Buddhism is nearly invisible in the Napa Valley. The monks from the Gyudmed Tantric Monastery made their sandpainting several years ago at a Napa art gallery; Treasures of Tibet in Calistoga shut its doors a couple of months ago. While Protestants numbered 800 at the Meritage Resort in Napa on Sept. 10, Buddhists in the Napa Valley are few and far between. However, they do exist in Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga.

I first met my conflict of interest at the Hall of Justice in San Francisco in 1994.

Recently, a baseball story I'd written on the greatest players I'd ever seen elicited a raft of e-mails and phone calls from strangers, most of whom became instant friends.

Last week, quite naturally my thoughts returned to Sept. 11, 2001, and the heroism displayed by both the FDNY and my NYPD in our darkest hours. But in my 33 years as a New York cop, every once in a while there was a lighter moment and this story is about one of those times.

The first time I saw the condition of creeks running with more water during August, I thought a major sprinkling was taking place and the runoff was hitting the creek in front of my house. We did not have any rain, but the creek still contained more water. Actually, this phenomenon occurs in many of our local creeks at this time of year because creekside trees begin to need less water. As the dogwoods, oaks and other trees begin losing their leaves, they also stop soaking up water in mid-August in preparation for fall and winter.

Many wineries offer guests the opportunity to help make wine the old way — by stomping grapes. For most it’s a specific day or time set aside and usually as part of another event.

Ever wonder about some of the descriptors used in wine critics' reviews?

Global warming

Looking for 600 bottles of Bordeaux?

You can't get

People have their news preferences. Some devour crime and smash-up stories, while others camp out in the sports section. I know a few who never get beyond the comics.

The success of the California wine industry can be traced to "our unique and varied bouquet of cultures," maintains California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Wines that love

By L. PIERCE CARSON

Copia is continues its celebration of Italy this weekend with the Italian Garden Saturday and an Italian street festival Sunday.