Just wanted to respond to a comment from Dunn, who wrote to Consuming Interests to ask:

I was told you have all of the information about what city residents should do about parking cars, shoveling sidewalks etc...   While we aren't consumers, just trying to figure out if the garages are still open past 9 am today and where to go and park before the next storm...  PLEASE HELP!
You are the go to guy at this paper.

The Baltimore Parking Authority has made city-owned garages available to drivers Tuesday who are trying to avoid snow emergency routes, said Adrienne Barnes, a city transportation spokeswoman. It may be extended through the end of the week.

Certain school parking lots and the paved roads inside Patterson Park are also free for city residents. Addresses of the available sites are posted at www.396snow.com, which warns that the Caroline St. Garage is not an option after Tuesday morning. Here's a map of the parking areas to residents who need to move their cars from snow emergency routes.

Barnes said the city entered Phase II of its snow emergency plan on Friday afternoon. "This is now Tuesday," she said. "If those vehicles haven't been moved, we've given enough courtesy."

It's not clear how long these parking lots will be available --- or whether they will be necessary, she said. "We don't know what condition we're going to be in on Wednesday or Thursday," Barnes said. "A lot of things are contingent on which way the weather goes."

Posted by Liz Kay at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

With the snow about to fall outside, maybe it's time to plan a vacation inside. Southwest certainly thinks so. The airline canceled hundreds of flights today ahead of the next wave of nasty weather. But that didn't keep them from launching a 72-hour airfare sale with flights starting at $39 each way. Sale is on limited number of routes and you have to travel by March 15-May 25.

I was going to check out oh the places we can go, but Southwest's Web site seems to be down. It's either great traffic for the sale or - my bet - everyone who has a canceled or delayed flight checking their status. There's also this little tickle of not so good news out today about Southwest.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Airlines
        

My column today featured a few tips on how to protect your house from snow damage.

In fact, after finishing the column and heading home, we shoveled snow away from all of our doors so when the inevitable melt comes, the water won’t seep into the house.

One tip that didn’t make the column for space reasons — and there was differing advice here — was whether to shake low-lying branches free of snow.

The Maryland Insurance Administration encourages homeowners to knock off snow on low branches if they can safely do so. But a colleague mentioned that he heard on TV that you should not shake branches. (I shook the limbs on Saturday without harm to tree or me.)

What steps are you taking to protect your house that can help others?  I should say, what "safe" tips you can pass on. Not sure we want to advise putting a ladder on the roof to shovel of snow on the very tip top of the house.

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: How To
        

Biodegradable paper products, clothing made from renewable resources ... more and more products bear labels claiming some degree of environmental friendliness. But are all these statements to be believed? And are they worth the markup?

The Federal Trade Commission is set to revamp its guidelines for these environmental marketing claims, which have not been updated in more than a decade, according to a Greenwire article in the NYT (discovered via Consumerworld.org).

The vocabulary has changed a lot since then, to include terms like "carbon neutral" or "sustainable".

According to the article, the FTC has dinged a few companies for claims like ...

Continue reading "Environmental claims to be investigated by FTC" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Greenies, Naughty businesses/NBotW, Shopping
        

Oh, I could strangle that fuzzy little groundhog and his sidekick El Nino. It's only been six days or so since he saw his shadow but it feels like six weeks. Especially if you're a flier. Well, here we go again.

Airlines are issuing weather waivers and canceling flights into and out of BWI, within hours of the airport digging out runways and resuming normal operations. Beginning this afternoon, Southwest Airlines gets it started by canceling the majority of its afternoon/evening flights. Ditto for the Wednesday morning flights. AirTran warns of delays and cancellations. The good news - and the bad news - is that we're not in this alone. With the last storm, the delays were confined to a handful of airports. This storm looks to affect a more widespread area - more than a dozen airports are in the trouble zone. So look for systemwide havoc, from St. Louis to New York.

Blah, blah, blah. You know the drill. Call your airline before heading to the airport. Reschedule your flight. And don't plan on escaping the groundhog's shadow until Memorial Day.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 6:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Travel
        

How cold is this?

American Airlines says it will start charging $8 for a pillow and blanket beginning in May. According to the Associated Press, only coach class citizens on domestic flights and some international flights lasting longer than two hours will be charged the fee. First class travelers will still get a blankie for free.

American Airlines says it’s an economic decision.

You have to wonder with airlines, what will be next?

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 5:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Airlines
        

Just wanted to clarify a few details, based on a conversation I just had with Adrienne Barnes, a spokeswoman for the city's department of transportation:

-- The city started towing vehicles late Saturday night. Since Friday it has relocated 230 cars as well as 25 that were abandoned on roadways or in intersections.

--- Drivers may be subject to both a ticket and towing fees if they leave their cars there. It could be as much as $238.

--- Baltimore has authorized its medallion towers to move vehicles from snow emergency routes.

--- Trying to find your car after it's been towed? Call 311.

--- You might not have to move your car very far. The snow routes are in effect for different 12-hour stretches on alternating sides of the street -- white signs designate 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and black signs are from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Cars
        

I'm sure everyone else was snowbound and already saw this commercial during the Super Bowl, but if you haven't: click through to the Dockers' Web site to enter to win a free pair of Men's soft khakis.

The promotion, first advertised during the Super Bowl, will continue through Feb. 15, so you'll be able to enter daily. The company is giving away one thousand free pairs of pants.

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

I guess if you had the tropical breezes and warm blue ocean of the Bahamas awaiting you, nothing would stand in your way either. Certainly not a little blizzard. And that's what happened Sunday as the Carnival Pride sailed away from Baltimore on time - 5:30 p.m. and with only 60 no-shows.

The ship was packed with more than 2,200 passengers, said Carnival spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz. She gives all of the credit for the success of the departure to the Port of Baltimore. "Would not have been possible without a really extraordinary effort from the Maryland Port Administration," de la Cruz said Sunday.Port personnel worked 12-hour shifts clearing the snow from parking lots, walkways and the pier.

Carnival Cruise Lines began sailing year-round from Baltimore last spring. You can sail for 7 days to the Bahamas from about $649 per person. There's availability for the Feb. 21 cruise. If you want a vacation without the risk of your flight being canceled for bad weather, this seems a good bet.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Travel
        

UPDATED, 2:40 p.m.: Click through to get more information on enforcement of Baltimore's snow emergency routes.

Baltimore will tow cars parked on snow emergency routes, according to city officials.

Remember, Phase II of the snow emergency plan is in effect.

Drivers can park their cars for free in some school parking lots and in city-owned garages in Little Italy, Federal Hill, Fells Point and downtown Baltimore.

With temperatures in the 20s today though, digging out one's car does not seem like a pleasant pastime.

You are supposed to be able to call 311 to find out where your car might be if it is towed, but I'm checking to find out where the cars will be taken --- and how much it will cost to retrieve it. 

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Cars
        

Baltimore residents: wondering when you have to move your car from a snow emergency route, and where to move it?

City officials have decided to initiate Phase II of its Snow Emergency Plan at 6 p.m. Friday. That means people have to move their cars from snow emergency routes.

But where to park? You'll be able to leave your car in a school parking lot in your neighborhood. Check out Baltimore's snow page, www.396snow.com, for details.

Tip: folks in Federal Hill, Fells Point and Little Italy can park in city-owned garages for free! Get there early, guys!

UPDATED, 10:19 p.m.: Looks like city-owned lots on Franklin Street and at Penn Station are available to city residents needing to move their cars from snow emergency routes, as well. Check www.396snow.com for details.

Posted by Liz Kay at 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cars
        

The Carnival Pride is expected back at the Port of Baltimore on Sunday with another cruise set to depart that afternoon for the Bahamas. Lots of cruisegoers have been traveling to Baltimore since Carnival Cruise Lines began year-round operations last spring. The Port has even broken passenger records.

Richard Scher, Maryland Port Administration spokesman, said the port planned to work 12-hour shifts to clear parking lots, walkways and piers of snow. He said "the key reminder is to allow extra travel time based on where [passengers] are coming from." Last time we had such a snowy forecast, Carnival delayed departure by several hours, but that may not be necessary. Scher said that with December's storm, the cruise line didn't end up having any more no-shows than usual.

Sail on.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Travel
        

In the ongoing competition for BWI supremacy that is Southwest vs. AirTran, did Southwest just blink? Or did the top carrier at BWI simply make a decision that exemplifies their commitment to customer service as well as their scheduling prowess? I don't know, but I can tell you that as of this very minute AirTran has not canceled a single flight out of BWI today in advance of the storm. They are going to "wait and see," said a spokesperson.

AirTran, like many other airlines, is offering weather waivers to any ticketholders who want to reschedule their travel. But is it better to give passengers advance notice so they can have time to rethink their plans? Or is it better to deliver the service you promised no matter the conditions? I think it's a gamble for AirTran. If they get everybody up and away, they win. But if travelers become stranded at the airport because of bad weather and late cancellations, they could lose. What do you think? On the other hand, did Southwest pull the trigger too early - or is it too early to say?

UPDATE: I spoke too soon, according to BWI's Web site, AirTran has cancelled most flights after 4 p.m., although a 6:45 p.m. flight to Cancun is still listed as "on time." I'm boarding that one.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Airlines
        

Lots of tech sites have been talking about Blippy, a site that posts every purchase users make on a credit card you associate with your account.

It's like an instant announcement to friends who follow you that you bought some music on iTunes or borrowed some movies from Netflix. 

Except, there are lots of things and services you pay for that you may not want to share with others. Swipe that card in the wrong location and you might give people a virtual peek into your medicine cabinet.

Then again, it only lists specific purchases from a few sites, like Zappos and Threadless.com, and just a dollar amount from others. You can buy lots of things at Rite Aid ... so a purchase from there doesn't necessarily mean you're buying fungicide.

Check out a CNN interview with Blippy's founder.

Would you sign up for Blippy?  What would you use it for?

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Credit cards, Technology
        

Amtrak has canceled several train routes south of Washington today. No alternate transportation is being provided. Passengers are encouraged to call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for schedule information and train status updates. Here's the statement from Amtrak:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to impending winter weather conditions in Virginia and the Carolinas, most Amtrak service south from Washington, DC has been canceled for Friday, February 5.

All southbound Northeast Regional trains, with the exception of Train 67, are canceled between Washington and Richmond and Newport News with no alternate transportation. Northeast Regional Train 176 is canceled between Lynchburg and Washington and Train 171 is canceled from Washington to Lynchburg.

Palmetto, Trains 89 and 90, are canceled in their entirety between New York and Savannah.

Carolinian Trains 79 and 80 will operate only between Raleigh and Charlotte.

Cardinal Train 50 departing Chicago eastbound on February 4 will terminate in Huntington, W.V. As a result, Train 51, the westbound Cardinal, for February 5 will originate in Huntington and operate through to Chicago.

Silver Service trains between New York and Miami will operate normally.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Travel
        

Snow storms are almost never good for a retailer's business - unless you're a grocery or hardware store.

While people are snuggled inside under a blanket or outside sledding, that means they're not out shopping.

In anticipation of this week's storm, a few retailers are trying to bring in shoppers by extending hours or offering bargains before the big snow hits.

Cupcake boutique in Fells Point sent an email to shoppers today saying it will open early tomorrow - at 10:30 a.m. - "to allow for as much shopping time pre-snow fiasco." The cute clothing boutique isn't sure how long they'll be open on Saturday, but will keep people posted on its facebook page.

Doubledutch in Hampden said it is offering 20 percent off all day tomorrow "due to the snowy forecast." They will stay open until 8 p.m., weather permitting.

Nouveau Contemporary Goods at Belvedere Square in Northeast Baltimore is offering a 25 percent discount on items in its store.

Anybody else out there know of any snow deals? Let us know.

(photo courtesy of AP)

Posted by Andrea Walker at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Shopping
        

JetBlue, AirTran, Southwest, United, US Airways...OK, just about every airline is allowing passengers to reschedule their travel. That's the best plan at this point as Baltimore stares down a potential blizzard this weekend. BWI is getting ready already - you can read the details here. So far, I haven't seen any specific flight cancellations in advance of the storm, but they're coming. You can count on it.

Also, have you heard about the newest brewpub at the airport? DuClaw Brewing Company opens its doors this week. Could be a good place to hangout while the storm blows over. (Or maybe not.) It's in the main terminal so you don't have to be a ticketed to enjoy it. There are all kinds of relaxing options beyond the terminal, including Rams Head Tavern, Vino Volo Wine and The Rum Island Bar. Just sayin. Of course, if you call ahead before your flight, you won't be stuck.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Airlines
        

If you're planning to get out of town ahead of the approaching weekend storm, you better takeoff soon. I'm thinking that travelers with reservations for Friday afternoon flights probably will make it out, depending upon when the snow begins and how rapidly it falls. If you have tickets for air travel Friday evening or on Saturday, the odds for getting out worsen.

With December's storm, BWI had to shut down for several hours to clear snow and there were hundreds of flight cancellations. What happens is the canceled flights begin to cascade and over several hours and 20 inches of snow, the mess deepens and backs up the entire system. As of late Wednesday, United and US Airways had already posted weather waivers that will allow passengers to reschedule travel to/from mid-Atlantic states through Sunday. Other major airlines likely will follow today.

So, what to do? If you have the flexibility, reschedule your flight. If not, call your airline before you show up at the airport to make certain your flight has not been canceled. Pack extra snacks and diapers. Why? Tarmac delays. The new rules requiring airlines to return to the gate if they can't take off within three hours do not go into effect until spring. During December's blizzard, Air Jamaica passengers were stranded on the runway for more than 8 hours. They did get food and water, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Posted by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman at 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Travel
        

Here's an early heads up: get a free pretzel from Auntie Anne's from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20.

You can get either an original or cinnamon sugar variety. And if you go to FreePretzelDay.com, you can sign up to get a message reminding you of the free treat. They call it a wake-up call, but hopefully you have more to get you out of bed before 3 p.m. than the promise of free snacks. Right? Am I right?

Also, if you're curious about just who this "Anne" is, check the Auntie Anne's FAQ.

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal
        

I have to admit that with all the snow, I've been daydreaming about warmer climatesand the airline news that faithful travel blogger Michelle D-Z has been posting hasn't helped matters!

But just in case your trips don't go as smoothly as you planned, be sure to check out airconsumer.dot.gov, our Consumer Web Site of the Week (discovered via Consumerist).

Airconsumer.gov is loaded with travel tips and information --- and a form to file complaints against airlines.

It's run by ...

Continue reading "Air passenger rights: Consumer Web Site of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Airlines, Consumer Web Site of the Week, Travel
        

Dollar General is celebrating the grand opening of a store at 1620 Pennsylvania Avenue in West Baltimore Saturday, Feb. 6 with giveaways.

Be one of the first 50 customers when the store opens at 8 a.m. and get a $10 gift card --- a value which should hopefully go pretty far at the dollar store! (Although, not everything in the store costs $1 at this particular chain.)

The first 200 customers will get Dollar General tote bags.

Posted by Liz Kay at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Shopping
        

I enjoyed a delicious salad at a restaurant on Sunday. It was huge and tasty, but something about it still seemed a little strange.

I pondered while I chomped and finally realized that instead of the candied almonds described on the menu, the salad included peanuts.

I regret that I was in a hurry and didn't say anything to the management about this ingredient substitution. What if I had been allergic to peanuts (but not tree nuts)? 

It's possible that the restaurant had simply run out of the almonds, but in my opinion, peanuts are not an acceptable alternative --- at least not without warning --- because peanut allergies are pretty common.

The Coupon Sherpa detaile 23 similar forms of subterfuge that restaurants are employing to save money, including ...

Continue reading "23 ways restaurants cut corners: Naughty Businesses of the Week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food
        

Toyota is finally ready to fix malfunctioning acceleration pedals found on eight models of its cars.

If you remember, last week the automaker said it was recalling about 23 million vehicles because the accelerator would stick, causing the car to speed up and the driver to lose control. Toyota said it has come up with a way to reinforce the pedal assembly as to eliminate excess friction that causes the pedals to stick.

Parts to reinforce the pedals have been sent to dealers, who are being trained how to install them. The company said many dealers will work around the clock to remedy the problem.

Jim Lentz, Toyota president and chief operating officer, released a video today about the recall.

Read my post from last week to find out what eight vehicles are included in the recall. You'll also find tips on what to do if you're driving and the accelerator sticks.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A lot of people have relieved a little economic hardship by untethering from cable television while still keeping up with their favorite shows via the Internet.

But one of the most popular services, Hulu, may begin charging fees to viewers to watch some content, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Right now, the consortium of networks is considering letting people watch the most recent five episodes of shows for free, but charging $4.99 a month for subscriptions to watch older episodes.

I think the best feature of Hulu is the ability to timeshift --- to watch TV when it fits YOUR schedule, not just when it's scheduled for broadcast --- without a DVR. But will this move make viewers more likely to tune in?

Do you Hulu? How do you use it --- to catch up on recent episodes, or do you troll the archive for great TV and movies from the past?

UPDATED: Consuming Interests readers told us overwhelmingly in October that they would rather wait than pay fees to watch content on Hulu.

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Technology