Life Style & Travel

UNITED STATES—Modern urban home gardens are shadier and more confined than older suburban home gardens originally were. Modern homes are both taller and closer together on smaller parcels. Fences are also taller to compensate for the minimal proximity of adjacent homes. Less sunlight reaches the ground. There is not as much space available for shade trees. Nor is there...

The New Cities UNITED STATES—First I came for the dream. The dream was the thing, and for the dream I could afford anything. I could sleep on a wooden sidewalk –a sign of civilization then. Somebody one night offered me a blanket. After that I slept with a blanket and the crook of my elbow was a pillow while the blanket...

UNITED STATES—Grapevines that were not pruned aggressively enough last winter are tangled messes by now. Many grapevines that were pruned properly are tangled messes as well. That is their nature. Woody vines like grapevines grow rapidly and vigorously. They rely on other plants for support, and do what they must to get to the top. Woody vines are not...

UNITED STATES—On Thursday, July 23, The Federal Communications Commision approved a shorter number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to be used in 2022. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline, currently reachable at 1-800-273-8255, will additionally use 988 starting on July 16, 2022. Prior to the vote which approved this measure, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai stated: “My hope is that by establishing...

SAN FRANCISCO—Through the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s website, residents can find information on coronavirus services, news, and resources, including an interactive map of testing locations available to you no matter your insurance coverage. The website includes step-by-step instructions for anyone trying to get tested for COVID-19. This is a resource mainly for individuals without health insurance, as a...

THE BAY AREA—Childcare facilities are facing a difficult choice between the two: closing their institutions as to avoid the spread of coronavirus versus the idea of opening their facilities to escape financial collapse. Childcare programs are in crisis since a current rise in COVID-19 cases makes them reluctant to reopen their services. However, the facilities’ long-term closure will potentially...

UNITED STATES─There were both good and bad things that have come out of this pandemic. For starters, I have been doing much more cooking at home. On the flipside, I’ve wanted to eat out a bit more from doing so much cooking at home. So it is a double edged sword. We all know, and it is no absolute...

UNITED STATES─There are people out there who are gamers and there are people out there who are really gamers. During my younger years, I was without a doubt a gamer, as an adult not so much. It’s impossible with my crazy work schedule and personal life. If there was any solace that I obtained it comes directly from classic...

UNITED STATES—Seed that is available in hardware stores and nurseries came from somewhere. Plants just like those that such seed grows into produced it. Someone, or many someone's, collected all that seed to make it available to others. Similarly, several plants in our own gardens produce seed. Anyone who is interested in collecting seed to grow more of the...

UNITED STATES—Dogs can be our best friend because they can't talk. Nevertheless, I entertain the notion that dogs really do think and feel like Snoopy in "Peanuts." The thought bubbles are always riding up, unheard. DeVille has been moping around a lot lately, but he got a visit from some old friends, a poodle named Woolly, and a little yorkie,...