Can You Get An Address If All You Have Is A Phone Number?

Ever wanted to send a gift or card to a friend but you don't know their mailing address? As long as you have a phone number, online resources can often let you look them up.

For some people, this is an example of the resources available today on the Internet. For others, it's almost a little scary to think how easy it is to locate personal information about someone.

The reverse phone lookup services are offered by many search engines, and the service is free. Don't go to a site offering the service for a cost, even though many can be found. Using Google as an example, because it's the largest search engines, all you need to do is type "phonebook:" and then enter the telephone number, including the area code. If you want to be sure random people cannot easily look up your home address, all you have to do is make sure your address is not published with your home listing. If you're really concerned about added privacy, but don't want an unlisted number, some people even use an alias or a pet's name in their listing (again, without an address).

Sometimes modern technologies offer a lot of convenience! We just have to be mindful of a few more safety issues. Another convenience is bundling the costs of our tech-related utilties (internet, phones, etc.) Providers like Qwest always offer great deals. Check out the details at bundles.usdirect.com.

First 'Astroturfing' Case Prosecuted in New York

Have you ever heard of 'astroturfing'? It has to do with the Internet, it's dishonest, and New York officials just completed the first investigation in the country aimed at stopping the practice. When you work with reputable suppliers like bundles.usdirect, you know you'll never be subject to such unsavory practices.

Astroturfing involves companies using employees to post fake positive reviews of products on company Internet web sites in an effort to encourage unassuming consumers to buy the product in question. Policing the entire Internet may sound nearly impossible. But New York officials in July announced the investigation against Lifestyle Lift, which has locations in 40 different cities that resulted in a $300,000 penalty. After getting complaints, investigators with the Secretary of State's office in New York determined that Lifestyle Lift was astroturfing. Both the Federal Communications Commission and state attorney general offices throughout the country have the authority to look into false advertising and deceptive advertising claims. Lifestyle Lift promised to stop its astroturfing, as part of an agreement that included the fine and a promise to act ethically on the Internet. Hopefully, that $300,000 will catch the attention of other companies who will think twice about tricking consumers surfing on the Internet.

Add Me To The Do-Not-Call List!

Have you ever driven past someone making an illegal turn or some other traffic violation and found yourself wishing there was a policeman there to catch them? I'm not sure why, but I find myself thinking that way a lot. Maybe that's why when I heard that the Federal Trade Commission was handing down fines against some violators of the Do Not Call List I felt a strange feeling of satisfication. It's wrong and when other companies see that real fines are being dished out, maybe everyone will start respect the Do Not Call Registry.

I was absolutely giddy when I learned that earlier this year, the FTC handed out fines against a pair of resort companies that were using telemarketing to try to sell vacations and timeshares. Both companies involved - a group of businesses referred to as the Westgate defendants and another group called the All in One Vacation Club defendants - had many numbers from the Do Not Call Registry, according to the FTC. The All in One group tried to argue that they only called consumers who filled out forms to win vacation packages and specifically told consumers they would be called for marketing efforts. But the FTC wasn't buying that argument, pointed out that the fine-print language on the back of the entry wasn't enough for a consumer to expect a call, despite being on the Do Not Call List.

When you do want to receive the most reliable phone service, be sure to sign up with a trusted company. Look at opportunities to bundle your tech needs - phone, internet and TV - into one easy monthly bill, too!

Patrick Swayze Will Forever Be Young in My Garage

If you've seen any entertainment news on TV or on the internet over the past few days, you've probably seen the sad news about Patrick Swayze.

The hit movie "Dirty Dancing" was still popular in the theaters when my wife and I bought our first house nearly more than 20 years ago. I still remember walking into the garage as we were moving in to the house, opening a cabinet and seeing a huge poster of Swayze as dance instructor Johnny Castle.

My wife wouldn't let me take down the poster that day, saying Swayze was "too gorgeous" to be thrown away. I remember Swayze as one of those male actors who got the girls but somehow made me want to watch him as well. He was a regular guy who often found himself in less than regular situations.

After a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Swayze, 57, passed away. I reminded my wife about the poster and asked if she was finally ready for me to take it down. "No," she said. "He'll ALWAYS be too gorgeous."

Another Outburst from Kanye West

One of the great things about having a good TV service and internet access is that you never miss a current event.

Now, I'm not saying I'm one of those people who see conspiracies in virtually everything controversial that occurs. But the thing I've been wondering since Kanye West burst onto the stage during the MTV Video Music Awards and stole the spotlight from Taylor Swift is this: How much have you been reading or hearing about him in the past weeks and months? Sure, he's one of the biggest stars in the country, but it's something completely different to be apologizing on every television show and to be talked about on virtually every news show and on blogs and tweets around the country. So I'll say it: Was this all planned?