Life Style & Travel

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...

SAN FRANCISCO—On Friday, July 17, San Francisco tea salon and pâtisserie Maison Danel reopened the store to welcome their guests back after the 4 months long shelter-in-place. Maison Danel is located on Polk Street. They are currently offering takeout, delivery, and pick-up services. The updated operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays....

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,...

HOLLYWOOD─I recently read a story that revealed fans of horror films are better prepared for outbreaks, pandemics and utter chaos that we only imagine can happen in the movies, but it feels like we’re living in a pandemic right now. Let’s be clear, this is not “Night of the Living Dead” or some zombie apocalypse, but we are dealing...

SAN FRANCISCO—On Wednesday, July 15, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department announced via Twitter that Japantown Peace Plaza will be set as an outdoor seating venue for people to consume their take-out food from Japantown’s restaurants. It will open to the public on Saturday, July 18 and run through Sunday, September 27. According to an event poster, operating hours...

UNITED STATES—California native plants are logical options for the gardens and landscapes of California. It is only natural. They are already happy with the climates and soils here. They do not need to adapt quite as much as plants from other regions and climates do. After all, they lived here long before anyone else was here to water and...

SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday, July 13, Louis’ Restaurant (Louis’) announced via social media that they will permanently close the business. Louis’ is a family-run restaurant founded in 1937. It is located on Point Lobos Avenue in the city of San Francisco. Tom and Bill Hontalas, the grandsons of the original owners, are currently in charge of the restaurant. According to their...

SAN FRANCISCO—Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya (Shizen) reopened its doors for business on June 22. On Friday, July 10, they introduced their new specialty sushi roll via social media to their customers. The new dish named “Miss Foxy Scarlet," includes avocado, Panko-crusted bean curd, and sweet potato purée inside with roasted bell pepper, with black truffle hummus on top. “She’s...