Phone Follies: A public service announcement. It's been all over everywhere, so you probably have seen that there is a national opt-out list for folks who want to stop annoying unsolicited calls from telemarketers. There is still three months before the telemarketers must comply but after that, big fines will arise for violations – theoretically. There are quite a few loopholes so only time will tell if it will be helpful.

The other phone news is that in many areas, and hopefully nationwide in time, we have cell phone number portability – meaning if you change wireless provider, say from Verizon to Cingular, you can keep your phone number. Nice. Choices are good and not having to change your number if you can find a better deal makes going all cellular more appealing. If I could get in gear to get cable modem service installed I might just do it.