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My favorite season...YES..it is here..finally..Summer officially arrives in the northern hemisphere at 4:59 pm PDT Friday, June 20th. The noontime sun will be directly overhead at the tropic of cancer, 23 1/2 degrees north latitude. In the northern hemisphere, it will be one of the longest days (most daylight hours) of the year. Here in L.A., the sun will be above the horizon for almost 14 1/2 hours. The weather is sure appropriate for the start of the warm season. On Thursday, Woodland Hills reached a record 109 degrees. Chatsworth was 110. Friday and Saturday will likely be just as hot, if not hotter. How about the REST of the summer? The Climate Prediction Center just updated their forecast for the next three months (summer). Below is a map which shows the temperature forecast.

A big area of the Southwest is expected to have ABOVE average high temperatures. However, the CPC is forecasting BELOW average temperatures along the immediate coast of southern California. We'll have to wait at see..but it certainly is off to a RECORD HOT start...Stay cool everyone and HAPPY SUMMER!! Rick

why cant rick fly thru the clouds or if hes a weather guy park the copter somewhere else when he knows the weather is going to be bad ??

Well, I uh...geez...um...I just presumed that I would be the ONLY one featured, but okay....I share the ink (to say the least) with a few others.

Here's the LA Weekly piece that features me and those OTHER people who do what I do :)

http://www.laweekly.com/news/news/sunny-and-mild-gettin
g-to-know-our-fair-weather-friends-of-local-news/19030/

Predict PMS Like The Weather

Does PMS really exist? Oh you bet you’re a$$ it does! You can predict PMS like the weather…take notes Rick. Here are some early warning symptoms.

Cloudy Emails

PMS makes you overanalyze a perfectly innocent email, or become paranoid about the person’s thoughts…you assume the worst…and then become angry for no apparent reason. The worst thing you can do at the onset of this symptom is return an email. Simply unplug the computer and step away from the keyboard. My friends have learned not to email me the third week of the month.

Hypersensitivity to Light and Sound

When the sun rises you’re pissed…no apparent reason…just pissed off. The endless ringing of the phone makes you want to rip it out of the wall…so you do… this is the week you [...] about all the lights left on in the house…the tv’s left blaring…the video games…the dogs barking…this is the week you want to avoid a parent/teacher conferences…and don’t answer the phone.

Heavy Rains

Once a month every woman has a good cry and PMS is the perfect week for it. If it happens on a rainy day, god help you. I’d pop in the Les Miserables sound track and really set the mood. This is the week when our husbands and co-workers think we are crazy. God forbid all women in the office end up on the same cycle…yikes!

Thunder & Lightening

Aka..screaming and yelling. If you work in customer service…this is the week you take a vacation or call in sick. Do not deal with the public. This is the week my kids call “Godzilla Week”. I yell at the dogs, my kids, my husband, my co-workers, my friends…essentially everyone.

Hurricanes

You have to feel sorry for the grooms that have their bride PMSing the week of their wedding or honeymoon. That happened to me and there was a category five hurricane during the honeymoon…no lie.

We were also without running water and were barricaded in a villa for five days confined to one room. You can imagine given these luxurious circumstances that I was a joy to be with…an absolute premenstrual category six bucket of joy…

Can you imagine Rick's PMS traffic report with these new weather factors?…

Hey everybody today it’s going to be cold and rainy highs only in the forties…bad day for you gals suffering with PMS…recommend staying off the roadways, avoid human contact and listen to new age spa music. ..tomorrow we expect a hurricane…electrical outages expected…a hurricane shelter has been setup at Los Angeles Sports Arena for husbands and children living with PMSing women…looks like we have an accident below me in the chopper...a minivan driven by a woman with PMS went into a road rage forcing drivers to pull over...I'm gonna drop her a survival kit from the helicopter donated by our good friends at Ralph's grocery stores....the kit contains Chamomile Tea, Motrin and a box of Kotex...

Having a meteorology degree, I catch it all the time from people. "oh, what TV station are you with?" (I don't work in TV--not skinny or attractive enough!) "oh, so you're a weather girl?" "you all are always wrong!" "hey, can you order me a sunny day for tomorrow?" "they really blew the forecast yesterday!!" (*sigh*) I think what people don't realize is that meteorology is truly NOT an exact science, and for good reason. You're taking a TON (and I mean a TON) of of variables from geology and hydrology and oceanography and atmosphere, sticking them in to some complicated equations on a computer, and then going from there. In simple, trying to capture Mother Nature on a computer, then try to predict what she's going to do. She has a tendency to laugh at stuff like that. "You humans are trying to do what??!" Thus, forecasters end up holding the empty bag.... looking like they're real mess ups, but in reality, they tried their best to recognize what in the heck she's doing.

Granted, I'm really "out" of the forecast part now... I got out of that about 10 years ago. I'm a perfectionist, and had even worse self esteem back then.... I'm a very "all or nothing" sort of person. The uncertainty part ended up being too hard to take.

But, the next time you meet a real, college degree holding forecaster, be easy on them. They're trying their best! It's Mother Nature who's being unpredictable...............

Hello Jillian,

My name is Amy and I recently moved from Los Angeles to San Diego and you do not report anything in San Diego, such as the weather. I know it is Good Day LA, but I was hoping you could at least say the weather of San Diego, or La Jolla at least. ; ) It would allow me to continue watching your show in the moring.

Sincerely,

Amy Rodriguez

Hello Jillian,

My name is Amy and I recently moved from Los Angeles to San Diego, and have been noticing watching you, that you do not report anything in San Diego, such as the weather. I know it is Good Day LA, but I was hoping you could at least say the weather of San Diego, or La Jolla at least. ; ) I'm sure you have been here, and seen that La Jolla also has some of the best shopping and fine dining, on Prospect Blvd. (La Jolla Shores). Anyway, it would be great to be able to continue watching you in the mornings,

Amy Rodriguez

It has been snowing in Wrightwood since 7ish. It's just slowing down now here in town.

What a day! Thunder, lightning, rain, hail and mudflows...all of that slamming the fire ravaged areas of OC. People described it as walls of mud and rain. Luckily, no one was hurt. But what a mess! It came as a big surprise. I think the forecast was just for a 20 percent chance of rain. A lot of the people living there thought the rainy season was over for now and took down their sandbags. NOW...they say they may leave them up all year. Weather is so unpredictable and as we've seen, it can be devastating. Like the old scout motto says, "Be Prepared!"

These are all in Germany in the Bavarian Alps... hope you like them!!!!

Yesterday I went to the Body Worlds Exhibit at the California Science Center. It was a very very cool experience!!!! A little weird at times, but it was a very enlightening experience. I urge you to go and see this incredible exhibit about the human body.
At times, I did stop and think that what I was looking at were once living and breathing humans. You forget sometimes because it almost looks as though they were just mannequins, but no mistake about it, these anatomical specimens on display are authentic. They belonged to people who declared during their lifetime that their bodies should be made available to science. I thank them for it!

One exhibit that really struck me featured various stages of the fetus. They show you an actual embryo at 4 weeks all the way up to 26 weeks. Whether you are pro life or pro choice, this is a must see.
Body Worlds is on display until September. Go online and buy your tickets. Make sure to see the Imax movie, The Human Body, first. Then check out Body Worlds. It's wild!!

THIS IS A HOT DAY!!!!!1

I would use a "Tri-Cannon" for a self-defensive system. It would accurately & simultaneously send three different projectiles at any detected weapons fire.

One would be a tranquilizer, then a paint-ball, and finally a GPS...

This defensive system uses sound detection to lock on to just one gun shot; and I would use this to protect my design of a real Fire Fighting vehicle...a multifunction fire truck five in one.

In this case: A Helium filled blimp, that carried a complete ER, two hook and ladder systems, and a self contained support blimps...

I love taking pictures of nature. Whether its clouds, mountains, the ocean or trees, I am always clicking away. My inspiration for landscape and nature photography came from my love of the earth and the atmosphere and my admiration for Ansel Adams. I have several of Ansel’s photographs on the walls of my home. My library is also filled with many of his books. Yeah, I try to emulate his work, but never get close. I was fortunate enough to take a trip up to Yosemite a few years back during spring and see where it all started for Ansel. What a magical place. I am hoping to take another trip to the park very soon.

Last year I purchased a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. It’s an amazing digital camera. However, there are so many complicated features that are available to help get just the right picture. I am slowly working with lighting and the ISO speed and am gradually getting more proficient with all of the camera’s bells and whistles. I’ll be honest though and say that many times I just put it in “auto” mode and click away. I need more training and need to get out more and shoot away! Below are a couple of photographs I took at the beach near my home. I like working with both black and white and color.

I’d love to hear from you guys about photography. Any good tips for photographing landscape images? Share some of your pictures with us. I am going to see if our web guys can set up an area where you can post some your work.

Have a great weekend everyone-Rick

I read that the extreme day day variance in the temperature is a warning sign of a potential earthquake. Both the Whittier Narrows and the Northridge were precursered with a few mid day highs (94) and then a few mid days of (59. The waether lately has been very similar.

We have seen the photos in the magazines of Jill in the Bikini and although we thought we heard her say on the air that these are not airbrushed or retouched. We are wondering how the tatoo on her ankle seems to have disappeared and most of all how in the world did they manage to get her left arm wedding ring and all attached to the right side of her body making her shoulder look totally deformed. Could Jill demonstrate this on the air or will she not address this at all making it look like an untruth on her part. Granted she has lost a lot of her baby weight but the body we see on a daily basis does not look like the one in the magazine. Thank goodness. Jill set the record straight.

JILLIAN, LOVE TO WATCH U! I GOT TO HAVE THAT SHIRT WITH REDFOX THAT SAYS U BIG DUMMY. WERE CAN I GET ONE?

I'm a little blue this morning, :-( I think it's because of the gray skies. Or is it because it's back to work Monday? Hmmm...Not sure...But one thing is for sure I'm soooooooooooo ready for summer! Aren't you?
Yes---summer conditions bring new dangers like higher fire potential and heat related injuries, but hopefully everyone will be more diligent in taking greater care to prevent them.
So--that being said--I'm sooooooo ready for lots of sunshine, barbecues, bikinis and the beach! Aren't you? If you are...I've got some good news...We'll get a "taste" of summer later this week. Yay! Wednesday through Friday, we'll see above normal temps and lots of sun. Enjoy it...as cooler temps and the marine layer will return just in time for the weekend. :-)

Nothing puts me in the mood for the heat like a good old fashioned lemonade stand.

I was driving home from LAX Sunday when I saw this lemonade stand near my home. I think it's good karma to stop at every kid-run lemonade stand... especially when they're in your neighborhood. Support your community! :)

I was tired & grouchy when I spun my car around, but once I drove up, I was met with toothy girly grins asking me whether I wanted, "Sweet or tart?"

What were they raising money for? They giggled, "No reason!" They just wanted the experience. Good enough reason for me.

By the way, I got the sweet & it was delicious.

Spring is in full swing, temperatures are nice and mild..flowers are blooming...perfect conditions for a hike! With surfing and running, hiking is another one of my favorite outlets. There are so many amazing trails right here in our backyard. The Santa Monica Mountains are loaded with all kinds of great hiking areas with various levels of difficulty. You can hike from the beach up to some of the mountain's highest peaks. Calabasas Peak (2163’) off of Stunt Road and Mulholland Drive is a great hike with awesome views. You can see the ocean and the valley from the trail. Much of the Santa Monica Mountains has been reserved for our pleasure. You have to take advantage of it! A short drive will get you out of the West L.A. or 818 gridlock and into the wilderness. Point Mugu State Park on the west end of the mountains is beautiful. I recently hiked through Malibu Creek State Park. WOW! It was my first time through the area. I’ve included a few pictures.

I'll take this view over the 405 any day..

**This is an old weather station..HAD to take a shot of it!

Yes..this is just a few miles from the city..

We pass over these trails on a regular basis up in SkyFox when we are flying in and out of Van Nuys Airport each morning. The mountains look great from 3000’ but you can’t beat being on the ground trudging through the trails. So make plans for a hike this spring..it’s the perfect time and I guarantee it will be therapeutic. The sea breeze and marine layer keep the temperature nice and mild this time of year. Robert Stone’s “Day Hikes Around Los Angeles” details ALL of the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It’s in my library and is my bible for hiking in SOCAL. It gives comprehensive driving directions to the trailheads and summarizes the various hikes. Go out and enjoy! I’ll see ya on the trail-Rick

Here's a great like to info on the Santa Monica Mountains:

http://www.nps.gov/samo/

I just saw the R rated movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". It was hilarious!

But while I was watching this movie, I was suddenly horrified! Not at the sexually explicit language, nudity or numerous sex scenes (all quite funny by the way), but at the sight of
a LITTLE KID sitting in front of me. He was sitting next to, who I think, was his mother!
Can you believe it?!!!

This little boy must not have been older than 10 years old. This movie is rated R!!!! Don't parents know what an R rating is? An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements...so parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures.

I was really appalled at this parent! She was laughing throughout the movie without a care for what this young boy might be thinking. He certainly wasn't laughing. I can only imagine what kind of impression it must have left on him.

With parents like the one I saw in the theater, it's no wonder we have so many socially and sexually dysfunctional individuals in this world!

Before you read this you have to know I have NO ongoing health concerns and I am not a bit hypocondriacal ..... so how weird and a bit funny the following is:

Last night I awoke from a dream in which I am watching the 5pm television newscasts and I see a story come on. The anchor, Furnell Chatman (yah, why him?), tells the audience "Mark Thompson of Fox11 has just been diagnosed with testicular cancer".

Then I flip over to see the anchor on channel 2 reporting the same diagnosis....and then, channel 7 as well.

Now I'm worried that my newscast on Fox11 is also going to report it at 10pm. Plus, in the dream I am confused and worried because I don't know anything about this, and I suppose I must be wondering why the other stations would have such a keen interest -- make that ANY interest-- in me.

then....

I wake up, check my private parts and go back to sleep.

What's it mean???

If you don't have any plans this Saturday, why not buy a ticket
for a really terrific, worthwhile event that includes dinner, local news personalities and lots of entertainment!

It's the 36th annual SIPA Awards Benefit Banquet. SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans) is one of my favorite organizations in Southern California and this Saturday they will honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the Los Angeles Pilipino American community and their support of SIPA!

http://www.esipa.org/happening/dinner.html

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown

711 South Hope Street

Los Angeles, California 90017

5pm - VIP Reception - The Polaris (26th Floor)

6pm - General Reception & Silent Auction -

The California Foyer

7pm - Dinner - The California Ballroom

8pm - Awards & Entertainment - The California Ballroom

See you then!

This earthquake struck close to the New Madrid fault area and was 5.2 on the scale. Thousands of people witnessed the tremble,shake,and train noise. In fact my daughter who lives about 7 miles farther north says her home shook and floors trembled.

But the amazing thing is I slep thru the whole thing not feeling anything at all.No damage either.I heard that people felt this quake 100 miles north of where I reside.This earthquake was about 300 miles south of Hammond,Indiana.

Actually I have never experenced a quake in my life.

Thank God from all the reports I have heard.

The poppys are blooming BIG TIME and you have to check them out! We made a trip up to the Antelope Valley last week and captured images like this:

The high desert is covered with them..it is quite a sight. The Poppy Festival is taking place THIS weekend. Check out this web site for more information: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

The Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve is the best spot to view our state’s flower. There are trails and all kinds of great information. If you live in SOCAL and have never made it out to the Antelope Valley to check out the flowers I highly recommend it. It’s a great day trip! HEADS UP THOUGH!! This weekend looks like it will be windy and cooler up in the deserts. Check the latest forecast on our web site where you are at now! Have a good one everyone-

Rick

Rick. My friends and I walk south of the R.B. Pier to the end every morning as you fly over us. We have found the 'official' weather report is different that what we experience on the beach. (temp and wind). We wondered where the R.Beach weather station is located? A lifeguard thinks it is located out to sea a few miles. Can U located it for us from the air for us?

Also, can U add a indicator for 'north' on your cam? It is hard to get orientated when we see your traffic reports. A big "N" and an arrow would sure help.

Thanks,

Rollie

when the rain is predicted as "30% chance of rain" what exactly does that mean? my husband seems to think that 30% of ventura county (or wherever broadcasted) will get rain. I beg to differ, I think it means that it's only 30% chance we might get rain.

Some people love the of us house, just thinking on life, just thinking about your familiaries, in your life, preserve the nature with a objetive... give a better life for all.

Others people just hate the life thinking only on tecnology, thinking on cash, in your car, in your house, etc... its is a idiot idea.

The Earth die day after day without nobody make something for to impede this. THE GLOBAL WARNING its here, in my life, in your life, in Earth, without nobody make anything.

Its a stupid pensament. People dieing of thirst, because somepeople worry only in your cash.

Somepeople saying " Why make something ?" And asking "why" ?

This is of us house, we used to make this since the " Industrial Revolution ".

Now we have 10 years for resolve thing of others unconcerned, its is the cumulus of the cumulus.

Definitive its is a appeal of all love the of us house.

" THE PLANET EARTH

Thanks and think about this appeal

LOLA =D

Ok, this one is for all of you who do NOT buy into the theory of global warming…According to government scientists, the average temperature across both the contiguous U.S. and the globe during the past climatological winter (December 2007-February 2008) was the coolest since the year 2001. HOWEVER, the average temperature for the U.S. of 33.2 degrees was still 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit ABOVE average. Below is a map which breaks down state by state rankings. Here in California, it was the 27th coldest winter on record and BELOW average. A series of Pacific storms kept our area on the chilly side through the winter months. Furthermore, we were in a La Nina pattern where the eastern equatorial Pacific waters are cooler than average. This typically brings cool temperatures to the Golden State. Meanwhile, much of the East Coast was above average. When you average in all of the states, we ended up being the coolest since 2001. Remember, this is only one winter! If you look at the long term averages, temperatures continue to slowly climb across North America and the globe. The data doesn’t lie; however, some still some debate on what may be causing the warming. We were in the 80’s and low 90’s here in SOCAL over Easter weekend setting new record highs..so spring is off to a WARM start...Time to hit the beach..Have a great weekend everyone and wite back! Rick

Global warming, now called climate change by many scientists, is continuing to melt LARGE ice sheets in the Antarctic. Check out the article below.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-
antarctic26mar26,0,7908376.story

I was watching Charlie Rose last night and his guest was a spokesman for Chevron Oil. The interview was mostly a long PR segment for Chevron and not a very good discussion about energy alternatives. Chevron's man repeated "we must drill for new oil" countless times. However, during the Chevron commercial the oil executive announced what Chevron's official position on global warming is. Chevron believes global warming is real, is due to high levels of CO2 in the earth's atmosphere, and the problem is man made.

I nearly fell off my chair! Did you hear that global warming nay sayers? Chevron Oil, a BIG OIL company agrees that global warming is real and is caused by human activity. Another global corporation accepting reality. There may be hope for the human race after all.

I'm watching Dancing with the Stars....and I am soooooo loving it!!!!

One of my dreams is to be a magnificent ball room dancer. Well....maybe just good enough to dance the mambo at the next ball! : -)
To move like those dancers.... gliding on the floor...I wish it was me.

I'm not a good dancer at all....I can barely dance....I guess that's why Mark Thompson is in charge of the dancing part in front of the weather wall. He's very coordinated.
Me? I need a really good teacher!

Being on Dancing with the Stars would force me to learn the right way. It would be a fantastic way to exercise too. I hate going to the gym so the dancing thing might be just what I need to get my heart pumping.

Tom Bergeron....please call me and tell me I have a spot.
:-)

(A quick update on the story below: It's a good thing I checked in on the little guy, because even though West LA Animal Shelter on Pico Blvd. said they would fix his broken leg, when I went in on Monday to check on him their story changed!

In fact, they decided since his leg was broken that he would most likely be euthanized
within the week.

I freaked! As you can imagine. I begged them to hang on while I made some calls.

Fortunately, an amazing organization called " MUCH LOVE" , Terri Vasquez, literally heard his story- hung up the phone and ran over and took him in to her care. I had to agree to foster him when he gets out of the hospital. A task I am more than happy to do!

I will also help "MUCH LOVE" find a good home for Pico when he is completely healed.

Thanks to "MUCH LOVE" Pico had his surgery today and is doing well. He is apparently winning over hearts at the veterinarian's office.

The long and short of it is ...without organizations like www.muchlove.org

perfectly viable pets such as this adorable little bundle of love would die.

If you would like to foster a pet, adopt or donate-please check out their website!

I love "MUCH LOVE" and I hope you will too!

________________________________________________
________________________

If I could take home another stray dog... you know I would. My luck was pretty amazing the last time I found a dog (now the love of my life) in the street.

Saturday evening my co-anchor, Susan Hirasuna, and I ran out for a quick bite to eat together.

As we pulled in to the restaurant parking lot, I spotted a playful, floppy puppy out of the corner of my eye. But this little guy seemed to be limping.

I kneeled down and he came running over on three legs, looking helpless and adorable. The 2-3 month old jet-black Akita mix was obviously in pain but glad to see us!

We quickly determined he had no tag... and no one was around to claim him!

Because we had to get back to work...we took him to the West Los Angeles Animal Care Center on Pico and Sawtelle. They scanned this beautiful little dog and NO MICRO-CHIP!

If he is someone's pet... a 50 dollar procedure could have prevented him from being lost.

Long story short...there's a beautiful little puppy now at the West Los Angeles Shelter in need of a good home.

Pico the Dog

He has a broken elbow. I checked in on him today. The shelter put him in the splint and they took him to see the veterinarian. I believe they will be doing what they can to fix his elbow soon. But he will be available for adoption in a few days.

This little guy, although in obvious pain, was so sweet and loving. He licked my face as I held him in my arms on the way to the shelter. Even though he was favoring his broken leg, he still tried to play with a toy on the floor.

If you live in a house with a yard, you are a responsible pet owner, and you are looking for a pet.... check out this little guy, I nicknamed "Pico". He will win your heart over....just as he did mine!

Spring officially began at 10:48 pm local time Wednesday night!..I made a mistake during the Fox 11 Morning News this morning..Today (Thursday) is the FIRST FULL day of spring. The noon sun will be directly overhead at the equator and everywhere on the planet will have close to 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness..hence EQUINOX!

Happy Spring! Rick

Does anyone else suffer as I do from allergies?? Bad allergies?

Y'know the full range of symptoms: sneezing attacks, itching and drippy nasal passages, and the tickle in the throat...and that's AFTER all the antihistamine is coursing through my bloodstream.

And, by the way, which IS the best antihistamine/decongestant???? Have you gone to the pharmacy?? There is wall upon wall of decongestants and allergy treatments. You need a sherpa guide just to navigate all the options you have. Then, they all seem to work with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on when I have tried them.

Recently, I have been so hobbled by these allergic symptoms that I actually considered a trip to a cold place where there is little currently in bloom, if only to get temporary relief!! Then I realized what a stupid idea that was (When you are me, you have to wave stupid ideas like that off on an almost daily basis so you get used to it)

We all love the return of the warm weather, but, when it's coupled with the winds, the pollens and allergens are scattered through the air like cash through the hands of "Client No 9".

What's the best treatment?? I have yet to figure it out.

The other night I got up at 3:30am, boiled water and then stood over the stove to breathe in the vapor of steam which actually brought profound relief....relief that vanished seconds after walking away from the stove by the way.

Okay, enough about the misery of allergies in my world, but if you are indeed a sufferer I wish you a better allergy season ahead and my hopes that all of us improve as the weather settles in.

Happy Spring

Yesterday, I decided to accompany a friend to a car dealership to buy a car. It had been awhile since I've stepped foot into a dealership and since I'm considering buying a new car this fall, I thought it would be educational for me to go and see if there's been any improvements to sales people's tactics when it comes to buying a car.

First, walking into the dealership, was once again like walking into a den of vultures. That hasn't seemd to have changed at all! Sales people standing around the showroom watching us walk past to the sales woman we had already made an appointment with.

The sales woman was pleasant enough, but she wasted no time getting into a familiar speech of advantages to leasing a car versus buying a car. Considering that her business card stated that she was a 'Lease Rentention Manager', she was most definitely steering us towards a lease. She showed us several new cars in the fleet available for lease. Going on and on about the dangers of owning a car...then trying to re-sell your car on your own when you grow tired of it....salvage titles...kelly blue books...etc. Ugh!!!
Nope...no change there. I can't believe she's talking to us like we're kids out of high school without ever owning cars before. Unbelievable!

Then, back to the sales office. A blank piece of paper comes out. There she goes writing out numbers in columns. Asking us what number would be a comfortable number to pay each month. My friend inquires about purchasing the vehicle outright. She looks it up on her computer....and after what seems like an eternity of explaining feature after feature on this car....she gets to a grand whopping total that we know for a fact is WAYYYYYY above the invoice price. In fact....WAYYYYY above the MSRP.
Hellooooo!!!!! Sales people!!!! Have you ever heard of the internet??? We have access to it too! We know how much these cars sell for---out of the factory...to the dealer! Sheeeeesh!!!!

Needless to say....after 3 or so hours...of haggling...wheeling and dealing...suddenly the price miraculously dropped by about 10,000 dollars.

I am NOT looking forward to buying a new car this fall, if I have to deal with salespeople like that!
Why go through 3 hours of torture? Why can't they just get to the bottom line price and be done with it in an hour?

Car sales people, if you happen to be reading this...please, if you haven't already done so, check the calendar. It's 2008.
You don't have to do business like they did back in the 1950's.

:-) Glad to get that off my chest.
I'll be sure to bring my patience when I actually try and buy a car later this year.

Flying up in SkyFox every morning, we encounter all kinds of weather. As a meteorologist, this is one of the many parts of my job that I love. I get to see first hand from 1000’ up exactly what is happening. Are low clouds spreading north into L.A. due to an eddy? Are the Santa Ana winds as strong as forecast? Has the cold front cleared the L.A. Basin? I can show and tell all of this every morning from SkyFox.

However, the weather can be a bit challenging for our helicopter as well. Wind is the worst. Strong Santa Ana winds make flying quite difficult and a bit sketchy. The erratic nature of the gusts are especially challenging. During a strong wind event, we try and stay clear of the mountains and canyons where the winds are typically strongest. However, if a wildfire develops and we need to cover it for the viewers, we just have to go with it...and typically they are in the windiest locations. I am often asked if I ever get scarred while flying due to the wind or other weather elements. I love it all, as long as it is in the zone of safe flying, which brings me to my next point.

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