We knew we'd rope you in with the use of the word porn! "I didn't know there are so many chocolate places," our husband said as we collectively eyed The Chocolate Guide Western Edition, billed by some as "chocolate porn". Learning can be sooo much fun. This guide easily earns a spot on our lifestyle and travel bookshelves because it covers chocolate based info that Lonely Planet, Zagat, Rick Steves, and other guides miss.......

Creativity Explored is an organization that fosters the artistic talents of developmentally-disabled adults, not only to provide independence and self-sufficiency to the artists but also to give the general public access to their work. They've been around for over 20 years. Creativity Explored is holding its annual benefit next Thursday, March 30, which features a silent auction of portraits of over 40 local celebrities made by their artists. That's Gavin Newsom up to your right,......

A lot of great stuff starts in the Bay Area. Conversely, it often ends here too. We guess that's our punishment for living in an area where a commitment to artisanal techniques goes hand in hand with an open-minded populace--a place where very desirable things are spawned. Like good chocolate. A recent example: two great local chocolatiers sold out to Hershey's. A Pennsylvania company. One that has a theme park. And mass distribution machines......