If a general sense of music in the air at Vintage High School is not enough of an indication something special is in the works, perhaps the prevalence of "Les Misrable" T-shirts and sweatshirts on students is the giveaway.

Our consumer driven society places merit on items that are useful to us in our everyday lives, only as long as they serve our wants and needs. Once items deliver their potential value to us, i.e. candy wrappers, plastic sandwich bags, junk mail, empty soda cans -- they take on a patina of refuse, something dirty and vile. Our reaction -- to throw these items away and rid ourselves of their spent promises -- is learned as children and we carry it with us the rest of our lives. Indeed, ordinary objects are designed to become obsolete.

The art of

From Register Staff

Performer Andrea Marcovicci is an acquired taste.

In an unexpected visit to the Napa Valley the Bay Area Blues Society will present Mississippi's the Johnny Rawls Revue for a one-time performance at DG's Saturday. Honoring black history month, Ronnie Stewart, executive director of the society will present a short lecture on the history of blues followed by this special concert.

Norman Thayer Jr., approaching his 80th birthday, glumly recognizes that "me and my body are having a great race to see who can poop out first." Nonetheless he and his wife, Ethel, have arrived their summer home on Golden Pond in Maine, for their 48th, and what he is persuaded will be their last, visit.

LOS ANGELES -- Authorities were investigating an incident in which Britney Spears was photographed driving with her infant son on her lap but didn't intend to pursue charges against the pop diva, officials said.

The third time usually isn't the charm when it comes to movie franchises. Think "The Godfather: Part III," "Return of the Jedi," or the third films in series like "Spy Kids" or "Halloween." Not exactly the most glittering jewels in the crown.

Whoever was thinking pink should have realized it probably would stink.

LOS ANGELES -- Mariah Carey ended her 16-year Grammy drought on Wednesday night as the comeback queen captured three trophies, including best contemporary R&B album for "The Emancipation of Mimi."

LOS ANGELES -- "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher decided to leave as little to the imagination as possible when she arrived at Wednesday night's Grammy Awards in a stunning, transparent blue John Paul Gaultier dress.

From The Associated Press

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A VOENA CHRISTMAS -- VOENA, Voices of Eve 'N Angels, is the internationally acclaimed, multi-ethnic children's choir that combines inventive a cappella vocal arrangements with percussion, dance and theatrical elements. A joy for the eyes, ears and heart, and one you won't want to miss. Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at Copia. $25 general/$22.50 member. Info, 259-1600.

12th grade - 4.0 and above

The clients at Moving Forward are bringing some warmth to Napans who suffered losses in the New Year's Eve flood.

Valentine's Day means indulging in hearts, flowers and chocolates. But, frankly, you can't do much with paper hearts, flowers wilt and chocolate goes right to the hips. How about pampering your loved one with a special spa trip instead? In most cases, chocolate is included -- although not necessarily eaten.

If the day is cold and clear in Napa, I think -- it's a good day to ski. I can feel the sun on my face; my breath is suspended in the chill morning air -- a glorious day to ski.

6th grade Honor Roll Honors

Education

Belle Arti closes

When the New Year's Eve flood hit the valley, all kinds of plans were washed away for celebrations, but at least one couple has a tale with a happy ending.

If you've never been to Copia, February might be a good time to check it out. Not only is admission free for the entire month, but as you enter the door, you're likely to be given a sample of a perfectly decadent, luscious hot chocolate.

Chef's notes: "This is a simplified version of what we do in the restaurant. All of the sub-recipes in this dish can be prepared ahead of time. If blood oranges are unavailable, use naval oranges or grapefruit.

HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- The old adage suggests that the quickest way to someone's heart is through the stomach -- and at no other time is this more relevant than during Valentine's Day.

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Making homemade fudge is a cherished tradition. That's because fudge can include everyone's favorite ingredients -- chocolate, butter, vanilla, sugar and nuts. What could be better?

If you're planning a Valentine's Day meal, there's no need to feel constrained by the sometimes chilly season of the holiday. Seasonal flavors come warmly to life in this colorful compote, a combination of tangy-sweet ruby-red pickled beets, cranberries and ripe pear, sparked with orange juice, onion, honey, horseradish and cinnamon.

NEW YORK -- Imagine you were invited to dine out for Valentine's Day at Le Bernardin, one of the most highly rated restaurants in Manhattan.

One of the most prestigious international wine organizations is the Institute of Masters of Wine.

The winter garden of Napa county can be anything but bleak and forgotten. With a little planning and effort, the winter garden can be a colorful, healthy foundation for a beautiful and bountiful year. The Napa County Master Gardeners have all kinds of ideas for keeping a garden thriving and creating color and interest.

If consumer protection starts at home, then the basic building blocks of remodeling projects ought to include a detailed contract.

We recently attended the International Builders Show presented by the National Association of Home Builders, which gives builders, remodelers, architects and other building industry-associated occupations a peek at the latest in building materials and technology.

As the winter daylight begins to lengthen, and those deciduous trees with the big purplish and white flowers begin to bloom here in Napa, an old question has arisen once again.

Karen Chang, UC Master Gardener

Residents of Napa, Erin Gallagher and James Griffin announce their engagement with plans to marry June 17, 2006, in Ripon.

Bill and Isabel Ellis of Napa celebrated 60 years of marriage on Jan. 21, 2006. A family dinner was held at their daughter and son-in-law's home, honoring the couple, and at the same time, celebrating their granddaughter Jenny's birthday.

Melissa MacDonald of Vallejo and Shane Rhodes of Eugene, Ore., were married Sept. 17, 2005, at Mayacamas Ranch in Calistoga. The couple cycled 45 miles from their home in Vallejo to the wedding site in Calistoga.

Residents of Napa, Tracy T. Cowell and Thomas D. Erskine, M.D., were married Sept. 24, 2005, in an elegant ceremony at the Napa Valley Country Club. The ceremony was blessed by Pastor Marvin Wray of the Napa Seventh-day Adventist Church. The couple and the entire Cowell family would like to again thank Pastor Wray for his blessings and for marrying all three of the Cowell kids.

Queen of the Valley

Carole (Stuebner) and John Motty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 21, 2006, with a dinner party held at their home with family and friends. The event was hosted by their daughter Linda Motty. Guests were entertained by classic guitarist Mike Klapholz and catering was by Charlene Cannard of Sonoma. The Mottys were married in Napa at the First Presbyterian Church on Jan. 22, 1956. They both graduated from Napa High School, Carole in 1955 and John in 1951. He also graduated from Napa College, attended Sonoma State, Solano College and UC Berkeley, obtaining his teaching credential. The Mottys owned and operated a printing business in San Rafael and then Motty's Olde Colony Press in Napa for nearly 30 years.