Chapter 11 it is.....

So...it looks like there were a few financial institutions and hedge funds that were holding out for more money and getting things settled in bankruptcy court. That's ok. This should be a quit Chapter 11 procedure since that is what President Obama wants. And what he wants, he usually gets. So, I am excited for the new leaner and meaner Chrysler/Fiat to emerge.

What does that mean for Spokane Chrysler? Well, business as usual! The same great customer service for sales and service still exists. We will be working and running without a hitch. Our cars will still be made and Chrysler will still be around so there is nothing to worry about.

Comments? I welcome them.....and I would love to hear thoughts.

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Obama's first 100 days

I have to say that I am one of the many pleased with his performance....so far. I am very nervous with the money that is being spent but I figure that since the public isn't spending any money.. the govt has to in order to get us out of this mess. I know we need to be careful of over-spending but this is a new low that our economy has entered. I don't think anyone has a clear cut answer.

However, I am ok with him talking to our "enemies" and at least opening the lines of communication. To at least know we tried...if we need to attack in the future. I also like that he is well-received around the world. I think people want to like America...it's just that we made it hard for them in the past couple of years. Also, the bailout mess has been harrowing...however, I think we might be nearing and end and that is also VERY comforting.

Overall, I'm glad we have change and hopefully, it will lead to good things.

We all want some good news!!!!

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April 29 - TONIGHT! Baskin-Robbin's $.31 scoop night

Tonight is the night......buy a car and then head down to Baskin-Robbins. You will get a deal on both. I promise. Spokane Chrysler is having a month-end sell down...right now. Jay (my husband) is working until close and will be willing to take some deals he normally wouldn't... in order to continue our strong month-end momentum.

After that, I know, if you ask nicely, he will give you the $.31 to go down and buy a scoop of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. And you'll be helping out firefighters! This is from www.baskinrobbins.com

Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins®
and help us honor America’s firefighters with a $100,000
donation to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
National Junior Firefighter Program.

Participating stores will reduce prices of small ice cream
scoops to 31 cents*. At some locations, you may also have
an opportunity to make a donation to local fire charities.

Eat ICE CREAM tonight!

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GM will terminate about 1000 dealers.

There was a story on www.autonews.com that said those GM dealers who get terminated will only get compensated for the new inventory and the parts. They will get nothing for their franchise.

I hope these dealers and their families will stay strong and know that nothing happens for a reason...even if it is a hardship. I will be praying for a smooth transition and for something good to come out of it. I can't imagine my whole family and extended family's livelihood coming to an end like this during this hard economic time.

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wow...I'm speechless....Citigroup wants to give out bonuses.

Amazed. Speechless. Stupefied. I know that there are some bank employees that are demoralized and so Citibank wants them to feel better about themselves.....http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30469527/ BUT, what about the tax payers that are also feeling that way by loaning or bailing out or whatever you want to call it the banks that were going to collapse. I think just yesterday there was an article saying that Citigroup might need to ask for more money. Wow and wow.

And, I know that many people are very outraged that the auto companies received a government loan (bailout) as well. However, I do not understand why it's any different from the banks. Every single financial institution besides Lehman Bros. was "saved", yet when it comes to the backbone of manufacturing.....a huge part of the middle class that makes things......there is an uproar. I wish we could all just get along.

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Re: Comment from Brew

Hey....that is EXACTLY what I thought when I first read the news on the msnbc.com website. However, the management frowns upon such words used on a website for the public domain. Sorry that I couldn't publish your comment!

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Arlen Specter.....a Democrat now????????????

Wow....I think 2009 is shaping up to be a HUGE year of change. An African-American President. The tanking global economy. One of my grandma's has passed away already and the other is in a hospice. Businesses closing left and right. I mean...personally and globally, this year has been a huge year of change. But really, I never expected Sen. Specter to switch sides. He's a 29 year veteran in the Senate!!!! As a Republican!!!!! wow...wow....

However, one bit of good news is that the Apple Cup will NOT change. It's going to stay put at the 2 schools instead of being played at Qwest Field in Seattle. That field couldn't accommodate all of the season ticket holders and the general public. Keeps the rivalry nice and close.

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Swine flu and foreclosures....

Swine flu just sounds terrible. I know it's been more mild in the US but some of the people in Mexico have died from this flu strain. I sure hope they get this controlled. However, I do find it amazing that the stock market gets spooked by a flu. I guess if more people got sick and stopped going out and spending money, that would be something for the stock market to worry about. However, it's not even there yet and investors get nervous. That is amazing to me.

I know that people are losing their homes left and right but this past weekend, I met 2 people who have or are right now. It was such a hard "hitting home" type of thing for me. I had only read about people who have lost their homes...but still strangers. Now, it's more real. I sure hope this economy can pick up....swine flu or not.

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Farewell Pontiac.....

Well, a brand that has been around for 83 years is being laid to rest. There has been a lot of history and nice cars from this brand but times are changing....and so are people's taste. Unfortunately, something happened at GM and they got a little behind. Also, at Chrysler, the marriage with Daimler wasn't perfect and so we were all are.

I hope the Pontiac dealers and employees and factory workers are going to be ok. I always say "Everything happens for a reason" so I guess we shall see what happens next.

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Chapter 11????? maybe...but maybe not!

Well, the media is buzzing with word that Chrysler MIGHT file for Chapter 11. We shall see. Of course, the factory tells us that they are frantically working to make everything work by April 30 and they have never once mentioned Chapter 11...not even as a possibility. So, I am not sure where we are in the process but we shall all know in the next week or two.

Driving to Seattle was interesting. The drive was fine but the weather was so odd...since it's the END of April!!! We experienced rain, snow, sun, and some hail. It was insane!!! Good old Washington state weather.

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On the road....driving to Seattle right now. A friend of ours is buying a car from us and we're delivering it. We are a full service dealership!!

Happy Earth Day!!!

I am not really a HUGE environmental person. I do what I can....I recycle, I take my own bags to the grocery store (when I remember), I use fluorescent light bulbs (even though they aren't quite the same), I try to use natural house cleaners, but that is the extent of it. I need to move to the next level but I'm not sure what that will be. Any suggestions?

Also, congratulations to Brandon Roy (UW Alum) in his last playoff game against the Houston Rockets. 42 points isn't easy!!!

AND...we had a phenomenal day yesterday and I know Jay wants to continue the momentum. Come on down....it's a GREAT time to get an amazing deal.

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Buy Local!!

This is a great news story on a local dairy that is family owned, operated and very local. I would LOVE to support them but the story didn't indicate where I could buy their milk. http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2-042009-1toncow.f4dcc63e.html

If you know where, please let me know. Their story was great since I know what it's like to be in a business where the owners are directly invested in time, energy, and $$. We are "all in" like they are. I saw the mom labeling bottles with her baby in a backpack carrier....just like me.. when I work at the store, my daughter is in my lap.

Buying locally and from a family owned operation actually does help the local economy since we give back and put back here as well.

Let me know of other local businesses...that would be great!

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Ford Mustang season.....

This warm weather brings out the beautiful cars and I've noticed that people in Spokane love Mustangs. They are a beautiful car......we have a few to look at as well. And trust me, you can get a great deal....right now. Jay wants a fantastic month end.

This one is gorgeous. 2007 that is nice and clean.

We also have a red 2004 convertible and a 2008 V-8 that is fantastic and fast! These we don't have pictures for yet but Ben, our Internet manager, can email you some if you are interested. Just call him 509-389-9786 and he'll do it!

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Some good news for WSU.....

Well, it seems like there is a little bit of good news for WSU who has been pounded by some shocking sports situations. First, Tony Bennett ups and leaves in 2 seconds flat and now there is talk of moving the Apple Cup to Seattle (Qwest field). So, this news that the Australian recruit for basketball is going to stay even with the coaching change.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/apr/20/australian-recruit-sticks-with-wsu/

Also, congratulations to all of the people who participated in the Race for a Cure. I'm sure the support is very appreciated!

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TGIF...with sunshine! even better!

I've been scouring the web trying to find anything interesting to write about and unfortunately, I'm only drawn to such things as Heidi Klum announcing she's expecting her 4th child and that American Idols Live is coming to the Tacoma Dome on July 7. (And I'm a little embarrassed to even admit that last one!!!!)

Maybe I'm drawn to that kind of "news" since everything else is more of the same. The banks post a small profit but don't get too excited. GM might go bankrupt and so might Chrysler, if you really want to analyze it all together. Unemployment is up and some people are upset that CIA employees won't be tried for waterboarding.

I guess not everyday can have something exciting like a big car sale at Spokane Chrysler! Ha!!!

Have a great weekend.....

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Apple Cup in Seattle????

I heard about this briefly on the news last night and being Husky....this is only but good for me. However, living over here, I can't imagine that this seems fair to WSU fans. The home field advantage would kind of, by default, be for UW since the Apple Cup would be in Seattle at Qwest Field. However, I guess the mighty dollar talks. The financial benefit outweighs the home field advantage....I guess.

I feel bad for the Pullman businesses that really get a boost from Apple Cup weekend. The deal with Qwest field only benefits the schools.

Money talks.....for real.

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Congratulations Ken Griffey Jr!!!

Last night, Griffey hit his 400th home run as a Mariner. It was pretty exciting to watch (well, the whole game was pretty good) and it was nice to see a GOOD sports thing happen in Seattle. With Forbes just declaring Seattle as the most miserable sports city in the nation.....http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/13/americas-most-miserable-sports-cities-business-sports.html
The home run last night was quite a nice feel good moment.

Also, Ichiro with his Grand Slam was a nice welcome back.......

Hopefully, this is not just a hot start but will continue through the season. Maybe they were sick of losing from last year. I know I was sick of watching them lose!!!!

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Tax day!!!

Totally forgot......be sure to go out there and get your free stuff!
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977655775

not sure if ALL of these are correct...but it's worth a try!

Also, interesting book about bad fast food on the market right now. However, they give you alternatives instead of just telling you how fattening or sodium filled the food is. Living in Spokane where fast food restaurants are over-flowing....I thought this might be helpful to some out there.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30038585/?pg=1#TDY_MH_DriveThru

Who knew the fish sandwich at Burger King was so bad???? It's fish!

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Unfortunately, it comes down to the unions again....

So I guess the UAW and the CAW has to make (what I assume to be huge) concessions in order to get the Fiat/Chrysler deal done. It's just a huge cluster that happened over the years and I can understand why people dislike or like unions. I think more people these days do not like unions than in the past. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30223873/ I can see why they formed and what they did in the past but I think the past corruption or the lack of vision for the future did the unions in.

I hope they get it together in the next 15 days. A lot of peoples lives are on the line.

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Mini cars...not as safe? Say it isn't so

This article was in Automotive News today. It talks about mini cars not doing so well in crash tests. What a shocker? I cannot believe this is news! The car COLLAPSED around the driver!!! What???!! Well, just look at the tiny body and the small tires and then look at the HUGE SUV's that "Americans" were in love with just a few years ago. It's a no brainer.

Minicars perform poorly in crash tests, study says

Neil Roland
Automotive News
April 14, 2009 - 12:15 am ET

WASHINGTON -- Minicars made by Toyota, Honda and Daimler AG did poorly on frontal crash tests with mid-sized automobiles, prompting an influential safety organization to suggest consumers consider buying larger cars that have comparable fuel economy. The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Smart ForTwo all collapsed upon impact into the space around the driver dummy, according to the study released today by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Drivers in all three vehicles faced high risk of head and leg injuries after test collisions at 40 miles an hour, even after airbags inflated, said the non-profit group funded by auto insurers. The study could prompt more debate on minicar safety as several automakers continue developing such vehicles for North America. Just last week, Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said VW would consider bringing its European Up minicar brand to the U.S. in future years. "Size still matters," Institute President Adrian Lund said in a statement. "Though much safer than they were a few years ago, minicars as a group do a comparatively poor job of protecting people in crashes." Safer options recommended The group recommended that consumers consider purchasing some larger cars that offer superior safety to the mini and micro autos. It cited the VW Jetta diesel, the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid. "Many cars just a little bit bigger get close to, or the same mpg as the mini and micro cars we tested," Institute spokesman Russ Rader said in an e-mail. Smart called the 40 mph test and the frontal crash position "rare and extreme" in the case of the ForTwo. The severity of the test collision "is unlikely to occur in real world crashes," Smart USA President Dave Schembri said in a statement. "Smart has a proven track record of safety with approximately one million cars on the road in 37 countries." Customers drive small cars for reasons other than fuel economy, including value, parking convenience, and fun, he added. Spokesmen for Honda and Toyota did not immediately respond to requests for comment. All three mini and micro cars had performed well in more typical crash tests with vehicles smashing into a barrier. While these tests showed how well the small cars matched up against each other, they didn't reveal their safety performance in crashes with larger cars, Lund said. In the latest tests, the Toyota Yaris crashed into a Toyota Camry, the Honda Fit collided with a Honda Accord, and a Smart ForTwo crashed into a Mercedes C Class. In these collisions, the driver dummies in the smaller cars faced "intrusions" on their space from windshield pillars, instrument panels, toe boards and steering wheels, Lund said. "While head-on collisions at 40 miles an hour are rare, it's these crashes that often cause serious injury and death," Lund said. The medium-sized cars fared far better in the tests. Analysis of fuel economy A look at fuel economy confirms the Institute's claims that some larger cars get results comparable to those of the mini and micro models. The 2009 Yaris gets fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway, according to Environmental Protection Agency results published on Department of Energy Web site www.fueleconomy.gov. The 2009 Fit gets 28 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway, while the Smart ForTwo convertible gets 33 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway, according to the site. Among the larger cars recommended by the Institute, the Jetta diesel gets 29 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway, while the Camry hybrid gets 33 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. According to a Ford spokesman, the 2010 Fusion hybrid gets 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway. In 2007, the death rate for minicars was substantially higher than those for larger cars in both single-vehicle and multiple-vehicle crashes, the Institute said. The death rate was almost twice as high for one- to-three-year-old mini cars in multiple-vehicle crashes as the rate for very large cars, it said. In single-vehicle crashes, the death rate for minis was more than three times as great as for very large cars.

_____________________________________________________________
At least they are saving gas? Right?????

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watch out 1992 Honda Accords!

Looks like Spokane is in the top 50 cities for auto thefts....so is Seattle and Yakima. Actually, Yakima ranks 3rd! http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/apr/13/spokane-yakima-seattle-rank-high-car-thefts/

Maybe there isn't enough to do in Washington OR too many people are leaving their doors unlocked. Who knows what the cause is........

I was just walking through Joe's Sporting Goods this past weekend and I saw a steering wheel locking device and I wondered who is still using those things. Apparently, we need to be so people won't be stealing our cars!

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GM possible bankrupcy? Chrysler becomes Fiat?

Well, it looks like a June 1 GM bankruptcy is more and more possible. I guess the government is hinting towards that option. I totally understand and maybe, this will be the "market adjustment" GM needs and maybe, this is the long needed "fix" for GM to become competitive again. A smaller, more agile company might just be what Dr. Obama is prescribing.

And, I think if Chrysler and Fiat work out their merger, things will be great for that company as well. Possibly, over time, Fiat just might take over and be the company that calls the shots and so on. Will it be better? Well, it can't be any worse. We can only see what will happen with time.

So, many people ask or comment that the 1st bailout was just a waste of money if GM and Chrysler are only going to go bankrupt anyway. HOWEVER, if those 2 would have gone bankrupt on Jan. 1, I think the economy might not have been able to handle such a collapse. The markets are a little big stronger now and so are car sales. Timing is crucial right now for the US in this economic recovery plan and the past 3 months bought some time for the US to maybe be prepared for such a bankruptcy.

We shall see.....we shall see....

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Happy Easter!

It's a hodge podge news day today. I'm glad that the Obama's finally got their dog. People around the country and breathe a sigh of relief now. It's interesting that so many people were so interesting in that AND that they would give their input. I understand that Obama is very hip and seems very open; however, I would never think to give input to my President on what kind of dog he should choose. MAYBE on what kind of car he should ever buy....but not a dog.

I suppose it's neat that he seems approachable enough though.

Also, thank God that the US soldier that was captured by Somali pirates was rescued. What a relief that must be for the family of that man. A very nice Easter present.

AND....I read in on SeattleTimes.com that the Shriner's Children's hospital might be closed. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009027543_webshriners12.html It's underused and the Shriner's are facing lower donations overall. I can't imagine a hospital being UNDER used. That is too bad. I'm sure they provide wonderful care and needed services in the Spokane area. I wonder what can be done.

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New Jeep Grand Cherokee

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090409/ANA08/904099985/1168

Here is a little picture and a brief description of the new Pentastar V-6 engine. This one engine replaces 6 that Chrysler is currently using. That seems like a very smart move.

Finally, something to get excited about!!!!

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_2011_jeep_grand_cherokee_first_look/index.html
Here are some more pictures. I'm not sure how I'm going to like the new smaller grill. I think I will have to see it in person and not in this goldish color.

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No....not Joe's!!!!!!

I guess Joe's Sporting Goods (or G.I Joe's, for many of us that only called it that) is closing all of it's stores. I can't believe that since I have only seen long lines at the Spokane Valley location. However, I guess if only a couple out of the 31 stores is doing well...it can't save the whole company from going down. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009016502_joes10.html
I hope the employees and owners are going to be ok. My heart goes out to them.

Also, a nice little column about Mark Few in the Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/budwithers/2009015822_withers10.html It's about how Gonzaga has a solid coach that isn't shopping around for the next biggest and best spot out there....even though he's probably been approached many times. I don't particularly care for the Zags (since I bleed Purple - Go Dawgs!) but this was a refreshing point of view that made me like Coach Few even more.

My husband will never believe I am typing these positive words about Gonazga!

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Some Chrysler/Fiat deal details

So, it looks like there is some news leaking out about the possible merger of the 2 companies. I hope this merger makes more sense than the Daimler one because I think the way Daimler did things worked for their consumer. The Mercedes-Benz customer is VERY different than your typical Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep customer.

This is a brief list of what has to be done before April 30th in order for the government to consider Chrysler as being viable.

• On March 30, the U.S. government gave Chrysler and Fiat 30 days to:
  • Reduce Chrysler's debt burden to a sustainable level.
  • Negotiate additional concessions from the UAW.
  • Demonstrate with a greater degree of detail a plan that is truly viable and that can credibly repay taxpayer loans.
  • Confirm that $6 billion of post-restructuring loans from the U.S. Treasury Department would be sufficient.
  

Fiat and Chrysler have been negotiating the terms of the alliance under the government deadline. And a source said that there are "good chances" that the deal will be done before then.

GOOD NEWS...FINALLY!!!!

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Congratulations Tar Heels!

5th NCAA men's basketball title......simply amazing. AND Obama picked them to win. It's fun to have a hip president....that can work hard too.

Also, congratulations Ken Bone. Welcome to the Pac-10.

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Maybe this (??) will get GM out of trouble????

(nervous laughter) Uh..maybe this new idea by Segway and GM will get both companies on the map in a huge way. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30077578/ This 2-wheeled vehicle is, I'm sure, poised for more worldwide use since I can't imagine this thing going down Sprague or Division and making it safely in one piece.

It does really help with air pollution though. I wonder if there would be charging stations or something. I wonder how theses "cars" would be charged. Interesting......

You would only see me in this thing if I were golfing and needed a golf cart. I don't think I would feel safe since I'm pretty sure an accident in this thing wouldn't be too pretty. I will not be driving this on a road that is shared by other vehicles like a Hummer..which is also made by GM. How ironic.

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Congrats Stockton

John Stockton was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Good for him.....I didn't much like him when he was a Utah Jazz because he always caused so much trouble for the Sonics. However, I understand his appeal...especially in Spokane.

Also, UNC or Michigan St. I would think it's UNC's title to lose tonight...we shall see....

Last night, I had a GREAT idea on what to blog about today....however, that was at the nighttime feeding for my baby girl and I have no idea what it is now. I will be back when I remember it.

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HELLO Spring....hello convertibles.

What a wonderful day! Now this is more like it. I'm glad the weather has decided to cooperate..even if it's only for a few days. I'll take it!

I always get a little jealous when I see cars with their tops down on such nice days. I had a Volkswagen Cabriolet back in the day and it was fun. I guess I will have to wait until the kids are older. The wind in your face and blowing your hair around.....is so fun. Come out and test drive one that we have right now. You'll know what I'm talking about.

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What day or part of the month is a good time to buy a car?

When will I get the best deal? Does it matter what day? Or if it's the last weekend of the month?

Actually, you'll hear this from a lot of people, but I know it's 10000% true at our dealership. THERE IS NO BAD TIME TO BUY A CAR!!!!! For example, if we have not sold a car yet and it's 4pm on a random weekday, you will get a GREAT deal on a car if you are fair (because you know we are too) and willing to come in a buy. My husband HATES if he does not sell a car...even if it's just one and he doesn't make any money on it, he would rather make a deal happen then see a huge "0" in the books.

Many of you have probably heard that the last weekend of the month is a good time to get a car. Yes, it is. But the 1st weekend is also great because (at least at Spokane Chrysler) we want to get off to a good start for the month. We want to put deals together and gain momentum and have to work on.

So, again.....trust me...there is no bad time to buy a car. Don't think you have to play games to get a good deal.....we will give you one if you are serious about buying a car!

Have a great weekend!!!!

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April snow???? what the....

Snow 2 days in a row????? Give me a break please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Simply unbelievable. The news people said last year was the record winter that they had not seen in soo many years, etc. and now I hear the same thing about this past winter...breaking records, etc. So you're telling me that 2 out of the 6 years I've been in Spokane are the record breaking winters? Just my luck. Can't wait to see what next year brings.

Also, I heard about this story a couple of days ago. It took me a couple of days to process because I couldn't imagine grown adults getting so upset that they would physically fight in front of kids. (The ex-teacher in me talking.) So, I thought there must be a good reason. Well, after reading the news article (http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/mar/27/state-shuts-down-large-valley-day-care-center/) I find that it was over a Penny jar. That must be one fantastic penny jar.

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winter wonderland...what? It's APRIL!!!!

So, we wake up to yet another beautiful day in Spokane where the ground is covered in snow. I'm glad it's warming up this weekend or my kids will NEVER know what it's like to walk around outside, breathing fresh air. Sigh.

At least the markets are up today. Jay told me that Dow was above 8,000 points first thing in the morning...actually, that WAS the 1st thing he said to me. How romantic.

Also, I hope something great comes out of the G20 summit going on right now in London. I know Obama is doing his best......we shall see...only time will tell.

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Robbing a mini-mart with a little girl????

I can't believe this story, at all. I understand that times are tough and they might get even tougher but I can't even understand this guy's mind set when he did this heinous act. http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2-033109-child-robbery.8d5e7512.html

I know kids today are being exposed to things they shouldn't be. I know very well...I taught in the Seattle School District for a couple of years. But this is just unbelievable. And usually, I am a fairly tolerant person. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. This? I have no understanding or point of view that makes it ok.

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Bye Bye Bennett

I am not a Coug fan by any means (went to UW!! Go Dawgs!) but I think the recent departure of Tony Bennett is very shocking. I mean, there weren't any reports that he was talking with other schools and he looked like he had settled into the WSU men's basketball coaching position quite well. He was WELL-LIKED by WSU and the surrounding community. But maybe he didn't like Pullman? Well, whatever the case, I wish him well.

I guess WSU is now in a pickle. Hope a good guy comes in to help the team refocus.

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