Week in review

Monday

As a communications technology, e-zines share more with traditional print media than their successors, such as blogs and podcasts, but some local companies still find them useful for gaining and keeping customers.

Tuesday

Microsoft Corp. introduced its Zune portable music player, one of the Redmond, Wash., company’s most high-profile attempts to take on Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod and iTunes powerhouse.

“In its first-ever public education ad campaign, Consumer Reports is telling consumers to just say “no” to extended warranties, which retailers are marketing heavily. Such extended warranties cost consumers anywhere from $100 to $400 for big-ticket items like TVs and refrigerators.

Wednesday

Sporting goods retailer Cabela’s will anchor a 200-plus-acre development in Post Falls, with shopping space nearly rivaling the Spokane Valley Mall’s, according to preliminary development plans.

“Shaun Pattison became a fourth-generation roller rink owner recently when he bought Spokane’s Pattison’s North roller skating rink from an uncle.

Thursday

Customers began camping out in front of local retailers, awaiting the midnight release of Sony’s PlayStation 3 system. The scenario was expected to be repeated with the release this weekend of Nintendo’s Wii.

Friday

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. officials announced that the company is rolling out its $4 prescription program to Washington and Idaho. Under the program, customers pay $4 for a 30-day supply of medicines; 331 commonly prescribed drugs are available.

■The Inland Northwest economy will cool a bit in 2007, but will still outperform the rest of the nation, a pair of economists predicted at an economic-forecast event in Spokane.

■Davenport Hotel owner Walt Worthy is projecting an early “soft” opening — most likely between Christmas and New Year’s — for his Davenport Tower, a 328-room hotel being built across the street from the historic hotel.