As is our monthly tradition around here, we now present our favorite utterances from the August issue of San Francisco's "most exclusive news magazine". Provided (mostly) without commentary and in no particular order. This month's theme: Music and Merrymaking. Observe:

In her Letter from the Publisher, Gazette chief Lois Lehrman takes a moment to respond to a reader's concerns that the magazine is often out of touch. Reader "ASF" writes in:

I haven’t read the NHG in a few years, but picked up a copy of the July issue. Your Letter to Readers was shocking. Can you really be so insensitive to the suffering in this country (and the world) as a remnant of the economic crisis? Are you channeling Marie Antoinette?

To which, Mrs. Lehrman responds:

"The Nob Hill Gazette considers our readers to be erudite, involved citizens who closely follow world news, as I do... For instance, you might know of gal-about-town Angelique Griepp because she topped our recent Annual Best Dressed List, but did you know she’s on a board dedicated to fighting human trafficking and using high-tech solutions to do so, including a computer app?"

As Lehrman goes on to explain, it's not the Gazette's duty to bring you bad news (the Internet already does that for you). Rather her magazine, "serves as a respite from the weight of the world." So, with that in mind, on to the meat of the magazine:

  • "The happy talkfest, now a yearly tradition, took place in Tommy Toy’s private dining room, and featured such delicacies as minced squab with crab won ton, filet mignon, peach mousse, and―surprise! — free issues of the latest Gazette. Publisher Lois greeted her guests with a warm welcome, noting that this year’s group was especially attractive and articulate." - From Merla Zellerbach's "Annual Power Brokers Pow-Wow" writeup of Mrs. Lehrman's hosted luncheon for the "stars of the local real estate world."

  • "Restyling old fur stoles or jackets into more modern 'caplets,' tippets, and trims is a great way to upcycle auntie's trophy mink into something you can wear to Starbucks or the symphony." - From Jennifer Raiser's "Wine, Woman(ly), and Long" fall fashion forecast.

  • "The multi-themed [Opera Ball 2011] evening will begin with a cocktail reception to take place virtually inside [event producer Robert Fountain]’s imagination (actually situated in the lobby of the War Memorial Opera House). Patrons will wind their way to the tented Opera Ball Pavilion to experience An Evening in the Forbidden City (while dining on a sumptuous meal served by McCall Associates). Following the standing ovations for Puccini’s opera, Turandot, patrons will return to the pavilion for dessert and dancing into the wee hours―to the music of the Bill Hopkins Rock’n Orchestra, a group that Clint Eastwood says is, 'The best, when they start their jumpin’ and jivin’.' ” - From Sandra J. Swanson's "Who 'Ya Gonna Call" piece on current party planning trends.

  • "Susan and Anne Marie revealed another opulent aspect of the opera opener: Ferrari of San Francisco, an Opera Ball sponsor, will park a few Ferraris for viewing (but not test-driving) at the valet entry, and début the new Ferrari FF (FF stands for Ferrari Four: four seats and four-wheel drive). The car boasts 12 cylinders up front and room for golf clubs and skis in the back. It can zip you to Pebble Beach or Tahoe at speeds up to 208 mph, although you’ll probably want to stick to the speed limit. If that isn’t enough, the kids have a two-screen infotainment center in the back seat." - From Sandra J. Swanson's Upper Crust preview of the aforementioned Opera Gala.

  • "While this Subaru accomplishment demonstrates how good affordable cars have become, it also raises a tough question. What does the producer of the premium-price car offer to ensure sales? Ferrari knows the answers. Bentley knows the answers. The Germans know, too. Do the Americans know, with our Lincolns and Cadillacs?" - From Martin Swig's "Car Guys Versus Bean Counters" piece in this month's Wheels section.

  • "The tradition of drinking before dinner began during Prohibition. Before dining at restaurants where alcohol could not be served, customers would imbibe at speakeasies during promotional 'cocktail hours' or 'happy hours.' Nowadays, of course, we can enjoy our food and drink together. In fact, happy hour in the US, and San Francisco in particular, seems more and more attuned to the tapas culture of Spain." - From James Stolich's "Happy Hour Hot Spots" writeup for the Taste section.

  • "For the last 15 years, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test has been a mainstay of conversation in the doctor’s office, around dining tables, and in the locker rooms of country clubs. It seems clear that all men should be screened for prostate cancer, much the same way that women are screened for breast cancer with an annual mammogram. Doesn’t it?" - From Dr. Jordan Shlain's Health section piece, "To PSA Or Not To PSA, That Is The Question!"

  • "This is what has become of mainstream Hollywood. The real money is made by dumbing down witty comedies, smart gals, and stories that could have been contenders. International money depends on fewer words, special effects, and scantily clad girls. Hollywood has found a 'plot' of gold that costars with 'stupid,' and the box office numbers prove this sad formula works. Add merchandising and product placement to the equation, and these movies continue the downward spiral to the land of dumb and dumber." - From Emmy winner Jan Wahl's column titled, "The Babe Bias - Women in American Movies".

  • "As soon as you drive into the Napa Valley in late summer and early autumn, even with the car windows rolled up, you can smell the grapes." - From Sandra J. Swanson's wine country report, "Getting Down and Dirty at the Napa Valley Reserve".