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One day several years ago, I received the phone call that so many moms have received several times from our sons — the kind that begin with, “Hi Mom, I have someone I want you to meet.”

Most people have heard the term “antitrust.” One generally thinks of huge corporations when antitrust is bandied. Many associate the word with Microsoft because of its long running antitrust battle with the government. But the antitrust laws apply to any organization, big or small, that attempts to use its monopoly or dominant market position to restrain trade. Antitrust laws are quite complex, but they can be summarized as a collection of laws that are supposed to promote fair competition that benefits consumers. The best known aspect of the antitrust laws is to prevent or limit monopolies. A monopoly can, and will, abuse its market position by charging outrageous prices or force undesirable choices simply because there is no alternative. (Remember British philosopher Lord Acton: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”) The penalties for violating antitrust laws can be severe, including criminal charges.

I get asked sometimes how long various wines age and how you know when a wine is “peaking” or in its prime. The answer is somewhat complex, because different varietals and methods make for a vast variety of wines. Some wines should be drunk within a year of being made, and some can age for over a century.

- Sofia Rose Harwellwas born at 5:12 p.m. June 14, 2013 to Kristi Lynn and Michael James Harwell of Felton. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

The Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County (formerly the Crosson North County Democratic Club) will sponsor an Interactive Mystery Dinner Theater event on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Heavenly Roadside Café, 1210 Mt. Hermon Road in Scotts Valley.