You GO Girl!!!!

13 year-old Kavya Shivashankar won the National Spelling Bee yesterday in Washington DC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30984123/ This is her 4th appearance!!! That is amazing to me. Actually, all 11 finalists are because those words they are spelling are amazing. And I'm pretty sure most of the words they were spelling were words they have never heard before. In their 12 and 13 year old lives....it's hard to think that they would use those kind of words. Well, it's hard to think that many people do. Anyway...congrats to all of those champion spellers. It's awesome to see that something in academia is still seen as cool and note-worthy in a day and age where you can just push the "spell check" button and move on.

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Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali in Seattle....at the same time onthe same stage!

I really enjoy cooking shows, food related shows, and just about everything on the Food Network. I can't believe how huge that channel has become over the years. And the 2 people that I enjoy quite a bit, Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali, are coming to Seattle!!! The article says they will be bantering at the Paramount on Saturday evening, and tickets are $45-$175. Uh...that must be a lot of bantering for that price and I'm not even sure what bantering between 2 chefs looks like! However, I think IF I were in Seattle AND had a baby-sitter for my 2 kids AND had some extra cash....I would go. (Even though, all the planets would have to be aligned with a solar eclipse in order for those 3 things to happen on one night.) However, the shop that Bourdain references in the interview run by Batali's family is quite delicious. It's actually spectacular.....even if you have to stand in a line that goes out the door. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/restaurants/2009265119_zres27bourdain.html

Ah...the love of food.

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HUGE SALE until the end of the month!!!!

Yes...you read it in the newspaper, you hear it on the radio, and you see it on the TV....however, we really are having a BIG sale right now. It actually goes until June 1. Jay really wants to move some inventory. Our used car buyer, Shawn, has been purchasing some awesome inventory recently and Jay wants to move them to buy more......that keeps the employees and our customers happy! Low prices and fresh inventory and sales......it's awesome.

Come down and visit with Jay...he would love to help you out!

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What to do about North Korea?

Sigh. This country is such a thorn in my side. The leader of this country has me just enraged when I think about what he (and his father) has done to the people there. And then just pure empathy for those people when I think of them. And now...a 2nd underground nuclear test. Oh dear. What will President Obama and his administration do? I hope they figure it out soon....even though trying to figure out North Korea isn't an easy task. They seem to go against everything you would think......

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Wait and see....GM, Sotomayor, and the NBA playoffs

I guess this week is where bondholders are getting a some serious pressure to help GM avoid filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The creditors for Chrysler didn't fare too well by holding out and I'm not sure what the bondholders for GM are going to do since their debt is pretty substantial. (However, on a side note, I think Chrysler LLC MIGHT have wanted to go into bankruptcy because they wouldn't have been able to cut 789 dealers without heavy legal battles or financial consequences. I don't want to think they "wished" for the creditors to hold out but it sure helped out the "new" Chrysler by a mile.) Anyway....I always seem to digress. Well, I sure hope GM survives and comes out stronger. I just hope the economy is ready for thousands...tens and maybe even hundreds of thousands of jobs lost by closing factories and dealerships. I think you would really be quite surprised how many people are supported, directly or indirectly, by a dealership. It's amazing.

Sotomayor is Pres. Obama's new pick for Supreme Court Justice. Her nomination is historic because she is the first Hispanic to be chosen for this esteemed position. Her parents moved from Puerto Rico to the housing projects in the Bronx. She graduated from Princeton and Yale Law and has moved her way up the ranks in the judicial courts. However, this is mostly all I know of her, as of right now. I'm not sure how conservative or how liberal she is. I will have to do some research and make my own decision. And I'm sure the Senate confirmations won't be easy for her. I think her nomination is ground-breaking, no matter what happens. (Did you know that 108 out of 110 past Supreme Court Justices have been male?)

The NBA playoffs are getting a bit exciting now. The Lakers/Nuggets series is tied at 2-2 and with the Seattle connection of George Karl, I would like the Nuggest to win. And the Magic/Cavs series is 2-1 and this one is a toss up. The Seattle connection would be Rashard Lewis on the Magics and I think Dwight Howard is good and not so hyped-up (even though he has a T-Mobile commercial now), BUT I like LeBron James. I wouldn't mind him winning a championship. Yes he's out there and is great at marketing himself but he's likable.

Time will tell.........

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Gotta love it....a new credit union in Seattle and Red Lobster in Spokane

I read in the Seattle Times yesterday about a new credit union that will be helping those break the cycle of using check cashing/payday loan types of lenders instead of a traditional bank.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009256799_expressbank24.html
This will help those that are usually poor, have had bad past banking experiences, or come from immigrant populations. They want to help people, regardless of income, better manage their money and help them build financial stability. It's as easy as having a local, community bank to help them deposit money so they don't carry cash around all the time and just spend it or to just open a savings account to put money away with each pay check. It's nice to see that there are programs like this out there during this economic climate. And to think that most banks like Key Bank (who took over Puget Sound National Bank) and Bank of America (took over Sea-First Bank) were all, at one point, local community banks out there to help their local community. Like the article said, I think there might be a come-back of smaller banks that offer personal service and know your situation.

And now in Spokane, there is Red Lobster opening today. How do I know this? Because it made the 11pm news last night. You gotta love the spirit in Spokane where this kind of information makes the news cast here. I wish Spokane Chrysler could do something interesting enough so we could make the news. Our service department is open on Saturdays now......we have a HUGE sale starting tomorrow until the next Monday.......we are operating "business as usual" even though our factory is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy? Any of these??? Not interesting enough???? Darn. Well, I guess I will have to do something like come up with a fantastic cheesy biscuit recipe or something. Those darn Red Lobster cheesy biscuits!!!!!!!

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Memorial Day

To remember all those who are no longer with us.....who served our country and died while in military service. I admire those who are that brave....where you put your life before others....like our police and fire personnel as well.

Thank you to those who have died and their families. Our country would not be where we are now if it weren't for all of those men and women. We are now because of those before us.

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Jobs and tight jeans.....

Only 539,000 jobs were lost in April. This is the lowest total since October 2008. Our economy is so bad that this is considered "good" news??? I cannot believe it. We have hit a really low point in this recession with all the job losses. I know things will slowly improve but with so many people out of work, it's really a time for my husband and I to think about what we can do in our personal lives and at Spokane Chrysler to make sure we keep our employees and help those we may or may not know. I guess it's a time where a lot of Americans are thinking the same thing.

We actually had a customer come in yesterday and buy our Dodge Challenger SRT. He makes a decent living and he believes in giving back to the economy and our country by buying cars, and other big ticket items. His outlook was quite refreshing...not just because he bought a car but really understood that his spending kept people in business and ultimately, kept jobs for people. This is what our economy is set up on...buying and selling things or services. Of course, in modesty...but it CAN work. I know we will recover....and hopefully, smarter than before as consumers.

Now...onto the tight jeans. So, if you wear those "skinny" jeans or know someone who does..please be careful. You might bring upon yourself a numbing sensation in your thighs or legs. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30870617/ The tight jeans put pressure on a nerve and coupled with high heels....it can pinch the nerve so you could suffer from numbness or tingling sensations in your legs. That is some tight jeans.......I can't even imagine that being comfortable. I wouldn't be able to sit if my jeans were THAT tight.

I wish maternity pants were fashionable. :(

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UAW and GM reach a deal......American Idol....Bananarama

Well, this is good news. The United Auto Workers and GM has a tentative agreement which is a key part to keep GM out of the bankruptcy courts. Now.....if just those bond-holders would agree to almost forget about the $27 Billion in unsecured debt they are owed. That's all.....only that left to tackle. Right??????

And this news is almost as shocking as Kris Allen winning American Idol. I think Adam Lambert is a better singer for his genre but Kris Allen is more main-stream. Maybe that was it. Also, I think Danny Gokey and Kris Allen split votes with each other and then when it came to only Adam and Kris, Kris got all or most of Danny's votes...and became the underdog winner. Amazing....
I usually don't talk about reality TV here on this blog...however, I really liked this season.

And...I was driving to work today and "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama came on the radio. The song was from 1984. 1984!!!!!!!!! What in the world? That song was 25 years ago? I had to count and re-count like 3 times to make sure my math was correct. 25 years???? gulp. If only I were 4 when that song came out. sigh.

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Interesting pair.....credit cards and guns

So I guess the credit card bill ready to pass in the House with a little gun bill attached to it too. That cracks me up. But very clever on the part of the Senator who put this all together. So there will be new legislation to help control credit card companies on how they raise interest rates AND loaded guns will be allowed in national parks and wildlife refuges. It's funny that this law couldn't get passed under President Bush but will get done under President Obama. Actually, it's ironic since democrats are seen as gun haters and how everyone thought Obama was going to start getting some serious gun control laws passed through. Funny what life brings you.....
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009240043_guns20.html


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oh...I forgot...more auto news

The news of Volkswagen and Porsche trying to merge into one company was a bit interesting. I guess anything is possible and probable in this global economy. I guess they are both German and they go produce cars....so, why not? Porsche does already own 51% of VW so I guess just make it one big happy company. Save some costs here and there and pay down debt. A win-win for everyone?

Maybe there will be some shared products??? That makes me giggle.

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Automotive news......

There is so much going on these day in the news that you almost have to pick and choose what is important to you. Of course, anything auto industry related is what I usually read first (well, unless there is celebrity gossip) and then the economy. And that gives me enough to read for a good part of the morning these days.

Right now, I guess the Obama administration want to reduce the carbon emissions by 30% by 2016. That may seem far away, but really, that's not too long when it takes YEARS for a new car and/or engine to be developed. So far cars, the current 27.5 mpg standard would change to 39 mpg and for trucks, the current 24 mpg would change to 30 mpg. Of course, that does not mean that every car you drive will get 39 mpg, since the manufacturers get to use that number as an average. However, that does mean that all the cars being made now will need to get better gas mileage period. The govt. says that it will cost an extra $1300 per vehicle made....and this is part that makes me think.....the cost of a car going UP is the LAST thing the industry needs. HOWEVER, consumers will save money at the pump, we will be fighting global warming, and we will be using less oil from other countries that we rely on. And let's face it....oil and the price of gas isn't going to get cheaper and cheaper over the years if we keep using it like we are...and the environment could use some help! It might be a big hit at first, but it's true, the gas savings, using less foreign oil, and overall impact on the environment is better for everyone. It's like buying a Hybrid....but not have to drive like it's a Hybrid.

Then, also is the Chapter 11 filing of Chrysler which isn't done yet and whatever is going to happen to GM. I can't see how GM won't file for bankruptcy because their issues are much more complicated to resolve. It's a much bigger company and so I think the bankruptcy proceedings will take longer than what is expected for Chrysler's situation. Also, they expect a much bigger global reach and effect on GM's proceeding. But of course, this is all speculation. And, we haven't heard any updates on how it's going with the Chrysler sale to Fiat...except that it's going.....so I guess it's any one's guess.


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Retirement when I'm 90?? hopefully...at least there is good news...

Well, with the way Social Security and Medicare are going.....I might not be able to retired until I die. I think the last article I read on it said that those 2 programs will be out of money in 8 years. What will that mean when I'm thinking about retiring???? So, I guess I will have to keep on working and working and working.....

OR win lotto.

However, at least there is some good news to all of this. There was a study done indicating that dementia could be staved off by working a bit longer. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30806621/
I guess that's the silver lining.

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TGIF! and business as usual.....

It's been a whirlwind of a week....but we are here...and safe...and actually, doing more to make sure our prices are the best around along with out exceptional customer service. We really try to make ourselves stand out amongst all the other dealership.

We have a great selection of cars and our used-car buyer is adding inventory daily. I think we have 28 new cars to choose from just this week!!!!

If there is anything you are interested in, contact me or my husband directly...we would love to help you out! yylee@spokanechrysler.com

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Spokane Chrysler - doing business as usual

The cuts were announced today and the Spokane market is safe. We are happy to be here - ready to give you top service in sales and service.

We want to thank our customers and friends that have been very supportive in the past few months. It hasn't been easy to keep plugging away when the media wasn't always so positive. For all of your who have used our business or even stopped by to say some encouraging words...we appreciate it very much. Our family and our dealership family is very grateful.

We are committed at a new level that will show you that a family owned and operated dealership knows the importance of our customers. We are here to do what it takes.

Sincerely,
Jay and Yoon Yi Lee

Today is a big day.......

We have a lot of news surrounding Chrysler, but also job losses are up due to factory's closing down for GM and Chrysler. I think the jobs being lost will be HUGE in the months with come in the automobile industry. I can just see the news headlines already. And for those who have wanted GM and Chrysler to just fail without any "bailout" money will see just a taste of what would have happened if they were allowed to fail in 2008. It's going to be ugly.

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Spokane - the Scam capital of the US?

http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2-051209-spokane-scam-capital-forbes.1d4286ad.html

I would think there are other places with scams but the Forbes article does make a good case. Here is the original article: http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0525/106-investment-guide-09-scam-capital-of-america.html

I know there are some things here and there.....but still, Spokane is harmless..but people are very trusting there. But that's a good thing. HOWEVER, the Riverpark Square parking garage is really questionable. The city and the citizens lost out on a lot of $$.

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2008 Nissan Altima - $14,988!!!

This is basically a NEW car. It has only 20,000 miles and looks fantastic. The cars runs fantastic and the interior and exterior are just about perfect. It is white in color and looks quite sharp. Please come by for a look OR at www.spokanechrysler.com.

We would love to sell it to you.

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Teacher layoffs in Spokane...

Quite unfortunate that education isn't recession-proof.

http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2_051109_teacher-layoff-list.15831c00.html

I think it is even more sad because this is public schools that ensure education for every child K-12. But, if taxes and other grants provide the funding, there have to be cuts made since less money is coming in. It's just sad that education isn't the 1st priority for everyone...since those with $$ can just make other arrangements if they don't like their local public school...but those that don't? There is little or no choice......such is a lot of things in America.

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Popcorn popping by cell phone???

Could this be possible? I don't think this is real. Could kernels of popcorn start popping when surrounded by cell phones that are ringing? See here.....http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/portable/video/x5odhh_pop-corn-telephone-portable-microon_news

I don't think it's real.......but I'm not a scientist by any means.

AWESOME deal right now....2008 Nissan Altima...white...20k miles...clean. Only $14,988.

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Happy Mother's Day!

To all of your mothers out there.....please have a wonderful day!!!!!!!!

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One step closer.....

Chrysler/Fiat is getting closer and closer. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30643410/
The small group of creditors that wanted to go into bankruptcy rather than save a company and jobs...had dropped their legal fight!

Excellent......

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Oh Manny......

Well, the more reports and news stories I have been reading or hearing...it seems the Manny had a "personal problem" that required a drug. This article talks about what that was according to sources close to Manny. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ys-ramirezsuspension050709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

OF course, we will probably never find out the truth...well, at least in the near future, but I guess this is MLB's way of saying they aren't going to take it anymore. I guess the years and years of players use performance enhancing drugs is over! Well, it's almost old news. It's a shame it happens but it's been going on for so long that now....really??? I just assume most use...and if they don't? Then they aren't a HUGE star....... It's too bad that the ones that use their natural talent aren't focused more. Now that's worth the headlines and the news stories!!!

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HUGE Incentives and govt. backed warranties!

Chrysler wants to sell their remaining inventory in a bad way. The chapter 11 filing has slowed down traffic for new cars so they want to give some great incentives to buy Chrysler. Here are some reasons why to buy a Chrysler right now:
1) The proceedings in court are moving in the right direction. The judge has ruled that Chrysler can move forward to sell their "good" assets to the "new" Chrysler that will merge with Fiat. This was crucial in getting this bankruptcy done within 60-90 days.
2) Fiat has already agreed to merge with Chrysler. After the court proceedings are done, it's a done deal.
3) There is up to $6000 of incentives on NEW 2009's right now!!!
4) The government has stepped forward to cover warranties IF anything were to happen to Chrysler after the chapter 11 filing.


I know people are wary but these cars are still great and give you a lot of value for your money. Come test drive one and see what I'm talking about.

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It's getting bad in Pakistan.....

It looks like the government of Pakistan has a bit of a problem in their hands. The Taliban does not to make peace plans and all inhabit the land together as one unit. They want their version of Islam to be practiced in the areas they are in....sure, why wouldn't they? The Pakistan government has said there is no problem yet would fight a little bit here and there with the Taliban. They need to decide quickly before it's too late. I guess the $10 billion or so that the US has given them was not so wisely used to fortify themselves against India. The attack is coming from the opposite end, Pakistan........

And GM...bad news for them too. They lost $6 billion in the 1st quarter. I know that is less than before but I guess their sales was way down....almost 50%. They said it was the news that they might go bankrupt. Well, whatever it is...it's not looking so good. I sure hope they can get back on their feet swiftly. There are too many jobs at stake and we don't want a huge blow to the fragile economy that MIGHT be creeping back into health. Well, we won't be "healthy" for a long time but at least to stop the bleeding!!!

Good Luck Pakistan and GM. Maybe they can get together and help each other out. More heads put together to solve the issues????

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Watch out, Washington speeders!!!

http://www.krem.com/topstories/stories/krem2-050509-speed-cameras.2283779a.html

Looks like WSP wants to catch speeders by camera.....be more places...be everywhere! I guess this is one way to fight the budget deficit.

But since it's only in work zones where workers really put their lives on the line by working so close to speeding cars...I completely understand. I hope it works in slowing down drivers in the construction zone.

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And we're on our way.......

So the sale of Chrysler to Fiat can begin....this is from www.msnbc.com

"On Wednesday, the judge overseeing Chrysler's bankruptcy proceedings ruled the automaker can start taking steps toward selling most of its assets to Fiat. The tie-up would add smaller, more fuel-efficient cars to Chrysler's lineup, give it Fiat technology and open new markets for Chrysler vehicles. "

Finally!!!!!! Let's get this show on the road! We need to move forward......

Huge sales this month....actually all month long. There are great incentives on new 2009's but all of our used cars are at great prices. Take a look on our website......if there is anything at all, make an offer! We will consider any offer.

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"Stamp out hunger" Saturday - May 9th

Look out for a blue plastic bag on Thursday or Friday from the Postal Service. Volunteers will pick up bags of food on Saturday if it is left out on your doorstep. ANYTHING helps!!!! Even if it's one box of macaroni and cheese or a can of food.

We need to help each other out during this tough time!

I know Spokane Chrysler customers are the best when it comes to helping others. I have seen it 1st hand. Let's do it again this Saturday!

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Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Preach it, Newsweek!! http://www.newsweek.com/id/195941 This article about the bond holders is great. Everyone is in a tight spot.....it's just the way things are right now...but can't you can't squeeze water from a rock. Something's got to give. I guess that is what the courts are for!

So....let's just all get along.

Enjoy the day.....Cinco de Mayo!!!

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Congrats Bloomies...

Congratulations to all of you who finished the race and participated in the biggest turn out in 9 years. I'm sure all of the Icy-Hot and cold compresses that were used up was well worth enjoying the weather and maybe nice family time. We drove by downtown around 1pm and the streets were packed. It was awesome to see people out and about and spending money. The restaurants were busy and it was nice to see.

Now, Spokane can get back to normalcy...until Hoopfest begins. (Today is the last day for registration for a guaranteed spot.)

We have some awesome Jeeps in stock right now. My husband is driving a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland right now. It is black with black wheels.....very tough looking. It is the top luxury trim level for a Grand Cherokee....


Ask him about it. He LOVES it. I know he doesn't want to, but he will give you a great deal on it.

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No Hydroxycut????

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30518843/

By NOOO means do I have friends that are serious body-builders or sculptors or even hard-core exercise fiends. I have friends that like to work out but nothing where it takes over their life or where you just stare at their body because it is a work of art. However, I know many quite a few who have taken or even tried Hydroxycut like it was a total supplement. It's one of the most well-known and popular items out there for weight loss or more muscle mass. And now this... I can't believe it's taken this long.

Oh well...be careful!!!! Even though I know many will continue to take it. Results now are worth it and worry about repercussions later. Hmmmm...sounds like how our economy got into a global mess.

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TGIF!!! Day 1 - surgical bankruptcy

Thank God it's Friday!!! After a day like yesterday, I think the weekend is what our family needs. Too bad my husband is working!!!!! Life of a car dealer....well, unless you've been in business for generations and everything is paid off...gravy...just pure gravy.

So, Chrysler is going to emerge stronger than before. I know debt will be reduced and although the factories are idle, I see this as a good thing. It gives us time to sell the new cars that are already built. I know some people will be scared to buy a new Chrysler; however, the government is standing behind the warranties so it's business as usual.

At least it is business as usual at Spokane Chrysler. You won't feel a difference when you come to our dealership. Come by and check out the deals.......

You won't be disappointed.

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