When he portrayed a nerdy florist in a popular sci-fi musical at Justin-Siena High School a decade ago, little did Matthew Teague Miller think he'd return one day to direct the school's theater arts program.

If you have never seen a trained cat, if you don't believe -- based on grim experience -- that it can be done, this may be the show for you.

The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet from University of the Pacific returns to Copia Saturday for an exhilarating evening of classic jazz standards, original compositions and a couple of Brubeck tunes thrown in for good measure

The other day at the Napa Valley Register I came across a hand bill announcing a benefit performance for the Veterans Home of California in Yountville on Sunday at 3 p.m., in the beautiful Lincoln Theatre.

The motto of "Canstruction" is "It starts with one can. To feed the hungry. To lift the spirit. To change the world."

Marie Bellet, a popular songwriter, singer and recording artist from Nashville, will be in Napa for a concert at Trinity Grammar and Prep Nov. 17.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" is the story of a 13-year-old Jewish girl and her family who are forced into hiding by the Nazis during World War II.

Mexico, like all countries, has its problems providing health care to its residents. But insuring all residents isn't one of them.

Editor's note: Football is only part of the tradition of the Big Game, the annual Napa-Vintage showdown. At both schools the bands have been practicing their half-time entertainment, and this week Brett Ascarelli profiles the guys who will lead the bands onto the field.

Each Tuesday the Register reviews an area restaurant, with an emphasis on establishments where a couple can dine for $30 or less. Reader suggestions are welcomed.

The downtown Napa dining scene continues to grow with the addition of a new restaurant and lounge called n.v.

Spotlighting globalization of the world's culinary styles, the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone played host over the past weekend to more than 600 members of the food, wine and hospitality industries, all on a quest to better understand the worlds of flavor.

Silvio Campos, Tixkobob, Yucatan, Mexico

Ian Chalermkittichai, chef/owner, Kittichai, New York City

Jos Andrs, chef/partner, Jaleo, Washington, D.C.

Jose Andres, chef/partner - Jaleo, Washington, D.C.

A pair of Napa Valley chefs bested their San Francisco counterparts in the first Chefs Challenge held at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay over Halloween weekend.

LOS ANGELES -- Tom Cruise has replaced his sister with a Hollywood insider as chief handler of his publicity, it was reported Monday.

PORTOLA VALLEY -- Gordon A. Craig, one of the nation's most respected experts on modern German history, has died of heart failure. He was 91.