Fall Getaway: New Hampshire

Do you love the flourishes of the fall season – colorful foliage, crisp air, warm apple cider? There’s no better place to enjoy the fullness of autumn than New Hampshire. Here are some ideas for ways to relish New Hampshire’s beauty this fall:

1. Wine and Cheese Galore

New Hampshire is known for the high-quality of its cheeses and wines. Why not visit some of the state’s renowned farms and vineyards and taste the goodness for yourself? Here are two highlights:

The Sandwich Creamery. A farm in North Sandwich, New Hampshire, The Sandwich Creamery's known for its rich cow milk, piquant cheeses, and exceptional homemade ice cream. Visit their website for more information: sandwichcreamery.com

Candia Vineyards. At this award-winning vineyard in Candia, New York you can taste uniquely delicious wines, tour the grounds, and learn about the fascinating wine-making process. Learn more at Candia Vineyards's website: www.candiavineyards.com

2. Fun with Foliage

There are many ways to enjoy New Hampshire’s blazing autumn trees. You’ll love these:

Deerfield Agricultural Fair. Known as “New England’s Oldest Family Fair,” this outdoor festival in Deerfield, New Hampshire will allow you to bask in the foliage while also enjoying horse shows, fireworks, and farmers’ markets. Check the website for more: www.deerfieldfair.com

Scenic Drives Through New Hampshire. What better way to take in the blazing fall colors than by driving on one of the state’s many scenic routes? The best part is that you can stop in towns along your way, enjoying local sights, food, and entertainment. To read itinerary ideas, check out www.visitnh.gov/what-to-do/scenic-drives/

3. Fascinating New Hampshire History

Why not spend some time learning about one of the most beautiful states in the country? Here are some ways you can have fun while learning:

Concord on Foot. This unforgettable walking tour traces a path through downtown Concord, New Hampshire, one of the most historic communities in New England. You can learn more by visiting the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce's website at www.concordnhchamber.com

Heritage Tours of the Seacoast. Enjoy an expertly guided tour of the stunning seacoast area in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For details, visit www.merchantcircle.com/business/Heritage.Tours.of.The.Seacoast.603-303-5617

Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind weekend getaway or a longer vacation, New Hampshire offers a cornucopia of rich experiences for every traveler. So pack your bags and get ready to be dazzled by the state’s seasonal splendor!

Easy Strawberry Gazpacho!

Summer’s still here… along with hot, humid evenings and fresh strawberries. This simple strawberry soup’s the perfect treat to help you chill out on a hot summer night. Pair it with your favorite grilled cheese sandwiches and you’ve got a quick and easy dinner that’s savory, sweet, and refreshing!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 2 hours

Ingredients
2 pints strawberries
2 cups plain yogurt
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions
In a blender, combine the strawberries, yogurt, orange juice, sugar, water, and cardamom. Puree until well mixed. Chill two hours and serve.

From http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/strawberry-soup-i/detail.aspx.

Must-See Movies Opening in August

Check it out! Here are a few movies that will be lighting up the silver screen this August.

August 5

Rise of the Planet of the Apes. An origin story for the sci-fi classic. A frightening reality-based tale about how unethical scientists develop artificial intelligence in apes, leading to a war for supremacy.

The Change-Up. From the writers of The Hangover and the director of Wedding Crashers comes a classic body-switching tale—with a few wild twists.

The Sitter. Jonah Hill (Knocked Up) is the world’s worst babysitter. And now he’s met his match in three manipulative brats.

Dirty Girl. It's 1987 and Danielle (Juno Temple), the high school 'Dirty Girl', is running away. With her is the chubby, gay Clarke, a bag of flour called Joan, and a Walkman full of glorious 80's tunes.

August 10

30 Minutes or Less. A screwball comedy about two fledgling criminals (Jessie Eisenberg & Danny McBride) who kidnap a pizza delivery driver and force him to rob a bank within 30 minutes.

The Help. Based on the #1 New York Times bestseller, the poignant story of white and African-American women in 1960s Mississippi who share an unlikely bond.

Monte Carlo. Three graduates (Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy) fulfill their dreams of vacationing in Paris. They accidentally find themselves in a lavish world, where they live like royalty and experience romance. But at the end of their journey, they discover the true magic of friendship.

August 26

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.

Our Idiot Brother. Ned Rochlin (Paul Rudd) is the most trusting man in the world. This gets him into trouble.

August 31

The Debt. A heart-stopping espionage thriller about a team of Mossad agents who capture and kill a Nazi war criminal in 1966. Thirty years later, they find out their mission may not be over.

Travel Idea: Treat Yourself to San Francisco

The City by the Bay is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse metropolises in America, and a traveler can spend weeks if not months there. For some fun in Frisco, check out these spots.

El Farolito is the ultimate spot for the Mission-style burrito, a giant tortilla packed to the gills with rice, beans, and other ingredients. With that sitting in your belly, hike out to Golden Gate Park, over a thousand acres of gorgeous land that incorporates tons of stuff to do.

For a little bit of penal history, make a point to visit Alcatraz, the famous prison that housed Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly.

San Francisco’s Chinatown is somewhat cheesy, but there’s good times and good food to be had there if you go off the beaten path. If you’ve still got energy to go out, take it to the Red Devil Lounge to throw back some hooch and dance the night away.

Who Is The Best Late Night TV Host?

The late night wars have been raging hot over the last years, with network double-crosses and Internet drama keeping people talking. Everyone has an opinion as to who the best late night TV host is. Much of the younger generation prefers Conan O’Brien, recently ousted from the top spot at the Tonight Show to take a spot on cable network TBS. Conan’s show, Conan, is witty, hip and quirky, and probably the funniest of the lot.

In the same vein there’s Jimmy Kimmel, whose show gears toward younger viewers, more often male. Jimmy Kimmel Live! Is on ABC, and Kimmel has the same sarcasm and brand of humor from his days at Comedy Central.

Then there’s Jay Leno, who took The Tonight Show back from O’Brien (who took it over for him). His show has the highest ratings of the lot, and seems targeted at the broadest demographic, but his routines may be a little worn out.

David Letterman, host of The Late Show on CBS, is the most acerbic, having built a reputation speaking truth to power.

For an interesting alternative, try Craig Ferguson’s Late Late Show, where the Scottish comedian runs a charming, low-budget ship.

With so many to choose from, who is your favorite late night TV host?

6 Must-Read Novels For Summer

Sweating through the summer?  Escape to a new world in these novels and stories.

A Moment in the Sun by John Sayles. The noted novelist and film director returns with a superb epic of American manifest destiny, spanning from the Alaskan gold rush and Brooklyn tenements to Europe and the Philippines. A radical, rollicking, vast adventure.

The Year We Left Home by Jean Thompson. In this unforgettable, offbeat novel, an Iowa family struggles for emotional and economic stability over three decades, beginning with a modest Lutheran wedding in 1983 and ending with a bittersweet homecoming.

A Drop of the Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block. When ex-cop Matthew Scudder looks back at his first year sober, he realizes that making amends can be murder.

Untold Story by Monica Ali. Princess Diana is alive and well and living incognito in small town America. From the author of the worldwide hit Brick Lane.

Once Upon a Time, There Was You by Elizabeth Berg. The prolific, bestselling Berg delivers the goods in this perceptive novel about a divorced couple who reunite when their daughter goes missing.

You Are Free by Danzy Senna. Deft, revealing stories about young interracial women struggling for self-identity in a mixed culture, frequently in the company of men who have little interest in questioning what they do.

Taking Care of Your Car: A Brief Maintenance Guide

With consistent maintenance, today’s cars can be expected to run for 200,000 miles or more. Here’s a brief guide to getting the most out of your vehicle. Note that every car is different: a specific maintenance schedule can be found in your owner’s manual. If you aren't comfortable doing your own car maintenance, bring your wheels for service by a professional.

Every 3,000 Miles
Change the oil and filter. Use synthetic oil; it lasts longer and is easier on your engine. Check the fluids, the air filter, tires, hoses, and belts. Also check the battery cables and terminals for corrosion.

Every 5,000-10,000 Miles
Have your tires rotated and balanced. This helps them wear evenly and extends their life. Check tire pressure at least twice a year, if not more often. Examine treads for signs of uneven wear or damage.

Every 15,000 Miles
Change the air filter in order to maintain fuel economy. Check the entire brake system, including fluid.

Every 30,000 Miles
Check transmission fluid.  Replace spark plugs and wires.

Every 50,000 Miles
Change your car’s coolant.

Wash the car regularly, especially in winter when rock salt can ruin the finish and degrade the body. Occasionally apply wax to protect the paint, and be sure to keep headlights clean and clear.

When possible, service your car at an authorized dealer. Dealer mechanics know your car’s make/model inside out, and have factory spec parts on hand to ensure maximum efficiency. Because every car is different, cultivating a relationship with dealer mechanics will help ensure your car gets what it needs on time.

What's Better: Tap vs. Bottled Water?

One of the most unusual developments in Western culture over the last few decades has been the rise of bottled water. Where Evian was once a target of mockery, drunk only by moneyed yuppies, now bottled water is a multi-billion dollar business. However, drinking bottled water is, for the most part, no better for you than tap water and significantly worse for the environment. Many large bottled water brands are nothing more than filtered tap (such as Dasani), and others are shipped long distances in pollution-spewing airplanes and trucks (such as Fiji). Bottled water is an appropriate choice when you are at a location where the tap or other water is not potable (such as 3rd world countries), but drinking it in most of America is wasteful and unnecessary. For cold, portable water, there are a large number of reusable water bottles that can be filled from any spigot, and at-home water purifiers like Brita filters, that won’t add to the rapidly growing mound of bottles in your garbage can.

5 Documentaries You Have to Watch

Movies don’t just bring us into worlds of fiction; they can also reflect the world around us. Since the beginning of the movie industry, documentaries have captivated our attention and our imagination. Here are five that any film fan should see.

 

Man On Wire. An amazing chronicle of the world’s greatest tightrope artist and his daredevil stunts. Phillipe Petit is an unbelievable protagonist who you can’t turn away from.

An Inconvenient Truth. Al Gore’s environmental sermon, captured beautifully by Davis Guggenheim. This one showed that documentary film can really change the world.

Grey Gardens. An insane portrait of two of Jackie O’s distant relatives living in Hamptons squalor. Filmmakers the Maysles Brothers are documentary legends.

Gates Of Heaven. Director Erroll Morris is well-known for his incisive portrayals of fringe figures. Here he turns his lens on the somewhat nutty operators of a pet cemetery.

Hands On A Hard Body – S.R. Bindler’s amazing depiction of an endurance contest in rural Texas, where ordinary Joes and Janes stand touching a truck until they pass out.

Great Gifts for Pet Lovers

Pet lovers are, in actuality, easier to shop for than other people—you have an extra vector of attack to come in on. Here are some great picks for some awesome gifts for the animal lover in your life.

If they’re a dog owner, chances are they have a favorite breed. Many retailers offer a large number of customized items for breed lovers—T-shirts, bumper stickers, statues and the like. This is a nice way to share your appreciation.

If they are a pet owner, why not buy the pet itself some treats? Many major metropolitan cities now have “doggie bakeries” where delicious hand-crafted snacks for dogs and cats are available. This is a high-end way to make a gift special for an animal as well as their owner.

Lastly, if they’re the kind of pet lover who thinks of others, consider making a donation to a local no-kill shelter in their name. Shelters are often desperately underfunded and trying to help as many animals as they can, so even a small cash donation can be extremely helpful.

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