HOT TOPICS: WEEKEND EDITION!

HOT TOPICS: WEEKEND EDITION 

It's the weekend!  Time to recuperate from the work week and relax or get going on some of those projects around the house. 

Please let us know in the comment thread below if you would like to write about any of the following topics or would like to pursue another topic that you are passionate about.  If you post to the appropriate Essential, we will be on the lookout for your article over the weekend and you will have a chance to be featured on the homepage.   

Movie Essential: What's this weekend's HOT TICKET? 

This weekend's hot ticket is hands down Ocean's Thirteen.  This third and last installment directed by Steven Soderbergh stars an unbelievably good looking ensemble cast who are thus far garnering good reviews. Let us know if you braved the crowds to see this in the theaters and if the rest of us should do the same. (add tag: hot ticket)  

Books  Essential 

Summer is almost here.  What hot best sellers or classics are on your summer reading list?  Is Oprah's Book Club pick of Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides appealing or have you already read it? Do you have any recommendations to make to your fellow Gatherers of your recent reads? 

Music  Essential 

Summer means that there are a multitude of musicians hitting the road.  The Police, Genesis, and Steely Dan are selling out their reunion tours.  Are you planning on going to any concerts or music festivals?  Have you seen any musicians recently who knocked your socks off and who Gatherers shouldn't miss? 

Food Essential 

Only two weeks until it is officially summer.  Gather member Rico V. published a great sangria recipe last week.  Do you have a specialty summer drink (with or without alcohol) that you would like to share the recipe with your fellow Gatherers. 

Health Essential 

While our Gather member friends from the Southern Hemisphere are getting ready for winter, our members from the  Northern Hemisphere are getting out their suits and flip flops for summer fun. Summer means sunburns, tick checks and allergies.  What are you doing to armor yourself against the elements.   

Money Essential: Weekend Wise 

More and more homeowners are choosing to sell their homes themselves, thus saving a huge broker fee.  Have you ever sold your house by yourself?  Do you have any tips on what to do and what pitfalls to avoid?

With gas prices in some spots pushing four bucks a gallon...and popcorn and a movie costing an Andrew Jackson on average...it can be a real challenge to find frugal fun for under $50 on a weekend.  That's why we are reaching out to our creative and fun-loving Gather members.  Tell us what you did this weekend that didn't break the bank.  As the saying goes "Money does not buy Happiness"... Let's prove it! (add tag: weekend wise) 

Travel Essential 

The weekend is a great time to take a day trip and explore your neck of the woods.  Did you go on a hike or take in a museum exhibition?  Tell your fellow Gatherers what there is to do in your area.  You never know who might be planning a trip to your region and might need some pointers.  Have a great weekend!