FW: Insert random advice here

I typically don't like receiving the FW: e-mails with random advice. Not that some of the advice isn't good, but these messages always seem overly sensational and spammy.

But this one was actually helpful. I called the number and it's legit. For the benefit of my good friends who read this blog, I edited out the sensationalism and ALL CAPS SHOUTING from the original e-mail. But I refuse to e-mail anyone with this advice.

Cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies. You could start to receive sale calls.
You will be charged for these calls.

To prevent this, call the National Do Not Call list from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

Recycle that old TV set

I'm still using the 25" Sanyo tv that I bought at Walmart in 1997. It was a display model - didn't even come in a box. And after (very) many moves including one across the country and back, it still works great. I'd love an HDTV, but I can't justify the cost yet.

My friend Mark sent this to me today - we were talking about all the (non-HD) tv's that will be junked this year, and he found some solutions in the Wall Street Journal. I'm amazed by the text in bold, and hope we do a little better this year:

Problem: You've bought a new TV and don't know what to do with the old set.

Solution: Recycle it. Many TV manufacturers and electronics retailers support recycling efforts across the U.S. Owners of Sony, Zenith, LG and Goldstar TVs can drop off their old sets free at a Waste Management location. Other brands will be accepted for a nominal fee. Go to wm.com/sony for a list of drop-off sites. Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba sets can be dropped off free at a Manufacturers Recycling Management Co. site (mrmrecycling.com for locations). Some electronics retailers will recycle your old set as well. Best Buy, for example, will remove an old TV free of charge when a new TV is purchased and delivered to the home. Wal-mart offers free recycling of Samsung TVs that are taken to drop-off spots. For a list of electronics recyclers in your area, consult maps and listings on these Web sites: mygreenelectronics.org; eiae.org and earth911.org/electronics. Many recyclers also accept old cellphones, computers, printers and other electronics. Be sure to call ahead to verify terms and fees. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 26.9 million TV sets were discarded in the U.S. in 2007. Of those, only 18% were recycled. Beyond extracting materials such as plastics, metals and glass, recyclers following EPA guidelines ensure that waste isn't incinerated, sent to landfills or exported to developing countries.

DeeDee

Don't tell Duke and Gary, but my favorite horse lives in Yuma. DeeDee is my Dad's horse and I've always loved her. She was born, raised and trained on our farm in NC.

Dad says she's a cowboy's horse. I say the gender of the cowboy doesn't matter.