U.S. stocks gain as Greece appears to be willing to negotiate

NEW YORK - Hopes that a deal could be reached between Greece and its creditors pushed stocks higher on Wednesday.

Was March just a hiccup in economy?

Why job growth and cheap gas aren't doing what they should

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Starting your own collection

Most all wine consumers that really enjoy wine reach a point where they prefer to have some of their favorite bottles around to choose from on any given night.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Our holiday favorites 2020

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is “What do you like drinking right now?”

What I will drink this spring

The most common question from readers and customers alike is “What is your favorite wine to drink?” A variation on the question is “If you only had one bottle to drink what would it be?” Both are unanswerable for me. The truth of the matter is there are many wines I enjoy so to narrow down to a bottle or even a varietal, or for that matter even a color is nearly impossible. Here are some of my favorites so far this spring though.

Craigslist risky source for real estate deals

A reader called to warn us about a Craigslist scam on a local rental property. She was looking for a rental house on Craigslist and found a promising 3 bedroom, 2 bath, almost 1,500-square-foot possibility. The price was fantastic at $700 per month. She called the number on the listing and the “story” sounded promising.

Sheldon Adelson, casino mogul and GOP power broker, dies

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire mogul, Republican mega-donor

Wall Street soars to best day since summer, S&P 500 up 2.6%

For markets to make a meaningful move higher, many investors say they need to see a break in inflation that gets the Fed to ease off its aggressive path

HEALTHCARE: In Obama we trust

How refreshing to hear a voice of reason and reality about the Bush tax cuts (to the wealthiest) coming to an end. Thank you Chad. The bottom line is we cannot continue entitlements and bailouts while cutting taxes and have a healthy economy.

COLUMN: Too far to the right, Dean

I discovered a column last month by Dean Haagenson. One bizarre idea he expressed was withholding citizenship until a person completes some kind of term of service.

The art of labels

I have said many times that nothing I or any other wine professional says will change a wine from one you like into one you don't or vice versa. Also true that a great label will never turn bad wine into good or make a mediocre wine taste better, however when you combine great wine with great labels, label will sell every time! Whether it be the art on the front of the bottle or a clever story on the back, it enhances your overall experience with the wine and will cause folks to pick similar quality wine at similar prices based on the label alone.

Anthem at Lake Forest West

Neighborhood of the Week

The newest addition of Lake Forest West in Coeur d’Alene continues the development’s established approach to success. Anthem at Lake Forest West is all about quality construction with highly-desired standard features in a prime, central location.

POLITICS: A GOP warning

If Biden wins: Harris will take over; repeal of all tax cuts, so businesses will go overseas.

TAX: Nonsmokers should share burden

In reading the writings of proponents of raising tobacco taxes, I have a different perspective. Over many decades, tobacco taxes have funded highways, bridges, parks and more. Nonsmokers have gotten a free ride, and now want more from a segment of our society.

China's inflation rises on higher pork, vegetable costs

Nation's inflation in August edges up to 2 percent, driven by pork, vegetable costs

Feeling stronger every day

Report: Americans feel more confident in economy

Bernanke reiterates Fed forecast of 2011 growth

Speech shows effort to find Fed consensus

JACKSON, Wyo. - Ben Bernanke is struggling to build consensus among Federal Reserve officials about what steps are needed - if any - to give the economy a boost.

Golden gift for PAHA

Century 21 Beutler and Associates agents donate $10K toward affordable housing project

Throughout the year, those in the Agents With Hearts of Gold program donate a percentage of each transaction that is tallied at year’s end and given to a nonprofit.

How health care case will unfold

Supreme Court to hear arguments beginning Monday

How to select charities worthy of your money

Many readers let me know in no uncertain terms that my recommendation to donate to the Red Cross to help hurricane victims was a bad idea. The primary concern they voiced was that the salaries of the executive staff of the Red Cross were too high. The overall administrative costs of charities, relative to what they end up donating to the intended recipients, is the critical test.