Today we launch the latest new feature in the Register, one that I'm fired up about.

There has always existed a tension between innovation and copyright law, especially with technology. The Sony Betamax case is most often cited to illustrate the conflict.

There is one document that is more important to the seller of a home than any or all of the others.

The other day at a Napa Valley College seminar at the school’s south campus on Soscol near Kennedy Park, Jenny Sercu, a great touring guide, along with a young man representing a touring agency, were prepping some 25 or so people, mostly women, on the wonders of old New York.

I was asked the other day what the effect of global warming will be on the wine industry.

Welcome to the Senior Corner. It is our intention to present articles of interest to seniors, as well as to others.

The warm weather of last week got everything going; bass fishing is wide open. Berryessa is giving up lots of small and large mouth bass. Some fishermen are even site fishing. The water is clear enough in many cases to spot the bass. Clear Lake is turning out lots of 3- to 4-pound fish.

There’s an old expression that everything in a pig is used except the squeal. Now a similar comment might be made about wine.

When I talked a year ago to Steve Rodrigues, owner of Val's Liquors on Third Street, he was full of plans. "My goal is to clean up the store and bring in new products and make it more of a neighborhood-friendly store," he said.

Whether or not you feel Carl Doumani possesses the traits of the fictional hero for which his winery is named depends on how well you know him.

Dear Len & Rosie, My mother is 72-years-old and has an old $1 million life insurance policy. She no longer has a need for this policy and she can’t afford the premium payments anyway. She has enough problems paying for her care at home, and her life savings is rapidly depleting. Her insurance company has offered her very little if she were to cash in her policy. Does she have any other options?

Two long-anticipated casual restaurants have opened in Napa.

Tom Mills
Common Cents