ADVERTISING: Advertorial­ — GEORGE BALLING: Consumption patterns

Consumer wine consumption has a natural rhythm to it. Varietals come and go in popularity, as does winemaking style. All but the most die-hard varietal loyalists will change their preferences with the seasons. There are also clearly times of the year when all of us will consume a bit more wine or add to our stock, as it is our prime time for entertaining. Add in how most every palate evolves as we go through life and sure enough, as a wine industry professional you can pick out the changes.

A family reunion with a new friend

According to the U.S. Census Bureau America’s population is over 327 million. Of those, there are only 27,989 people with the surname Rankin. A few weeks ago, WWII veteran Dan Rankin captured the hearts of just about everyone when the media came calling and shared stories on TV and in print of how for years customers of Dueling Irons in Post Falls had been buying his breakfast to thank him for his service. There was a waiting list of people wanting to buy breakfast for Mr. Rankin.

Saudi Arabia places order for up to 121 planes from Boeing

Last month, Air India announced it had agreed to buy 220 planes from Boeing and 250 from Airbus

Challenges here and abroad

Former CIA agent to speak at Coeur d'Alene Resort

Reports reflect Fed's message of stronger economy

Japan's finance minister warns China on currency moves

New hope for hepatitis C, an often hidden disease

Two new drugs promise to cure liver-attacking disease

WASHINGTON - There's new hope for an overlooked epidemic: Two powerful drugs are nearing the market that promise to help cure many more people of liver-attacking hepatitis C - even though most who have the simmering infection don't know it yet.

Best grocery list app

Ask The Propellorheads

Dear PropellerHeads: Hey, I just got a new Android smart phone and I need a grocery list app. Do you have any recommendations?

We're buying more cars, eating out more

U.S. retail sales rose in July, aided by autos and restaurants

WASHINGTON - Americans bought more cars, restaurant meals and building supplies in July, and the spending points to steady economic growth anchored by the improving job market.

Wholesale prices unchanged in July

Energy costs fall 0.2 percent

WASHINGTON - Falling energy prices kept a lid on U.S. wholesale inflation in July after a jump in gasoline boosted prices in June.

Police seize fentanyl pills, meth after traffic stop

Police arrested two people and seized thousands of fentanyl pills after a Monday night traffic stop, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

Oil prices rising to near 2011 highs

Tensions increase over Iran's nuclear program

Moving out

We have discussed here before “the roll” of real estate. That is the term used to describe how the market moves upward and inward following the major interstate highways of our region. Due to the impact rising prices are having in major cities along the West Coast we are seeing in migration from those cities as sellers capture equity and take the opportunity to get out of high-priced, high-traffic, high-crime and high-anxiety metropolitan areas.

Neighborhood of the Week takes a swing

Neighborhood of the Week: March 21

Dispensing life-saving tools

Narcan stations installed in Coeur d'Alene, Kellogg communities

Narcan machines added in Coeur d'Alene, Kellogg make life saving medication available

Finally home

If you are one of those looking for a home, your local Realtors can help you with more than your home search. We know that your home will be the largest investment you have ever made so we want you to be prepared to make that investment wisely. That is why for the last several years we have offered a class specifically targeted to those seeking a home for the first time or to qualify for special loan programs. Either way the Idaho Housing “Finally Home” class is a well reviewed source of objective information to help you avoid pitfalls when seeking your American dream. This course was created by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) who require it to qualify for some of their loan programs.

Stocks close higher as Dow Jones hits record

NEW YORK - Stocks wavered between small gains and losses on Thursday to close little changed as traders weighed generally strong earnings reports against the falling fortunes of energy companies.

POEM: Signs of the times

we are killing the earth and that’s very wrong

IDFG fees go up, sort of

By RALPH BARTHOLDT

Swiss apologize for encounter Oprah calls racist

Boutique clerk refused to show $38K handbag

GENEVA - It's a glamorous playground of the rich and famous, filled with glitterati from princes to movie stars. It's also a land with a sometimes uneasy relationship with foreigners - especially when they aren't white.