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Hewie's Views and Reviews Welcome to this issue of Hewie's Views & Reviews. Be sure to visit Hewie's Favorites at http://www.hewie.net/ . ++++ Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry ++++ Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry I have been receiving many e-mails from friends that don't usually send the usual junk of jokes, prayers, virus info, or urban legends. In these e-mails, they have been warning about a new cell phone database that telemarketers will be able to use. They indicate that we will get lots of calls that will use our valuable time and service. They continue by advising to register with the Do Not Call Registry. A recent article in "Government Technology" magazine talks about "The Truth About Cell Phones and the National Do Not Call Registry" http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php?channel=8&id=93706 The article debunks the e-mail. Telemarketing to cell phone numbers has always been illegal in most cases and will continue to be so. The Federal Government doesn't have a cell-phone number database. Using auto dialers to call cell phones is also illegal. You can, however, register your cell number with the Do Not Call Registry, just as you did for your home phone. ++++ Florida Residents Not Eligible I was reading another e-newsletter which lists some contests and one sparked my interest. The grand prize was an above-ground hot tub. I went to the entry form and when I reached the part to enter my state, it said that Florida was not eligible. This wasn't the first time that happened, so I decided it was a good time to find out why I couldn't enter. Searching Google, I found a website that has a good legal narrative for those who wish to run sweepstakes or skills contests. http://www.ennsandarcher.com/s_basics.html The article stated that "If the total amount of all prizes being awarded in the sweepstakes exceeds $5,000, the promotion must be registered (with either a surety bond or certificate of deposit in the total amount of all prizes) in both Florida and New York." "Florida requires seven (7) days advance registration. Florida has taken the position that any promotion in the United States that does not explicitly exclude Florida residents could allow a Florida resident to win and subjects the promotion to Florida's jurisdiction, including the filing requirements." Florida is protecting me. If a contest is open to me as a Florida resident and the prizes are big enough, then the contest promoters must have a bond posted with the State. When I can't enter a contest, I can thank (blame) the Florida government. ++++ Buying a Car This past month my 1994 Saturn decided that it was time to retire. I bought it new and it has been faithful and reliable. However, it started to have some aches and pains that needed attention and would require much more of an investment that it is worth. I decided that it was time to get a new car. This is my first experience of purchasing a car using the Internet as a resource. I listen to Clark Howard, http://clarkhoward.com/ a consumer advocate on the radio, and he has a lot of great advice. I searched car dealerships on line, checked on the value of my car, and searched local auto want-ads. I decided on which make, model, and years would be acceptable and then began my search. I really appreciated the dealerships that kept their inventories up to date and gave good descriptions. I narrowed my search to a couple of cars and off I went to "kick the tires." My first choice was a used car with 12,000 miles and still under factory warranty. The description was accurate. It was in great condition and was being offered by one of those "the price is the price" dealerships. I had predetermined the value of my car, so when they offered a bit more, I decided to go for the purchase. At the dealership, all of the paperwork was printed on laser printers that print on both sides of the paper. Once signed, the paperwork was then fed into a scanner that scanned both sides and printed out signed copies for me. It was all automated to the point that if one of the signature lines was not filled in, it would reject the document. Any way, I am happy with my new car, the price, and the buying experience. I know many people buy from individuals and even buy through eBay, but I wasn't willing to go there. ++++ Another Unique Map Site One of my friends led me to a unique map site. What was Virtual Earth is now Windows Live Local http://local.live.com/ and includes an incredible amount of new images, enhanced features, and new ways to find what you're looking for. ++++ New additions to Hewie's Favorites Earth Calendar Windows XP Update Website CSS Play Ezypage 9 / Artlab 6 for Windows Lemon Law Software Tutorials Windows Live Local Wholesale Products and Wholesale Merchandise - DollarDays SpywareInfo BIOS from A to Z Open Clip Art Library |
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