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COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Early summer is the best time to travel to the canyon that is home to the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Up to 4,000 feet deep, this canyon of high desert cliffs and lush waterfalls stretches for over 80 miles as the river winds westward through the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean forming the boundary between the State of Washington to the north and Oregon to the south. Continue reading “”

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YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY

Taking your car to the track is not for the faint of heart. With the cornering forces generated and the speeds achieved, there is only so much car aids can do. The rest is up to the driver. The track can be a safe environment compared to public streets, as long as you approach it with thoughtfulness and respect.

Whether you have been to the track or not, car prep is obviously important. But mental preparation can be just as critical. You do not want to arrive exhausted or upset. Ideally you want to be calm and ready to learn. Remember to keep drinking water throughout the day as you could become dehydrated otherwise. Continue reading “”

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TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN

Tea For The Tillerman is arguably Cat Stevens’ finest album and a jewel in the crown of early 1970s singer/songwriters. Acoustic Sounds’ new “Quality Record Pressings” plant has chosen this audiophile favorite as the first title to remaster on 200 gram vinyl and hybrid SACD. George Marino of the original mastering plant, Sterling Sound, used the original analog masters in producing this reissue. Reportedly the cover is an exact replica of the original textured British Island gatefold jacket, rather than the non-gatefold U.S. version. Additionally, the original UK Pink Island label design is used. Both LP and SACD are due to be released in August. Review to follow…

For a fascinating look at all that went into this edition see more: Continue reading “”

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BEYOND EXCELLENT

The August issue of Excellence: The Magazine About Porsche features an article of mine on a ’73 911 build titled “The Color of Money.” Nope, this isn’t one of those “cookie cutter” R Gruppe builds with a 3.2 Motronic motor and center fill cap. It’s a no-holds-barred homage to all that is right with this hobby.

Scott Longballa is to be congratulated for taking a hands-on approach in creating this unique and totally intoxicating package – a short stroke MFI powered “RSR” that goes way beyond the expected using only the best parts available. Continue reading “”

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EXOTICS AT RTC

After taking my 315 hp/2300 lb Porsche 911 to a PCA track day at Pacific Raceways (and driving my student’s amazing race prepped GT3/RS), I was in the mood to see some high powered Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Living near Seattle, I needn’t look far to find them. Turns out that on every sunny Saturday there is an exotic car meet in Redmond, Washington. Continue reading “”

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA (AGAIN)

Just home from three weeks in California. Thanks to Curtis Autenrith and Nick Psyllos for their comraderie and hospitality – and all my other car buddies for their generous support. The R Gruppe Track Day at Buttonwillow and Treffen in Monterey were highlights.

It was the most productive automotive trip I have been on. I shot five cars for Excellence magazine, finished the rebuild on my 1972 Porsche 911″ST” and drove it home in time for a track day in Seattle. More to come… Continue reading “”

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BUG-IN

Today is the 35th BUG-IN in Fontana. This event is held once a year in Southern California and incorporates all things Volkswagen. There will be 1/4 mile drag racing, vintage and custom car shows, and a large swap meet with vendor display. Whether you’re a gear head, vintage freak or just all around VW nut, you will not be disappointed with what you’re bound to find today in Fontana. BUG-IN first started in 1968 at the old Orange County International Raceway. 31 events were held over a 15 year period at the historic OCIR until the fateful day that the track was closed in 1983. Continue reading “”

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STICKY FINGERS

Forty years ago today, The Rolling Stones released their seminal ‘70’s album, Sticky Fingers. With landmark songs like “Brown Sugar,” “Sway,” “Wild Horses,” “Bitch,” “Sister Morphine,” “Dead Flowers” and “Moonlight Mile,” Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were reaching their creative and commercial zenith.

The now well-regarded album that followed, 1972’s Exile on Main Street, was grittier and more complex. But the polished songs on this record are arguably just as audacious and even better executed, much like its predecessor Let It Bleed. Interestingly, early versions of songs that would appear on Exile were rehearsed during these sessions. Continue reading “”

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THE NEW BEETLE

In the wake of Porsche raising $7.1 billion to complete its merger with Volkswagen AG, the “new” sporty VW Beetle has just been announced.

This car has one of the most recognizable shapes in the world. Between 1938 and 2003 the original “Bug” sold nearly 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, with over 22 million built. It was developed by Ferdinand Porsche as the Type 1 Volkswagen – which literally means “people’s car.” The second-generation Beetle was designed by J. Mays and R Gruppe co-founder Freeman Thomas at the company’s California design studio. Since 1997 this very rounded design has become a popular choice for city-dwelling females. Continue reading “”

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RECORD STORE DAY 2011

This Saturday (April 16th) is Record Store Day. And Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath is ambassador!

In addition to raising awareness about the importance of community based independently owned record stores, this day is a chance to collect some very limited production vinyl. The Rolling Stones will be releasing 5,000 copies of the unique “Brown Sugar” single mix on a 7″ 45. Kate Bush will be represented by 1,000 Audio Fidelity 10″ records of Hounds of Love on pink vinyl. Phish will put out “Two Soundchecks,” a 7″ record of their first ever live vinyl release. Green Day, Husker Du, Foo Fighters and Radiohead will also will be releasing exclusive collectibles. Continue reading “”

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ROME

Folks often ask me, “What’s your favorite city to visit in Europe?” Since spring is here and Paris can be quite lovely this time of year, especially in May, they are usually surprised when I choose another major popular tourist destination. London? Well, I love the capital city and could walk around it for days, but I’d wait until July/August to have the best chance of good weather. September can be even better if you want to avoid the crowds. Continue reading “”

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THE ROLLING STONES & BRIAN JONES

On this day nearly 50 years ago, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met Brian Jones for the first time. Jones was calling himself Elmo Lewis and playing slide guitar with Paul Jones (later of Manfred Mann) at the Ealing Jazz Club in London. Jones’ band was called “The Roosters.” After Brain left the group to form “The Rolliin’ Stones” with Mick and Keith, Eric Clapton took over his position as guitarist. Continue reading “”

TARGA FLORIO 1973

So were the early 1970’s really cooler than today?
Watch this vintage video, then you decide.

Targa Florio is a Documentary TV Movie on the 1973 race made in Italy in 2005. Director: Cuiri Amelio Ortiz. Cast: Francesco Arezzo, Antonio Catanzaro, Vic Elford, Mauro Forghieri, Giacinto Gargano, Ciccio Liberto, Sandro Munari, Silvana Paladino, Salvatore Requirez, Pao… Continue reading “”