ASK Casey

WELCOME TO ASK Casey

Casey — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:50:00 GMT

ASK Casey is about sharing day-to-day consumer information and tips. ASK me about any topic and I'll try to get you pointed in the right direction. Your comments and input are welcomed!

Will That Ticket You Buy For Next Month Be Worth Anything Tomorrow?

Casey — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:16:00 GMT

If I could bet that a major airline would go out of business by the end of 2008, I'd take the bet. Until our lawmakers get off their seats and reel in crude oil speculation (and as long as the middle east is in turmoil) we can count on prices going up with intense pressure on airlines profitability, not to mention pressure on us.

Any of us could be stuck with a worthless ticket or worthless frequent flier miles in a blink of an eye. So, what about that travel insurance some airlines offer when you buy your ticket? That will cover you, right?

As reported on AirFareWatchdog.com recently, most of these policies will not protect you if an airline goes out of business. This exclusion can be found in the fine print of any airline-peddled insurance policy. However, by purchasing from a travel insurance company, it is possible to be protected. In other words, the same insurance company policy sold to you by the airline doesn't protect you as thoroughly as when you buy that policy directly from the insurance company itself. Who knew?! In this age of "anything goes" in the airline industry, the insurance might just be worth the investment. Check out www.TravelGuard.com, an insurance company mentioned on AirFareWatchdog.com.

Remember, credit cards still offer a line of defense. You can always dispute a charge within 60 days of it appearing on your statement. Happy flying (if your flight gets off the ground)!

Resolution of Independence, July 2, 1776 - Did You Know?

Casey — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:29:00 GMT

On July 2nd 1776 the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. On the table, a resolution brought before the congress by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia:

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.

…And on that day, July 2nd 1776, they approved the Resolution Of Independence… A free nation was proclaimed and the United States of America was formed. While the founding fathers made the bold move to break with England on the 2nd, the document which would actually do so needed to be cleaned up and re-worked before being unveiled to the public… Which occurred… you guessed it… July the 4th, 1776.

To top it off, John Hancock was the only one to sign that day (maybe that’s the other reason he signed so prominently, as to fill up the empty space). The other 55 delegates signed the document on August 2nd – I’ll remind you to celebrate then too – don’t worry.

Oh, and the British didn’t receive the declaration until January 1777…no blogs back then to post instantly.

This excerpt is taken from a blog by David Reisner, AC360 Digital Producer. Check out AC360 (www.ac360.com) and the blogs which are updated around the clock. My favorite is the nightly live blog, 7:00 p.m. PST/10:00 EST. You can interact with Erica Hill, Anderson Cooper and all the 360 Bloggers from all over the world, Monday through Friday. Very Cool.

Broken Phone? You Don't Need To Buy A New One.

Casey — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:52:00 GMT

I stopped paying that $2-3 a month "insurance" for my cell phone after a customer-service-deficient experience when I needed to replace a phone a few years ago (it wasn't my fault SOMEONE pushed me into the pool at a fundraising event to get a laugh). Since then, I've had my share of visits to the AT&T store for help in replacing a phone. Of course the phone company is all too happy to give you a phone or sell you one for $300 less than the "retail" price, provided you extend your contract for another two years.

As you might know from your own experience, dropping any phone is not really good for it. Although newer phones are heartier than those we started with many moons ago, I still manage to (eventually and consistently) break mine. So, of course, I go to the AT&T store and the guy can't figure out how to fix it. I don't have insurance and I'm NOT signing and contract extension to get a new one.

Distraught about the perception others might have when they see me using a phone that looks like it came from the trash at a second-rate motel, I go back to my office and begin my internet search to find a solution. I found two sites that looked credible. Happily, the one that was the most professionally presented was also a company in California. (Anytime I shop on the internet, I always favor for the business that is geographically closest to me. This means a quicker turnaround and lower shipping costs.) Here's one of the best discoveries I have found in a long time...

CellullarDR is located in Glendale, California. Navigating their web site is relatively simple and straight-forward. There is plenty of useful information which walks you through the whole process before you even start. You pick-out the service that fits your phone problem on their web site, pre-pay, get an order i.d., and send your phone to them. From start to finish, I had my like-new phone back in my hands within 6 working days. Their site promises step-by-step status updates but all I got was an acknowledgement of the receipt of the phone when I sent it. I had to call a few days later to get a status report. That said, they delivered what I expected and I was very pleased. The $39 fee certainly beat spending gads of time and twice the price trying to buy a used, activated phone to replace mine on eBay. When you start the order process you're also given the option of having CellularDR make a CD or printout all of your phonebook, and they can save your pictures as well. Think your water-damaged or screen-destroyed phone can't be fixed? Give CellularDr a try! www.CellularDr.com

Traveling Single?

Casey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:01:00 GMT

In the modern world of cruising, single cabins are almost a thing of the past. Some older ships still have them, and they are popular enough that you'll have to book 8 to 10 months in advance. Regardless, be prepared to pay a 10 to 100 percent supplement for traveling solo. Some of the least expensive single supplements (in terms of percentages) can be found on some of the higher-end lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Crystal Cruises, all of which charge less than a 50 percent supplement for traveling alone.

My favorite way to cruise alone is a transatlantic crossing. I can book an upper mid-market ship (i.e. Celebrity) and still afford to pay the full fare for the second (non-existent) person. Timing is everything, so keep your eyes open on these re-positioning cruises. I found a recent same-day/24-hour promotion for a 14-night transatlantic Celebrity cruise for a mere $45 per person, per day ($90 per day for single occupancy)! The hitch on some of these is the air-fare, so you also have to watch for an air add-on promotion, normally offered through the cruiseline but available through FindOut Travel as well. Remember, on a repositioning or transatlantic cruise, you're going one-way, flying one-way to the embarkation port to catch the ship and returning home from the disembarkation port overseas. If you can't make the air fare work ($600 or less R/T for example), then it just isn't the deal it's cracked up to be.

Traits of CEOs in Successful Companies

Casey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:01:00 GMT

What are the traits shared by CEOs of successful companies? Conducted by three University of Chicago professors and including 313 detailed CEO assessments, of which 225 were ultimately hired into CEO positions, this recent study concluded that 'hard' skills stood out as opposed to 'softer' strengths like teamwork or flexibility.

Traits that matter...

    - Persistence
    - Attention to detail
    - Efficiency
    - Analytical Sales
    - Setting High Standards

Traits that don't matter so much...

    - Strong oral communication
    - Teamwork
    - Flexibility/adaptability
    - Enthusiasm
    - Listening skills

I'm certain some (or many) of you reading this are saying to yourselves, "no way." But remember, we're talking about CEOs of large, mostly global companies. We're not talking about managers, middle management, supervisors, or small business owners who lack the economy of scale to delegate and keep employees at an arms distance. The results are interesting and deffinitely underscore the divide between the trenches and the ivory tower.

The Ungettable Table

Casey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:59:00 GMT

This article first appeared in the Wall Street Journal in March 2007. For experience-oriented diners, a list of trendy and notable restaurants from Paris, New York, San Francisco, United Kingdom, and Las Vegas, to name a few, are referenced with specific details on how to get that highly sought after table. For anyone who has ever had trouble getting a reservation in ANY restaurant, you'll appreciate this article, and you'll learn some new tactics. Check it out at http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB117529096360755032-bSweH_DA86xHJfdS_U8Mo2C06Io_20080329.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top .

Unique Vacation Spot

Casey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:58:00 GMT

Looking for your next destination for that extended vacation? Looking for serenity and a place to get away from the masses? Want to have something to talk about at your next cocktail party that will make friends curious and possibly envious? Want an affordable, yet exclusive, vacation?

Try the CORN ISLANDS located to the east of Nicaragua, in the Carribbean Sea. Check it out at

www.BigCornIsland.com

www.vianica.com/visit/corn-islands

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-corn8apr08

When you're ready to book, go to www.FindOutTravel.com.

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

Casey — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:28:00 GMT

In 1992, the Anti Car Theft Act was passed, ultimately requiring the Department of Justice to create a national database of vehicle ownership. The purpose of the database was to require insurance companies, junk and salvage yard operators to file monthly reports, and that information would become the database of the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. By using the system, consumers could reliably verify the titling, theft, and damage history of a motor vehicle. In addition, states would use this information which would have a significant effect on auto theft and the exportation of "hot" cars to the Middle East in support of terrorism. Recently, three well-respected consumer advocacy groups filed a lawsuit to force the Justice Department to create the database. Those groups are Public Citizen, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, and Consumer Action. I'll keep you posted...

SHOP For A Credit Card - Don't Wait For An Offer!

Casey — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:23:00 GMT

I saw this web site recently and found it to be extremely helpful and informative. At www.CreditCards.com, you can actually shop for your next card, or use the site to compare what you're already getting. The site allows you to conduct different searches based on different criteria--criteria that fits what YOU need.

You can search by card type such as low interest cards, balance transfer cards, instant approval cards, reward cards for points, reward cards for travel (and so on), cash back cards, student cards, business cards, etc. Other parameters you can use to search for the right card is your credit quality and, of course, by the issuing bank name. Once you have found the cards that sound like a fit, you can compare the attributes side-by-side. And, to make it really easy, you can complete a secure online application.

There are news entries about related subjects as well as a periodically updated credit card rate report, which reveals the lowest current rate for all of those different card types I mention above (and more). Next time you get your current credit card bill, take a look at the rate and compare it to others you might qualify for at www.CreditCards.com. ONE STOP SHOPPING! Check it out!

Buy Direct from DirectBuy?

Casey — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:49:00 GMT

You've probably seen the ads in recent months for DirectBuy. I was "invited" to check it out recently at a new location here in the Coachella Valley. I was pleasantly surprised, but DirectBuy isn't for everyone.

The first shock was the cost, and most of my "group" fled the scene during the combination sales pitch and video presentation, which begins shortly after you arrive and meet your sales advisor who "hosts" your visit. The first two years costs $5,500. Each year thereafter is $200. So, for example, the first ten years costs $7100 (that's only $710 a year!). Once I learned this rather valuable information, I had to remind myself why I came. Come hell or high-water, I was going to completely inspect the product from top to bottom so I needed to give it a chance. After all, who are all those people giving testimonials on TV? There had to be something of value to make this proposition work.

After a lengthy inspection and tour directed by my appealing host (they are sales people after all), I was convinced. Convinced it wasn't right for me, at this time. However, had I become a member six homes and five hotel renovations ago, membership would be a no brainer. Seriously, the pricing is truly phenomenal and you can absolutely save a bundle of money. To make it truly worthwhile for a member, you could feel somewhat comfortable starting with a project or purchase where you expect to budget at least $15,000. You could feel much more comfortable if your budget started at $20,000. And, presumably, you would keep using the service for years to come, flattening out the expense curve on this commitment.

DirectBuy is a relatively flexible format. The showroom was attractive, well-lit, and easy to navigate. The choice and range of products available is staggering. If you don't want to shop at the showroom, using the catalogs, you can shop on-line. Customer orders are not difficult to execute; in fact I got the impression custom orders were pretty much the standard bill-of-fare for most shoppers. DirectBuy has a multitude of approved contractors to help with kitchen planning, carpet installation, pool construction, solar design and installation, and so forth. You can buy anything from clothing to jewelry to appliances to patio furniture to garage doors.

Once you zero-in on what you want, your order is reviewed by a representative who will make certain all of your "t"s are crossed and your order is compatible with the manufacturers' needs. Your order then goes to a central office, where it is "bundled" with other orders for the same manufacturer, thus the ability for you to buy direct from a manufacturer without the manufacturer having to expend an inordinate (and unprofitable) amount of time helping just one customer at a time. Some items can be shipped directly to you, but many items are shipped to the local warehouse (where the showroom is) and you can pick-up on your own or arrange for a DirectBuy-approved delivery service, for a reasonable fee.

Would I ever join DirectBuy? Absolutely! Given the right parameters (knowing I'm going to spend enough to make that initial investment worthwhile) I wouldn't hesitate. In the meantime, I can certainly recommend this to clients for their projects and renovations (commercial and residential).

VERY IMPORTANT! You have only one chance to join and that occurs at that first (and only) visit you make. In order to protect the integrity of the program, DirectBuy is very focused on this method of selling memberships. Once you leave the showroom you can't get back in, so to speak.

Looking for a discount on that major ticket item or home service?

Casey — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:18:00 GMT

Remember the last time you completed a change of address kit from the U.S. Postal Service? The kits are even better now with some really useable discounts and promotions. The best part is anyone can pick up one of these kits at any post office and use the discounts! I had to complete a kit recently for a client. As I perused the enclosed offers, I realized many of them had no specific requirements! My kit had offers from J.C. Penney, Bank of America, Arrowhead, Direct TV, AT&T, Time-Warner, Best Buy, Home Depot, Brinks Home Security, Budget Truck Rental and a whole bunch more. These discounts are there for the taking!

How Do I Research An Airfare?

Casey — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:55:00 GMT

These are my favorites and the sites I use regularly, before going to FindOut Travel for my final booking.

Airfarewatchdog.com http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/ Sign-up and get regular updates for the lowest available fares from your home airport (or whatever airport you chose). The big advantage with Airfarewatchdog is the unpublished specials they come up with all the time. Of course, you don’t have to sign-up. You can simply use the site anytime you need, but you never know what you've missed! Anytime Travelocity is indicated as a site where you can get the special fare, you can book at www.FindOutTravel.com and find the same fare!

Mobissimo.com http://www.mobissimo.com/search_airfare.php. For the broader picture of what's going on in a particular fly market, this site is very handy. Once you input your search parameters, you'll get a list of virtually every flight combination you could possibly think of, in order from the least cost to the most expensive, as well as where to book the flight to get the displayed fare(s). Remember, a donation will be made to the charity of your choice every time you complete travel booked at www.FindOutTravel.com!

Farecast.com http://www.farecast.com/ Not only will Farecast show you current pricing but it uses historical information and current booking patterns to tell you whether to buy or wait to purchase. It will graph a 30-day window of fares between cities, allowing you to zero-in on the best dates to travel as well. In addition, you can spend $9.95 and buy Fare Guard, an insurance policy that will help protect you against higher prices. Very cool.

FareCompare.com http://www.farecompare.com/ I almost don't know where to start on this one. The primary function of FareCompare is to let you know when a fare has gone down again, so you can get a refund on a previously purchased "ticket." However, this site is loaded with all sorts of bells and whistles. My favorite is the page where you can display the top deals from your home airport to virtually anywhere in the world. FareCompare also provides a step-by-step guide on how to get a fare refund. AND, for a "little" more insight to the how and why of air fares, FareCompare has taken the time to educate users with facts and tips. I highly suggest you go here, print and read this--it's valuable and well-stated: http://www.farecompare.com/downloads/WhenIsTheBestTimeToBuyAirTravel/WhenIsTheBestTimeToBuyAirTravel
.htm?home=yes VERY USEFUL.

As always, we appreciate your support. FindOutTravel is powered by Travelocity and has very competitive rates. Every time you complete travel arrangements booked at www.FindOutTravel.com, a donation will be made to a charity you chose (from the list of charities on our site).

Buying Tires?

Casey — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Last fall, I gave a client a recommendation for replacement tires on her Toyota. I did quite a bit of research, checking on-line customer reviews, periodicals, manufacturers web sites, and verifying the original Toyota specifications for the vehicle. I also did the foot work and price-shopped for a tire dealer in her vicinity. Although it was a national brand, the tire store had a great reputation and the client was very happy with her purchase as well as the improved performance of her Toyota.

Recently, one tire lost a chunk out of its' sidewall, and had to be replaced because of the potential safety issue. The client took the car in and much to her surprise (and mine) this particular tire, a MAJOR BRAND, had no replacement warranty. I was dumb-founded as I had never heard of a passenger car tire not having a warranty, of any kind. I assumed, as did the client, there was a warranty on her every-day passenger car tires. If I even thought it was possible the tires might not have a warranty, I would have recommended the second choice for tires to the client, from the start.

Lesson 1: Make certain the tire your buying comes with some kind of replacement warranty.

Lesson 2: A good vendor or retailer can bail you out, especially if you're perceived as a loyal customer.

Since the original purchase, the manufacturer has added a replacement warranty for these particular tires and, although the client was charged for the tire, the dealer added-on the replacement warranty for all four tires which was worth at least what the one replacement tire cost (about $15 per tire). The dealer didn't charge for any mounting, stem or other ancillary charges on the tire as well.

It just goes to show you--it's always something! As soon as you think you understand the "system," there's a new hook. As much as I think I've learned over the years, there is always more to keep me on my toes!

Foreign Currency Exchange Ideas

Casey — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Even if you haven't paid much attention to the currency exchange rates, you probably know the U.S. dollar simply doesn't hold much "bang for the buck" when traveling abroad, currently.

It's always a good idea to have at least some foreign currency in your pocket when you get on the plane. After all, you've got to buy drinks, food, a transit or cab ride, possibly tip a few people along the way, and who knows what else that first 24 hours when you get off the plane? So, exchange something at your local bank. Transaction fees at a U.S. bank are usually lower than abroad, according to Susan Black, Director of Financial Planning at eMoney Advisor, a division of Commerce Bancorp. If you can't find a bank near you that can help, try AAA or American Express. Currency exchange fees are typically higher at airports, so don't wait.

Once abroad, use ATMs to get day-to-day pocket money. Try for fewer, larger withdrawals instead of small withdrawals because using ATMs can get pricey due to conversion and withdrawal fees by banks on both ends of the transaction (yours and the ATM of the bank you're using). To be sure, homework is the best insurance; before traveling, call your bank and ask what they charge for each transaction--you might be pleasantly surprised. For example, Citibank waives all fees when its cardholders withdraw from an overseas Citibank ATM. And find out where to find ATMs on your network before you go.

Experts suggest using an ATM debit or credit cards for large purchases. In recent years, financial institutions have added per transaction conversion fees up to 3% as well. However, when using a card, your savings can be 2 to 7% better than taking a chance on the exchange rate a foreign merchant will give you. That said, there can be mysterious fees accompanying card purchases, so it pays to do your homework before you go. To learn the exchange rate used for each of your accounts, try the following...

VISA                        www.FanWithaPlan.com
MasterCard               Contact the issuing bank.
American Express      www.AmericanExpress.com/travel (click on "all travel tools" then click on
                              "exchange rates and currency converter")

!!Beware of exchange services that post misleading rates. They might list the buy rate of the local currency, but their rate for selling you that currency may be much higher. Always confirm the rate before converting.

If you're worried about identity theft, use one card for the trip and call the card issuer to have the number changed upon returning home (even if your card isn't stolen someone can get their hands on the number). BUT, use a card that is not set-up with automatic payments or deductions, which can complicate the process.

What about traveler's checks? Buy them in the denomination of the country you're visiting. Otherwise, you're at the mercy of the foreign merchant who's cashing them, and that's what you really want to avoid.

According to IndexCreditCards.com, these are the currency conversion fees of some major banks, as a percentage of a purchase (June 18, 2007):

Capital One                  0%
Washington Mutual        1%
American Express          2%
Bank of America            3%
Chase                          3%
Citibank                       3%
U.S. Bancorp                 3%
Wells Fargo                   3%

This information taken from Investors Business Daily, June 18, 2007 and the Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition, July 7-8, 2007. Original articles by Donald Jay Korn for IBD and Lyneka Little for the WSJ.

www.GetHuman.com

Casey — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Not only does Gethuman have a database with hundreds of corporation phone numbers, but they've got all the prompts easily spelled out, so you can skip to a real person, FAST! Very cool and useful…

This free website is run by volunteers and is powered by over one million consumers who demand high quality phone support from the companies they use. Use this site to find numbers, company web sites, and consumer ratings of phone service, PLUS HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROMPTS TO FIND A LIVE PERSON! Information on pending legislation about phone service is available, too. www.gethuman.com

Check Flight Statistics

Casey — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Just about any statistic or up-to-date general information you need, pertaining to flying, can be found at this site. Now we all can make an educated decision on what flight to pick. Go sign up for free, today and mark the site for future use. Here's some of what www.FlightStats.com does...

Tracks flights in near real-time within the U.S. airspace
Combines runway and gate times
Covers global statistics with information from airlines and airports
Provides excellent codeshare mapping
Links U.S. airport delay information to the affected flight
Stores historical information and calculates on-time performance ratings

In addition, FlightStats provides useful general information on hundreds of airports!

Get user ratings of airports
Reserve airport parking around the world
Display active airport delays in the U.S. allowing you to view the details of each delay, including impacted flights
Users can track how airlines are performing in real-time and throughout the day, at any airport
See airport delays for a given day and explore the impacted flights
See average TSA wait times by terminal and gate for any U.S. airport, by the time of day
View current weather conditions and extended forecasts for all worldwide airports
See current traffic conditions for U.S. airports
View a complete listing of all airports throughout the world, sorted by region, country and name
Share insider tips and tricks for making the most of your time in specific airports

Check it out!

Do Not Call List

Casey — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Remember this? You can add you phone number to this registry and end unwanted telemarketing calls. A reminder; you have to re-register every five years to remain on the list. Go to www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx .

How Do I Know What Seat to Pick on My Flight?

Casey — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

OK. So you don't fly 100,000 miles every year, on the same route, on the same planes, week-in and week-out. How would you know what's a good seat?

First, you have to do a little research. Second, go to SeatGuru.com.

FIRST. The equipment (type of aircraft) you'll be flying we'll be available when you pull up your itinerary, on-line. If you have problems figuring it out, you can always call the airline's reservation number and ask.

SECOND. At SeatGuru.com, you can easily navigate the site. Click on the alphabetical airlines box, click on the airline, chose your aircraft! There will be a brief description of the plane, as it relates to the configuration of the specific ariline you're flying, and a straight-forward, easy-to-understand diagram of the plane cabin.

For each class of seats, you can learn the seat pitch, width, and the amenities (video, audio, etc.). By using colors, the diagram shows you the good seats, seats to be aware of, and poor seats. You can learn where power ports are located as well as lavoratories (bathrooms), closets, galleys (kitchens), and exits.

This is all just very, very cool. I feel like a kid playing a video game when I use this site.

BEWARE! I suggest checking your reservation 48 hours to a week ahead of time. You never know when and if an airline might change the originally scheduled equipment. If the equipment does change, start over again and find a new seat.

SPECIAL NOTE: Frequent flyers are the ones who usually get upgraded as they check-in for the flight. If you want a different seat, chances are the seat a frequent flyer just got upgraded from is better than the one on your boarding pass--check at the gate.

First Class Flyer?

Casey — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

I finally threw-in the towel recently, and subscribed to First Class Flyer, a monthly newsletter with the absolute latest and most up-to-date tips on how to work your mileage programs to get an upgraded seat on a plane.

The newsletter has been heralded in the press and I have to admit, the information is quite amazing and useful. That said, if you're really not a big traveler, or if you're not working your mileage programs to the hilt, you might not find a big value in this on-going subscription.

Regular sections include Hot Ticket, Fare Sleuth, High & Inside, Strategy Session, and In Brief. They are also looking for subscribers to become special correspondents, providing reports on airline service and pricing strategies.

Here's a tip I love, from another publication. All of those travelers in the top-end of the mileage programs get the better seats assigned when they book their travel. These are the people who come to the airport, with lots of miles, getting the upgrades when they check-in. When one of those air-warriors gets reassigned to another cabin, they leave open a seat which might very well be better than the one on your boarding pass. Check at the gate. You never know what's come available at the last moment. (suggestion: go to www.SeatGuru.com and printout the floor plan of the aircraft you're flying and take it with you so you know what to ask for).

I am happy to share tips from the newsletter, if you have a specific question, and especially if you're booking through www.FindOutTravel.com, our travel web site.

For more information, go to www.FirstClassFlyer.com.

Extended Vacation? Ship Your Luggage Ahead.

Casey — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Luggage shipping services are readily available now and especially handy if you don't want to deal with pulling your arm out of its socket while on your way to starting your trip.

It was 1978 when I shipped my first box of clothes back home at the end of a vacation, to leave space for my vacation purchases in my suitcase. Nowadays, with airline luggage and security restrictions being what they are I dread having to schlep more than one piece of luggage. Check out these services if you're like me…

www.LuggageConcierge.com

www.usxpluggageexpress.com/

www.LuggageForward.com

www.LuggageFree.com

These services can be rather pricey, but it beats walking with a limp and focusing on a sore shoulder when you need to be focusing on closing a business deal or trying to enjoy some well-deserved time-off.

Of course, you can always do a little planning ahead, like I do, and ship a box or two a week in advance (for the continental U.S.) via UPS ground. If you want to save some money, but need some help with the pick-up and shipping (and you live in the Palm Springs area), CONTACT US! We'll help!

TimeOut Services
CJones@TimeOutService.com
760-309-2506

Thrown Out All of Your Rabbit Ears?

Casey — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

New interest is breathing life into an otherwise "old" technology. I could have never imagined this...

Antennas Direct, a Missouri-based start-up, did $1.4 million in sales and expects that to double next year. How? Richard Schneider, the founder, has found an updated use for an old technology. It seems our local TV stations broadcast direct from their own antennas, in HD format. The kicker is, you can by-pass your local cable tv provider and get clear HD reception by using old-fashioned rabbit ears--the kind we used to use on the top of our "dial" and "tube" tv sets. Imagine rabbit ears on top of your plasma or lcd set! To learn if you're within the required distance from a local broadcast, go to www.antennaweb.org. THEN, go to AntennasDirect.com and see what it's all about!

Ho Hum Product Gets a New Life!

Casey — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

Odd things can happen to tired old brands when they are left free to grow and flex. In addition to the encouraging new room design, Super 8 is adding a laundry list of new and improved amenities, not the least of which is a consistent schedule for mattress replacements.

To see a prototype room, click or copy and paste this url into your web browser

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/hmm031907/index.php?startpage=4&qs=super+8+plans+product+improvements

The new room, designed by Back Lot Productions of Atlanta, features a contemporary palette that provides a warmer, more residential experience; regionally themed headboard artwork that is expected to become a hallmark of the brand's identity; a contemporary platform bed; a custom, two-sided bed cover to suggest an upscale experience; a modular TV wall unit that affords additional storage and seating; and a two-tiered vanity.

Back Lot Productions designs are based on the philosophy of Markitecture, marketing your brand through the built environment to evoke the designed emotional response from your customer. Very cool--they certainly got a response from me, or I wouldn't be sharing this!

The new room prototype is expected to be in market later in 2007. Normally, brand overhauls and design changes take quite a while to phase-in. So, call ahead before you make your reservation, and find out if the hotel you want to stay at has been renovated!

Excerpts taken from the March 19, 2007 issue of Hotel & Motel Management

A Handy Reference Guide

Casey — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT

The Government Services Administration (GSA) has a Federal Citizen Information Center which provides a Consumer Action Handbook, annually. Sounds like a bunch of B.S., doesn't it? (Well, it IS the government.)

All you need to know is there's this great 2008 Consumer Action Handbook and Consumer Information Catalog you can get FOR FREE! Every home, and some businesses, should have one. Here's how you can get it...

Go to this link and complete the information. http://www.consumeraction.gov/caw_orderhandbook.shtml That’s it!

The Handbook contains information from government agencies you didn't know existed to corporations whose products you use daily. There's even a picture of George Bush on the first page inside the front cover! (You could tear this out, but the table of contents is on the other side.)

Seriously, there is some very valuable information in these pages. Guidelines on how to buy insurance, how to shop for telephone service, steps to small claims court, corporate consumer contacts, state, county, and federal agencies, information on wills and funerals, shopping form home, avoiding fraud, and so on and so forth. Most of the information is designed to simply get you on the right track and pointed in the right direction.

NOW, once you get the book, JUST REMEMBER TO USE IT. I suggest putting these types of reference materials in the same place you keep your phone books, Chamber of Commerce Directory, local business association directory, etc. YOU’LL NEVER USE ANY OF THESE UNLESS THEY’RE ACCESSIBLE, so don’t just shove them away on the shelf next to your collection of fiction or cookbooks.