ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Cooking with wine

There is an adage that says, “Never cook with a wine unless you would also like to drink it.”

Low-dose vaginal estrogen carries little risk

Ask Dr. K

Registration open for upcoming Medicare workshops

A pair of Medicare workshops for individuals turning 65 and those approaching Medicare eligibility will take place at the end of March. The first session will be held Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m., with a second session scheduled for Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Both workshops will be held at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road.

Wine flaws, how to detect them and what to do then

I first wrote this article and The Press published it nearly two years ago. Wine flaws though are one of those things that many of us as wine consumers experience, and without recognizing them as flaws many just think it is bad wine. Especially at the holidays when at large gatherings, there are so many wines to try that friends and family contribute it is always valuable to identify flaws versus wines that are not to our taste, so here is the original article republished.

Tribe demands apology

Comments by FOX personality John Stossel draw ire of Chief Allan

COEUR d'ALENE - Coeur d'Alene Tribe Chairman Chief J. Allan sent a letter to the head of FOX News Channel demanding an apology from both the network and one of its TV personalities.

Italy and North Idaho

We have recently had the privilege to try some great Italian wines that are new to the market here in North Idaho (or at least new to us) that when combined with some of the existing offerings are expanding greatly the list of possibilities from this old world growing region. We started on this journey when a customer of ours began asking about wine from some of the Italian regions we were less familiar with. The customer specifically asked about wines from Orvieto and Costamolino.

Wine equipment

As you start to expand your wine drinking experience you will find advertised and available a wide range of items designed to increase your enjoyment. Like most things in life, some are helpful and some not. The decision though on what works best is a very personal one. In fact, it is as personal as your taste in wine. Here at the dinner party and at most local wine shops we stock all of these items and can help you through the many choices.

We start again!

The first of many communications went out this past week to winemakers, winery owners, distributors and judges announcing the start of the third annual and 2012 version of the North Idaho Wine Rodeo.

Wines with a purpose

Winemakers and other wine professionals are a generous lot. We have frequently written of a long list of winemakers and winery owners from those in our own enological "neighborhood" to the group in California and Oregon, those along the East Coast, from the Old World appellations of Europe and the New World ones of South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Rarely does a reasonable request get turned down. Emails and phone calls requesting participation in a myriad of charitable causes are almost always returned, and when it is something they personally have a stake in, they really step up. It makes us proud to be affiliated with them and to work in an industry that is so giving.

Sundae Edition: Tin Snug scoops up big flavors on National Ice Cream Day

Ice cream is universally beloved, but in Shoshone County, there seems to be an intense love for the stuff that goes beyond reason. With roughly 13,000 residents scattered across the sizeable county, there are more than 15 places to stop in and grab an ice-cold sweet treat.

4C Natural Resources Committee meets May 1

The 4C Natural Resources Committee is an informal group of agency officials, local department managers and supervisors, and interested citizens that meet once a month to discuss natural resource matters, issues, concerns, and opportunities to remain informed on related topics and to broaden members' understanding of these issues affecting the North Idaho area.

NIC board: No tax or in-county tuition increase

COEUR d'ALENE — North Idaho College's initial budget proposal for the next fiscal year includes no additional property taxes or tuition increases for in-county students.

We must be able to handle the truth

A minister told his congregation, “For next week’s sermon, I would like everyone to read the 17th chapter of Mark from your Bible. This will help you fully understand my topic on an important sin.”

C note: Critics, coffee, cats, candy

Hey, now!

Hunting dogs make emotions run the gamut

It wasn’t my intention to talk about dogs again, but when Nancy came home after walking The Beast, the topic of our German shorthair’s lack of social graces stuck in my mind like a face plant.

Asthma today

With more than 26 million Americans diagnosed with asthma, and 225,000 people worldwide dying from asthma, it’s time we take another look at it.

Antibiotics: friend or foe? Part IV

In Part I we discussed the potential "catastrophic threat" of antibiotic resistant bacteria. We also discussed the misuse of antibiotics that is contributing to the problem. In Part II, we reviewed various disorders commonly treated by antibiotics that shouldn't be, and the cost of this misuse. In Part III, we covered what antibiotics can potentially do to your body. Now, in Part IV, we'll address the things you can do to avoid contributing to this potential worldwide fiasco.

Get up and go

As we complete a weekend of exercise extremes, many people take a look at their own level of exercise. You don’t have to be an Ironman or Hoopfest participant to be physically fit. Nor do you have to work out at a gym. But exercise is undoubtedly vital to health. Since everything is so controversial today, I hate to say it is universally agreed upon, but I’m sure there are some out there that say exercise isn’t necessary. Really?

Inflammatory bowel disorders: The nebulous category of digestive distress

Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and others are a collection of digestive disorders that have been lumped into the bin of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). For years they have been known as notoriously stubborn conditions for which no permanent solutions exist. Although the medical industry claims there is no cure for the collection of irritable bowel conditions, there are, in fact, many solutions that have provided long-term relief to a great many people. In treating these conditions, our primary goals are to restore the function of the digestive system, reduce inflammation and give you the resources to create lasting healing.

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — How to overcome constipation and diarrhea

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, resulting in 2.5 million doctor visits annually. The condition involves stools that are hard and painful to pass, a frequent feeling of incomplete evacuation, or failing to pass stool for several days. Chronic diarrhea affects up to one in one hundred people and is defined as loose or watery stools that last for four or more weeks. While we may brush off diarrhea or constipation as not all that important, when persistent these issues can indicate more serious underlying conditions. They can also lead to malabsorption which in time points us down the path of chronic degenerative disease. Chronic diarrhea and constipation are red flags that need to be addressed!