Summer Reads - Seacoast Scene - 06/29/23

s tatewide scavenger hunt p. 9

june 29 – july 5, 2023

HAVEAGREATSUMMER

june 29 - july 5, 2023

vol 48 No 6

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Callie is a five-and-a-half-year-old domestic shorthair mix who came to the NHSPCA due to being bullied by an older cat in her previous household. Her former owner sought a better life for her.

This beautiful bob-tailed girl is friend ly with humans, including small children. Callie has also cohabited with a dog, with whom she formed a close bond; they would often cuddle up on the couch together. She exhibited submissive behav ior and fear toward the other cat in her previous home, so she would prefer a catfree environment for an easier transition, but if a laid-back, friendly feline is already present, Callie could potentially adapt with a gradual introduction.

Callie delights in giving and receiving affection. She enjoys cuddling but prefers attention on the ground or in your lap instead of being picked up. Despite her maturity, Callie remains fairly play-

cover story

4 Summer reads people & places

9 603 History Hunt

food

15 Eateries and ideas for foodies

pop culture

18 Film and book reviews

Nite life

21 Live music, comedy and more beach bum fuN

26 Puzzles, horoscopes and crazy news

your weekly guide to the coast. Published every thursday (1st copy free; 2nd $1).

seacoast scene

Po Box 691 Hampton nH 03843 603-935-5096 | www.seacoastscene.net

ful, showing a fondness for small toys to bat around the floor and fishing-pole-style toys with dangling objects.

If Callie seems like the perfect match for you, visit the adoption center, open every day except Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or email info@nhspca.org.

*Callie has two medical waivers.

SUMMER READS 2023

Your guide to a season of books

Compiled and reported by Mya Blanchard

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer on the Seacoast provides the perfect backdrop for getting lost in the pages of a good book.

The Seacoast Scene’s summer reading guide brings you a diverse collection of recommendations of recently published books from local bookstore and library staff, who shared how these books resonated with them and captured their hearts and minds.

Whether you crave thrilling adventures, heartwarming tales or captivating journeys through time and space, our guide has something for you.

Grab a book, find a spot in the sand and let your imagination soar.

Contemporary fiction

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, published March 2023.

Recommended by: Diane Hathaway, director of Goffstown Public Library.

Sylvie marries tragic William, and the book travels through time to describe the challenges of their relationship as a result of their backgrounds and personalities. A beautiful book with unique characters, despite the parallels to Little Women in the four sister characters.

“All readers look for certain features that are common in their favorite books. Mine is that I need to like the characters, and Hello Beautiful fits that requirement,” Hathaway said.

The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore, published March 2023.

Recommended by:

Elisabeth Jewell, events coordinator at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. An “uplit” (uplifting literature) about a collection of lonely strangers who accidentally form a book club, and about the truths we avoid telling ourselves.

“Our bookstore devoted a podcast to the idea of uplit earlier this year — these are non-romance happy-ever-after stories — the classic example is A Man called Ove,” Jewell said.

Maame by Jessica George, published January 2023.

Recommended by: Tricia Ryden, adult services librarian at Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham.

In this tender, quiet coming of age novel, 25-year-old Maddie George’s life seems to be permanently on hold. The daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, Maddie is a self-described people-pleaser — the dependable person in all aspects of her life. The book traces Maddie’s struggle to claim her place in the world as she deals with grief and depression, microaggressions, dating and roommate issues.

“Maddie is a lovely character, big-hearted and funny and kind, and I really found myself rooting for her. Maame is a compassionate, intimate debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author,” Ryden said.

Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lucas, published March 2023.

Recommended by: Diane Hathaway, director of Goffstown Public Library.

“Sharkbait” is the only name by which we know the narrator. Jude, her nearly 20 years older lover, gives her the nickname, and the book is the memory of their relationship from when Sharkbait is a decade older. We relive the heady days of love with the narrator, as well as the deterioration of the relationship.

“This may be my favorite book so far in 2023. This is an eloquent, rich book with lyrical writing, full of feeling. A must read!,” Hathaway said.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, published May 2023.

Recommended by: Alexa Moore, circulation and reader services librarian at Amherst Town Library.

June Hayward steals and publishes her “best-friend’s” literary masterpiece after her tragic death. June will stop at noth-

ing to keep the fame she believes she deserves.

“This darkly humorous satire is a departure from fantasy for Kuang, but still has her strong voice throughout. I loved it. It expertly shines a light on the faults within the publishing industry, and is extremely readable and hilarious. I can’t wait to see what Kuang writes next,” Moore said.

Cookbook

Blueberries for Sal Cookbook: Sweet Recipes Inspired by the Beloved Children’s Classic by Robert McClosky, published June 2023.

Recommended by:

Katharine Nevins, owner and manager of MainStreet BookEnds of Warner.

Celebrate blueberries all year with 30 wonderful recipes of muffins, pies, smoothies and more.

“Includes the glorious illustrations from the children’s classic throughout. Fun for all!,” Nevins said.

fantasy

The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean, published August 2022.

Recommended by: Tricia Ryden, adult services librarian at Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham.

A kind of a twist on vampire stories, The Book Eaters is a dark, gritty, contemporary fantasy that tells the story of Devon Fairweather, a Book Eater. Secluded from human society, Book Eaters survive by consuming books, and to maintain their social order, Book Eater girls are fed a strict diet of fairy tales. Devon, however, finds herself increasingly unable to accept what turns out to be the nightmarish reality of life as a Book Eater princess.

“At times harrowing, the book is written with an enormous amount of compassion for the impossible choices that Devon has to make. It’s a book about power, knowledge, survival, social norms, morality and love,” Ryden said.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, published April 2023.

Recommended by: Alexa Moore, circulation and reader services librarian at Amherst Town Library.

Two writers, Iris Winnow & Roman Kitt, compete for the top spot at a local paper, the Oath Gazette. Iris loses her family, and finds connection through a magical exchange of letters with a mystery person. The ongoing war between the gods finds both Iris and Roman, and causes them to reevaluate their lives.

“This historical fiction meets fantasy romance novel focuses on the relationships of its characters, with the backdrop of the gods at war. It has an enemies to lovers romance, incredible worldbuilding with a sprinkling of magic, and some mystery as the reader discovers all the elements to this world,” Moore said.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, published May 2023.

Recommended by: Alexa Moore, circulation and reader services librarian at Amherst Town Library.

Violent Sorrengail is forced to enter the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. Will she survive long enough to become a dragon rider, or is she too “fragile” to make it?

“This fantasy romance lives up to the hype, and it sucked me in from the first moment! Yarros perfectly executes the enemies to lovers element of the story without taking away from the fantasy worldbuilding. (Plus I am a sucker for a competition novel.) Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas,” Moore said.

Graphic novel

Dungeons and Dragons: Dungeon Club — Roll Call by Molly Knox Ostertag, illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, published November 2022.

Recommended by: Sean Sherwood, patron assistant at Hooksett Public Library.

Jess has only ever needed her best friend Olivia, and their love of fantasy role-playing games has been their special thing forever. But when Olivia starts a new Dungeons &

Dragons club in middle school, can Jess cope with sharing her Dungeon Master with other players?

“This is a graphic novel that explores the trials of starting middle school and the challenges that come from trying to expand your social circles. I enjoy all of Molly Knox Ostertag’s previous works, such as The Witch Boy, so this was more of the same excellent writing from a stellar author!” Sherwood said.

Sunshine by Jarrett Krosoczka, published April 2023.

Recommended by: Christopher Larochelle, patron services librarian at Hooksett Public Library. The author reflects back on a summer he spent as a high school camp counselor at a camp for children with severe illnesses.

“Krosoczka’s honesty is a strength. Though the story tackles some very tough subject matter, there is a focus on the positives and a hopeful tone weaves through this moving graphic novel,” Larochelle said.

h istorical fiction

All the Broken Places by John Boyne, published November 2022.

Recommended by: Dianne Hathaway, director of Goffstown Public Library.

Gretel is the protagonist in this book by Boyne, and it is kind of a sequel to his bestseller The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. This book is full of sadness and guilt, as Gretel travels between World War II memories and the present day. When we meet her, Gretel is in her later years and as the book progresses we hear her full story until the conclusion that we see coming.

“This is a poignant, unforgettable book about the horrors of war and what is left

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, published October 2022

Recommended by: Tricia Ryden, the adult services librarian at Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham.

A modern-day adaptation of David Copperfield set in Appalachia during the early days of the opioid crisis. Damon Fields, known by the nickname Demon Copperhead, is a young orphan navigating the foster care system after his mother overdoses. He is a smart, funny, angry, hurting kid with a talent for drawing and a powerful survival instinct.

“It is such a smart idea to transplant the Dickens story to this particular time and place. While it is specific to the struggles of this community that Kingsolver comes from, it also drives home the universal toll of poverty and inequity. A beautiful, heartbreaking book,” Ryden said.

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Haron, published April 2023.

Recommended by: Jamie Litalien, patron services and technical services assistant at Hooksett Public Library.

This novel, set during the American Revolution, follows the real life story of Deborah Samson., a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the war for American Independence. This book addresses the challenges of war and one woman’s fight for personal liberty.

“If you are looking to be transported back in time, this is the story for you!” Litalien said.

Go as a River by Shelley Read, published February 2023.

Recommended by: Paula Frank, a bookseller at Balin Books in Nashua. Against the harsh real-

a teenage girl finds forbidden love in a small provincial town in Colorado, where loss, prejudice and rage prevail.

“As beautiful as it is devastating. The words never felt wasted. Fiercely independent Victoria (Torie) follows her own path. She leaves her broken family behind and deals with many hardships on her own, building a life worthy of the legacy of her past,” Read said.

Homecoming by Kate Morton, published April 2023.

Recommended by: Katharine Nevins, owner and manager of MainStreet Bookends of Warner.

Full of suspense, this is an epic story that spans generations, asking what we would do for those we love, how we protect the lies we tell, and what it means to come home.

“Mix up historical fiction with a woman sleuth, and that spells great summer reading,” Nevins said.

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane, published April 2023.

Recommended by: Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

Set in the same universe as Mystic River — Boston in the 1970s — Small Mercies is a story of the impact of integration and busing on traditional Irish communities, with mysterious disappearances and the constant threat of violence.

“Lehane has a great ear for dialogue and is one of our best writers in creating truly memorable scenes. This was the world Lehane grew up in, so this is a very personal story for him,” Herrmann said.

Weyward by Emilia Hart, published March 2023.

Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, manager and buyer of the children’s section at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

Weyward is a multi-generational story following a line of witches and their daughters.

“It’s a feminist POV [about] the historical importance for a woman’s right to choose safety in remaining independent,” Roy said.

h orror

Everything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca, published June 2023.

Recommended by: Ryan Clark, social media manager at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

“If you like your horror to leave you battered and raw, buckle up, I have your next read. Everything the Darkness Eats is bursting with malevolence, desperation, trauma and love. At times you will feel utterly consumed by the darkness, and at other times you will catch a glimpse of the light. This novel may be small, but it is a beast in its own right. Do not underestimate it. Eric LaRocca’s writing is gorgeous and addictive,” Clark said.

Mystery

All That Is Mine I Carry

With Me by William Landay, published March 2023.

Recommended by: Jan Locke, a buyer at Balin Books in Nashua. Has the perfect murder been committed, or not? How does a family, ripped apart by doubt, take sides against one of its own? This is a companion volume but not a sequel to Finding Jacob by the same author “This story really gets under your skin!” Locke said.

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Dirt Creek by Hayley Scrivenor, published August 2022.

Recommended by: Jan Locke, a buyer at Balin Books in Nashua.

Small-town secrets are buried in this close-knit community representative of the new mystery genre, rural Australian noir.

“Heart-wrenching, evocative and beautifully written, this still manages to be a very good police procedural,” Locke said.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson, published January 2023.

Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, manager and buyer of the children’s section at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

This is a cheeky Australian murder mystery that breaks the fourth wall to address the reader frequently.

“Narrated by the author of several ‘how to write a mystery’ books, but not a novelist himself, in this book we get a play-by-play account of one family’s disastrous family reunion weekend and a dirty laundry list of how each member has, as the title suggests, killed someone,” Roy said.

After unsuccessfully trying to murder his boss, instead of being arrested, Cliff Iverson is recruited to the McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts, the very fancy, well-rounded school for learning the art of homicide.

“Darkly funny, a bit like if A Series of Unfortunate Events was written for adults. This is by the same man who wrote ‘The Pina Colada Song’ way back when!” Holmes said.

Nonfiction

Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska by Warren Zanes, published May 2023.

Recommended by: Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

Warren Zanes writes about what this album meant to musicians at the time (he, with his brother Dan, were core members of The Del Fuegos), where it lands in the personal journey of Springsteen as an artist, and its enduring legacy.

“This is an in-depth and fascinating study of Bruce Springsteen’s album Nebraska, which took the world by surprise with its darkness and ragged simplicity in 1982,” Herrmann said.

Monster: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer, published April 2023.

I Have

Some

Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai, published February 2023.

Recommended by: Beth Nerbonne, patron service assistant at Hooksett Public Library.

A successful film professor and podcaster returns to the New Hampshire boarding school she attended where her former roommate was murdered. While she’s teaching a class as an adjunct there, interest in the case resurfaces and forces our protagonist to reconsider what she and everyone else has presumed was the truth.

“After reading Makkai’s Pulitzer Prize finalist, The Great Believers, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, and it didn’t disappoint. Filled with twists and turns and of course its connection to New Hampshire boarding schools, this title is one heck of a ride,” Nerbonne said.

Murder

Your Employer:

The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes, published February 2023.

Recommended by: Ryan Clark, social media manager at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

Recommended by: Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

This book had its beginnings as an essay in the Paris Review that went viral — “What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men?,” a question that also goes to the heart of professional bookselling.

“Claire Dederer, author of the memoirs Poser and Love and Trouble, has expanded her essay into a broad and fascinating study of the issue, and also a radical self-examination that is highly valuable. You’ll read about Picasso, Woody Allen, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson and many other well-known figures whose work endures even as their reputations are re-evaluated,” Herrmann said.

Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs by Jamie Loftus, published May 2023.

Recommended by: Jo Swenson, lead bookseller at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

Part travelog, part culinary history, part quirky memoir.

“Raw Dog is the horny socialist hot dog book you didn’t know you needed,” Swenson said.

Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder, published January 2023.

Recommended by: Katharine Nevins, owner and manager of MainStreet BookEnds of Warner.

From the streets of Boston, this wonderful writer of Mountains Beyond Mountains now brings us the story of Dr. Jim O’Connell, who invented ways to create a community of care for a city’s unhoused population, including those who sleep on the streets — the “rough sleepers.”

Woman, Captain, Rebel: the Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain by Margaret Wilson, published January 2023.

Recommended by: Mark Glisson, assistant director at Hooksett Public Library.

The title of the book tells it all: depicting Iceland’s famous female sea captain who not only succeeds against all odds in a sea-faring world dominated by men, but also solves one of the country’s most notorious robberies.

“This engaging story provided an eye-opening glimpse into a very unforgiving world of climate and culture faced by women,” Glisson said.

Picture books

The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Matt Patterson, published May 2023.

Recommended by: Katharine Nevins, owner and manager of MainStreet BookEnds of Warner.

“The Book of Turtles has amazing illustrations, is emotionally engaging with fact-filled

text, and speaks to the wisdom these long-lived animals can lend. … From Soul of an Octopus to The Good Good Pig, this best selling Hancock author has now produced another treasure in children’s books,” Nevins said.

Once

Sally Milz is a writer for The Night Owls, a late night Saturday Night Livetype sketch comedy show. When she falls for that week’s guest host, a handsome and slightly aging pop star, she approaches the relationship with the same ironic detachment she brings to her sketches.

in Concord.

Upon a Fairy Tale House:

The True Story of

Four Sisters

and the

They Built by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Giselle Potter, published May 2023.

Magic

Recommended by: Katharine Nevins, owner and manager of MainStreet BookEnds of Warner.

“This beloved children’s author from Wilmot has just released another glorious picture book, based on the true story from the 1930’s of four talented sisters who combined their efforts to create fairy tale cottages for themselves and others. … Childhood dreams can become adult realities,” Nevins said.

Romance

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood, published June 2023.

Recommended by: Katharine Nevins, owner and manager of MainStreet BookEnds of Warner.

“If you loved Lessons in Chemistry (by Bonnie Garmus), check out the latest STEMbased romcom, this time about rival physicists, academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans. This follows the earlier Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain. Guilty pleasure beach reads all around,” Nevins said.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, published April 2023.

Recommended by: Tricia Ryden, the adult services librarian at Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham.

“There are fun Saturday Night Live insider references, and plenty of romantic comedy tropes to enjoy in the novel. However, the relationship develops in 2020 in the shadow of the pandemic, which underscores that there are bigger and more important things going on, even in the world of this book, than this relationship. It also highlights the importance of embracing a chance at happiness when it comes your way. … A funny, smart, enjoyable read.” Ryden said.

Science fiction

The Measure by Nikki Erlick, published June 2022.

Recommended by: Paula Frank, a bookseller at Balin Books in Nashua. This is a thought-provoking story that follows the lives of eight individuals navigating a new reality when every adult on Earth learns how long they will live.

“I like to refer to this book as a philosophical thriller; as it unspools how individuals, governments and society wrestle with having this knowledge. The eight protagonists each have a different perspective and the way Erlick weaves the story and connects the characters is brilliant,” Frank said.

Youth and young adult

Live Your Best Lie by Jessie Weaver, published January 2023.

Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, manager and buyer of the children’s section at Gibson’s Bookstore

When a famous teen Instagram influencer winds up dead at her own Halloween party, it becomes a locked room mystery for her friends to find the enemy in plain sight. Everyone is hiding something, and all were being blackmailed by the not so perfect off-camera Instagram darling.

Opinions and Opossums by Ann Braden, published May 2023.

Recommended by: Katharine Nevins, owner and manager of MainStreet BookEnds of Warner.

The latest Opinions and Opossums is about how women are portrayed in religion.

“I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy the books from this Vermont middle-grade writer. She writes about kids trying to stand up for themselves even when things are tough, starting with The Benefits of Being an Octopus, and then Flight of the Puffin,” Nevins said.

The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, published May 2023.

Recommended by: Amy Lemelin, teen librarian at Rochester Public Library.

Nico and his boyfriend, Will, go on a quest to Tartarus to save a reformed Titan named Bob. The quest takes them on many adventures, where they meet interesting characters that change both kids in profound ways.

“Fans of the Percy Jackson books will appreciate the referencing to previous but not overdone plotlines. The book contains stories of friendship, growth, understanding, and trust, while also taking the reader on a thrilling adventure,” Lemelin said.

find landmarks, win prizes

NH Historical Society holds scavenger hunt

Discover New Hampshire’s hidden treasures, stories and landmarks during the New Hampshire Historical Society’s 603 History Hunt. Elizabeth Dubrulle, Director of Education and Public Programs, talked about the inspiration, challenges and prizes of this unique statewide scavenger hunt, which begins on July 1.

What inspired the 603 History Hunt?

When we were brainstorming ideas for our 200th anniversary, we planned an extra-special year across the board. We wanted to do a lot of things focused on our regular audience and our members, but we also wanted to do something more broad, for the general public and people who don’t normally visit us or come to our programs. We came up with this idea. We thought it would be a fun, lighthearted way to get people out and about in the summer to explore and appreciate New Hampshire … and to find out great things about New Hampshire that they probably didn’t know before.

What are some of the challenges that participants can expect to do during the hunt?

There are tons of different kinds of challenges. Most are pretty accessible to everyone, but we made a few of them pretty hard to [cater to] the whole range of experience people [have] with New Hampshire. There’ll be things like visiting the longest candy counter in the world … and visiting historic markers, statues and interesting tourist attractions … like the original engine on the cog railroad. There’s finding grave sites for famous people, like the author Willa Cather and Franklin Pierce. There’s visiting things like the Walldog murals in Keene and other kinds of hidden gems, like the Mercy Train in Manchester.

What experiences are you aiming for participants to have through these challenges?

We’re trying to get people to recognize how extraordinary New Hampshire is, and to just get a look at the world around them. … New Hampshire has had a really outsized impact on American history. A lot of famous people have come here or were born here. Things have been invented here. There have been a lot of firsts here. … We’re all so busy and doing so many things so many times. Sometimes we forget that we live in this great state with all these wonderful things to see.

How does the scoring system work?

It’s all run through a free app called Scavify. You download the app onto your phone and join the 603 History Hunt. On July 1, the challenges will be uploaded. As you complete each challenge, you either upload a photo or scan a QR code, whatever the challenge requires, and get points. The app automatically keeps track of your points. You can check the leaderboard at any time and see how you’re doing compared to other people. Each person plays as an individual; there’s no team function, but we encourage people to play as a family and go out and do it together. Everybody can have their own account, or you can have one account for your whole family.

What are the prizes?

We have some participation prizes, like if you complete five challenges you get a 603 History Hunt mug. If you complete 25 challenges, you get a 603 History Hunt baseball hat. Those can be picked up here at the New Hampshire Historical Society. We’re also having a free ice cream social on Aug. 5 for all the participants where people can pick up their participation prizes. There are also five competitive prizes. We’re still [confirming] some of the prizes … but the ones we have locked in are two passports for the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail, which gets you free admission into more than 20 museums around the state; … two tickets for the cog railroad; … and two tickets for Canobie Lake Park. We thought we’d keep in the spirit of things and give prizes that get people out and doing things. All of the competitive prizes also come with a free one-year membership for the New Hampshire Historical Society, which gets you free admission to the museum, archives and library, discounted admission to our workshops and special tours and free admission to all of our Saturday programs … which are lectures and collection highlight talks and stuff like that.

— Angie Sykeny

Matt Masur of Concord and his sons Bernie and Ben visit the Wentworth Coolidge House in Portsmouth. Courtesy photo.

Making waves on the sand

Sebastian ‘Subby’ Privitera turns the beach into a work of art

By Betty Gagne

If you’ve ever walked Hampton Beach’s Ocean Boulevard heading north past the strip during low tide, you may have seen some interesting patterns in the sand just before Boar’s Head. They look a bit like the beach’s version of crop circles, but don’t worry — there’s an explanation for these mind-blowing designs. They are the whimsical sand art masterpieces crafted by local artist Sebastian “Subby” Privitera.

What started as a hobby for Subby is now an integral part of his life. It all began some years ago when he’d take his family to the beach and build elaborate sand castles with his children.

“I wasn’t all that thrilled with being at the beach so I made some fun out of it,” he recalls.

Then, a neck injury impaired his ability to continue constructing the three-dimensional works of art.

“It’s a process that involves shoveling heavy sand and carrying buckets of water from the ocean,” he said.

Because of the damage to his neck, he was no longer able to enjoy his pastime.

Still, the artist in him loved working with the sand, and a new hobby was developed, which he says not only helps him relax but has now grown into a business. With just a pencil and an adjustable leaf rake for tools, Subby works the sand into detailed, multi-faceted patterns. His talent goes way beyond these dramatic designs, however; Subby fashions personal messages, logos and special occasion greetings to order. He shares his talent with others by giving sand art lessons and is currently booking private parties.

The tides, the weather and the time of

day all play important roles in contributing to sand art. Subby’s handiwork is temporary beauty, visible only for a short time until Mother Nature erases it.

“I like to work at sunrise because the light really enhances the colors and tones,” he shares. “I went out the other morning about three hours before low tide — that’s the best time because it gives me six hours to draw and photograph the design. Anyway, it was cloudy and I decided to hold off because I really wanted the rising sun in the background.”

You’d think such an artist would be upset that his work is so short-lived, but Subby good-naturedly says it doesn’t bother him anymore.

“At first it did,” he said, “but as long as I get my pictures, I’m good.”

Images of his designs have been made into a calendar, and personal messages can be photographed and matted in a frame for a price. There’s an art to photographing these amazing patterns too.

“I like to include a person in some of my pictures so people can see the actual size of the art forms.”

The sand on Hampton Beach has a good consistency for drawing and composing longhand, while Long Sands Beach in York, Maine, offers very hard sand, which is fine for creating designs but tough for writing messages.

“The sand can be different from one beach to another,” Subby tells us. “It can’t be done on soft sand; the sand has to be somewhat wet.”

He recently traveled to Provincetown at the Cape to scope out other beaches to share his craft.

Subby spends time doodling and sketching patterns on paper to come up with creative ideas for his art.

“Sometimes I’ll sketch or take a picture of something I’d like to draw,” he says. “But most of the time I work freehand — and sometimes I end up drawing something completely different from what I originally had in mind.”

“Anyone can learn how to create sand art,” Subby says. “There are people in other parts of the world who are doing the same thing as me. I follow some sand art-

ists in Europe and they’re way better at it than I am. But it’s my therapy, and I plan on doing it for a long time.”

Join him at Hampton Beach on July 21 and Aug. 21 from 8 to 11 a.m. as he demonstrates his craft for the public.

“I’m bringing extra rakes with me,” he said, “hoping some people will give it a try.”

Visit sandartbysubby.com or call 978807-0510 to learn more.

Courtesy photo.

Courtesy photo.

What sort of books do you enjoy reading?

“I love mysteries. I just finished a series by Karen Slaughter; she writes about solving crimes. I retired so I could spend more time reading.”

— baRbaRa of haMpton

Have you ever read a book more than once?

“ Yes. The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by Professor John Mearsheimer. I have a deep interest in international relations.”

— JaC k of h a M pton

Have you ever attended a book signing? Who did you meet?

“ Yes. I met Tony Mendez at a book signing in Washington, D.C., for his memoirs, which were made into a movie called Argo. ”

— Gis L aine of h a M pton

Do you have a home library? What books would we find on your shelves?

“A lot of books by James Patterson; I recently read a book written by him and Dolly Parton. I also have some books by local author Dan Brown.”

If you were to start a book club with friends, what book would you choose to read first?

“ It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. It’s one in a series, and it’s about a woman and her relationships with two men at different times in her life.”

— Lisa of RaYMond

Who is your favorite author?

“I read all kinds of books including history, war stories and military novels, but I’d say my favorite writer is Danielle Steel.”

Compiled by Betty Gagne at Hampton Beach.

— debbie of noRth haMpton

— Connie of newMaRket

Drinks with John FlaDD

Strawberry rhubarb collins

You know how you can be in a large crowd, almost overwhelmed by the dozens of conversations going on around you, but if someone 30 feet away says your name, it grabs your attention immediately? I have the same reaction if someone is discussing pizza or tells a knock-knock joke.

Knock-knock.

Who’s there?

From.

From who?

From “WHOM”! Jeesh, I can’t take you anywhere.

Have you ever wondered why that never happens when you’re watching a crowd scene in a movie? It’s because the background extras have been instructed to say a particular word to each other, over and over — one that is unlikely to grab anyone’s attention. If they just said, “blah, blah,” it wouldn’t sound right, but if they said actual sentences, it would run the risk of distracting from the lead actors’ lines.

The industry term for this is rhubarbing, because the mantra-like word they are instructed to say is often “rhubarb.”

So now you know that

Strawberry rhubarb collins

2 ounces vodka – I’ve been using Tito’s lately, and I’ve been pretty pleased with it.

2 frozen strawberries (about 1 ounce)

½ ounce orange curaçao

¾ ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice

¾ ounce rhubarb syrup (see below)

4 to 5 ounces tonic water

Blend the frozen strawberries and vodka thoroughly. If you have a miniature blender for making smoothies, this is an ideal use for it. Otherwise, mash the berries up with the vodka in the bottom of a glass with a pestle or a wooden spoon.

Strain the berry vodka through a finemeshed strainer, into the bottom of an ice-filled Collins glass. Add the curaçao, lemon juice, and rhubarb syrup. Stir thoroughly.

Top with tonic water, then stir again. Add a straw, and drink somewhere relaxing.

Obviously, strawberries and rhubarb are a natural combination; the sweetness of the berries plays off the tartness of the

rhubarb. Once in a while you will find a strawberry pie in the wild, or possibly a rhubarb pie, but straw berry-rhubarb is a reliable standby. They work well in this drink but get a little more backbone from the cit rusy curaçao. The lemon juice keeps everything from getting too sweet, and the slight bitterness of the tonic levels everything out while bringing fizzi ness to the table.

Early summer brings a lot of rites of passage — weddings, graduations, anniversaries. This is a good drink to sit and think. Not to brood — this isn’t Irish whiskey — but to take a minute and think about where your life is headed. It is an optimistic drink.

Rhubarb syrup

Clean several stalks of rhubarb, then chop it into smallish pieces, about 1-inch dice.

Freeze the chopped rhubarb for several hours, maybe overnight. This will allow large ice crystals to perforate all the cells and allow a lot of weeping (on the part of the rhubarb, hopefully not yours) when you cook it.

Combine the frozen rhubarb and an equal amount of sugar (by weight) in a small saucepan.

Cook over medium heat. As the rhubarb melts, the sugar will draw out its juice. You will be surprised at how much juice there is. About halfway through the cooking process you might want to help the process along with a potato masher or the bottom of a beer bottle.

When the rhubarb juice comes to a boil, stir it for a few seconds to make sure all the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat, and squeeze a small amount of lemon juice into it. Let it cool, then strain it and store the syrup in a bottle. It will keep for a month or more in your refrigerator.

Save the rhubarb pulp. It looks like it has come out on the losing end of a fight, but it is actually a super-delicious compote that is excellent on toast or ice cream.

John Fladd is a veteran Hippo writer, a father, writer and cocktail enthusiast, living in New Hampshire.

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oUt For a BitE

at poRt Cit Y sandwiCh Co.

Homemade sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods are among the stars of the menu at Port City Sandwich Co. (40R Merrimac St., Newburyport, Mass., 978-358-8628, portcitysandwichco.com), an eatery that has been a staple of Newburyport’s Market Square Historic District for more than a decade. Owner and Boston native Tyke Karopoulos, who runs the shop with his mother, Susan, previously had a career spanning nearly three decades in bars, nightclubs and restaurants. This included a stint working at The Capital Grille, a fine dining restaurant and steakhouse chain with locations in more than 20 states nationwide. “When I was running The Capital Grille in Boston, I had Thursdays and Fridays off,” Karopoulos said. “My wife and I would constantly leave the house to get a bite to eat. We’d stop all the time and we’d be like, ‘Where are we going to go?’ There was no sandwich shop like what we do. … I did this when I was in college. I worked at a sandwich shop in Newton, Mass., called Sandwich Works, which is actually still there now.” Shortly after getting a Capital Grille location in Manhattan off the ground, Karopoulos decided to pursue his own restaurant concept in Newburyport, where his wife is from. Port City Sandwich Co. originally served breakfast earlier in the day in addition to its lunch items, but has recently since transitioned into being open six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Scene recently caught up with Karopoulos to ask him some fun questions, including which celebrity he’d like to serve at Port City Sandwich Co., as well as his top picks for must-try menu item recommendations.

How long has Port City Sandwich Co. been around?

We opened Jan. 9, 2012.

What makes Port City Sandwich Co. unique?

Everybody’s trying so hard to be different, I always felt, and … what we were lacking was just that basic sandwich shop where you can go in and get a turkey sandwich how you want it. … We have an assortment of breads, an assortment of toppings, but you can make your own sandwich. If you were to walk into a Panera Bread right now, and you walked up to the register and asked the person on the register for a turkey sandwich on wheat bread with lettuce, tomato and mayo, you’d watch that person freeze, because it’s not on their computer; they have

all their funky sandwiches and how they do them. I wanted it to be simple, but homemade. … We try to make every single thing that we can in house.

What is your favorite thing on your menu?

The Jamaican jerk chicken wrap, a.k.a. the “Pat Chung.” … My last two years at The Capital Grille, I was almost like the concierge for the New England Patriots. Patrick Chung was one of my best friends for years when he played for them. He was half Jamaican and half Chinese, and we have the Jamaican jerk wrap and the chicken teriyaki wrap. He got to pick either one for me to put his name on it, and so he picked the jerk wrap. … [It has] lettuce, tomatoes, red peppers and ranch dressing, and then we have

the Super Jerk, which is that jerk wrap but on steroids. It has hummus, tzatziki and feta cheese in it.

What is something that everyone should try?

The California wrap with jerk chicken. … It’s like a club, so it’s lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado [and] ranch dressing. Alone, it’s amazing, but if you switch the chicken out and put the jerk spice on it, no one’s ever come back and had it the regular way.

What celebrity would you like to see eating at Port City Sandwich Co.?

Tom Cruise. … People used to tell me that I resembled him, and so that kind of sticks in your head. But I love his movies. … I’ve gotten to meet a ton of celebrities, though,

from the Wahlberg brothers to LL Cool J, to Wayne Gretzky to Tom Brady [and] the entire Patriots team, to every single visiting sports team in the country.

What is an essential skill to running a restaurant?

The only businesses that are still open through the pandemic are the ones that were owner-operated. … I’ve been here since 2012, [and] I run the day-to-day operations.

What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?

I’ve always just liked living close to the water, period. I know I could never live in a landlocked state. … Being able to get to the ocean and to see the ocean, I think that we’re all kind of spoiled for having grown up here.

All photos courtesy of Port City Sandwich Co. in Newburyport, Mass.

beings made of fire, water, earth and air live and work together, sometimes uncomfortably, in element City, the new world new York City of elemental, pixar’s newest animated movie.

Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis) is the young adult daughter of Cinder (voice of Shila Ommi) and Bernie (voice of Ronnie Del Carmen), immigrants to Element City from Fireland. These flame people (literal burning, flickering flames in a humanoid shape) are part of the most recent of Element City’s many waves of newcomers, which is why their Fire-language names get Ellis Island-ed into Cinder and Bernie and why there is a kind of fear and prejudice against them. None of the Earth or Water residents of Element City wanted to rent an apartment to a pregnant Cinder and Bernie when they first arrived, which is how they ended up in a dilapidated (but not flammable) brick-looking building. Over the years, they fixed it up and opened a market on the bottom floor offering authentic Fireland food. The business thrives, and from a young age Ember is told one day it will be hers. As she has gotten older, Bernie seems eager to hand the market over, if only Ember can prove that she won’t let her flame-y temper get the better of her (and occasionally incinerate some of the stock).

During a big sale, Ember is told to take the lead but finds she has to rush to the basement to do a little private exploding when her frustration with customers gets too much. She inadvertently shakes loose some rickety plumbing, causing a leak of water which includes the Water-person Wade (voice of Mamoudou Athie), a city building inspector. He was sucked into the pipe while inspecting a leak and tearfully tells Ember he will have to write many citations — 30, as it turns out — for all the non-permitted work done to the place, which will result in the business being shut down. After he leaves, Ember chases him down trying to get him to reconsider, a chase that leads her where she never goes — outside her Fire Town neighborhood and into the wider Element City. Ember and Wade spend a day trying to track down supervisors who can possibly override the citations, a day that finds Ember experiencing new things outside of Fire Town and Wade becoming besotted with Ember.

Eventually we learn that while Ember feels her life has been plotted out for her and that to be a good daughter she must take on the store, Wade feels sort of aimless, floating through jobs and regretting all the things he and his father didn’t say to each other before his father died. We also learn that while Ember is a wiz at making market deliveries, her true skills lie in turn-

ing sand and glass shards into intricate and artistic new works of tempered glass.

Who is the villain, my kids wanted to know before we saw this movie. As it turns out, xenophobia, the intergenerational pressures of immigrant families and municipal infrastructure neglect are this movie’s “villains.” My elementary schooler’s response? Phrases like “is this movie over yet?” and “can I go to the bathroom again?” At its core, this is a love story between two, like, 20-somethings I guess. It’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding but made in cartoon form (and without Andrea Martin), which makes me question its appeal to any kid audience and not just my kids who want someone being at least naughty as well as a bit of action.

This movie’s intergenerational dynamics also had me thinking about last year’s Pixar movie Turning Red, an infinitely better take on the idea of parental expectations in a family with immigrant roots. In that movie, as with this movie, the central daughter is chafing under the expectations of a parent and trying to balance her own desires with her sense of obligation to her family. In Turning Red, though, the central character is a young teen whose antagonist is frequently her mother in a very relatable way to pretty much any girl and mother. (Sure, they both turned into giant red pandas, but their whole dynamic still felt both very specific to those characters and very familiar to all mothers and daughters.) Here, the character saying “why can’t I just be a good daughter” feels older, more removed from the kids in the audience and less likely to have the adults in the audience saying “yes, that fire-person is me!” the way I felt I’d totally been that giant red panda. What’s particularly disappointing about the core “is this movie over yet?”-ness of this movie is that the ideas about the Fire, Water, Air and Earth people are interesting — how they move through the world, how they interact with each other — and

well-portrayed visually. There are cute bits (a lot of them in the trailer) about, for example, Wade’s family’s swank apartment being essentially a giant swimming pool or Bernie’s food being temperature-hot (and treated as though it was spicy-hot). But these little moments and visual elements are high-quality garnishes without a substantial main dish. C+

Rated PG for some peril, thematic elements and brief language, according to the MPA at filmratings.com. Directed by Peter Sohn with a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh, Elemental is an hour and 49 minutes long and distributed in theaters by Walt Disney Studios.

the flash (pG-13)

the dC extended Universe hurls easter eggs at you for two and a half hours in the flash, the first stand-alone (-ish) outing by ezra Miller’s titular superhero.

The pelting with, just, stuff — canon, all the canons, but also facts and names and little callbacks — is relentless. And once again we dive into a multiverse, the mention of which caused me to sigh a weary sigh. I don’t inherently hate the multiverse as a story concept but I just feel like it’s one of those things that has been so much a part of the movie soup lately, particularly in our two competing comic book-based cinematic universes. At one point a character explains the multiverse and the consequences of time travel by essentially referencing (and contradicting) a similar bit of explanation in a Marvel film. I think the moment is meant to be cute but it induces a bit of that soul-crushing feeling you get when you come across a giant pile of unwashed laundry or a sink full of dirty dishes at the end of the day. “Ugh, more of this?”

Barry Allen (Miller), the Justice League superhero known as The Flash, is still out there superheroing, saving babies and a dog from a collapsing hospital with his super speed and the like. He’s also working a job

in criminal forensics and trying to help his father, Henry Allen (Ron Livingston), get his conviction for murdering Barry’s mother Nora (Maribel Verdu) overturned. His frustration at the lack of evidence that will exonerate his father sends him running, running so fast that he repeats the Speed Force he used to help save the day at the end of the Snyder Cut of the Justice League. In that movie, the Speed Force helped him go back in time a few seconds; this time he goes back in time a full day. He realizes that he may be able to go back even farther, far enough perhaps to prevent the murder of his mother. Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) tells him not to mess with time, but Barry can’t resist.

He tweaks the past just enough that his mom won’t need to send his dad to the store at the moment when someone breaks in and stabs her. And it works — he sees, in a kind of reconstructed flow of time, his mom living to celebrate more birthdays and other key life moments. Before he can make it all the way back to his present day, though, a spikey monster appears and knocks him into a point sometime after when his mother would have been killed but before Barry’s present. He goes into his house to find his mother, alive and well, and his father, not in prison, and enjoys a meal with them before he sees himself, some five or so years younger, walking to the house. He goes outside to waylay Young Barry and the two begin to strategize together about how to get Original Barry home to his time.

An attempt to give Young Barry The Flash powers accidentally strips Original Barry of his — and just as General Zod (Michael Shannon) shows up looking for a citizen of Krypton. Thus does Barry turn where he always turns, to Bruce Wayne. But instead of the Batffleck, Barry goes to Wayne Manor and finds an older Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), who had long ago put away the Bat suit.

Yada yada butterfly effect yada yada multiverse — some spaghetti is involved in alt-Bruce’s exposition about what has likely happened. And, look, it was cute when Spider-Man: No Way Home or even the recent Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse riffed on all the Spider-Men worlds and characters we’ve seen over the last few decades. This movie essentially does that too, going back even further into DC’s past. There are moments when this works, but never quite so well as that “gathering of Spider-Men” in No Way Home where there were some emotional things happening. Here, it feels more, well, thrown at us — hey, remember this thing? Remember the Tim Burton Batman theme song? Remember Man of Steel?

When the movie isn’t putting all its weight on this load-bearing nostalgia, it’s leaning entirely on Miller, wringing every

last comedy drop out of Original Barry being annoyed by Goofy, Happy Younger Barry. And then the movie tries to use the Lessons Learned (sorta) by both as the emotional core of the journey and it didn’t feel entirely earned.

The trailer gives it away so I feel comfortable talking about one of this movie’s bright spots: Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle), Supergirl who in the Young Barry universe was held prisoner in Russia. As nifty as it is to see the Keaton-era Bat-stuff, I think this new addition to the DC world is my favorite part of this movie. Her terrible treatment means she’s not as hopeful about humanity as Superman(s) but she still has a sense of duty (she was meant to take care of young Kal-El) and a general Super-ness about her. Don’t get me wrong, she gets like an inch of development but for a franchise that generally does not do great by its female characters, the little bit we see of Kara is promising.

I feel like to some extent, if this is your

Drowning, by T.J. Newman (Avid Reader Press, 293 pages)

If you haven’t read T.J. Newman yet, best get started. She is one of the hottest names in publishing right now, having seemingly emerged out of nowhere to sign multi-million deals that will put her two novels on the big screen. The first was 2021’s Falling; her new book is Drowning. Both are fast-paced thrillers set on a plane, drawing from Newman’s experience as a flight attendant, a job she took after failing to capitalize on her musical theater degree on Broadway. Both are best read on terra firma, not in the air.

In Falling, Newman gave us a Coastal Airlines pilot who learns midflight that his family has been kidnapped by terrorists who will kill his family if he doesn’t intentionally crash the plane. Coastal Airlines — the most cursed fictional airline since the TV show Lost gave us Oceanic — is back in Drowning, in which a plane with 99 souls on board has a catastrophic engine failure less than two minutes into a flight out of Honolulu and has to “ditch” — airline lingo for the dreaded “water landing.”

It’s unclear why Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger could land an Airbus A320 on the Hudson River without fatalities in 2009, while Coastal Flight 1421 — an Airbus A321 — could not, but ours is not to wonder why. Ours is to sit nervously in the grips of a book that author Don Winslow described in his jacket blurb as “Apollo 13 underwater.” The squeamish and claustrophobic

thing, you rushed out and saw this movie, maybe the Thursday night it came out, and have read all the discourse and “Easter Eggs you missed” stuff online and you liked it or have beef with it but either way watching it is sort of your fan obligation. It’s the DCEU (or whatever it becomes as these films transform into new people’s vision) and it’s something you’re going to do regardless of how good any one movie is or isn’t. (The way Marvel fans do with Marvel output, the way Sex and the City fans can’t help but watch And Just Like That.) But for the casual superhero fan or someone just looking for a good popcorn movie, The Flash feels like more work than entertainment. C

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity, according to the MPA on filmratings.com. Directed by Andy Muschietti with a screenplay by Christina Hodson and Joby Harold, The Flash is two hours and 24 minutes long and is distributed in theaters by Warner Bros. Pictures.

ed passengers’ lives as they frantically try to come to grips with what is happening. We meet the flight attendants Molly and Kaholo, the co-captain Kit, the elderly couple who had traveled to Hawaii to celebrate their anniversary, the newlyweds, the newly divorced woman taking her first solo vacation, the unaccompanied minor, the requisite jerk whose death we won’t mind. When the plane goes into the water, some passengers die right away; others make the ill-fated decision to exit and take their chances in the water.

least chance of killing the people inside the plane and those who are trying to rescue them.

The language is sparse to the point of comical when viewed with a critical eye:

“A baby started to wait. The mother held her tight and sang a soft song into her ear. No one had a clue what was going to happen. Uncertainty brought fear. Fear created anxiety. They prayed. They cried. They texted goodbye to their loved ones.”

will never make it through the movie when it comes out, but can probably suffer through the book just fine. Probably.

The story revolves around a family of three which used to be a family of four — an engineer named Will, his estranged wife Chris, and their 11-yearold daughter Shannon. The couple had another daughter who died in an accident, and the relationship had broken from the weight of the tragedy.

Shannon is spending two weeks away from home, and Will is accompanying her on the flight because he is so anxious about something happening to his only surviving child. That setup seems unnecessarily campy given that the stakes are already so high, but Newman employs every trick to keep her readers engaged.

The entire family is brainy — Will had designed their Honolulu home so that even the position of the sun works to make it comfortable, and Chris is an industrial diver who — conveniently, as it turns out — owns an underwater salvage company. One criticism of Newman’s first book is that the circumstances so much require the suspension of disbelief, and that is certainly true here. (What are the odds that the mother of one of the children trapped on an underwater plane is an industrial diver? One hundred percent in a T.J. Newman book.)

There is no lengthy build-up to the disaster: Will notices the engine on fire on the first page, and we are rocketed into assort-

Only 12 stay behind — some following the advice of Will, who realized the risks of exiting the plane as a fire raged and fuel spilled into the sea — others because they just can’t get out in time. Not long afterward, the plane starts to sink and eventually comes to a precarious stop on the point of a cliff. Water is seeping into the cabin, but there is enough air that Will, Shannon and the other passengers can function normally, at least for the time being. Each new section of the book ominously gives an update on how much oxygen they have left: “2:48 p.m. 2 hours and 47 minutes after impact. Approximately 2.5 hours of oxygen inside plane.”

Meanwhile, on land, the military-led rescue operation somewhat improbably grows to involve a certain industrial diver whose estranged spouse and child happen to be on the plane. There is conflict over which of the severely limited rescue options has the

So you already know where this is going. And you probably have a decent idea how this will end. But that’s OK, because Newman, who looks to be her generation’s James Patterson, is a master at the carrot-and-stick formula that builds tension into every bite-sized chapter. A lot can go wrong even after a commercial jet lands in the ocean, let’s put it that way. And things are going wrong long past the point at which you’d think things should be starting to resolve.

There was a full-scale bidding war over the film rights, even before the book was released May 30. The excessively campy video trailer for Drowning says “the best film of the summer is a book.” It’s not wrong. The book reads like a screenplay, and therefore must be judged like one. No one will swoon over Newman’s prose, but in the summer thriller genre, in which literary standards relax quite a bit (like office dress codes on Casual Friday), she’s at the head of her class. B —

Jennifer Graham

sparkling celebrations

• Exeter Independence Day Celebration: The American Independence Museum is hosting its 32nd annual American Independence Festival later than the holiday. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum and meet with vendors, learn about cooking during the Revolutionary War, and watch military reenactments. Saturday, July 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1 Governor’s Way, Exeter. Free admission. Visit independencemuseum. org.

• Hampton Beach fireworks: Tuesday, July 4, 9:30 p.m. On the beach, across from B and C streets. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• Portsmouth fireworks: Monday, July 3, 9:15 p.m. (rain date is Wednesday, July 5). South Mill Pond, Junkins Ave. (across from Portsmouth City Hall). Visit portsmouthnh.com.

• Rye live music and fireworks: Friday, June 30. Live music will start at 6:30 p.m., fireworks will start at dusk. Parsons Field, Rye. Visit town.rye.nh.us.

• Strawbery Banke naturalization ceremony: Come and celebrate Independence Day by welcoming new citizens in one of the oldest neighborhoods in New England. Tuesday, July 4, 9 a.m. Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. Visit strawberybanke.org.

b ook Revie W

t hursday, June 29

Exeter

Swasey Parkway: Reminisants, 6 p.m.

Hampton

Bernie’s: Adam Luffkin, 7 p.m.; The Expendables w/ Passafire, 8 p.m.

Bogie’s: live music, 7 p.m.

CR’s: Dog Fathers, 6 p.m.

The Goat: Taylor Hughes, 9 p.m. L Street: Bob Tirelli, 2:30 p.m.; Johnny Angel, 7 p.m.

McGuirk’s: Dune Dogs, 7:30 p.m.; Sean Buckley, 8 p.m.

Sea Ketch: Lewis Goodwin, 1 p.m.

Sea Shell: Nashville Line Dance, 6 p.m.; Raquel & The Wildflowers, 7 p.m.

Smuttynose: Jonny Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Wally’s: Alex Anthony, 3 p.m.; Every Avenue + Sparks the Rescue, 8 p.m.

Whym: music bingo, 6 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light: Dana Brearley, 7 p.m.

The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.

Seabrook

Backyard Burgers: Jennifer Mitchell, 6 p.m.

Red’s: The Mockingbirds, 7 p.m.

friday, June 30

Dover

Fury’s: Wizzardess & Friends, 7 p.m.

Exeter

Sea Dog: Christopher Voss, 6 p.m. Shooters: The Accidentals, 6 p.m.

Hampton

Bernie’s: InsideOut!, 8 p.m.; Dylan Welch, 8 p.m.

Bogie’s: live music, 7 p.m.

CR’s: Dog Fathers, 6 p.m.

The Goat: Alex Anthony, 9 p.m.

L Street: Craig Lagrassa, 2:30 p.m.; Chris Powers, 8 p.m.

McGuirk’s: Kieran McNally, 1 p.m.; Redemption, 6 p.m.; Sean

Buckley, 8 p.m.

Sea Ketch: KOHA, 1 p.m.; Chris Perkins, 8:30 p.m.

Sea Shell: Yellowhouse Blues Band, 7 p.m.

Smuttynose: Clandestine Funk, 6:30 p.m.

Wally’s: Chris Toler, 3 p.m.;

Memphis May Fire, 8 p.m.; Stefanie Jasmine Band, 9 p.m.

Whym: Ramez Mataz, 6:30 p.m.

Portsmouth Gas Light: Jonny Friday, 2 p.m.; Blue Matter, 7 p.m.; Krystian

Beal, 9:30 p.m.

The Goat: Chris Toler, 9 p.m.

Mojo’s: live music, 7 p.m.

Seabrook

Chop Shop: Fast Times (80s tribute), 6:30 p.m.

Red’s: Time Bandits, 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 1

Exeter

Sea Dog: Laura lee, 6 p.m.

Hampton

Bernie’s: MB Padfield, 1 p.m.; LuffKid, 8 p.m.

Bogie’s: live music, 7 p.m.

L Street: live music, 8 p.m.

McGuirk’s: Mason Brothers, 1 p.m.; Leeds, 7:30 p.m.; Sean Buckley, 8 p.m.

Sea Ketch: Ralph Allen, 1 p.m.; Dave Clark, 8:30 p.m.

Sea Shell: Sweep the Leg, 7 p.m.

Smuttynose: Ryan Williamson, 1 p.m.; Jim Devin Band, 6:30 p.m.

Wally’s: Wildside, 9 p.m.

Whym: Travis Rollo, 6 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light Pub: Jodee Frawlee, 2 p.m.; Redemption Band, 7 p.m.; Scotty Cloutier, 9:30 p.m.

The Goat: Mike Forgette, 9 p.m.

Summer in the Street: Seacoast Wind Ensemble, 5:30 p.m.

Salisbury

Black Bear: Rebecca Turmel, 2 p.m.

Seabrook

Chop Shop: live music 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Red’s: live music, 8 p.m.

South Hampton

Tuxbury Pond: Dan Morgan Band, 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 2

Hampton

Bernie’s: Justin Jordan, 7 p.m.; Maddie & Tae, 8 p.m.

Bogie’s: live music, 7 p.m.

L Street: live music

McGuirk’s: Carlie Carazzo, 8 p.m.

Sea Shell: 39th Army Band, 7 p.m.

Sea Ketch: Sam Hammerman, 8:30 p.m.

Smuttynose: 21st & 1st, 1 p.m.; Dis n Dat, 5:30 p.m.

Wally’s: MB Padfield, 2 p.m.

Whym: live music, 1 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light: Caylin Costello, 2 p.m.; Dapper Gents Trio, 6 p.m.

The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 9 p.m.

Seabrook Beach Deck: 2 of Us, 4 p.m.

Dover Cara Irish Pub: open mic, 8 p.m.

Hampton

Bernie’s: Brett Wilson, 7 p.m.; The Quasi Kings, 8 p.m.

L Street: live music, 4 p.m.

McGuirk’s: Kieran McNally, 1 p.m.

Sea Ketch: Jodee Frawlee, 8:30 p.m.

Sea Shell: Club Soda, 7 p.m.

Wally’s: MB Padfield, 2 p.m.

Portsmouth Gas Light: Austin McCarthy, 2 p.m.; Mitch Alden, 7:30 p.m.

Seabrook

Red’s: music bingo, 7 p.m.

tuesday, July 4

Hampton Bernie’s: 7 Day Weekend, 7 p.m.

L Street: live music, 4 p.m. McGuirk’s: Craig LaGassa, 1 p.m.

Sea Ketch: KOHA, 1 p.m.

Sea Shell: The Continentals, 7 p.m.

Shane's: music bingo, 7 p.m.

Wally’s: Mike Forgette, 3 p.m.; musical bingo, 7 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light: Justin Jordan, 2 p.m.; Dis-n-Dat, 7 p.m.

The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.

Seabrook

Backyard Burgers: music bingo with Jennifer Mitchell, 7 p.m.

Red’s: country night, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, July 5

Hampton

Bernie’s: Alex Anthony Trio, 7 p.m.; Chris Toler, 7 p.m.

Bogie’s: open mic, 7 p.m.

L Street: live music, 4:30 p.m.

McGuirk’s: Karen Grenier, 1 p.m.

Sea Ketch: Austin McCarthy, 1 p.m.; Clint Lapointe, 8:30 p.m.

Sea Shell: Ray of Elvis, 7 p.m.

Wally’s: Jonny Friday Duo, 3 p.m.; live band karaoke, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light: Jodee Frawlee, 7:30 p.m.

The Goat: Charlie Chronopous, 9 p.m. Press Room: open mic, 5:30 p.m.

Seabrook

Chop Shop: DJ Manny awesome DJ event, 7:30 p.m.

t hursday, July 6

Hampton

Bernie’s: Daylan Welch, 7 p.m.; Collie Buddz, 8 p.m.

Bogie’s: live music, 7 p.m.

CR’s: Ross McGinnes, 6 p.m.

L Street: live music, 4:30 p.m.

Sea Ketch: Paul Lussier, 1 p.m.; Lewis Goodwin, 8:30 p.m.

Sea Shell: Nashville line dance, 6 p.m.; King Kountry, 7 p.m.

Smuttynose: Rob & Jody, 6:30 p.m.

Whym: music bingo, 6 p.m.

Portsmouth

Gas Light: Dave Ayotte Duo, 7 p.m.

The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 9 p.m.

Seabrook

Backyard Burgers: Jennifer Mitchell, 6 p.m.

Hampton Seafood Festival 2019. Photo courtesy of Hampton Chamber of Commerce.

Concerts Venues

3S Artspace

319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, 766-3330, 3sarts.org

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, 929-4100, casinoballroom.com

Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club

135 Congress St., Portsmouth, 888-603-JAZZ, jimmysoncongress.com

The Music Hall 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org

The Music Hall Lounge 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org

Press Room 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 431-5186, pressroomnh.com

The Strand 20 Third St., Dover, 3431899, thestranddover.com

The Word Barn 66 Newfields Road, Exeter, 244-0202, thewordbarn.com

s hows

• Curtis Stiegers Thursday, June 29, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Chase Rice Thursday, June 29, 8 p.m., Casino Ballroom

• Diaspora Radio Presents: Silk Sonic Thursday, June 29, 9 p.m., Press Room

• Ben Sollee Thursday, June 29, 7 p.m., Word Barn

• Grace Kelly Thursday, June 30, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• A Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare Friday, June 30, 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m., Music Hall Lounge

• The Rockdwellers & Friends Friday, June 30, 8 p.m., The Strand

• Michael Franti & Spearhead Thursday, June 30, 8 p.m., Casino Ballroom

• Rufus Wainwright Thursday, June 30, 8 p.m., Music Hall

• Badfish (Sublime tribute) Friday, July 1, 8 p.m., Casino Ballroom

• Pink Talking Fish Saturday, July 1, 7 p.m., Press Room

• Skating Polly Friday, July 1, 8 p.m., Press Room

• Kate Henry Friday, July 1, 8 p.m., Stone Church

• Bella’s Bartok Saturday, July 1, 7 p.m., Word Barn

• Dead to the Core: An Acoustic Celebration of the Grateful Dead Sunday, July 2, 7 p.m., Word Barn

• Eddie 9V Saturday, July 2, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Darrell Scott Wednesday, July 5, 7 p.m., Music Hall Lounge

• Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Wednesday, July 5, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Sugaray Rayford Thursday, July 6, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Rumours—A Fleetwood Mac

Tribute Thursday, July 6, 7:30

p.m., Music Hall

• Trevor Hall & the Great

In-Between Thursday, July 6, 8 p.m., Casino Ballroom

• Julie Rhodes Friday, July 7, 7

p.m., 3S Artspace

• Damn Tall Buildings Friday, July 7, 7 p.m., Word Barn

• Kirk Whalum Friday, July 7,

7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Victor Wainwright & The Train Saturday, July

8, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Club d’Elf Saturday, July 8, 8 p.m., Stone Church

• Gimme Gimme Disco Saturday, July 8, 8 p.m., Casino Ballroom

• Pat Travers Band Saturday, July 8, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House

• Mimi Fox Sunday, July 9,

7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Bob James Tuesday, July 11,

7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Stillhouse Junkies Wednesday, July 12, at 7 p.m., Word Barn

• The Joanna Connor Band

Wednesday, July 12, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Straight No Chaser—The Yacht Rock Tour Wednesday, July 12, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall

• The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Thursday, July 13, 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m., Music Hall Lounge

• Bettye Lavette Thursday, July 13, 7:30 p.m., Jimmy’s

• Marvel Prone/Summer Cult

Thursday, July 13, 8 p.m., Music Hall

• Survive the Sun Thursday, July 13, 8 p.m., Stone Church

Comedy

Stone Church 5 Granite St., Newmarket, 6597700, stonechurchrocks.com

e vents

• Take Me To Church with Stephen Francescone Stone Church, Thursday, July 6, 7:30 p.m.

• Kathleen Madigan Casino Ballroom, Saturday, July 22, 8 p.m.

• Gabe Mollica Music Hall Lounge, Saturday, July 22, 8:30 p.m.

• Robert Kelly Music Hall

Lounge, Thursday, July 27, 8:30 p.m.

• Howie Mandel Music Hall, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Monday

• Red’s (530 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-0030, redskitchenandtavern.com),

signup at 8:30 p.m., from 9 to 11 p.m. Hosted by DJ Zati.

Wednesday

• Community Oven (845 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 601-6311, thecommunityoven.com) at 6 p.m.

Venues

Casino Ballroom

169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, 929-4100, casinoballroom.com

The Community Oven 845 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 601-6311, thecommunityoven. com

The Music Hall Lounge

131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org

Press Room

77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 4315186, pressroomnh.com

Rochester Opera House 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 3351992, rochesteroperahouse.com

• Jimmy Tingle Music Hall Lounge, Saturday, July 29, 6 & 8:30 p.m.

• Tom Papa Casino Ballroom, Friday, Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.

• Cindy Foster Press Room, Saturday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m.

• Jen Kober Music Hall Lounge, Sunday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.

• Pinky Patel Music Hall, Thursday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.

• Bassem Youssef Music Hall Lounge Friday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m., and 9 p.m.

• Michael Carbonaro Music Hall Lounge, Friday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.

• Smuttynose (105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton, 4364026, smuttynose.com) at 6 p.m.

• Revolution Taproom and Grill (61 N. Main St., Rochester, 244-3042, revolutiontaproomandgrill.com/upcoming-events) at 6:30 p.m.

• The Thirsty Moose (21 Congress St., Portsmouth, 427-8645, thirstymoosetaphouse.com) at 7 p.m.

Thursday • Mitchell BBQ (50 N. Main St., Rochester, 332-2537, mitchellhillbbq.com) at 6 p.m.

Friday • Gibb’s Garage Bar (3612 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, gibbsgaragebar.com) from 8 to 10 p.m.

You can rely on your blind spot monitor — but do your part

Dear Car Talk:

Being an octogenarian, I am all into the safety features of the new cars, especially the blind spot monitoring. Without it, it is not as easy to change lanes as it was when I was young and supple.

We test new cars all the time. Some of them have large, bright warning lights on the A-pillar or inside the side-view mirror that really grab your attention when a car is approaching from behind. Some newer cars even project the warnings through the windshield via a head up display.

blind spot monitor and when you start to change lanes, that moron could be in your way. Or, if someone changes into the next lane at the same time you are, the system might miss that.

By Ray Magliozzi

My question is: How reliable do you feel the blind spot monitor is? To put it another way -- can I trust it with my life? If not, there is no point in having it. — Art

I think you can, Art. I mean, no technology is 100% perfect at all times. But I’ve found blind spot monitoring to be extremely reliable and accurate.

And you’re absolutely right. It’s an enormous improvement in driving safety. I think we’ll look back on when we used to snap our necks around and look backward while driving at 70 mph and think that was both dangerous and barbaric.

I’ll give you two caveats, Art. One is that while the detection technology works really well, the warning part of the system varies from car to car.

The best systems add further preventative steps if you try to change lanes despite the warning. Some, if you put on your turn signal to change lanes, will sound an additional, audible warning if it’s not safe. Others will actually nudge the steering wheel to keep you in your lane or vibrate your seat to get your attention. Those systems make it really hard to screw up.

The weakest systems, on the other hand, have small and dim lights in the side-view mirror that you have to look for — rather than lights that grab your attention.

So, look for a system with warnings that are highly visible to you and have additional protections.

The second caveat is that any technology can fail or fall short. Ask the Apollo 13 crew. In the case of blind spot monitors, if someone is speeding in the lane next to you — going 90 mph while you’re going 65 — between the time you check the

So even though the technology is great, it’s always good to check your mirrors, signal and move over slowly -- to give someone a chance to honk if they happen to get around your warning system.

Dear Car Talk:

I used to own a 2000 or 2001 Pontiac GT something or other. The car had numerous issues over a short time; fuel gauge stopped working, oil pressure sending unit failed, heater stuck on hot. But the car did have one nice feature -- a head up display for speed and other items.

Since dashboard real estate is at a premium, why hasn’t the head up display been embraced by more automotive manufacturers? — Bob

I guess you haven’t driven the 2023 Pontiac something or other yet, Bob. Head up displays are becoming much more common now.

It’s a great feature. There’s a small pro-

jector built into the top of the dashboard, and it projects information in a way that makes the info appear as if it’s floating at the end of your hood. So, you can see it at the bottom of your field of vision as you watch the road.

It allows you to see key information like your speed and urgent warnings without taking your eyes off the road.

More recent head up displays have even more information. You can see navigation directions, who’s calling when you get a phone call, the speed limit, and more. Some work with the electronic safety equipment to show you when someone’s in your blind spot or when you’re too close to a car in front of you.

It’s all great stuff. The more your eyes are on the road and not looking down, the safer you’re going to be — until they start showing reruns of “Friends” on your windshield.

Right now, we see head up displays in just about every high-end car we test drive. And we’re starting to see them on midpriced cars now, too. So before too long, they’ll work their way down the market to Pontiac something or others, too. Visit Cartalk.com.

beaCh bUM fUN HOROSCOPES

All quotes are from A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, by Colin Jost, born June 29, 1982.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) The one sport I was actually good at was swimming. … But I peaked at the age of eight. You can have more than one peak.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) The highest grade a host of an awards show can possibly achieve is a B-plus. … Everyone seems to have some magical person in their heads who should host. Give a bench player a chance.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) For those of you who don’t know, Speech and Debate is like Track and Field for nerds. And that’s saying a lot, because Track and Field is already pretty nerdy. Say a little, say a lot.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) That’s what Harvard was like: thinking you’re pretty good at something, then meeting someone who is really good or maybe even one of the best in the world. Pretty good, meet really good.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Some of you think you know me, but you’re actually just thinking of the villain from an ’80s movie who tries to steal the hero’s girlfriend by challenging him to a ski race. They’re similar, but not the same.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) There’s a reason Johnny Depp is an actor and not a portfolio manager at Merrill Lynch. Probably more than one.

At your NH Liquor

Taconic Barrel Strength

Bourbon Item 4934

Rated 92.5 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible - Taconic Distillery’s Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon has a beautiful bouquet of spice and honey with gentle notes of vanilla coming out to provide for a smooth finish. Aged a minimum of 5 years at 115 proof.

On Sale for $57.99

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) I ‘walked on’ the crew team, which is what they call it when the coach humors you and lets you join the team, mostly for his own entertainment. At least someone’s having fun.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) If I didn’t have an outlet as a writer and as a performer, I don’t know what I would have done. It would have been like trying to rap, but in outer space. Drop a beat.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) I’m still learning how to speak and not be afraid of what comes out. But … once I get going, it will be okay. Get going.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) But even though I loved being in the water, I never enjoyed swim meets. … For example, going down a slide is awesome. But if you had to show up every day for slide practice at 7 a.m. and then compete against your best friend in slide competitions, while grown-ups screamed at you to slide better, until your friend won and you cried, slides would seem a lot less awesome. Slide.

Aries (March 21 – April 19) So while I sat in the lifeguard chair (ostensibly monitoring lives), I would read textbooks about finance with titles like Investor’s Guide to Treasury Bonds and The Mechanisms Behind the Stock Market. It is good to expand your knowledge….

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) When I watched SNL or Letterman as a kid, I understood that humans were involved in making those shows, but I never thought that I could be one of those humans. And yet!

NEW INDEPENDENT & LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS

Cask&Crew Walnut Toffee Whiskey Item 8083

With our Walnut Toffee Whiskey and its layers of caramel, vanilla, and honey plus bitter notes of nutty walnut, other whiskeys can only dream of tasting so sweet. It all makes for the perfect drink to sip while winding down after a long week or kicking off a great night with your crew.

On Sale for $21.99

Great whiskey enjoyed with great friends is the best recipe for connection. By giving our Straight Rye Whiskey a second dose of new, charred, oak barrel, we allow for a genuine connection between cask and whiskey—and between you and your crew.

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Distilled and bottled in Columbia, Tennessee. Finished in New American Oak barrels for a minimum of 4 years using a No. 4 Char inside the barrels. Mash Bill 80% of locally grown No 2 Dent Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Malted Barley.

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This exceptionally smooth whiskey has wonderful notes of vanilla, oak and honey, creating a crisp yet sweet nose. Sweet and crisp floral fragrances with notes of vanilla and oak. Hint of honey, warm vanilla and spicy oak with an exceptionally 100% single malt smooth finish.

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Walrus Blood is an American Rye Whiskey uniquely bottled with a pair of Hungarian oak cubes which have been charred and then soaked in port wine for six months. In the bottle, the charcoal and wine from the cubes imparts flavor, darkening, and complexity to the whiskey.

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Unaged and clean with intense aromas of fresh agave. Vibrant with lemon peel, black pepper, and minerals. Smooth as silk, with a slight sweet kick on a lengthy finish, which is so easy it’s criminal.

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A tequila with character and tradition which reminds us of its origin, capturing a robust flavor of slightly toasted oak and fresh agave.

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Last Week’s Answers: FLEA WASP MOTH CRICKET TERMITE / WALRUS MONKEY FERRET ALPACA / SNOW RAIN / MATH SCIENCE / SOUTH WALES

123 Organic Blanco Tequila Item 3628

1921 Reposado Tequila Item 3928

Yellow Bird Tennessee Whiskey Item 1561

Cask&Crew Double Oaked Rye Whiskey Item 4319

3 Great Shops in One Seacoast NH Destination!

Come visit our historic properties filled with a wide variety of antiques, art and collectibles. Our eclectic shops feature over 100 dealers offering buyers a true shopping destination.

Route 1 Antiques

Dealers welcome • Tax Free NH

Route 1 Antiques

- Since 1975106 Lafayette Road Hampton Falls, NH 03844 • (603) 601-2554

www.route1antiques.com

Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm Closed Tuesdays

The Collector’s

Eye

The Collector’s Eye

-

The Brickhouse

Visitors to the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam can now bring home a new, and permanent, souvenir of their visit. The Associated Press reported that tattoo artist Henk Schiffmaker and others are doing a residency within the museum called “A Poor Man’s Rembrandt,” where tourists can get inked with sketches by the famous artist. Schiffmaker calls it “highbrow to lowbrow. And it’s great that these two worlds can visit one another.” The tattoos cost between $54 and $270.

Wait, what?

Employees of Taqueria Garibaldi restaurants in northern California got an unusual -- and unorthodox -- perk during work hours, USA Today reported. Employees testified in court that a person who identified as a priest was called in to hear workers’ “confessions.” “The priest urged workers to ‘get their sins out’ and asked employees if they had stolen from the employer, been late for work, had done anything to harm their employer or if they had bad intentions toward their employer,” according to a release from the U.S. Department of Labor. But the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento said it could find no connection between the alleged priest and the diocese. An investigation found that the restaurants had denied overtime

pay and threatened employees with retaliation, among other “sins,” and the owners were ordered to pay $140,000 in damages and back wages.

the tech revolution

In an office building in Durham, North Carolina, nine scientists are hard at work in Duke University’s Smart Toilet Lab, The News & Observer reported. Sonia Grego told the paper that she and her colleagues “are addressing a very serious health problem” -- gut health. The toilets in the lab move poop into a specialized chamber before flushing it away. There, cameras are placed for image processing, and the resulting data can give doctors insights into a patient’s gut health. Startup Coprata is testing pilot versions of the smart toilets in a few dozen households; after the data is gathered, users can access it themselves on a smartphone app. “The knowledge of people’s bowel habits empowers individuals to make lifestyle choices that improve their gut health,” Grego said.

insult to injury

Mark Dicara of Lake Barrington, Illinois, allegedly shot himself in the leg on June 12 while dreaming of a home invasion, Insider reported. Dicara grabbed his .357 Magnum and fired -- which instant-

ly brought him to consciousness. There was no intruder in the home. Police found him in bed with a “significant amount of blood.” He was charged with possession of a firearm without a valid Firearm Owners Identification card and reckless discharge of a firearm.

it’s come to this

Cedric Lodge, 55, and his wife, Denise, 63, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, were indicted in federal court on June 14 after it was revealed that they allegedly were stealing and selling human body parts, the Associated Press reported. Lodge was the manager of the Harvard Medical School morgue until May 6, when he was fired. He and his wife offered a shopping opportunity at the morgue, where buyers could pick which donated remains they wanted. The Lodges would then take the items home and ship them through the mail. The parts included heads, brains, skin and bones. Three others were indicted: Katrina Maclean, 44, of Salem, Massachusetts; Joshua Taylor, 46, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania; and Mathew Lampi, 52, of East Bethel, Minnesota. Prosecutors say they were part of a nationwide network of people who buy and sell human remains. Harvard called the actions “morally reprehensible.”

Smooth reaction

When Martin Trimble, 30, tried to rob a convenience store in Durham, England, in May, the shop owner got the best of him: He lowered the store’s steel shutter, trapping Trimble on his back half in and half out, and waited for authorities to arrive. Once Trimble realized he was pinned to the ground, Fox News reported, he popped open one of the beers he’d tried to steal and drank it as he waited to be arrested. Trimble pleaded guilty on June 16 to attempted robbery and possession of a knife and was sentenced to three years in jail.

bright idea

Self-pitying Belgian TikTokker David Baerten, 45, has a morbid sense of humor -- or a fragile ego. According to Sky News, Baerten and his family decided to “prank” his friends by faking his own death because he felt “unappreciated” by them. The funeral, which took place in early June near Liege, drew a crowd of friends and family, who were shocked when a helicopter landed nearby and Baerten stepped out. “What I see in my family often hurts me. I never get invited to anything. Nobody sees me,” Baerten said. “That’s why I wanted to give them a life lesson.”

Sources according to uexpress.com. From the editors at Andrews McMeel Syndication. See uexpress.com/contact

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Answers will appear in next week’s paper.

Puzzle

Puzzle b from 6/22

Puzzle b

Puzzle a

JoNeSiN’ CRoSSWoRd BY MATT JONES

“Can’t Make heads or tails”— no need to flip out.

Across

1. Shoe store stats

7. Mess up

11. Adds to an email

14. Implant firmly

15. “___ Kleine Nachtmusik”

16. Stadium cheer

17. Really, really cold Newton fruit?

19. Root beer brand

20. “Wheel of Fortune” option

21. “Star Wars” actor Guinness

22. “Dancing Queen” band

23. Be noisy upstairs

25. Relaxation partner

27. Upscale hotel amenity

29. Tapioca pearls

31. Ludicrous comedies

35. Swiss Roll alternative

37. New York team

39. String quartet member

40. Getting the most out of the Russian fighter plane?

43. Slowly, musically

44. Unexciting

45. 2000 Radiohead album

46. Stella ___ (Belgian beer)

48. Maple syrup sources

50. Animation frame

51. Les Etats-___

53. “The White ___” (show with Jennifer Coolidge)

55. Bit of heckling

R&R

58. Skirt style

60. Terrier seen in “The Thin Man”

62. WWW address

63. One response to “Doctor, I think

I’m an 18-wheeler”?

66. Appropriate start?

67. Vampire chronicler Rice

68. New York city where Mark

Twain lived

69. Shepherd’s pie bit

70. Ornery

71. Flowed slowly

Down

1. “Asteroid City” director Anderson

2. Road stops

3. Gives subtle help

4. Namely

5. Mix

6. “Come ___?” (“How are you?” in Italy)

7. Plummeted

8. Long-term inmate

9. Charitable acronym

10. Request fervently

11. Rooster’s crest

12. Symbol on a card

13. “Virtua Fighter” game company

18. Safety restraint

22. In danger

24. ___ Lisa Vito (“My Cousin Vinny” role)

26. File menu option

27. Legendary Dolphins coach Don

28. Baffling question

30. Geographical reference

32. “Get Fuzzy,” e.g.

33. Skip over, as a vowel

34. “Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!” host Peter

36. Gigging

38. Mogadishu’s country

41. “Whole Lotta Shakin’ ___ On”

42. ___ baby (one who gets famous through family ties)

47. Gymnast Biles

49. Palomino’s pad

52. Steam room

54. 1972 Bill Withers single

55. Revive, as a battery

56. Part of HOMES

57. “Frozen” heroine

59. Marvel superhero group

61. Suffix after billion

63. Orange tuber

64. “All right”

65. “Frozen” actor Josh

© 2023 Matt Jones

answer from 6/22