BY JEFFREY WEIDEL Taking a gamble, Mazda introduced a unique vehicle that’s certainly a rarity in the soccer-mom world of vehicles. The Mazda5 is a compact minivan that at first glance may be confused for a compact SUV. That may be a good thing for some men, who hate the thought of driving around in […]
Travel/Golf/Auto reviews
Toyota Camry Hybrid a winner
BY JEFFREY WEIDEL Although Toyota historically goes a long time before making dramatic changes in the highly-popular Camry, here’s some bad news for the competition, which always seems to be running uphill trying to catch this classic family-favorite sedan. Instead of waiting a few more years for a redesign – which is typically every five […]
Lots of muscle in 2015 Buick LaCrosse
BY JEFFREY WEIDEL Buicks were once a status vehicle for sure, not one that middle-class families typically had parked in their driveways. The brand featured powerful V8 engines, huge backseats, had a sense of style, and were also major gas guzzlers. Buick was the standard-bearer for the big, bulky, powerful sedans that a generation of […]
Muscle up with 2015 Dodge Challenger
BY JEFFREY WEIDEL The classic “muscle cars” are all about one thing: fun. From the classic macho exterior styling to their powerful, steroid-like engines, the muscle cars deliver plenty of enjoyment. Of course, muscle cars like the Challenger, Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang are not for everyone. For one thing, they aren’t that practical. The […]
Honda Fit: solid subcompact
BY JEFFREY WEIDEL Let’s start with this premise: Subcompact cars are typically devoid of excitement. Yet they are still in demand. There’s a reason people buy them, most notably affordability, strong gas mileage, and easy to maneuver, which translates into a great commuter vehicle. The 2015 Honda Fit is a four-door hatchback that made its […]
Kapalua Resort: Golfing in Paradise
BY JEFFREY WEIDEL This is the first installment in a series of stories on vacationing in Maui. One golf course hosts a PGA tournament and provides some serious shot-making challenges, while a second one serves as a feel-good track that should keep many vacationing golfers smiling and content. Located on the beautiful tropical island of […]
Hyundai Tournament of Champions starts Friday in Maui
BY JEFFREY WEIDEL One Maui golf course will host this week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions and provides some serious shot-making challenges, while a second one serves as a feel-good track that should keep many vacationing golfers smiling and content Located on the beautiful tropical island of Maui, the Kapalua Resort golf complex caters to golfers […]
Tahoe’s Old Greenwood a classic Jack Nicklaus design
The illustrious name alone – Jack Nicklaus – draws golfers to this scenic course in Lake Tahoe. And for most golfers, after they play a round at the Nicklaus-designed track, they vow a return trip to Old Greenwood. That was the case for Larry Ballew and his son Marcus, who played Old Greenwood for the […]
Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge: Ideal place to board pet during Lake Tahoe visit
For people visiting the Lake Tahoe region this summer and fall from Sacramento or the Bay Area, often times the quandary is whether to bring your pet or not. While there are Lake Tahoe lodging facilities that welcome pet stays, there are also plenty of places that force one to leave your beloved dog or […]
Grizzly Ranch: Scenic California golf getaway
For all its inherent beauty, mystical waters and gorgeous mountain vistas, highly touted Lake Tahoe can be one congested vacation spot in the summer months for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway. If avoiding crowds and experiencing a big dose of serenity is the goal, head north of Tahoe for the 45-minute drive to the Graeagle […]