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James Raialiving in Sacramento, CA
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| TOTAL VIEWS: 60,809 | | | PUBLISHED CONTENT: 119 | | | FAVORITED BY: 4 | | | CONTENT PRODUCER SINCE: 03/09/2005 |
As a 30-year veteran journalist, I contribute sports, travel, business and lifestyle articles to myriad print and online publications. For more articles, visit my web site: ByJamesRaia.com Education/Experience: Thirty-year journalist, 10 years on daily newspapers, 20 years as a freelancer. I contribute to the Sacramento Bee, Miami Herald, Associated Press, Golf Magazine, among many others. Interests: Long-distance running, travel Motto: Need something done? Ask a busy man Affiliations: Syndicated Columnist/Author, Car Reviewer, Travel writer URL |
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Showing Results 1 - 119 of 119
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The subcompact Honda Fity is in its second year in the United States and eighth worldwide since its debut in 2001 in Asia. By either name, Honda's entry-level vehicle in 2008 is much the same as it wa...
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My weekly driver was the Suzukie SX4 sedan, new for 2008. It adds another few options to the now 14 available SX4 configurations, including the country's least expensive all-wheel drive car.
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A friend took a good, long look at the interior and exterior of the new Ford Edge, chuckled and said, "Well, for a Ford it's pretty edgy." True enough. With the 2008 Edge, the often conservative Ford ...
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Beginning its second half-century, Saab remains an attractive niche choice for car buyers seeking alternatives to popular Germany and Japanese offerings. With the 2008 9-3, the Swedish manufacturer de...
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Ford debuted a smaller, less expensive alternative to The Explorer, its vastly popular sports utility vehicle, in 2001. In North America, it was called The Escape and in Europe it was called The Maver...
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Sports cars are rarely known for comfort or convenience. But Mazda does a good job of overcoming the stigma with the RX-8. It's a coupe with four doors (sort of) and it's about as comfortable as sport...
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As one of the country's most successful vehicles, Honda needs little help with the Accord. But for 2008, the Accord was redesigned and it's a prime of example taking a vehicle that's already an indust...
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The Toyota Prius remains at the forefront of the hybrid industry, accounting for about half of 350,000 hybrids sold in the United States in 2007. But many manufacturers have new options and there many...
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A mid-size entry level luxury car, the Cadillac CTS was introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the Cimarron. Five years, later it's become the manufacturer's first success story in recent market camp...
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As the oldest and best-selling vehicle in the Saturn stable, the Vue has found a solid, well-deserved niche in the compact Sport Utility Market. But Saturn couldn't leave well enough alone.
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The Element was resigned in 2007 and the 2008 version remains largely unchanged. My test drive is the SC, one of four available models. It's available only with a six-speed manual transmission and onl...
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The 2008 edition continues the second generation of the Honda Civic hybrid, which was introduced in 2006 and has maintained a strong share in the ever-expanding hybrid market.
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Carmel is not an inexpensive destination, but one location that provides covers a good cross-section of accommodations needs is Carmel Lodge.
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After examining the 2007 Jeep Compass inside and outside for several minutes, a good friend made an astute comment. "I like the exterior; it has a European look," he said. "But the interior looks like...
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With its 2008 models, Subaru begins its second decade of offering only all-wheel drive as a standard feature throughout its line - Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca.
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Nissan redesigned the Altima sedan last year and it received a good share of praise from buyers who liked its new sportier approach and improved comfort. With the 2008 Altima coupe, the improvements c...
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I recently drove the 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier with all-wheel drive nearly 1,000 miles in eight days. While crossing the state on primarily high-speed highways, the Mariner performed well under nea...
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Hot weather will soon wane in favor of morning chill. Reflective gear will soon be the norm on training runs, Polypropylene and layers of attire will soon replace singlets. And that means fall maratho...
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Pebble Beach Golf Links to Spyglass Hill, golf still rules on the famed Monterey Peninsula. But automotive enthusiasts will have a dozen good reasons to disagree next week.
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About seven weeks after the conclusion of the controversial 2007 Tour de France, American Levi Leipheimer will lead a large entourage of cycling's finest riders in the inaugural Tour of Missouri.
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The 94th Tour de France began July 7 in London without a defending titlist and with hopes of a new, successful chapter in its desire to fight doping. It ended 23 days later after superior cycling, a s...
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No city is more closely connected to the Tour de France than Paris. Between stage departures and finishes, the country's most renowned city has been part of the world's most renowned cycling event mor...
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With the scandal and ugliness currently defused, the business of competition is back in focus at the Tour de France. As such, this year's race winner will likely be determined in Saturday's 19th stage...
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Professional bicycle racing's most prestigious event could be on the verge of implosion. But for the third straight year, the Tour of California will return next February and will feature many of the ...
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There are three riding days to Paris and the end of the 2007 Tour de France. And it's a safe assumption, the peloton can't wait.
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The 2007 Tour de France is imploding. The teams sponsored by Astana and Cofidis, based on the positive drug tests of one rider from each squad, have withdrawn. And race leader Michael Rasmussen (Rabon...
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Wednesday's stage 16 of the Tour de France will likely unfold dramatically as the last mountain stage of the 2007 event. Riders will pedal 218.5 kilometers (135.7 miles) from Orthez-Courette to Col d'...
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Long before the Tour began in 1903, track cycling was all the rage on velodromes (banked tracks). The sport thrived in Europe and in the United States.
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Sixteen days into the 2007 Tour de France, the weary riders will encounter Monday what is known in cycling parlance as the "Queen Stage" in stage 15.
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Welcome to the Pyrenees. Let the winner of the 2007 Tour de France step forward.
The 14th stage Sunday will take the peloton 197 kilometers (122.3 miles) from Mazamet to Plateau de Beille, and it w...
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It's been two weeks since Tour de France cyclists last challenged a time trial - and that, of course, was the July 7 prologue in London. It was opening day and a less than 10-minute ride to determine...
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The second and last transitional road stage between the Alps and the Pyrenees occurs Friday in the Tour de France with riders set for another hot day primarily along the southern coast and a late-day ...
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It's been five stages since sprinters were in the spotlight at the Tour de France. But the speed merchants should be back at the front of the peloton again Thursday in one of the race's flatest stage...
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After three straight mountain stages in the Alps, the Tour de France now heads toward the southern tip of France where warm weather and inviting blue water of the Mediterranean Sea await.
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No two words are more revered in the Tour de France than "hors categorie." The French-to-English translation is "Above Category," and the term is reserved for the race's most strenuous climbs.
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Athletes from a few dozen countries compete in the Tour de France each year. And just like NASCAR drivers, they compete for sponsors and not for their respective home countries.
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The second of six Alpine stages and the second straight day in the Alps greet the ever-weary peloton Sunday in the eighth stage of the 2007 Tour de France.
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For the dozen or so riders with overall title aspirations, the Tour de France begins Saturday on Bastille Day with the first of three consecutive days of mountain stages in the Alps.
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Nothing demonstrates the underdog role of some riders in the Tour de France more than the tradition of the lanterne rouge or red lantern. It's the honor given to the rider who finishes last.
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With the completion of Friday's sixth stage from Semur-en-Auxois to Bourg-en-Bresse, riders in the Tour de France will have completed 740 miles in one week and the serious nature of cycling's pinnacle...
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With all due respect to sprinters and the wondrous ways of the first five racing days, let the Tour de France begin. The race's most decisive day to date will occur Thursday when the field negotiates ...
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For the fourth straight day, it should be sprinters who again get to showcase their powerful legs Wednesday in the fourth stage of the Tour de France.
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Perhaps with some rare exceptions in the pre-World War I years, the longest stage of the Tour de France is never the most difficult. Still, the designation holds some status and it will occur early in...
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One sub-plot that develops early every year at the Tour de France is whether one sprinter can dominate the race. Australian powerhouse Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) won stage 1 on Sunday. But can he...
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If it's 11 a.m. Sunday in London, it's stage 1 of the 2007 Tour de France, and the race's best sprinters are happy and ready.
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England been infrequently visited by the Tour de France, but London's ready for race's grand departure.
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Tour de France champions all have different styles. But through the race's more than 100-year history, the best have also all been the same in some respects. They've all had great individual skills a...
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A look at Miguel Indurain, Greg LeMond, Eddy Merckx, Jan Ullrich and Joop Zoetemelk.
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The Tour de France is the world's largest free sporting event. Spectators can watch every stage in person and along the entire route, this year from London (July 7) to Paris (July 29) without admissio...
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Great climbers usually win the Tour de France. Dozens of famous and infamous peaks have been used during stages and as finishing summits.
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The 2007 Tour de France, cycling's yearly pinnacle event, begins Saturday, July 7 in London, and it will be unique for three reasons, not the least of which is that it will not feature a defending tit...
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What a concept. There's no admission, no parking charges, no assigned seating and no parimutuel betting. But for anyone who wishes to watch fine endurance athletes the Western States 100 offers a grea...
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Sustainable food and organics are the focus of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's annual sustainable food conference and seafood watch program.
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The unassuming Tally Ho Inn is among the most convenient, well-appointed, historic and quaint accommodation options in Carmel, California.
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With the Pacific Ocean as an omnipresent backdrop, the Martine Inn and its more than 100-year-old legacy provide an ideal location to experience the old and new of the Monterey Peninsula.
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There wasn't much to complain about with the previous Honda CR-V. It provided a keen balance of versatility, comfort and utility vehicle refinement. But with the 2007 redesign, Honda has taken someth...
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The 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Japanese-manufactured compact SUV, is a surprisingly impressive vehicle. From its comfort, smooth ride, interior and exterior refinement and long list of standard fea...
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Just when it seemed like Honda couldn't possibly discover another market segment for its vehicles, it introduced the 2007 Fit. A four-door subcompact, the Fit combines a wondrously efficient use of sp...
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The 2007 Cadillac SRX 4-door wagon is listed in the premium midsize SUV category, and it offers an attractive combination of luxury, performance and styling.
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If there's one sure thing about the Saturn Sky, it's the new sports car's attention-grabbing appearance. Passersby stopped me at traffic signals. Restaurant patrons came to my table. Neighbors wanted ...
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The A4 is Audi's top-selling line and it's available in three different models and nearly 20 configurations in sedans, wagons and convertibles.
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It's not often a car gets renamed after only one year on the market. But that's exactly what happened to the Lincoln Zephyr. It debuted in 2006 as a entry level luxury sedan and now it's gone. In its ...
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Two items standout among as the best of the worthwhile technology wonderment. I think every car would be better if it featured satellite radio and a voice-command navigation system.
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Beyond its omnipresent "Zoom-Zoom" television commercial jingle, Mazda has a new motto: "The SUV you never saw coming." It's a trademarked slogan, but it just didn't fit with my weekly driver, a 2007 ...
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Driving a nicely performing convertible with the top down on a sun-baked summer day is about as good as it gets for driving enthusiasts. But there's more to convertibles than wind-whipped hair and the...
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Since Floyd Landis became the third American to claim cycling's most coveted title nearly 10 months ago, his life has been nothing less than catastrophic.
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Through the years Carmel establishments like Tradewinds Inn, have enticed a loyal following by offering a simple but important formula: quality rooms and service, plentiful parking and serenity.
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On a recent trip, I spent three nights at the renovated Olympia Lodge in Pacific Grove (California) and rediscovered the serenity of the city and its wondrous small-town appeal.
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Several years after his retirement, Michael Jordan remains as competitive off the court as he once was in the National Basketball Association
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Raised in poverty, comedian Tom Dreesen as used golf as a metaphor for his success in life.
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The feasibility of the PGA Tour testing its players for performance-enhancing drugs is not new. But the topic has recently come into sharper focus.
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No two marathons are the same, but if you follow basic guidelines, the experience can be rewarding.
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Chris O'Donnell is one of the stars of the television show Grey's Anatomy, and many years after later he's still often recognized as Robin from the movie Batman. But O'Donnell is also a husband, fathe...
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Scott Simpson, the 1987 U.S. Open winner, and Bill Murray, the actor/comedian and star the now legendary golf 1980 movie Caddyshack, have been playing partners during since 1993.
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The accomplishment of putting one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles, or a marathon, can be exhilarating and satisfying, and it's still the global standard for cardiovascular accomplishment.
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The Sportage is among Kia's most popular models and it's largely remained unchanged since its second generation debuted in 2005. Among several changes for the SUV then was the transition from a truck ...
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For the first time since the end of his two-year doping suspension, reigning Olympic time trial gold medalist Tyler Hamilton, 36, is competing again in the United States. He riding for the Italian/Rus...
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Since it debuted in limited release in 1995, the Outback, with its slightly raised suspension, has complemented the Legacy wagon. Fast-forward to 2007 and the Legacy and Outback wagons are now offered...
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Lucca, the nearly four-year old restaurant located across the street from Memorial Auditorium, would be an ideal choice for such occasions if the university still used Memorial Auditorium for sporting...
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It seems only a few years ago when Centro Cocina Mexicana, then the newest of the Paragary Group restaurants, opened. It had massive windows, a new approach with its museum-like decor, and the lines w...
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Now in its ninth edition and commonly called Evo9, the Evolution is the most expensive of four Lancers available. And the MR edition, my weekly driver, is the most expensive of three Evolution edition...
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Introduced in 2004, the Escape hybrid complemented Ford's already popular compact sport utility vehicle line. The Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner are remarkably similar SUVs, with the Mariner also a...
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Anyone who's driven a Subaru knows the manufacturer's all-wheel drive system is an industry leader. In automotive parlance, it's the only system that combines a horizontally opposed engine with a symm...
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Despite its less-than-stellar reputation, however, the Grapevine is also an ideal place to test drive a car, as I did recently with my weekly driver, the 2007 Hyundai Elantra.
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It's called a premium compact by some consumer advocacy publications and an entry level luxury sedan by other industry experts. By any name, the newly designed Saab 9-3 confidently joins an increasing...
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Introduced at car shows in 2005 and first made available nationwide as a 2006 model, the 2007 Ridgeline could, be categorized as the anti-pickup truck.
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Saturn didn't fare well with its midsize L-Series, which was discontinued in 2004. But the General Motors division is trying again with the 2007 Aura.
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Once a status symbol for affluent older drivers, the Escalade is now a Cadillac status symbol for an appreciably younger yet equally affluent buying group.
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Ragtop or hardtop, convertibles are increasingly popular. There's new innovation and increased competition among U.S. and foreign manufacturers. And that means more choices for consumers. In fact, nea...
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Acura has entered crossover SUV market with its 2007 RDX. It features all-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, an impressive array of features and an automotive oxymoron. It's a compact SUV that with i...
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The most important concept to grasp as a freelancer is the uncertainty of the occupation. A freelancer must understand and accept that he or she really never knows when paychecks will arrive.
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A competent writer with great marketing skills will have greater financial freelance success than a very skilled writer who has no marketing savvy.
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Anyone considering an independent writing career should quickly understand one paramount concept: Maintaining an organized business is as important, if not more important, than writing. It will lead t...
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Three years into its legacy, the Honda Element is still getting its share of unusual stares and snide comments. It's been called a toaster, a pumpkin and a box on wheels. And then there are those who ...
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As the entry level Acura, the RSX is a compact coupe that complements the often highly recommended manufacturer's varied other offerings.
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After a recent month of traveling in France, Germany and Spain, the habits of European drivers can be succinctly explained. They're skilled, they drive fast and they're often required to maneuver and ...
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California's oldest medical association, SSVMA is located in a nondescript office complex at 5380 Elvas Ave. in Sacramento. The side of building faces the street, further hiding its identity to casual...
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A review of the 2006 Mercedes Benz E350sedan
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The 2005 Ford Escape is the fourth addition to manufacturer's SUV line, the first hybrid in the class and it makes an impressive debut.
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The 30-mile stretch from Willits to Ft. Bragg along Highway 20 in Northern California is an ideal place to drive a sports car. The two-lane road offers tight switchbacks, flat stretches and many climb...
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Early morning training runs don't work for some runners. The mind, body and spirit aren't in sync. As has happened on other trips to far-away lands, it was an hour before dawn in Belfast, Northern Ire...
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There's little argument the Honda Civic's popularity isn't warranted. Honda has capitalized on the compact car's success with the notable options of a gas/electric hybrid and two-door hatchback. But d...
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William Thoma is a housepainter who daily wears a watch so marked with paint stains, he can't see the dial. But Thomas also know fine timepieces and has does what a lot of other wristwatch enthusiast ...
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The New Suzuki XL-7 SUV offers a good price point, but it's underpowered and will have a hard time finding a market share against more well-known offerings in its class.
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Anna Catharina "Cat" Berge excels at the far reaches of endurance. She can ride a bicycle from sunrise to sundown and then do it again at will - with a surprising competitive twist. Now, she's prepari...
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