavor ingredients that the Chinese like:
-ketchup base
-molasses - sweet flavor
-Worcestershire sauce - umami flavor like mushrooms and beef
-soy sauce - salty
-apple cider vinegar - sour flavor
-hot sauce - spicy flavor
Happy baking!
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
Dia de Los Muertos is taking place November 13 - 15, 2026 in Monterey, California.
More information about this event follows:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfyFvvD6/
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 blogs
-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs
-family genealogist
-developer of 9 music theory games
Simmer Pot Kits for the Holidays reposted by Ruth Paget
Holidays scents for the home include citrus and cloves in the simmer pot kits made in the following TikTok video:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfUu3vML/
Happy Holidays!
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 French travel and culture games
-writer of 2000+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs
-family genealogist
-developer of 9 music theory games
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 season is underway!
I have posted a link for 2026 ticket sales below:
Enjoy the music!
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 CivilizationWar 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
Winter Fried Pork Chop Dinner Combination by Ruth Paget
This fried pork chop dinner is one I often prepared as a Navy wife when I lived oceanside in Norfolk, Virginia.
Norfolk winters are rainy and cold with Nor’Easters, winter hurricanes, always a possibility. This cozy-in-winter dinner combination was very easy to put together during the week, if I fried thin apple slices in butter with a little brown sugar on the weekends and stored them in the refrigerator.
To prepare this fried pork chop dinner combination, I did the following:
1-I would fry thin apple slices with the skins on in butter with brown sugar added in at the end and then store the slices in the refrigerator on the weekend.
2-I would fry medium size pork chops for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size.
3-While the pork chops were frying, I would bake frozen French fries. I would place frozen French fries on parchment paper to bake and add salt at the end of baking.
4-At the end of pork chop frying, I would heat the refrigerated fried apple slices in the microwave.
5-When everything was hot at the same time, I would build my protein-carbohydrate-fruit plate for each person:
-1 pork chop
-1 cup French fries
-1 cup butter fried apple slices
This cozy winter meal seemed to taste better with wind howling and rain pelting the windows outside.
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 Game + 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
The Seaweed Festival is taking place on October 24, 2026 in Monterey, California.
This event features science, art, dance, food, music, and film.
Information about free and ticketed events follows:
https://californiaseaweedfestival.org/
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
I saw that Barnes and Noble is selling cute miniature book Advent calendars on TikTok.
Check out the following ad on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTfS71TAD/
Happy Holidays!
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 Novgoroda and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games
-creator of online exhibits including 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
Electric Fry Pan Pork Chops or Chicken Breasts Recipe created by Ruth Paget
When I was growing up in Royal Oak, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit) in the 1970s, my mom taught me how to cook with an electric fry pan that you could set on a kitchen counter, plug in, and use like a pan on a stove burner to save energy and make clean up easier.
Our electric fry pan had a cover and could hold four pork chops or chicken breasts easily. The recipe below began as one in the electric fry pan operation manual that has morphed over the decades. It is a good fall market day recipe
I made these pork chops often when I was in college at the University of Chicago. (Chicago is world famous for pork belly trading and did sell pork chops very reasonably in stores, especially in fall.) I used dry seasoning during Chicago winters.
Electric Fry Pan Pork Chops (or Chicken Breasts) with Vegetables (one-pot dish)
Serves 4
Ingredients:
-4 medium size pork chops
-2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
-1 cup rice
-2 cups chicken broth
-1 sliced onion
-1 sliced green pepper
-2 slices tomatoes with seeds
-1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
-1/2 tablespoon onion salt
-1/2 tablespoon paprika
-1/2 tablespoon celery salt (optional)
-1 tablespoon dry parsley
-salt and pepper, to taste
Steps:
1-Brown pork chops for 15 to 20 minutes in electric fry pan in oil.
2-Remove pork chops from fry pan. Add rice and chicken stock to fry pan. Place pork chops back in fry pan.
3-Place onions on top of pork chops. Place green pepper slices on top of onions. Place tomato slices on top of peppers and onions.
4-Sprinkle garlic salt, onion salt, paprika, and celery salt (if using) over the vegetables. Sprinkle parsley on top of vegetables.
5-Cover the fry pan and cook on high (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 35 to 45 minutes.
6-All liquid should be absorbed by the rice with the pork chops left moist from braising. Salt and pepper, to taste.
Enjoy your one-pot pork chop dinner!
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 Gamez
-developer of food and beverage knowledge games
-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette baking, 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
Multitasking’s Impact on the Brain article reposted by Ruth Paget
The following article from UChicago News discusses the impact of multitasking on the brain and offers one solution for alleviating overload:
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
Wheat Berry: The Midwestern Wheat Sales and Buying Game created by Ruth Paget
Background:
Wheat is big business in the Midwestern United States and even offers international careers to salesman in places like South Dakota and Kansa.
Knowledge of wheat vocabulary helps you make better buying and selling decisions, since it reflects wheat and bread production methods.
Objective:
Learn the vocabulary of the Midwestern wheat world.
Materials Needed:
-Heritage Baking cookbook by Ellen King, which details the Midwestern American Heritage Wheat Movement and King’s Hewn Bread bakery’s place in this movement. (Available on Amazon Kindle)
-index cards
-pens
Number of Players:
Individual play to learn vocabulary and team play to test knowledge.
Method:
Make vocabulary flash cards with the index cards.
Use Ellen King’s Heritage Baking to find definitions for the following Midwestern Wheat industry vocabulary words:
-heritage wheat
-landrace wheat
-ancient grains
-spring wheat with growing regions
-winter wheat with growing regions
*For the next words, note protein content, gluten, and best uses for these flour types:
-hard red winter (HRW)
-hard red spring (HRS)
-soft red winter (SRW)
-soft red spring (SRS)
-soft white (SW)
*For milling
-wheat berry
-germ
-endosperm
-bran
-extraction rate
-bolted flour
*For bread making
-starter ingredient list
-starter
-starter names
-rise
-knead
-bake
Happy Baking!
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 Arcanagel 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
This blog from UC (University of Cincinnati) Health mentions foods that help fight colorectal cancer, if eaten consistently:
Interesting reading.
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