Today, the Register launches a new weekly feature with news, tidbits, items of interest and occasionally opinions from the world of wine in Napa Valley and beyond.

Sometimes, no wine will do, and it's best to stick with water.

Finally spring is in the air, what a wonderful feeling; unfortunately it's also that time of year again when small business owners and independent contractors are dreading the Schedule C on their tax returns.

CHICAGO -- True Value Co. CEO Lyle Heidemann spends a lot of his time shopping these days -- and that's a good thing for a chain that had lost its way in retail.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Denise Rivera spends her workdays waving in jets, unloading baggage and pushing planes around with a tractor. But on this day, the lead ramp servicewoman for United Airlines at Miami International Airport was struggling to remove five lug nuts from a Chevrolet Monte Carlo stock car.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Norm Schreifels is building a 5,500 square-foot dream home with unimpeded views of the Sandia Mountains, an outdoor dining room that faces the city lights and a handful of plazas and portals that take advantage of New Mexico's weather.

NEW YORK -- Suing. It's the American way.