Beatles for sale (finally) on iTunes

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Nearly 50 years after the Beatles took television by storm, the Fab Four's songs became available on iTunes on Tuesday, setting the stage for a possible new outbreak of Beatlemania - this one online.

Second deer and elk tags discounted

COEUR d'ALENE - For hunters who want more hunting opportunity this fall, second general season deer or elk tags are available at a discount.

Stocks rally around world after Fed action

WASHINGTON - Global stock markets staged an explosive rally Thursday, embracing a move by the Federal Reserve to try to rejuvenate the U.S. economy by buying $600 billion in Treasury bonds.

Things to watch for…

I frequently search for wine on the internet. Not to buy of course, but to find pictures of the labels so we can include them in our weekly wine special, the “Friday Night Flights,” or for tasting notes from the producers to see if the winemaker got the same things from their wine as I did. I also search to find wine for our customers when they request we special order some of their favorites that we don’t have on our shelves. All of this and other reasons lead to a lot of internet searches.

Your choices

For the next couple of months, wine consumers will be bombarded with this list and that list of the best wines. From big box retailers to wine publications, there will be many interpretations of what constitutes a great wine. As a wine writer who also works daily with customers, I take a different approach, highlighting the wines that you, North Idaho wine consumers, think are the best, based on which ones you come back and buy over and over again. As we say, what matters most is what you like. So here are the wines you have voted for, not in a survey, but with your pocket books and money clips.

National activity reflects some improvement in real estate

Some good news this past week from the national market as reported by the National Association of Realtors.

Furniture makers raise prices as their costs increase

RALEIGH, N.C. - Furniture companies are raising prices despite fears that higher costs could kill off a rebound just as recession-shocked shoppers appear willing to spend.

Strong holiday for retail sales

Sales from beginning of season offset late December slump

NEW YORK - The holiday shopping season was the best since 2006, as a strong November more than offset spending that tapered off in late December.

Don't be afraid, hearing well is worth your time

Last week I had an open house for Lyric extended wear hearing aids called “Lyric Days.” Because I am a true independent audiologist, I don’t have big pockets for advertising like some of the franchise offices, so it was a big deal for me.

For a few dollars more

Cd'A City Council to consider buying local, at a higher price

What buyers want and what Realtors want

At times it may seem these are opposing views, but really they are the same. As most things it comes down to communication. A buyer begins sharing what they want by describing the house of their dreams, immediately the Realtor starts showing them properties either by email or by taking them to homes. Neither discusses agency relationships, lending options or sharing of recent statistics and how these will affect the buyer's buying opportunities.

GAS PRICES: This should be priority

All  levels of government seem to be purposely ignoring rising gas prices again. Scuttle this ramrod health care reform now and concentrate on low-level gas prices. When gas price are up, we pay more for everything we buy. Can’t the dunderheads figure this out?

Some stores open on Thanksgiving

Sales bring shoppers, grumbles

NEW YORK - Not all Americans tucked into turkey with their families on Thanksgiving. Some were out shopping, hitting sales ahead of the crowds expected Friday.

SILVER PINE ADVERT: What's the difference between growth investing and value investing?

When you invest for growth, you are typically seeking capital appreciation over the long term.

'This is essential'

Staples has become the second major chain to announce the mass closing of stores this week, providing the latest evidence of how the retail landscape is being remade by shifts in American shopping habits.

Poll: Obama benefits from economic gains

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is reaping political benefits from the country's brighter economic mood. A new poll shows that Republicans and Democrats alike are increasingly saying the nation is heading in the right direction and most independents now approve the way he's addressing the nation's post-recession period.

Redfin settles lawsuit alleging housing discrimination

The lawsuit alleged Redfin’s minimum home price policy violated the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against sellers and buyers of homes in communities of color

Some of the best surprises

As wine shop owners and wine consumers, we have tasted a lot of wine over the last five years. I mean, a lot. We have tasted countless wines in all kinds of formats from blind tasting during the judging for the North Idaho Wine Rodeo, to weekly tastings with distributors, to trying a previously unknown production while out to dinner. There are always surprises on both sides of the equation. Sometimes you're disappointed by a wine you thought you'd love, sometimes the one you dread to try turns out to be a pleasant epiphany.

Three steps for Boyles easy as ready, aim, fire

Marc and Kinsey Boyle came to North Idaho last year to pay tribute to Marc’s grandfather, a former Navy pilot who built a house in Bayview before he died almost 30 years ago.

Elk tags go on sale Monday

All capped elk zones, other than the Sawtooth Elk Zone, will go on sale at 9 a.m. July 10. Tags are first-come, first-serve and available at all Idaho Fish and Game license vendors, Fish and Game regional offices, at Gooutdoorsidaho.com on Fish and Game’s mobile app, or by calling (800) 554-8685.