Make Yourself at Home at the Beach House Inn, Santa Barbara
It’s always fun to imagine living full-time in a destination you’re only visiting, no matter how realistic or far-fetched the idea might be. The fantasy feels especially real when you find a place to stay that evokes the feeling of a home – somewhere like the Beach House Inn in Santa Barbara. This boutique hotel […]
RIP Kobe – A Tribute to a Legend
By Rachel Melikian Dedicated on the first anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant, are my thoughts from 2020. “RIP KOBE” flash LA Metro buses’ destination signs, including the buses still parked at the depot, and then one after another, they resume their routes with the same message. This gives a remarkable impression of a […]
This Best-in-Show Ginger Elixir Will Awaken Your Taste Buds
Introducing an award-winning ginger-extract cocktail mix that’s delicious in cocktails, mocktails, many tasty dishes and desserts By Jon Bogart The changing landscape of the dining and drinking experience that characterizes life in 2020 has people searching for something different to drink. Perhaps even a magical potion to add some spice to their lives – and […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, January 29th, 2021
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week, including a coronavirus update and the latest from Sacramento…. Regional Stay-at-Home Order Lifted Statewide The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) ended the Regional Stay Home Order across California on Monday. The action resulted from projections for improved ICU capacity of above 15% in […]
Desti{nation} Discovery: Albania
There are close to 200 nations on Earth, plus dozens more territories. Let’s discover… Albania. It’s almost unfathomable that Albania remains off the tourist radar. Like many of its Mediterranean neighbors, the nation features stunning beaches, a mountainous interior dotted with charming towns and villages, and the pleasantest of climates. Throughout the “Land of the […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, January 22nd, 2021
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week, including a coronavirus update and the latest from Sacramento…. Alex Padilla Formally Appointed to the U.S. Senate On Monday, Governor Newsom formally submitted the appointment of Alex Padilla to become California’s first Latino U.S. Senator. The Governor’s action followed the Monday morning resignation of […]
It’s Dungeness Crab Season in California
Dungeness crab season in California is officially underway. The season usually begins in December, but 2020 saw a delay to protect migrating whales and some drawn-out negotiations over wholesale prices. An industry agreement earlier this month brought the official start of the Dungeness crab season. Crabbing boats are hauling in these delicious crustaceans from Fisherman’s […]
Discover New Zealand’s Magical Northland and Bay of Islands
By Roger Allnutt New Zealand is a small country with an amazing variety of scenery and attractions. Top among them are majestic mountains and fjords in the South Island, hot springs and volcanoes in the North Island, and fine cities such as the capital Wellington and Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. One of the most popular […]
Weekly News Roundup for Friday, January 15th, 2021
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week, including a coronavirus update and the latest from Sacramento…. These are the California Republicans Who Voted to Reject Biden’s Election Win Following the violent attacks of a pro-Trump mob at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, seven California Republicans voted to reject election results confirming […]
Places to Play: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Since its founding in 1926, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has been one of the city’s top attractions. It feels safe to say that locals and visitors have never been so appreciative of such a safe, scenic and peaceful outdoor space. At this time, the garden is open to the public seven days a week, and […]
The San Francisco Story of Green Goddess Dressing
Green goddess dressing might seem like a contemporary creation, given trending desires for photogenic fresh foods packed with a full herb garden’s worth of greenery. It’s actually almost 100 years since the sauce was invented and given its evocative name by a chef at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel. The original recipe is quite straightforward, blending […]
A First Timer’s Guide to Melbourne, Australia
By Roger Allnutt Although Sydney is undoubtedly the most recognizable city in Australia, no visit down under would be complete without including the nation’s second city, Melbourne. Compared with brash Sydney with its great location on Sydney Harbour, Melbourne is a more refined treasure. The city offers delights ranging from great shopping to world-leading sporting […]