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Columnists archive
Friday, December 07, 2007
Napa's department stores in WW II
In the last episode about my early life in Napa, during WW II, I wrote about my first real job.
Pedaling along for a sentimental journey
One Sunday during October's hot spell, I hopped on my English bicycle and took a short ride along the vineyard-lined street of my upper valley community. As I rode past the collapsed grapevines, I visualized a cemetery of dead soldiers, their commander-in-chief being the god Bacchus. He can be proud of his troops as they have fought this battle courageously, weathering all conditions. Above all, the inconsistent weather situation. Our temperatures had gone over the 100 degree mark during the daytime the past week, dropping to below 50 in the early hours of the mornings. However, the precious vines can be contented that they performed their best feat in this new decade.
I’ve only lived in Napa for a little less than five years, so, I know I don’t know nuthin when it comes to the changes this town has seen.
PC innovations: a trip down memory lane
Last week I reflected on the greatest computer innovations and settled quickly on spreadsheet software. Being able to set up calculating fields in a document was, to me, utterly revolutionary. Spreadsheet software is the basis for QuickBooks.
Lindsay Kroll, owner of Cake Plate at 1000 Main St. (north of First) is going to make Christmas shopping for the wife or girlfriend much easier, and a lot of fun. On Dec. 13, 5-9 p.m., she is hosting “a night just for him.”
One of the least understood wine products is that stuff with bubbles that we typically serve on celebratory occasions.
Every now and then Stan Laskin, a Napa resident and reader whom I've never met, sends me an e-mail that brightens my day. Those messages lay bare the pomposity of the politically correct world we find ourselves in and get us back down to Earth for just a little while.
How to cook your holiday goose
Here is a great gift idea for the hunter or fisherman in your life. A number of years ago, George Carl published his “Napa Valley Wild Game & Fish Cookbook (With Wine).”
The three vintners who challenged the law that said they could not donate and pour wine at a nonprofit fundraising event were honored last week by Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, who presented them with copies of the signed legislation.
We have a new puppy. When and where do we get a license for her?
Most Americans went shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Not us. We rented a U-Haul truck.
So, you’ve just decided due to massive hunger pains and dizziness that you desperately need to eat something now.
As fall turns to winter, it is a fitting time to break from labor in our Napa Valley gardens and pick up some garden writing. Books and periodicals allow us to contemplate the pleasures of gardening without the limitations of time, soil and climate.
Stepmom has no legal obligation
Dear Len & Rosie,
Bounty Hunter re-opens downtown
After extensive renovation of the old building, the Bounty Hunter has re-opened with its wide selection of wines to taste, drink and buy — and light meals, too.
Think about all the disaster we’ve seen in the last few years. Hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, fires, floods — and more come to mind.
Think about all the disaster we've seen in the last few years. Hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, fires, floods -- and more come to mind. What are the chances of getting hit by one of these disasters? Most are pretty slim, but when they occur, everyone turns to the insurance policy to learn whether they are covered or not.
Local tourism:
Inside Napa Valley
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