FOOD: A modest proposal

I think I’ve found the perfect solution for getting more food in the food banks (see Bare Bank Blues, Feb. 4 Press). Those of us who hesitate about spending an outrageous amount for a food item and continually see the price increase every time we shop: JUST STOP BUYING. That way the big suppliers and stores will have more to give to the food banks, less it goes to waste. (Don’t forget, they write this off their taxes.)

We are off to a good start

Figures released Friday by the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service show the market moving steadily forward. On the whole, we have generated 10 percent more revenue from real estate sales than during the same period in 2014.

Alcohol deregulation, the wine industry

I have been asked many times now by customers and readers about my feelings on proposition 1183 in Washington state and its effect on the wine industry and the prospects of a similar law here in Idaho.

Traders recall the 'rush' and 'roar' as famed pits close

Feel young again - or maybe dead

A consumer called me last week asking about an ad they saw for testosterone supplements. Print media, radio and TV advertising are filled with messages aimed at men, promising renewed health, bigger muscles and increased sexual performance.

Sandpoint post office reopens after crash

The Sandpoint post office is open for business. Crews quickly responded Saturday night to board up the damaged wall where a car crashed into the building earlier that afternoon and, at 8:30 a.m. Monday, the post office reopened the building to the public.

Finding cool Android smart phone apps

Ask The Propellerheads

Dear PropellerHeads: I was thinking about getting an Android phone. Can I get those cool iPhone apps for my new phone?

Gas prices steady

Some even fall

Gas prices steady

Time to ketchup on acquisitions

Heinz buy puts spotlight on big deals

NEW YORK - Warren Buffett and a fellow billionaire are teaming up to snap up the Heinz ketchup company, marking the food industry's biggest ever deal and yet another sign that the lifeless merger market is finally picking up.

Luna stumps for education reform

SANDPOINT - Community Hall filled up fast Tuesday night to check out Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna's presentation on Idaho education reform laws up for voter approval.

Nonresident general season deer, elk tags on sale next week

Tags for many popular deer and elk hunts are expected to sell out fast

Fed action not panacea for real estate

While it is true that the announcement of the Fed's intent to buy $40 billion of Mortgage Backed Securities was received well by Wall Street and interest rates pierced previous historic lows, consumers may not see much impact beyond this point. With several months of already low rates, lenders have been very busy. It is unlikely then, that they will be compelled to drastically lower these already low rates to entice more borrowers, especially with new fees for banks on the horizon.

Let's make a late-summer deal

September. It’s already September.

A matter of timing

If you take prescription medication to control high blood pressure, a slight change in your daily dosing schedule may provide you with an important advantage. New research indicates that taking blood pressure medications at bedtime instead of in the morning reduces the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems by about two-thirds.

Home blood sugar monitoring

There is no question that diabetics who carefully monitor their blood sugar levels stand the best chance of avoiding complications commonly associated with the disease. To this end, it helps greatly for diabetics to utilize home blood sugar monitoring kits that enable them to analyze their blood sugar levels by testing a drop of blood from a pricked finger on a test strip that is placed in a meter.

Truck show this weekend

Event includes outdoor show of vintage trucks

The second Inland Northwest Truck Show is taking place through Sunday at the Greyhound Park and Event Center in Post Falls.

Consumer sentiment stays near 6-year high

Opinion: Please, awaken me!

I seem to be descending into a nightmare.

Housing market off to solid start

Spring could see more inventory, sales

He said investors are coming back to the market and start buying property and homes again, showing an increased confidence.

Cautious consumers pull back on spending

WASHINGTON - U.S. consumers grew more cautious last month amid wild stock market swings, zero job growth and heightened concerns that the economy has weakened.