Getting out of your cellphone contract without paying the cancellation fee

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Victoria Lim

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 04:34 PM

Celltradeusa is a “matchmaking” website for consumers and their cellphone services.  It can help you avoid the $150+ fee you’ll have to pay to get out of your contract early.

This is an option we already have, but the common problem is finding someone to assume the remainder of a contract.  Assuming the remainder of another person’s contract can be more attractive than going the pre-paid route because typically with longer term contracts, you get more minutes and better phones at cheaper rates.

Here’s how the website works: consumers who want to get out of the contract and get in on the contract submit their information for free.  The consumer who holds the contract pays the site $20 to get their “matches’” information.  The site also provides information on the type of paperwork you need to ask for from the service providers to make the transfer of liability.

Make sure you trust the person who will assume your contract.  If he/she doesn’t pay the bill, it could ultimately come back on you and your credit.

If you want to keep your number, you can, thanks to the portability law.  Make sure you arrange that with your new service.

To make your contract more attractive when you post on Celltradeusa, founder Eric Wurtenberg suggests you include incentives like your phone and accessories for free.

The consumer leaving a cell phone service provider must leave the account in good standing; and the consumer willing to pick up the contract must pass a credit check. 

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‘You Better Be Quiet Before I Stab You In The Face With My Ka-Knife.’

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Jeff Houck

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 03:22 PM

You know you’ve touched a cultural nerve when people start filming spoofs of your commercials.

Check out this amateur version of the “Two Guys In A Car” series of Sonic Drive-In commercials. This one’s pretty funny, too.

Speaking of Sonic, they have a new, heart-clogging product (their vainglorious ad copy follows below):

Just in time for the holidays, SONIC, America’s Drive-In debuts decadent Cheesecake Bites, the newest novelty to hit the SONIC dessert menu.  Creamy bits of traditional cheesecake rolled in a crunchy graham cracker crust present convenience and indulgence in a single poppable bite.  These magnificent mini pieces are sure to be a seasonal sensation, either alone or after a SONIC meal.  It’s the time of the year for sweets, so eat a little or go all out- and celebrate this December with the newest featured treat from SONIC.

 

 

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Lo-Jack For Your Garment Bag

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Chris Chmura

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 12:32 PM

Disposable computer chips could spell the end of lost luggage, or so their manufacturer will tell you.

Airlines are trying quietly out the technology. Tiny transmitters are supposed to trace your checked bags as they meander through airports, into the belly of an airliner, and back into your open arms.

Right now, bar codes on the bag tag are supposed to track your luggage. They don’t. 

So, can so-called RFID help?
...It can’t hurt.

Wired News reports.

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Get A Clue

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Clarisa Gerlach

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 11:45 AM

I wasn’t going to comment on this because even though I nursed both my girls I’m not one of these breast-feeding activists, but I’m just amazed at how ridiculous some people can be.

When I first read the story about the nursing mom who got thrown off an airplane, I thought she must have been “hanging out” (she reportedly refused an airplane blanket).

Well, today I read in this Newsweek article, that she was completely covered.

“I was holding my shirt closed with one hand. There was literally not a bit of my breast exposed,” the mom said. “I was being as discreet as possible.”

She wasn’t even in an aisle seat, she was sitting close to the window.

Besides, unless that airplane blanket was fresh from a plastic bag, it was probably dirty and germy. Every mom knows that.

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Take That!

Posted Nov 29, 2006 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Nov 29, 2006 at 11:48 AM

Marty sure does talk a good game. What’s with the sarcastic comment about my lack of cooking frequency? I am a busy gal!

Yesterday afternoon, after dropping one daughter off at dance and supervising another’s last minute science fair project adjustments, I had to run around South Tampa. This is the big camping weekend as I alluded to in postings prior. There is still a last minute need for flashlight batteries, rain ponchos and craft supplies.

YET, I still made spaghetti for dinner with fresh steamed broccoli AND from-scratch banana/chocolate chip muffins.

The spaghetti would look a little more appetizing if it hadn’t slid to the left, but you get the idea.

Marty’s chicken, potatoes and corn are a recurring theme at the Strasen household.  That is not a criticism, just an observation.

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