| Road Test: 2007 Toyota Matrix
NOTE: Since I found the automatic transmission to be rather lethargic I also took the opportunity to test drive the manual version. The manual version is the base model, while the automatic version is the XR edition, and throughout the review I will note where each differ.
First Impressions
When I first spotted the Matrix XR in the parking lot, I was struck by the color. It's eye-popping in the sunlight - absolutely gorgeous. It's called Speedway Blue by Toyota, but Electric Blue would be a better description. The manual version was Radiant Red – a very appropriate name.
Climbing behind the thick 3-spoke steering wheel, it felt upright and was not what I'd expected. It's more in line with the feel of the PT Cruiser or even a mini van than I would have guessed.
CRM Conference: Database Solutions, LTD. Announces Successful
DATABASE SOLUTIONS, LTD., a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Technology Company for the Insurance and Financial Industry, announced recently that on March 18th through March 20th Database Solutions successfully exhibited at the LAMP 2007 Conference held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With over 43 of the top insurance and financial services firms in the world as members, 10 of which are on the fortune 500 list, Database Solutions had the opportunity to demonstrate the company's family of CRM products and Agent Intelligence online on-demand solution to agencies through out the United States, Canada, Mexico and overseas. Due to the overwhelming response from show attendees, Database Solutions has commenced product evaluations with exciting prospects showing excellent business potential worldwide.
ANTIQUES, FINE ARTS & SPORTING AUCTION
Offered for Sale: ARTWORK: American: W.J. Aylward, (3) o/b; C.J. Blenner, o/c; K. Freeman Clark, o/c; S. Colman, several sketches; C.G. Cook, o/c; J.O. Davidson, o/c; P. Degen, several sketches; F.K. Detwiller, w/c; R. Dubin, o/c; W. Fisher, (2) o/c & o/b; L. Gechtoff, o/c; O. Glorig, (3) o/c; P.S. Harris (attrib.), o/c; H. Inman, o/p; M. Korianevsky, o/c; E.C. Messer, o/c; W.B. Morrell, o/b; E. Mount, (2) o/b; W. Pierce, o/b; P. Reisman, w/c; Ed.A. Rorke, o/c; W.L. Sonntag, ink; A. Szyk, gouache; G.E. Varian, w/c; E.K.K. Wetherill, (5) o/b; etc. Continental: H. Alken (attrib.), (2) o/b; K.L. Bergslien, o/c; O.T. Clark, o/c; D. Edzard, (2) ink; J. Epstein, charcoal; W.J. Ferguson, w/c; A. Guillaume, o/c; H.R. Hall, o/c; E. Hargitt, o/c; H. van Hove, o/p; H.F.C. ten Kate, o/p; F. Kraul, o/c; G.
Rebuilt Capitol set for its debut
RICHMOND--In the state Senate chambers, a veil of dust covers the 40 wooden desks. Wires and cords snake down into holes cut in the carpet. Outside the door, plywood still covers a valuable Houdon statue of George Washington. But in the chamber, the walls and ceiling seem to glow, thanks to a terracotta-color paint, rose-red damask-looking panels, a refurbished skylight, and warm-hued decorative paintings around the ceiling. This is the Senate chamber, part of the massive, $104 million Capitol renovation project that is winding to a close. It's not done yet--workers outside are still building walkways, the main hall of the Capitol is still covered in dropcloths and "wet paint" signs, but the House and Senate chambers are almost finished.
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