March 31, 1991

More than a month after Kuwait's liberation from Iraqi rule, efforts to form a new government here are paralyzed by a power struggle that pits the hereditary rulers, the Sabah family, against an opposition demanding more democracy. The contention stems historically from the way oil wealth transformed this tiny emirate into a unique society.

The premium wineries of northern California have long demonstrated their devotion to the grape with impressive edifices, from the restored 1885 stone mansion of Far Niente in Oakville to the post-modern temple to wine at Clos Pegase in Calistoga. But in the last few years, vintners have been making a less visible commitment to Bacchus: new caves for the gentle aging of their fine wines. Wines age best at a constant, relatively low temperature, particularly while they are in oak barrels before bottling. The insulating properties of tons of earth and stone make caves a wonderfully low-technology alternative to the elaborate air-conditioning needed for above-ground storage.

After a five-year hunt through the courts and banking systems of three continents, the Philippine Government has uncovered yachts and paintings and silver services and a few hundred million dollars, but not much more of the $5 billion or more Ferdinand E. Marcos is said to have stolen from his country. As the six-year term of President Corazon C. Aquino nears its end next year, a touch of desperation has entered the search and her Government has begun talking of cutting its losses and making deals with Mr. Marcos's widow, Imelda.

AS many New Jersey counties cancel plans for garbage-burning incinerators and gear up to increase recycling, state and local officials have turned their attention to construction of plants that will assist in the collection and sorting of recyclable materials. But while such plants are less expensive than incinerators and more environmentally sound, recycling experts say, questions remain about which types of recycling systems are most effective.

TO get a slice of life in Washington, residents say, just stop by the Washington Depot post office. On a recent afternoon, Helen Armstrong, a violinist home between concerts, was there to pick up her mail. Hugh Silk, a retired corporate executive, chatted with a neighbor. Darlene Blanchard, a calligrapher, said she was at the post office for at least the fourth time that day, mailing invitations she made for a customer running a charity benefit in Manhattan. The post office is the place to make friends with newcomers, to learn about children's latest accomplishments, to find out who is sick and who is feeling better, said Dmitri Rimsky, a video producer and mime who grew up in Washington.