Remarkable days come and go in our life. I do assert, however, that today is a day that Americans will remember, always. It’s 11:45 a.m. as I watch the television and see the crowds, you walking down the aisle, both somber and calm in appearance.  Trumpets blow, drums roll. And the blue carpet awaits you.  Crowds cheer; flags fly and wave as far as the eye can see. In the bitter cold, you at last smile as you greet the dignitaries, politicians, and families standing on the stage. While emotions roar -- our country and the world – we take a closer look at the numbers:   

• 1. The first African American President, Barack Obama, is elected.
• 1. Our singular United States rose to the occasion and elected this President.
• 3. Number of times the Steelers beat the Ravens this season. (Had to write that.)
• 6. Number of conservatives the President broke bread with last week.
• 7.  AFC Championships won by the mighty, surprising, Pittsburgh Steelers (OK, that is the last football reference.)
• 7.2. The unemployment rate the day the President took office, today.
• 18. Length in minutes of the Inaugural Speech. When completed, he looked around and went to and embraced George W. Bush.
• 44.  Obama is the 44th President of our country.
• 50. The number of years since our economy was in this condition.
• 232. Barack Obama is sworn in as President of the United States 232 years after our country was founded. Or, 84,680 days later.
• 365. The electoral vote that crystallized and determined Obama’s victory.
• 1861. The year of Lincoln’s Bible that the President held as he was sworn in today.
• 1961. The year our President was born.
• 8,200. Dow Jones Average today.
• 15,000. The number of lobbyists that no longer have access to the White House.
• 2,000,000. Number of Americans present in Washington, DC.
• 69,456,897. The popular vote of Americans who elected the President.
• 700,000,000,000. The budget and bailout money that has been earmarked to be allocated to get our economy jump-started.
• 10,600,000,000,000. The national debt of the United States in 2009. Yes, that is trillions.

0. Zero days left…there is no more waiting. Today was an unprecedented and remarkable day. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life, Mr. President. All support and hail to the Chief, who is about inclusiveness and making a difference. May your words and example inspire us all.

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne

• The automobile industry has vamped up its warranty programs over the past decade….. from 10,000 miles to 30,000 to 100,000 and from the power train to bumper-to bumper. Now, Hyundai has stepped up the warranty game to an extraordinary level. This new year, Hyundai has taken their leadership role in this very important consumer area of car buying to an entirely new level. Buy or lease any new Hyundai, and if you you become unemployed – you may return the car. No Kidding. Now, be clear, you must thoroughly read the stipulations involved, but click here for the general program and criteria: http://www.hyundaiusa.com/financing/HyundaiAssurance/HyundaiAssurance.aspx  With such a great line up of tremendous value-added cars (including the new Genesis) the folks at Hyundai make creative thinking and marketing another reason why consumers are so loyal.

• In other news… take heart all of you who aren’t so fond of parallel parking. Ford has taken that painful, or, at least somewhat unnerving task, away from you. Next year on several models, there will be no more fretting as robotics and technology combined handle parallel parking with ease. You still must read and follow the instructions provided in digital text on the dashboard. However, the old scenes of traffic lining up behind you – as you desperately attempt a 9 point turn to negotiate getting closer to the curb - with some impatient *#^&*$@# driver honking his horn for all to hear like you had NO idea he was there, will like magic… disappear. Click here for the latest: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28692409#28692409

• The Detroit Auto Show, which opens to the public today, has fantastsic eye-catching and eye-turning new features. Check out the latest slide show by MSNBC.com http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3033656/

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne