Model Tested: 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas, 140 horsepower, 126 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 29/City—37/Highway—32/Combined Base Price: $20,635 As Tested: $22,320 Performance: Pleasant ride Fun to drive if not quite “sporty” Sport Drive mode … read more

When you need a few things done around the house, a handyman, handywoman or handyperson sounds like a great idea. Small jobs, done fairly quickly, don’t really require a general contractor, you may think. Or do they? The handyman field is largely unregulated, … read more

Warbler watching in West Sound country can’t compete with what the eastern portion of North America enjoys, but we do have several special warbler species. Not only do warblers move into the Northwest with spring’s arrival, some have been brightening the winter landscape. … read more

Fleshy, green and succulent, asparagus is the ultimate spring vegetable. Known for its cleansing diuretic properties for centuries and once only available in spring, it has become a year-round favorite on American tables. Early culinary records indicate asparagus, which is a native of … read more

Increase your harvest without increasing the size of your garden or workload. All you need is a bit of intensive planting, along with some low-maintenance techniques. Invest some time upfront to prepare the garden soil. This will save you time throughout the growing … read more

“If you give a mouse a cookie…” started to say the homeowner of a Gig Harbor home remodel, quoting from the popular children’s book by Laura Numeroff. She was referring to her and her husband’s recent makeover of their home atop a hill … read more

One of the great aspects of an orchestra is the chameleon role it plays in music. One night an orchestra might be performing the glorious symphonies of Mozart, Brahms or Stravinsky. And on another, it might be providing the music for an opera, … read more

  Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Altima SV Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas, 182 horsepower, 180 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 26/City—37/Highway—30/Combined Base Price: $25,460 As Tested: $28,425 Performance: Smooth highway ride Strong acceleration OK CVT transmission Overdrive function We averaged … read more

Flash Drive 2016 Cadillac CTS Model Tested: 2016 Cadillac CTS AWD 3.6L Premium Collection Engine: 3.6-liter V-6 gas, 335 horsepower, 285 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—28/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $64,685 As Tested: $66,425 Performance: Very strong, powerful engine even … read more