The perfect pairing

Much of the enjoyment and passion many of us feel for wine is driven by the powerful memories we have of some of our earliest wine experiences. We had dinner just last night with one of our most knowledgeable and sophisticated wine appreciating friends. We talked of our time living in wine country and some of the old restaurants we frequented.

Thank you to all our veterans

November, the 11th month of the year, is upon us again. The month that is synonymous with the end of campaigns and decisions finally made on election day; the changing of the weather from beautiful Indian summer to the onset of winter; darkness cast on us earlier each day; Veterans Day; and Thanksgiving.

Schools: Bond is only way to pay

The Board of Trustees for the Coeur d'Alene School District has directed the Superintendent to run a $32.7 million school bond on Tuesday, Aug. 28 to provide major renovations to five of our most aging schools as well as security and technology upgrades across our district. Supporting this bond was not an easy decision for me to come to but I can tell you in all truthfulness that I do, in fact, support it.

Pain: Body-self neuromatrix

What happens in our body to elicit pain when we slip on the ice, take a fall while skiing or get diagnosed with a chronic disease like fibromyalgia? Pain is described as a physical discomfort or some type of suffering caused by illness or injury. We may have always thought of pain as purely subjective, meaning each of us might describe the pain differently, from a fall down the stairs or a crash on our sled. Some might describe the pain as a stiffness with a dull or achy feeling. Others might say it is sharp, shooting or incapacitating in nature.

Time for a toast

It is indeed that time of year when we gather with friends and family. Celebrations are bigger, and each in our own way, a bit more extravagant. We spend more, but not always in dollars. Many times, we just commit more of our own emotion and energy into creating a special get-together, be it large or small. We raise our glasses and toast our collective health, our thanks for the past year, and wishes for the coming one.

Pain: Body-self neuromatrix

What happens in our body to elicit pain when we slip on the ice, take a fall while skiing or get diagnosed with a chronic disease like fibromyalgia? Pain is described as a physical discomfort or some type of suffering caused by illness or injury. We may have always thought of pain as purely subjective, meaning each of us might describe the pain differently, from a fall down the stairs or a crash on our sled. Some might describe the pain as a stiffness with a dull or achy feeling. Others might say it is sharp, shooting or incapacitating in nature.

Fight, flight or rest and digest?

We are all athletes, even if we don't know it. We are faced with competition, training and recovery needs for our body daily. Our body seeks to live in a state of equilibrium that allows us to work at an optimal level. We must be able to adapt to the physiological, psychological and environmental stressors that we are presented with in order to be healthy athletes.

LEADERS: Commendable courage

I would like to thank the leaders of our cities in Kootenai County who had the wisdom but most of all the courage to order the closing of restaurants and bars. It’s unfortunate that our governor chose not to do this a week ago as we heard stories of Washington folks coming over the state line to our restaurants and bars since theirs had been closed by their governor.

SHOLEH: Shines light on goodness

I appreciated Sholeh Patrick’s column of Aug. 20 … well put and ever so true. Thanks for the reminder that our world actually isn’t crumbling around our ears because of our current, rather toxic political climate.

INSURANCE: Get up to date

With fire season at hand, and the cost of building materials skyrocketing, I called our insurance agent to see if all of our properties were effectively covered for REPLACEMENT costs.

PACT ACT: Senators, congressmen voted no

So, how did our senators and representatives vote on the Honoring our PACT Act (HR3967)?

Community leaders’ life lessons rooted in school sports and activities

Some of the wonderful characteristics of business and community leaders in North Idaho throughout the years include hard work, innovation, honesty, integrity, conservative values, kindness, fiscal responsibility, equal opportunity, personal accountability, love for family, quality education, and support for community.

CHRISTIANS: Be heard on Nov. 2

I have been hearing a lot about Christian voters who are staying at home this election year. How can that be? If, as a Christian, we are unhappy or dismayed at our country as it stands today, we have 545 elected officials in Washington who are there by our permission. In Matthews it says we are the salt of the Earth. Salt is a wonderful ingredient for preserving and flavoring. If we are the salt of the Earth and the salt loses its flavor, there will be groaning throughout the land. And believe me it looks like there is groaning throughout the land. If our officials in Washington are elected by us, then we have only ourselves to blame if things go wrong. This is one of the most critical elections of our times, never has so much been at stake. We, The People (in very large letters) starts the words in the Constitution. It doesn't say, we the government. We, the People elect our officials and when the Christian vote stays home, as in 2006 you can see what happens. Now we are facing a landslide toward Democratic control of the House, Senate and Whitehouse. Without a dissenting vote, whatever laws they favor will easily pass with no opposition except for a few right thinking participants.

Economic impact of public art

I've always believed strongly that public art can be held high as an economic development tool in so many ways. It attracts attention and appreciation, creates a forward-thinking mentality for a community and can provide an economic edge.

Spoil your sweetheart with snuggly toys from Alpaca Direct

Add a twist of luxury this Valentine's Day with a signature stuffed toy from Alpaca Direct! Our stuffed teddy bears, alpaca, bunnies and puppies are perfect romantic gifts - let them "deliver" a box of chocolates, a bouquet of roses or a sparkly surprise. Or, simply wrap one in a big bow and watch her heart melt!

UI committed to openness, safety

Guest Opinion

COUNSELORS: Try this instead

The Coeur d’Alene Press has asked citizens to support our Coeur d’Alene 271 school board by commenting about the need for counselors. The Idaho School Counseling Model and Rules Governing Uniformity for the state of Idaho are the controlling documents that discuss counselors. Not surprisingly, neither document allows “academic counselors” to act as psychological counselors for potentially suicidal students in junior and senior schools in Idaho.

Let the whining continue - louder!

To columnist Steve Cameron and editor Mike Patrick:

Alas, they learn from us

A guy in the locker room was trying to pull a T-shirt over the bulge of his belly. When the wrestling match eventually was won by the man, spectators could see that the front of the T-shirt read, "The older I get..." On the back: "...the better I was."

The power of logic

Awakening Remarks

President Franklin Roosevelt spoke 70 years ago this week on one of the most traumatic tragedies that our country has ever faced: The bombing of Pearl Harbor. In his Infamy Speech he said that "The American People, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory." His words ring true today, as well.