Model Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 240 horsepower 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/23-mpg highway/21-mpg combined Base Price: $34,000 As Tested: $34,895 Performance: Strong engine with good low-end torque Highly capable and nimble … read more

A ferry ride is an inexpensive way to do some birdwatching on the water. You don’t pay for an expensive guided tour. You don’t need to own or care for your own boat. Birding surprises often occur on many of the available ferry … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited Engine: 3.3-liter V6, 290 horsepower 253 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city/28-mpg highway/23-mpg combined Base Price: $44,390 As Tested: $45, 290 Performance: Excellent V6 engine, ample power/pickup Strong fuel economy; our best … read more

Spring-cleaning is more than just a phrase; it is serious business for many people. After being cooped up in the house all winter with a growing to-do list — and, for some, a case of Seasonal Affective Disorder — it can be refreshing … read more

This is a banner year for rare, once-in-a-life-time astronomical events. In February, NASA announced the discovery of seven Earth-like planets orbiting their own sun, serious evidence that life may exist in outer space. Dec. 13 will bring the king of meteor displays — … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Genesis G80 AWD 3.8 Engine: 3.8-liter V6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 16-mpg city/25-mpg highway/19-mpg combined Base Price: $43,900 As Tested: $53,800 Performance: Excellent V6 engine Smooth, comfortable ride Seamless all-wheel-drive Head up … read more

If you planted garlic cloves as I suggested last fall, you will be rewarded with complete garlic heads this month. If you plant in the fall, June supplies tasty garlicscapes that should be cut off and can be used to flavor your oil … read more

Glass, glass everywhere. From simple drinking glasses to Chihuly chandeliers, the making of utilitarian as well as decorative objets d’art from glass dates back to the middle of third millennium B.C. in areas such as Syria, Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. The primary chemical … read more

It’s cherry season in Washington, and this year’s crop is better than ever! Mother Nature provided a long, cool, wet spring with warm sunshine coming just at the right time to produce beautiful, shiny, plump and very juicy cherries. Bings and Rainiers are … read more