The Subaru WRX, the original rally car for the road, got the first major changes of its American-market career, for the 2006 model year. If the new-look nose restyling was the most apparent change, the most significant revisions were under the aluminum hood. The original 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled boxer four was replaced by the detuned version of the 2.5-liter STi engine used in the Forester XT. With 230 horsepower it would seem little different from the 2.0-liter engine's 227, but there was a significant increase in torque, from 217 to 235 lb-ft. To complement the improved power output, plus-one tires, 17- instead of 16-inch, wider and lower in profile, were fitted, and suspension, brake and airbag systems were upgraded.

And the WRX lineup grew, with the introduction of two additional trim levels, the TR, for the sedan body style only, and the Limited for both the sedan and wagon.

Avril's hometown beckons

It's the little town where singer Avril Lavigne cut her teeth, but Napanee has other things to recommend it.

Cosmic chic 2010

The scramble to be the first to put ordinary tourists in space is on. While private space pioneers paid $20-million for the privilege of spending a week at the International Space Station, those who have a mere $200 000 to spare can set their sights on an hour or so in sub-orbital space as soon as next year. But what to wear for the occasion when you walk up, or down, the gantry and have the eyes -- and perhaps cameras -- of the world upon you? Orbital Outfitters has the answer: the IS3C, the first commercially available sub-orbital space suit. The suit was designed by Chris Gilman, a Hollywood special effects guru who has designed spacesuits for movies such as Space Cowboys and Deep Impact. Gilman is backed by a team of aeronautical engineers and space-medicine experts. Orbital Outfitters (OO) is one of a slew of small companies in the “New Space" movement, often staffed by ex-Nasa scientists determined to see many people in space in the next decade.

Trans World closing f.y.e. store in Clifton Park

Lane Bryant opens store in Clifton Park Center [Albany] Clifton Park Center to hold '80s promotion [Albany] Clifton Park mall offers 'virtual tour' [Albany] Coconut's music store closes after poor sales [Dayton] Not coming to a theater near you--a 14th screen at Colonie Center cinema [Albany] .

July 2006

All evidence makes it clear that we cannot afford to wait to avoid catastrophic consequences. How much time do we have? The mounting crisis of energy prices, national security and global warming can be eased in part with the development of shallow water wind farms. Let’s embrace the Cape Wind project, the flagship of our country’s first offshore windfarm. Let’s get started now and make it work.

1. "Wind Farm Demonstration Project Launched," 2004 Talisman Corporate Responsibility Report. The project will receive $7 million from each of the Scottish Executive and the UK Department of Trade and Industry and $10 million from the European Commission.

BroadVision profit down in Q4, up for year

BroadVision Inc. reported a drop in profit in the fourth quarter, compared with last year. But its profit for 2007 rose.