In brief

Central Penn Business Journal, Jul 6, 2007

The gift of giving

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Chairman Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor who pledged most of his fortune to charity last year, predicted the world would become increasinglyphilanthropic as the wealthy donate more of their assets.

Americans are becoming more philanthropically aware," Buffett, 76, said in a June 25 interview with news service Bloomberg. "I think it's a growing trend. I hope it is.

A year ago Buffett, ranked the world's third-richest man by Forbes magazine, said he would gradually distribute 85 percent of his shares in Omaha-based Berkshire to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and four family charities. Ultimately, he plans to donate all his shares in the investment firm. His stake is valued at more than $48 billion.

- Bloomberg News

Sweet combo

Wine and chocolate: perfect together?

Some say pairing such disparate tastes is a fool's errand, but it can be done, according to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. A basic rule of thumb: the wine should be at least as sweet as the chocolate being served alongside it. Otherwise, the wine comes off as sour.

With a dark chocolate, try a 2004 Easton Amador Zinfandel (S 14). With a fine milk chocolate, go with a 20-year-old Cockburn Tawny Port ($40).

You can find a complete list of recommended pairings online at www.lcb.state. pa. us, under the "Entertaining" section.

- Staff report