Snapshot

Veterans Day occurs on Nov. 11. It was originally conceived as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. The holiday’s name changed in 1954 to honor all...

Recognized as a perfect blend of classical architecture and landscape, the colonnaded pergola and vaulted ceiling-ed rotunda is surrounded by a lagoon on three sides. Architect Bernard Maybeck designed this S.F. landmark in the Beaux Arts style, characterized by grandiose structures with symmetrical styling often including elaborate detailing, classical columns, pediments, friezes and cornices.

"Lawn Tennis describes the game we know.," writes columnist Pierre Ratte. "It’s played on a tennis court, as opposed to Court Tennis, which is played in a courtyard. Confused? Let me explain..."

The game of pocket billiards started in France. Louis XI had the first table built in 1496. It was an indoor version of croquet, also a French game. Dubbed the “Sport of Kings” when embraced by French aristocrats in the 1600s, its popularity spread as billiard tables became standard fixtures in French cafés in the 1800s.

Macadam refers to a road-surfacing material and a method of construction. Developed in 1820, it’s named after inventor John McAdam. His method and material was a major breakthrough improving on Roman stone and cobble construction. McAdam’s invention relied on small angular rocks compacted by traffic to create a self-locking stable and relatively smooth surface. This and other Fun Facts in the latest Snapshot.

The name of the comet comes from China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory, which means “purple mountain.” It was discovered in January 2023. A month later South Africa’s ATLAS telescope observed it. Hence, two names for the comet given the close timing of discovery.

'On cool days, their spot is on this hillock. On warmer summer days, their spot is beneath a shade tree. So regular are they, that anyone driving past the intersection of Mill Creek Road and Mill Creek Lane after 3pm will likely see them standing together or nuzzling...'

Pierre reflects upon chance, perhaps in recognition of casting a vote. In times past, leaving decisions to chance was not unusual. The practice is mentioned over 85 times in the Bible. In a famous instance, Judas’ replacement was chosen by lot.

In the granite mountains of Yosemite National Park, in the upper plateau of the Hetch Hetchy watershed, lies Lake Vernon encircled by rock walls and piney shores. It’s home to crystal clear snowmelt water and beautiful rainbow trout...

At 300 million years old, dragonflies are reportedly the oldest winged insect. Prehistoric ancestors had wingspans of two and a half feet. Each of four wings moves independently allowing them to hover, fly forward and fly backward.