This week on Facing the Future, former CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf of Harvard's Kennedy School discusses the need for making hard choices on the budget and a big gimmick Congress is considering to avoid doing that.

Winter sports were the focus Thursday. Hockey East correspondent John Leahy joined us to update his league’s post season tournament. We also had a visit from Tenney Mountain Ski Area owner Steve Kelly who talked about the men’s and women’s professional ski races this weekend and the resurgence of Tenny Mountain. www.skitenney.com

Wednesday’s program featured Dan Weed of Weed Family Automotive in Concord. Dan discussed the New Hampshire House’s vote last week to eliminate the state’s annual vehicle inspection requirement. The bill now goes on to the N.H. Senate. Elimination of the program could lead to a loss of federal highway funding.

What makes for a great garden? Were you thinking fertilizer pellets made from wool? How about biochar inoculated with worm casting tea? No? Perhaps tree sprays made from fermented fruit droppings plus a few other ingredients? Well, today we talk with Ethan and Amy Sagar from the Again & Again Farmstead in Tamworth about their innovative techniques being used on their farm. Plus we toss in a quick chat about their recent visit from the folks from NH Chronicles!

The North American Hockey League regular season is coming to an end with the New Hampshire Mountain Kings looking to clinch their first playoff berth. Join co-hosts Ken Cail and Alex Posani for this edition of New Hampshire Mountain Kings Catch-Up featuring team forwards Jack MacDonald and Cole Roenick.

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, Artful Living will celebrate with some Irish history, music, and song. Join our host, Jane Cormier, as we enjoy a musical and festive St. Patrick's Day together!

Well it was apparently "take a friend to work day” today as I had the privilege of sitting with Gary Locke and Greg Gaskell. Topics covered ranged from the tv show “Severance” to a fundraiser for the Hatbox Theatre happening in April to Gary trying to convince us he was once a body double for Roger Moore. (We had a hard time believing it as well.) Greg is a crazy talented writer, especially comedic, and we talked a lot about what he’s currently invested in and then he asks Gary and I what roles or types of roles we still be interested in taking on. Some other friends get honorably mentioned as well: Aaron Compagna, Alex Picard, Wayne Asbury, Emily Karel and more!

On Tuesday’s show we welcomed Milford Middle School 8th grader Andrew Flockton. Andrew’s mission is to re-design the New Hampshire flag. His efforts are currently being discussed in the state legislature. Also on Tuesday, Kimberly Heckler, author of the new book about her late mother in law, “A Woman of Firsts: Margaret Heckler, Political Trailblazer.”

Today on Artful Living, it is Trivia Day! Come along with us, and see if you know scenes from famous movies, tv theme music, and Disney classics.

Monday’s show featured our Hockey East correspondent, John Leahy, who reviewed the final weekend of the regular season and previewed the first week of the post season. Also on Monday, the welcoming of a new Prime Minister for Canada, a farewell to former Bruins captain Brad Marchand and a re-cap of a great weekend for the Concord High School hockey teams.