Archives for January 2016

The affair of the necklace that led to the fall of the French monarchy

20 January 2016

In 1772, Louis XV of France asked Parisian jewelers Boehmer and Bassenge to create a diamond necklace that was incomparable in magnificence. It was going to be a gift to his …

Buying a bride with a ring in Crimson Peak

18 January 2016

Fans of Downton Abbey won’t have trouble with the main plot of Crimson Peak — impoverished English nobleman goes to America in search of an heiress whose fortune can …

Elements of film noir in Jessica Jones

08 January 2016

I grew up developing more appreciation for DC Comics than Marvel. And, among the DC superheroes, I liked Batman best of all. And among the Marvel superheroes? My younger …

Easy noodle soup with Tai O style clam sauce

14 November 2026 » Cooking» In the kitchen

Frozen dumplings and hotpot-style seafood balls, chicken broth straight out of a carton, instant noodles and fresh spinach. It would have been just another noodle soup were not for the addition of a lovely sauce I bought in Hong Kong.

Holiday paper crafts

13 November 2026 » Creating» In the den

The girls and I used to make holiday paper projects together once Christmas vacation started. Creative activities to while away the long days. It was fun. It was a great opportunity for bonding. It felt good to create something pretty; it felt even better to be able to create together.

A story about a fish, a volcano and a book

12 November 2026 » Elsewhere

This is a story about a fish that can be found in only one lake, and that lake is in the caldera of a volcano. But to tell that story, I first have to write about a book I found lying around in a house overlooking the lake and volcano.