ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Dysfunctional bubbles

This past week news broke of the much-documented struggling supply chain starting to ease.

Million dollar Rathdrum

Neighborhood of the Week: March 7

The making of a destination

Owning a wine shop is great - we get exposed to new wines, get to meet winemakers all the time and learn much about the process and product they develop. We see the strategy behind their mostly artistic endeavors and when we travel to wine country it is like visiting old friends. One of the very minor downsides though is how we look at wine lists and menus at restaurants. For us there is more to it than simply perusing the list for our favorite varietal or producer it is a more scholastic and at times critical undertaking.

GAS: Get out and walk, people

I have an opinion on gas prices that I would like to announce.

GOP: Making nightmare real

As a resident of Idaho we rely on Republican moderation because, let's face it, this state is as red as wine. What must be asked of Republican voters in this state and across the country is to keep the leash tight on the extreme wing of the party. Republican leadership is leaving your kids and your grandkids with a legacy of debt and voter suppression.

Colonoscopy prep is unpleasant but could save your life

Ask Dr. K

ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Depression: A deeper look

Did you know that depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide?

Trying to save Pe' Sla

Sioux tribes upset over sale of sacred site in S. Dakota

In locked down Chinese city, some complain food hard to get

Another city was placed under lockdown after the discovery of just three asymptomatic cases

Here's how to exercise

Ask the Propellerheads

Jeannette Carpenter Smith, 95

Jeannette Carpenter Smith passed away Dec. 18, 2010, in blissful peace and harmony at Sullivan Park Care Center in Spokane Valley, Wash. Jeannette was born June 12, 1915, to Faye and Roy Carpenter in Coos Bay, Ore.

No rate increase likely before 2014

WASHINGTON - It could be quite a while yet before the Federal Reserve starts raising the interest rates it has kept at record lows for three years.

Fourteen charged in deadly meningitis outbreak

BOSTON (AP) - Mold and bacteria were in the air and on workers' gloved fingertips. Pharmacists used expired ingredients, didn't properly sterilize them and failed to test drugs for purity before sending them to hospitals and pain clinics. Employees falsified logs to make it look as if the so-called clean rooms had been disinfected.

Sheriff's Blotter

Notable calls for the day!

Avista plans upgrades, faces gas demand hike

Avista Utilities is expecting about a half-percent annual growth in gas consumption over the next decade and about a 0.8 percent increase in peak-day use, according to a long-range growth plan filed with state regulators.

OPINION: CHUCK MALLOY — Insulin users can’t wait for long-range fix

As a wise fellow once told me, “You turn 70 only once.”

How and where to buy wine?

As I have continued to write my articles for the Press I have from time to time gotten the question, "This all sounds great but where should I buy my wine?" Believe me I would like to make the answer simple and at the same time self serving and say "Well, the dinner party of course." The answer however is more complex and far more personal than that. Before we were ever wine shop owners we were passionate wine consumers, which is part of what led Mary and me to open the dinner party. When we were first learning about wine and how and where to buy it we received some great advice; buy 90 percent of your wine from one purveyor. The reason, we were told, is when you do that you will not only receive better pricing but you will also get better allocations of the harder to find really "cool" juice. So the next step is how do you pick your primary source? Taste in wine is a very personal thing, and no matter what anyone writes or tells you about wine the only important thing is whether or not you like it. All the high ratings and high praise cannot change a wine you don't like into one you do. So step number one is to find a wine professional whose palate agrees with yours; you may not like every single recommendation but if you find that you like the lion's share of their recommendations that is your 90 percent place. Next step is, join their wine club if they have one. Most local wine merchants in this area have a club that grants you a bigger discount than you would otherwise receive. It also encourages you to try many different varietals from different producers all of which will expand your wine experience, and help you learn. Your only cautionary note is to beware of a club that is designed more to help the wine shop than you - watch for previous vintages being included too frequently in your club. Also join a club that is right sized for your consumption; if you are an occasional consumer and live alone it does not make sense to join a club that sells you three bottles every month. Also, resist the temptation to join the "red only" or "white only" version of the club. As you drink more wine your palate will evolve and you will find different wines that you like - isn't that the fun of it? Next step is to find a shop that specializes in things you like. Everyone has their favorites, and there is nothing wrong with that, even though you will continue to try new things. Each shop's collection is likely to reflect the tastes of the owner. Going back to the beginning, that is why you will be buying 90 percent of your wine from that See WINE, D8 WINE From D5 one place, so once you find that one go with it. And lastly attend their tastings and events, this will provide you another opportunity to try new things. Whether it is from a tasting, a wine in your club pack, or a bottle recommended by your wine professional, give them feedback. Tell them what you like and especially what you don't, this will help your wine shop do a better job for you with their recommendations in the future. Trust me as wine salesperson; we would all rather have the knowledge. It does not offend us when you don't like a particular wine - that is just part of the job. Finally, if you have budget constraints let us know, our job and our desire are to recommend the right wine at the right price. George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene. 208-765-5653 www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.

Industrial chic goes suburban

The builders of the early 20th century's factories and warehouses would be amazed. Elements used back then to create sparse, utilitarian workspaces - things like roughhewn wooden tables, rolling carts, metal filing cabinets and industrial lighting - are now hot items in home decorating.

Stay warm, dry on the ski slopes with alpaca

Heading for slopes and want to stay warm and look great? Alpaca Direct in Hayden has the answer with a large selection of alpaca sweaters to keep you warm while you are enjoying your time on the mountain. Our alpaca sweaters are lightweight, designed with the latest American styles and warmer than wool.

Relief at the pump?

Gas prices expected to drop 50 cents by summer

NEW YORK - Some relief from suffocating gas prices will likely arrive just in time for summer vacation. Expect a drop of nearly 50 cents as early as June, analysts said.