How Fire Hydrants Work
from BrainStuff: The HowStuffWorks Podcast
Fire hydrants are on nearly every street corner, but how do they work? Learn more about fire hydrants in this HowStuffWorks podcast.
http://static.howstuffworks.com/mp3/podcast-fire-hydrant.mp3
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
How to Save Money on Amazon
How to Save Money on Amazon
There are a lot of good deals to be had on Amazon.com, but first you've got to find them.
Here's where to look if you want to save BIG:
Check the Gold Box Deal of the Day
Amazon offers an extra discount on one item each day, the Gold Box Deal of the Day, and that discount can be quite substantial--sometimes as much as 75 percent off. Get in the habit of checking the deal each day, and you may just find a bargain on something that you need.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Gold Box" from the drop-down menu. The Gold Box Deal appears at the top left corner of the page.
Look for a Lightning Deal
Be lightning quick and you'll be rewarded. Amazon's Lightning Deals promotion offers an extra coupon savings on a single featured item--but only for four hours or until all of the coupons are used.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Gold Box" from the drop-down menu. The Lightning Deal appears at the top right corner of the page.
Shop the Friday Sale
The Friday Sale is yet another opportunity to save. It offers special one-day-only prices on over 100 items each Friday.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Friday Sale" from the drop-down menu.
Take Advantage of Super Saver Shipping
Buy $25 in qualifying items (those marked as "eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping") and enjoy free shipping on those items.
Tip: If you find yourself a bit short of the $25 needed to qualify for free shipping, you can use the Amazon Filler Item Finder run by filleritem.com to search out an item that will bring you to the $25 threshold.
Check the Deals and Bargains Section
The Deals and Bargains page is your one-stop spot for all of the latest information on sales, markdowns and special promotions. Be sure to check it regularly.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Deals and Bargains" from the drop-down menu.
Search for Clearance Bargains
Looking for a real steal? Then, check out grocerycouponguide.com. They maintain links to all of the 50-90 percent off pages in Amazon's groceries, beauty, gourmet food, health and pets departments.
Another good site to check: Brand-Name-Coupons.com. This site allows you to search for deals in all departments by the percentage off—anywhere from 10-90 percent off.
Buy Used
Find an item that you want on Amazon, but not thrilled with the price? Then, check to see if you can buy it used. Amazon allows private sellers to post their used items up for sale alongside the new items. Just look for the link that says "# used and new for sale" and click on it to see what's available.
Let Someone Else Track the Deals for You
Looking for an easy way to stay on top of the latest deals? Then, let someone else do the work for you. Several websites dedicated to bargain hunting track and post the best Amazon deals throughout the day. A few to try:
* DealLocker (includes coupon codes)
* JungleCrazy
* DealCatcher
There are a lot of good deals to be had on Amazon.com, but first you've got to find them.
Here's where to look if you want to save BIG:
Check the Gold Box Deal of the Day
Amazon offers an extra discount on one item each day, the Gold Box Deal of the Day, and that discount can be quite substantial--sometimes as much as 75 percent off. Get in the habit of checking the deal each day, and you may just find a bargain on something that you need.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Gold Box" from the drop-down menu. The Gold Box Deal appears at the top left corner of the page.
Look for a Lightning Deal
Be lightning quick and you'll be rewarded. Amazon's Lightning Deals promotion offers an extra coupon savings on a single featured item--but only for four hours or until all of the coupons are used.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Gold Box" from the drop-down menu. The Lightning Deal appears at the top right corner of the page.
Shop the Friday Sale
The Friday Sale is yet another opportunity to save. It offers special one-day-only prices on over 100 items each Friday.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Friday Sale" from the drop-down menu.
Take Advantage of Super Saver Shipping
Buy $25 in qualifying items (those marked as "eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping") and enjoy free shipping on those items.
Tip: If you find yourself a bit short of the $25 needed to qualify for free shipping, you can use the Amazon Filler Item Finder run by filleritem.com to search out an item that will bring you to the $25 threshold.
Check the Deals and Bargains Section
The Deals and Bargains page is your one-stop spot for all of the latest information on sales, markdowns and special promotions. Be sure to check it regularly.
Where to Find It: Roll over the "Today's Deals" tab at the top of any Amazon page, and select "Deals and Bargains" from the drop-down menu.
Search for Clearance Bargains
Looking for a real steal? Then, check out grocerycouponguide.com. They maintain links to all of the 50-90 percent off pages in Amazon's groceries, beauty, gourmet food, health and pets departments.
Another good site to check: Brand-Name-Coupons.com. This site allows you to search for deals in all departments by the percentage off—anywhere from 10-90 percent off.
Buy Used
Find an item that you want on Amazon, but not thrilled with the price? Then, check to see if you can buy it used. Amazon allows private sellers to post their used items up for sale alongside the new items. Just look for the link that says "# used and new for sale" and click on it to see what's available.
Let Someone Else Track the Deals for You
Looking for an easy way to stay on top of the latest deals? Then, let someone else do the work for you. Several websites dedicated to bargain hunting track and post the best Amazon deals throughout the day. A few to try:
* DealLocker (includes coupon codes)
* JungleCrazy
* DealCatcher
Friday, February 8, 2008
How to Avoid Automated Phone Greetings at Big Companies
How to Instantly Get a Human When Calling Big Companies
Actually, it's probably a weekly occurrence for many of us. What am I talking about? That frustrating, wanna' throw the phone out the window feeling when you call a company and have to speak to robots for 5 minutes before you get to speak to a real person.
The other, just as frustrating alternative is when you have to press a sequence of buttons when prompted: 'press 3 for X, 4 for Y, 5 for Z' etc. Someone has taken the initiative to create a website called 'gethuman.com' where you can find the 'secret' codes to be put through to a real human in the shortest time possible, sometimes instantly.
Many companies have this provision so that employees or field workers can get through to the front of the line. All the big companies are listed, from AAA to XM Radio, from Amazon.com to Walt Disney World. In some cases a direct line is provided that gets you right to a human, instantly!
You might want to print out the list, or at least keep it bookmarked on your computer.
You'll save your time and your sanity! www.gethuman.com
gethuman 500 database
1-800-FLOWERS.COM 800-716-4851 Direct to human.
AAA 800-222-4357 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AARP 888-687-2277 Press 0.
AARP Healthcare 800-523-5800 Press 1; at prompt press 4.
AARP MedicareRxPlan 888-867-5575 Press 1; hold through message.
AARP Pharmacy Services 800-289-8849 Press 1; hold through message.
ABN AMRO Mortgage 800-783-8900 Press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press 0.
Ace Hardware 866-290-5334 Press 0.
Adelphia 888-683-1000 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Adobe Systems 800-833-6687 At prompt, press 1.
Advance Auto Parts 800-314-4243 Press 0.
Aetna 800-738-7674 Say "member"; press *0.
Aetna Rx Home Delivery 800-227-5720 Press 0.
AFLAC 800-992-3522 Press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press 3.
AIG 877-638-4244 Direct to human.
Air Canada 888-247-2262 Press 1; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0.
AirTran Airlines 800-204-5695 Press 0.
Alamo 800-462-5266 Direct to human.
Alaska Air 800-252-7522 Press #.
Alitalia 800-223-5730 Press *.
Allmerica Financial 800-533-7881 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Allstate 800-255-7828 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Allstate Motor Club 800-869-7997 Direct to human.
Alltel Wireless 800-255-8351 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Amazon Visa 888-247-4080 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Amazon.com 800-201-7575 Don't press or say anything.
America Online 800-827-6364 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
American Airlines 800-433-7300 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
American Airlines Baggage 800-535-5225 Press 7.
American Express 800-528-4800 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ameriquest Mortage 888-436-7571 Don't press or say anything.
Amtrak 877-444-4773 Direct to human.
Apple 800-275-2273 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T 800-288-2747 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T Business 800-750-2355 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T Universal Card 800-423-4343 Don't press or say anything.
AT&T Worldnet 800-400-1447 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Auto Zone 800-288-6966 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 0.
Avis 800-230-4898 Press 2.
Baby Bjorn 866-424-0200 Press 2.
Bank Card Svcs. 800-655-1491 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bank of America 877-231-9372 Direct to human.
Bank of America Credit 800-732-9194 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bank of New York 800-225-5269 Press ###.
Barclays 877-523-0478 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Barnes & Noble 800-422-7717 Direct to human.
Barnes & Noble.com 800-843-2665 Press 16.
Bear Stearns 888-807-6898 Direct to human.
Bed, Bath & Beyond 800-462-3966 Press 4; hold.
Belkin Tech Support 800-223-5546 At prompt press 2263; press 1 at each prompt thereafter.
BellSouth 888-757-6500 Press *0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bellsouth FastAccess DSL 888-321-2375 Press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 2, ignoring messages.
Best Buy 888-237-8289 Press 2.
Best Buy Card 800-365-0292 Press 6 at each prompt, ingnoring recording.
Best Western 800-780-7234 Direct to human.
BJ's Wholesale Club 800-257-2582 Press 0#.
Black & Decker 800-544-6986 Direct to human.
Blockbuster 214-854-3000 Press 22.
Blockbuster Online 866-692-2789 Press 11.
Bloomingdales Credit 800-295-4057 Direct to human.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield 877-526-3425 Say "get associate" at prompt.
BMG Music 317-692-9200 Press #.
BMW 800-831-1117 Say "customer relations" and then press 1 for "vehicle" or 2 for "motorcycle."
Boost Mobile 888-266-7848 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Borders 888-812-6657 Press 0.
Bosch Power Tools 877-267-2499 Press 100.
Bose 800-444-2673 Direct to human.
Briggs & Stratton 414-259-5262 Press 0 at prompt.
British Airways 800-247-9297 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Brother International 800-284-4329 Press 7.
Budget Rent a Car 800-527-0700 Press 0.
Buick 800-521-7300 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Buy.com 800-800-0800 Don't press or say anything.
Cabela's 800-237-4444 Direct to human.
Cablevision 800-868-9840 Press 1. Then press 0 at each subsequent prompt.
Cadillac 800-333-4223 Press 0.
Canon USA 800-828-4040 At prompt press *; at prompt press 0.
Capital One 800-548-4593 Press 0.
Card Services 888-363-8001 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Caremark 800-262-7890 Press 0.
Carnival Cruise 800-929-6400 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Casio 800-706-2534 Press 3.
Celebrity Cruises 800-647-2251 Press 0.
Cellular One 888-910-9191 Press 4.
Centers for Disease Control 800-232-4636 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 800-999-1118 Press 1000.
Ceridian Benefit Svcs. 800-877-7994 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Charles Schwab 800-435-9050 Press 3, followed by eight digit account number
Charter Communications 866-472-2200 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chase Credit Cards 800-432-3117 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chase Home Finance 800-848-9136 Press #0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CheapTickets 800-755-4333 Don't press or say anything; when offered customer service say "Yes."
CheapTrips 800-211-5119 Direct to human.
Chevrolet 800-222-1020 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
ChevronTexaco Credit 800-243-8766 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chrysler Financial 800-700-0738 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chrysler Group 800-992-1997 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CIGNA 800-849-9000 Press ## at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Cingular Wireless (AT&T) 800-331-0500 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Cingular Wireless Warranty Dept. 800-801-1101 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Circuit City 800-843-2489 Press 0.
Citi Cards 800-633-7367 Don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Citi Simplicity 866-696-5673 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Citibank 800-756-7047 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Citizens Bank 800-922-9999 Press 000.
Columbia House DVD 888-467-7404 Press 1 for English; then don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Columbia Mutual Funds 800-345-6611 Say "representative."
Comcast 800-266-2278 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Comcast 800-266-2278 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Comfort Inn 877-424-6423 Direct to human.
Commerce Bank 888-751-9000 Direct to human.
Commonwealth Edison 800-334-7661 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Compaq 800-652-6672 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Compass Bank 800-239-5175 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CompUSA 800-266-7872 Press 33.
CompUSA erebates 888-716-8555 Press **.
CompuServe 800-848-8990 Press 1211.
Computer Associates 877-694-8509 Press 2.
Consolidated Edison 800-752-6633 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Consumers' Energy Company 800-477-5050 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Continental Airlines 800-784-4444 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Costco 800-220-6000 Press 55.
Costco.com 800-955-2292 Press 55.
Countrywide Loans 800-669-5864 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CVS.com 888-607-4287 Press 0.
Days Inn 800-329-7466 Direct to human.
Dell Financial Services 800-283-2210 Press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press #; at prompt press #.
Dell Sales 800-624-9897 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dell Tech Support 800-624-9896 Press 3; say "agent" at each additional prompt, ignoring messages.
Delta Airlines 800-221-1212 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Delta Dental 888-335-8227 After language option, press 2 for existing or 3 for new account.
Detroit Edison (DTE) 800-477-4747 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
DHL Express 800-225-5345 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dillard's 800-345-5273 Direct to human.
Diner's Club 800-729-5309 Press 2.
DirecTV 800-824-9081 Don't press or say anything.
Dirt Devil 800-321-1134 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Discover 800-347-2683 Please enter your 16 digital account number
DISH network 800-333-3474 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Disney Cruise Line 800-951-3532 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Disney Shopping 800-328-0368 Press 0.
Disneyland Resort 714-781-4000 Direct to human.
Dodge 800-992-1997 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dodge and Cox 800-621-3979 Press 0.
Dollar Rent-A-Car 800-800-4000 Press 0.
Drugstore.com 800-378-4786 Press 2; at prompt press 5.
Earthlink 888-327-8454 Press 1; press 0 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
eBay 800-322-9266 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Eddie Bauer 800-426-8020 Press 1.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 800-261-7331 Press 3 at prompt.
Entertainment Weekly 866-228-1183 Say "agent." Say "yes."
Epson 800-533-3731 Direct to human.
Equifax 866-640-2273 Press 30 at each prompt, ignoring message.
e*Trade 800-786-2575 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Eureka Vacuum 800-438-7352 Press 17.
Evenflo 800-233-5921 Press 4.
Expedia 800-397-3342 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Experian 800-493-1058 Say "yes"; enter report #; enter social security #; say "yes"; say "agent" then "yes" to confirm at prompts thereafter.
Express Scripts 800-206-4005 Press 0.
Exxon Mobil Card 800-344-4355 Press 000, ignoring message.
Farmer's Insurance 800-435-7764 Do not press or say anything, ignoring messages.
FedEx 800-463-3339 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Fidelity 800-544-6666 Ignore prompt for social security number; press ###.
First Nat'l Bank of Omaha 888-530-3626 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Fisher-Price 800-432-5437 Do not press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Florida Power & Light 800-226-3545 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ford 800-392-3673 Press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 0.
Ford Interest Advantage 800-462-2614 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ford Motor Credit 800-727-7000 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Four Points by Sheraton 888-625-5144 Press 17.
FreeCreditReport.com 877-481-6825 Press 51 at prompt.
Frigidaire Parts 800-599-7569 Press 3.
FTD 800-736-3383 Press 2.
Fujitsu PC Support 800-385-4878 Press 00.
Gap Credit Card 800-887-1198 Press 000 at each prompt; ignore request for account number.
Gateway Computers 800-846-2000 Press 4; say "no" at each additional prompt.
GE Appliances 800-626-2005 Press 000.
GE Finance CareCredit 866-893-7864 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GE MONEY BANK 877-317-5544 Press 1, then don't press or say anything.
Geek Squad 800-433-5778 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GEICO 800-841-3000 At prompt press 6; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 5; at prompt press #.
Georgia Power 888-660-5890 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GM MasterCard 800-947-1000 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GMAC 800-200-4622 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GMC 800-462-8782 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GoDaddy.com 480-505-8899 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds 800-762-5035 Direct to human.
Goodyear Tire 800-321-2136 Press 1; at prompt press 5.
Google 650-623-4000 Press 0.
Google AdWords 866-246-6453 Press 22.
Graco 800-345-4109 Press 0.
Great West Health 800-663-8081 Press 1; at prompt press 1; press 4 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
Greyhound 800-231-2222 Press 26.
Hampton Inn 800-426-7866 Direct to human.
Harley-Davidson 414-343-4056 Press 0.
Hertz 800-654-3131 Direct to human.
Hewlett-Packard 800-474-6836 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hilton HHonors 800-548-8690 Press 5 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hitachi 800-448-2244 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Holiday Inn 800-465-4329 Press 0; at prompt press 0.
Holmes 800-284-3267 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Depot 800-793-3768 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Depot Credit 800-677-0232 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Shopping Net 800-284-3100 Press 0.
Honda 800-999-1009 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Honda Financial Svcs. 800-445-1358 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Honeywell 800-468-1502 Press 11900.
Hoover 800-944-9202 Press 52.
Hotels.com 800-346-8357 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring prompts.
Hotwire 866-468-9473 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Household Bank Credit 800-771-7339 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
H&R Block Advisors 866-295-7912 Press 3; at prompt press 2.
HSBC 800-477-6000 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hughesnet 866-347-3292 Press 2.
Humana 800-448-6262 At prompts say "member," "pharmacy," "prescription benefits"; give invalid ID.
Humana Medicare Claims 800-457-4708 Press *; at prompt press *; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press *.
Hyatt Corporation 888-591-1234 Direct to human.
IBM 800-426-4968 Direct to human.
Ikea 800-434-4532 Press 0 quickly and repeatedly.
ING Direct 800-464-3473 Direct to human.
Intuit 800-811-8766 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JC Penney Catalog 800-222-6161 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JC Penny Credit 800-542-0800 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Jeep 800-992-1997 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JetBlue Airways 800-538-2583 Press 0.
John Deere 800-537-8233 Press 1; at prompt press 4.
John Hancock 800-732-5543 Press 2; at prompt press 0.
Johnson & Johnson 800-526-3967 Press 0.
JP Morgan Chase 800-392-5749 Press 131.
Juno 888-839-5866 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JVC America 800-252-5722 Press 3.
Kensington Tech Support 800-535-4242 Press 11.
KitchenAid 800-422-1230 Press 3420.
Kmart 866-562-7848 Press 12.
Kodak 800-235-6325 Press #.
Kodak Gallery (Ofoto) 800-360-9098 Say "agent."
Kohls Credit 800-564-5740 Press # at each prompt, ignorning messages.
Kolcraft 800-453-7673 Direct to human.
Lands End 800-743-9706 Direct to human.
Le Meridien 888-625-5144 Press 13.
Lexmark 800-539-6275 Press 1.
Liberty Mutual (Claims) 800-225-2467 Press 10.
Lincoln Mercury 800-521-4140 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Linksys 800-326-7114 Press 1; at prompt press ###.
Little Tikes 800-321-0183 Press 11.
LL Bean 800-441-5713 Direct to human.
Logitech 702-269-3457 Press 2000.
Lord & Taylor Credit 800-223-7440 Press 2002.
Lowe's 800-445-6937 Press 0.
Lowes Visa 800-508-2520 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Lufthansa 800-399-5838 Direct to human.
Luxury Collection Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 15.
Macy's 800-289-6229 Press 4; press *# at each prompt thereafter.
Macy's Credit 800-280-4356 Press 9; press 0 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
Magnavox 800-705-2000 Select language. Say "agent."
Mariott Rewards 800-321-7396 Press 0.
Marriot International 800-228-9290 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring prompts.
MasterCard 800-622-7747 Press 000 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Mattel 800-524-8697 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Maytag 800-462-9824 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Mazda 800-222-5500 Press 0.
MBNA 800-421-2110 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
McAfee 888-847-8766 Press #40.
MCI 888-624-5622 Press 2 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medco Insurance 800-251-7690 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medco Pharmacy 800-987-5269 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medicare 800-633-4227 Say "agent."
Mellon Investor 800-522-6645 Press #.
Memorex Electronics 800-919-3647 Press 333.
Merrill Lynch 800-637-7455 Say "Advisor".
MetLife 800-560-5001 Press ####.
MetLife Bank 866-226-5638 Press 000 rapidly and repeatedly, ignoring messages.
Metro PCS 888-863-8768 Don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Microsoft Tech Support 800-642-7676 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Midwest Airlines 800-452-2022 Press **.
Money Magazine 800-633-9970 Don't press or say anything.
Moneygram 800-926-9400 Press 0.
Morgan Stanley 800-869-3326 Press 00.
Motel 6 800-466-8356 Direct to human.
Motorola 800-331-6456 Press 00.
MSN 800-386-5550 Say "agent" at each prompt, until offered a representative; say "yes."
Napster 800-839-4210 Press 33; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2.
National Car Rental 800-227-7368 Direct to human.
Nationwide Insurance Claims 800-421-3535 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Nautilus (Bowflex) 800-628-8458 Press 3; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 4.
NetFlix 888-638-3549 Press 0 at each prompt.
Netgear 888-638-4327 At prompt press 41.
Netscape 866-541-8233 Press 000.
NetZero 866-841-1442 Press #### at each prompt, ignoring messages.
New York Times 800-698-4637 Press 500.
Newsweek 800-631-1040 Press 0.
Nikon Service 800-645-6687 Press 4 at prompt.
Nintendo 800-255-3700 Press 0.
Nissan Credit (NMAC) 800-888-2799 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Nissan USA 800-647-7261 Press #.
Nokia 888-665-4228 At prompt press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 1.
Nordstrom 888-282-6060 Direct to human.
Northwest Airlines 800-692-6980 Direct to human.
Northwest Airlines WorldPerks 800-447-3757 At prompts say "WorldPerks," "agent," "yes," "agent," "yes."
Northwestern Mutual 800-388-8123 Press 0; press 1 to participate or 2 to decline survey.
Norwegian Cruise Line 866-234-0292 Don't press or say anything.
NY Life Benefit Services 800-294-3575 Press 0.
NY Life Retirement Svcs. 800-586-1413 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Office Depot 888-463-3768 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
OfficeMax 800-283-7674 Press 2.
OfficeMax Rebates 866-765-5702 Press 2; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2; enter fake phone #; press 1 to confirm; press 1 to confirm.
Olympus - Digital 888-553-4448 Press 5; at prompt press 0.
Omron Healthcare 877-216-1333 Don't press or say anything.
Orbitz 888-656-4546 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Overstock.com 800-843-2446 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pacific Gas & Electric 800-743-5000 At prompt say "Operator"; at prompt say "Yes"; at prompt say "Operator"; at prompt say "Yes."
Palm 800-881-7256 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2.
Panasonic 800-211-7262 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PayPal 888-221-1161 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PayPal Buyer Credit 866-571-3012 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PC World 800-234-3498 Press *; at prompt press 2.
People Magazine 866-365-1620 Press 0.
People PC 800-736-7537 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pep Boys 800-737-2697 Press 33; at prompt press 1; hold through prompts for representative.
PepsiCo 800-433-2652 Press 0.
PETCO 888-824-7257 Don't press or say anything.
Philips Electronics 888-744-5477 Say "agent."
Pitney Bowes Equipment 800-522-0020 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PNC Bank 888-762-2265 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Poland Spring 800-950-9396 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Polaroid 800-343-5000 Press 0.
Pontiac 800-762-2737 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pottery Barn 888-779-5176 Don't press or say anything.
Priceline 800-774-2354 At prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt enter phone number #; at prompt enter phone number #; at prompt enter phone number #.
Primerica 800-544-5445 Press 0.
Princess Cruise Line 800-774-6237 Press 0.
Principal Financial 800-547-7754 Enter social security #, then press 0.
Principal Life 800-247-4695 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0.
Procter & Gamble 800-331-3774 Press 1.
Progressive Insurance 800-776-4737 Press 000.
Prudential Annuity 888-778-2888 Press ** at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Prudential Financial 800-778-3932 Direct to human.
Public Service Electric & Gas 800-436-7734 Press 0.
Qantas 800-227-4500 Press 3; at prompt press 2; hold through message.
QuickBooks 888-729-1996 Press 0.
QVC 800-367-9444 Press 0.
Qwest 800-244-1111 Press 1; say "operator" at all subsequent prompts.
Radio Shack 800-843-7422 Press 0; at prompt press 0.
Radisson 888-201-1718 Direct to human.
Ramada 800-828-6644 Direct to human.
RBS Credit Card 800-747-8155 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
RCA / Thompson Electronics 877-794-7977 Press 2.
RCN 800-746-4726 Press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 4.
Reader's Digest 800-304-2807 Press 0.
Reliant Energy 866-222-7100 Don't press or say anything.
Rent-A-Center 800-422-8186 Press 1.
Rite Aid 800-748-3243 Don't press or say anything.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 866-562-7625 Press 0.
Ryder Customer Service 305-500-3726 Direct to human.
Ryder Rentals 800-297-9337 Don't press or say anything.
Sallie Mae 888-272-5543 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sam's Club 800-964-1917 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sam's Club Credit 800-203-5764 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Samsung 800-726-7864 Press 2; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 3.
Saturn 800 553-6000 Press 3.
SBC DSL support 877-722-3755 Say "sales".
Sears 800-469-4663 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sears Credit Card 800-917-7700 Press 0000000; press 0 at subsequent prompts.
Sears Delivery 800-732-7747 Press 95111.
Secure Horizons 800-228-2144 Say "prospective member".
Sharp 800-237-4277 Press 1132.
Shell Gasoline Card 800-490-9119 Press 0 when prompted for an account number.
Sheraton Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 12.
Simple Freedom 800-335-6401 Press #0#0.
Sirius 888 539-7474 Press 1; at prompt press 0.
Smith Barney Benefitaccess 888-822-6067 Press 0.
Sony / Playstation 800-222-7669 Say "agent"; at prompt say "agent"; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1.
Sony Ericsson Mobile 866-766-9374 Select language.
Southern CA Edison 800-655-4555 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Southwest 800-435-9792 Direct to human.
Sovereign Bank 877-768-2265 Don't press or say anything.
Spirit Air 800-772-7117 Press 00.
Sports Illustrated 800-284-8800 Press ###, ignoring messages.
Sprint - Nextel 800-639-6111 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sprint Broadband Direct 888-996-0001 Press 00.
Sprint Long Distance 800-877-4646 Press 000 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sprint Mobile 877-349-4413 Direct to human.
St. Regis Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 0.
Staples 800-333-3330 Don't press or say anything.
Staples Easy Rebates 877-266-6483 Wait for "main menu" then press 0 * *.
Starbucks Coffee 800-782-7282 Press 0.
State Farm Auto Insurance 877-734-2265 At prompt, say "insurance."
State Farm Bank 877-734-2265 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Student Loan Corp. 800-967-2400 Press 5.
Student Loan People 888-250-6401 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
SunCom 800-786-7378 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
SUNOCO 800-278-6626 Press 00000; mumble when prompted for an account number.
SunTrust 800-786-8787 Press # rapidly and repeatedly.
Super 8 800-800-8000 Direct to human.
Symantec 800-441-7234 Don't press or say anything, ignoring prompts.
T. Rowe Price 800-922-9945 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
T-Mobile 877-537-7389 Direct to human.
Talk America 800-291-9699 Say "Agent"; confirm phone number; say "agent" at each prompt thereafter.
Target 800 591-3869 Press 2; don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Target Online 800 591-3869 Press 1; don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
TD Ameritrade 800-669-3900 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Tech SupportT-Mobile 877-369-4588 Direct to human.
Telecheck 800-710-9898 Press 1, 3, * at prompts.
Teleflora 800-835-3356 Press 2.
Texas Instruments 800-842-2737 Press 0 # and hold.
Textron Financial 800-388-1826 Direct to human.
The Company Store 800-285-3696 Press 0.
Thrifty Car Rental 800-847-4389 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
TIAA-CREF 800-842-2733 Don't press or say anything.
Ticketmaster Local Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Timberland 888-802-9947 Press 0.
Time Magazine 800-843-8463 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Time Warner Cable Local Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Time Warner Road Runner 877-318-8333 Direct to human.
TiVo 877-367-8486 Say "Agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
TJ Maxx 800-926-6299 Don't press or say anything.
TomTom 866-486-6866 Press 1.
Toshiba 800-457-7777 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Toyota 800-331-4331 Press 6.
Toyota Financial Svcs. 800-874-8822 Select Language option; press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Toys ''R'' Us 800-869-7787 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 7; at prompt press 2; hold through requests.
Tracfone 800-323-2366 Direct to human.
TransUnion 800-916-8800 Press 2 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Travelers Insurance 800-252-4633 Don't press or say anything.
Travelocity 888-872-8356 Press ### at prompt.
TrueValue 773-695-5000 Press 0 and ask for customer service.
TV Guide 800-866-1400 Say "customer service" twice.
TXU Energy 800-218-7130 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ubid.com 800-317-7995 Hold for representative.
UHAUL 800-789-3638 Direct to human.
Union Pacific 800-877-5123 Press #.
United 800-864-8331 Press 0; say "agent," say "yes"; say "domestic" or "international" as appropriate.
UnitedHealth 800-585-6586 Select type. Say "Representative" three times.
Universal Studios Hollywood 800-864-8377 Press 4.
Upromise 888-434-9111 Press 0.
UPS 800-742-5877 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
UPS (International) 800-782-7892 Say "Agent" at prompt.
US Airways 800-428-4322 Press 41.
US Bank 800-872-2657 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Bank Visa 800-285-8585 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
U.S. Cellular 888-944-9400 Press 0.
US Citizenship & Immigration 800-375-5283 Select language; press 2; press 4; at prompt press 0.
US Dept. of Edu - Financial Aid 800-433-3243 Select language then press *0.
US Dept. of Edu - Loans 800-848-0979 Don't press or say anything.
US Dept. of State - Passports 877-487-2778 Select language and then press 10.
US Dept. of Transportation 800-832-5660 Press 000.
US Dept. of Veterans Affairs 800-827-1000 Press 10.
US FBI 202-324-3000 Direct to human.
US Federal Trade Commission 877-382-4357 Press 450 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Fish & Wildlife 800-344-9453 Press 0.
US Food & Drug Admin 301-827-4573 Press 1.
US Homeland Security - FEMA 800-621-3362 At first prompt, select language; press 00.
US IRS 800-829-1040 Don't press or say anything.
US Mint 800-872-6468 Press 0.
US Postal Service 800-275-8777 Press 5 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Social Security Admin 800-772-1213 Press 1; press 0 at each prompt, until SS# is requested; enter SS#.
USA Today 800-872-0001 Press 0.
USAA 800-531-6095 Press 000#; at prompt press #.
USAA Investment Mgmt 800-531-8448 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Vanguard Funds 800-662-2739 Press 0.
Verizon Billing 888-780-3964 When prompted for phone number, say "Operator." Repeat if necessary.
Verizon Business 888-649-9500 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon DSL 800-567-6789 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon FiOS 888-553-1555 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon Fraud 888-483-7200 Direct to human.
Verizon (land line) 800-483-3000 Don't press or say anything.
Verizon Repair 800-275-2355 Direct to human at times, otherwise press 00.
Verizon Wireless 800-922-0204 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Victoria's Secret 800-411-5116 Press 0 at each prompt.
Virgin Atlantic 800-821-5438 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Virgin Mobile 888 292 8223 At prompt say, "English"; at prompt say, "something else"; at each additional prompt say, "live advisor" until mobile number is requested; enter mobile number.
Virginia Electric & Power 888-667-3000 Don't press or say anything.
Visa 800-847-2911 Press 0 at each prompt; ignoring messages.
Volkswagen 800-822-8987 At prompt, press 32; if offered, press 1 to take survey or 2 to decline.
Volvo 800-458-1552 Press 0, ignoring messages.
Vonage 866-243-4357 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
W Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 16.
Wachovia 800-922-4684 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wal-Mart 800-925-6278 Press 1433.
Wal-Mart Credit Card 866-888-3868 Don't press or say anything.
Wal-Mart.com 800-966-6546 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messges.
Walgreens 877-250-5823 Direct to human.
Wall Street Journal 800-568-7625 Press 0 at prompt; press # at prompt; press # at prompt.
Walt Disney World 407-824-2222 Direct to human.
Washington Mutual 800-356-0011 Don't press or say anything.
Washington Mutual 800-788-7000 At first prompt press 1. Then press # at each additional prompt, ignoring messages.
Washington Post 800-627-1150 Don't press or say anything.
Wells Fargo 800-869-3557 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wells Fargo Credit 800-642-4720 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Western Union 800-634-1311 Press *##.
Westin Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 11.
Whirlpool 800-253-1301 Press 421; at prompt press #.
White House 202-456-1414 Direct to human.
Williams-Sonoma 877-812-6235 Don't press or say anything.
Wirefly 888-843-2485 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wisconsin Electric 800-242-9137 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Xbox 800-469-9269 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Xerox 800-822-2979 Press 0.
XM Radio 800-967-2346 Press 0 and then say "customer service."
Yahoo 866-562-7219 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Actually, it's probably a weekly occurrence for many of us. What am I talking about? That frustrating, wanna' throw the phone out the window feeling when you call a company and have to speak to robots for 5 minutes before you get to speak to a real person.
The other, just as frustrating alternative is when you have to press a sequence of buttons when prompted: 'press 3 for X, 4 for Y, 5 for Z' etc. Someone has taken the initiative to create a website called 'gethuman.com' where you can find the 'secret' codes to be put through to a real human in the shortest time possible, sometimes instantly.
Many companies have this provision so that employees or field workers can get through to the front of the line. All the big companies are listed, from AAA to XM Radio, from Amazon.com to Walt Disney World. In some cases a direct line is provided that gets you right to a human, instantly!
You might want to print out the list, or at least keep it bookmarked on your computer.
You'll save your time and your sanity! www.gethuman.com
gethuman 500 database
1-800-FLOWERS.COM 800-716-4851 Direct to human.
AAA 800-222-4357 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AARP 888-687-2277 Press 0.
AARP Healthcare 800-523-5800 Press 1; at prompt press 4.
AARP MedicareRxPlan 888-867-5575 Press 1; hold through message.
AARP Pharmacy Services 800-289-8849 Press 1; hold through message.
ABN AMRO Mortgage 800-783-8900 Press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press 0.
Ace Hardware 866-290-5334 Press 0.
Adelphia 888-683-1000 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Adobe Systems 800-833-6687 At prompt, press 1.
Advance Auto Parts 800-314-4243 Press 0.
Aetna 800-738-7674 Say "member"; press *0.
Aetna Rx Home Delivery 800-227-5720 Press 0.
AFLAC 800-992-3522 Press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press #; at prompt press 3.
AIG 877-638-4244 Direct to human.
Air Canada 888-247-2262 Press 1; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0.
AirTran Airlines 800-204-5695 Press 0.
Alamo 800-462-5266 Direct to human.
Alaska Air 800-252-7522 Press #.
Alitalia 800-223-5730 Press *.
Allmerica Financial 800-533-7881 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Allstate 800-255-7828 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Allstate Motor Club 800-869-7997 Direct to human.
Alltel Wireless 800-255-8351 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Amazon Visa 888-247-4080 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Amazon.com 800-201-7575 Don't press or say anything.
America Online 800-827-6364 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
American Airlines 800-433-7300 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
American Airlines Baggage 800-535-5225 Press 7.
American Express 800-528-4800 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ameriquest Mortage 888-436-7571 Don't press or say anything.
Amtrak 877-444-4773 Direct to human.
Apple 800-275-2273 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T 800-288-2747 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T Business 800-750-2355 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
AT&T Universal Card 800-423-4343 Don't press or say anything.
AT&T Worldnet 800-400-1447 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Auto Zone 800-288-6966 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 0.
Avis 800-230-4898 Press 2.
Baby Bjorn 866-424-0200 Press 2.
Bank Card Svcs. 800-655-1491 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bank of America 877-231-9372 Direct to human.
Bank of America Credit 800-732-9194 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bank of New York 800-225-5269 Press ###.
Barclays 877-523-0478 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Barnes & Noble 800-422-7717 Direct to human.
Barnes & Noble.com 800-843-2665 Press 16.
Bear Stearns 888-807-6898 Direct to human.
Bed, Bath & Beyond 800-462-3966 Press 4; hold.
Belkin Tech Support 800-223-5546 At prompt press 2263; press 1 at each prompt thereafter.
BellSouth 888-757-6500 Press *0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Bellsouth FastAccess DSL 888-321-2375 Press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 2, ignoring messages.
Best Buy 888-237-8289 Press 2.
Best Buy Card 800-365-0292 Press 6 at each prompt, ingnoring recording.
Best Western 800-780-7234 Direct to human.
BJ's Wholesale Club 800-257-2582 Press 0#.
Black & Decker 800-544-6986 Direct to human.
Blockbuster 214-854-3000 Press 22.
Blockbuster Online 866-692-2789 Press 11.
Bloomingdales Credit 800-295-4057 Direct to human.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield 877-526-3425 Say "get associate" at prompt.
BMG Music 317-692-9200 Press #.
BMW 800-831-1117 Say "customer relations" and then press 1 for "vehicle" or 2 for "motorcycle."
Boost Mobile 888-266-7848 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Borders 888-812-6657 Press 0.
Bosch Power Tools 877-267-2499 Press 100.
Bose 800-444-2673 Direct to human.
Briggs & Stratton 414-259-5262 Press 0 at prompt.
British Airways 800-247-9297 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Brother International 800-284-4329 Press 7.
Budget Rent a Car 800-527-0700 Press 0.
Buick 800-521-7300 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Buy.com 800-800-0800 Don't press or say anything.
Cabela's 800-237-4444 Direct to human.
Cablevision 800-868-9840 Press 1. Then press 0 at each subsequent prompt.
Cadillac 800-333-4223 Press 0.
Canon USA 800-828-4040 At prompt press *; at prompt press 0.
Capital One 800-548-4593 Press 0.
Card Services 888-363-8001 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Caremark 800-262-7890 Press 0.
Carnival Cruise 800-929-6400 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Casio 800-706-2534 Press 3.
Celebrity Cruises 800-647-2251 Press 0.
Cellular One 888-910-9191 Press 4.
Centers for Disease Control 800-232-4636 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 800-999-1118 Press 1000.
Ceridian Benefit Svcs. 800-877-7994 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Charles Schwab 800-435-9050 Press 3, followed by eight digit account number
Charter Communications 866-472-2200 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chase Credit Cards 800-432-3117 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chase Home Finance 800-848-9136 Press #0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CheapTickets 800-755-4333 Don't press or say anything; when offered customer service say "Yes."
CheapTrips 800-211-5119 Direct to human.
Chevrolet 800-222-1020 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
ChevronTexaco Credit 800-243-8766 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chrysler Financial 800-700-0738 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Chrysler Group 800-992-1997 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CIGNA 800-849-9000 Press ## at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Cingular Wireless (AT&T) 800-331-0500 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Cingular Wireless Warranty Dept. 800-801-1101 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Circuit City 800-843-2489 Press 0.
Citi Cards 800-633-7367 Don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Citi Simplicity 866-696-5673 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Citibank 800-756-7047 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Citizens Bank 800-922-9999 Press 000.
Columbia House DVD 888-467-7404 Press 1 for English; then don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Columbia Mutual Funds 800-345-6611 Say "representative."
Comcast 800-266-2278 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Comcast 800-266-2278 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Comfort Inn 877-424-6423 Direct to human.
Commerce Bank 888-751-9000 Direct to human.
Commonwealth Edison 800-334-7661 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Compaq 800-652-6672 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Compass Bank 800-239-5175 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CompUSA 800-266-7872 Press 33.
CompUSA erebates 888-716-8555 Press **.
CompuServe 800-848-8990 Press 1211.
Computer Associates 877-694-8509 Press 2.
Consolidated Edison 800-752-6633 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Consumers' Energy Company 800-477-5050 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Continental Airlines 800-784-4444 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Costco 800-220-6000 Press 55.
Costco.com 800-955-2292 Press 55.
Countrywide Loans 800-669-5864 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
CVS.com 888-607-4287 Press 0.
Days Inn 800-329-7466 Direct to human.
Dell Financial Services 800-283-2210 Press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press #; at prompt press #.
Dell Sales 800-624-9897 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dell Tech Support 800-624-9896 Press 3; say "agent" at each additional prompt, ignoring messages.
Delta Airlines 800-221-1212 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Delta Dental 888-335-8227 After language option, press 2 for existing or 3 for new account.
Detroit Edison (DTE) 800-477-4747 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
DHL Express 800-225-5345 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dillard's 800-345-5273 Direct to human.
Diner's Club 800-729-5309 Press 2.
DirecTV 800-824-9081 Don't press or say anything.
Dirt Devil 800-321-1134 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Discover 800-347-2683 Please enter your 16 digital account number
DISH network 800-333-3474 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Disney Cruise Line 800-951-3532 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Disney Shopping 800-328-0368 Press 0.
Disneyland Resort 714-781-4000 Direct to human.
Dodge 800-992-1997 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Dodge and Cox 800-621-3979 Press 0.
Dollar Rent-A-Car 800-800-4000 Press 0.
Drugstore.com 800-378-4786 Press 2; at prompt press 5.
Earthlink 888-327-8454 Press 1; press 0 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
eBay 800-322-9266 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Eddie Bauer 800-426-8020 Press 1.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 800-261-7331 Press 3 at prompt.
Entertainment Weekly 866-228-1183 Say "agent." Say "yes."
Epson 800-533-3731 Direct to human.
Equifax 866-640-2273 Press 30 at each prompt, ignoring message.
e*Trade 800-786-2575 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Eureka Vacuum 800-438-7352 Press 17.
Evenflo 800-233-5921 Press 4.
Expedia 800-397-3342 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Experian 800-493-1058 Say "yes"; enter report #; enter social security #; say "yes"; say "agent" then "yes" to confirm at prompts thereafter.
Express Scripts 800-206-4005 Press 0.
Exxon Mobil Card 800-344-4355 Press 000, ignoring message.
Farmer's Insurance 800-435-7764 Do not press or say anything, ignoring messages.
FedEx 800-463-3339 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Fidelity 800-544-6666 Ignore prompt for social security number; press ###.
First Nat'l Bank of Omaha 888-530-3626 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Fisher-Price 800-432-5437 Do not press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Florida Power & Light 800-226-3545 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ford 800-392-3673 Press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 0.
Ford Interest Advantage 800-462-2614 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ford Motor Credit 800-727-7000 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Four Points by Sheraton 888-625-5144 Press 17.
FreeCreditReport.com 877-481-6825 Press 51 at prompt.
Frigidaire Parts 800-599-7569 Press 3.
FTD 800-736-3383 Press 2.
Fujitsu PC Support 800-385-4878 Press 00.
Gap Credit Card 800-887-1198 Press 000 at each prompt; ignore request for account number.
Gateway Computers 800-846-2000 Press 4; say "no" at each additional prompt.
GE Appliances 800-626-2005 Press 000.
GE Finance CareCredit 866-893-7864 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GE MONEY BANK 877-317-5544 Press 1, then don't press or say anything.
Geek Squad 800-433-5778 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GEICO 800-841-3000 At prompt press 6; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 5; at prompt press #.
Georgia Power 888-660-5890 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GM MasterCard 800-947-1000 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GMAC 800-200-4622 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GMC 800-462-8782 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
GoDaddy.com 480-505-8899 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds 800-762-5035 Direct to human.
Goodyear Tire 800-321-2136 Press 1; at prompt press 5.
Google 650-623-4000 Press 0.
Google AdWords 866-246-6453 Press 22.
Graco 800-345-4109 Press 0.
Great West Health 800-663-8081 Press 1; at prompt press 1; press 4 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
Greyhound 800-231-2222 Press 26.
Hampton Inn 800-426-7866 Direct to human.
Harley-Davidson 414-343-4056 Press 0.
Hertz 800-654-3131 Direct to human.
Hewlett-Packard 800-474-6836 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hilton HHonors 800-548-8690 Press 5 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hitachi 800-448-2244 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Holiday Inn 800-465-4329 Press 0; at prompt press 0.
Holmes 800-284-3267 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Depot 800-793-3768 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Depot Credit 800-677-0232 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Home Shopping Net 800-284-3100 Press 0.
Honda 800-999-1009 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Honda Financial Svcs. 800-445-1358 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Honeywell 800-468-1502 Press 11900.
Hoover 800-944-9202 Press 52.
Hotels.com 800-346-8357 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring prompts.
Hotwire 866-468-9473 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Household Bank Credit 800-771-7339 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
H&R Block Advisors 866-295-7912 Press 3; at prompt press 2.
HSBC 800-477-6000 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Hughesnet 866-347-3292 Press 2.
Humana 800-448-6262 At prompts say "member," "pharmacy," "prescription benefits"; give invalid ID.
Humana Medicare Claims 800-457-4708 Press *; at prompt press *; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0; at prompt press *.
Hyatt Corporation 888-591-1234 Direct to human.
IBM 800-426-4968 Direct to human.
Ikea 800-434-4532 Press 0 quickly and repeatedly.
ING Direct 800-464-3473 Direct to human.
Intuit 800-811-8766 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JC Penney Catalog 800-222-6161 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JC Penny Credit 800-542-0800 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Jeep 800-992-1997 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JetBlue Airways 800-538-2583 Press 0.
John Deere 800-537-8233 Press 1; at prompt press 4.
John Hancock 800-732-5543 Press 2; at prompt press 0.
Johnson & Johnson 800-526-3967 Press 0.
JP Morgan Chase 800-392-5749 Press 131.
Juno 888-839-5866 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
JVC America 800-252-5722 Press 3.
Kensington Tech Support 800-535-4242 Press 11.
KitchenAid 800-422-1230 Press 3420.
Kmart 866-562-7848 Press 12.
Kodak 800-235-6325 Press #.
Kodak Gallery (Ofoto) 800-360-9098 Say "agent."
Kohls Credit 800-564-5740 Press # at each prompt, ignorning messages.
Kolcraft 800-453-7673 Direct to human.
Lands End 800-743-9706 Direct to human.
Le Meridien 888-625-5144 Press 13.
Lexmark 800-539-6275 Press 1.
Liberty Mutual (Claims) 800-225-2467 Press 10.
Lincoln Mercury 800-521-4140 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Linksys 800-326-7114 Press 1; at prompt press ###.
Little Tikes 800-321-0183 Press 11.
LL Bean 800-441-5713 Direct to human.
Logitech 702-269-3457 Press 2000.
Lord & Taylor Credit 800-223-7440 Press 2002.
Lowe's 800-445-6937 Press 0.
Lowes Visa 800-508-2520 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Lufthansa 800-399-5838 Direct to human.
Luxury Collection Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 15.
Macy's 800-289-6229 Press 4; press *# at each prompt thereafter.
Macy's Credit 800-280-4356 Press 9; press 0 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
Magnavox 800-705-2000 Select language. Say "agent."
Mariott Rewards 800-321-7396 Press 0.
Marriot International 800-228-9290 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring prompts.
MasterCard 800-622-7747 Press 000 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Mattel 800-524-8697 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Maytag 800-462-9824 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Mazda 800-222-5500 Press 0.
MBNA 800-421-2110 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
McAfee 888-847-8766 Press #40.
MCI 888-624-5622 Press 2 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medco Insurance 800-251-7690 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medco Pharmacy 800-987-5269 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Medicare 800-633-4227 Say "agent."
Mellon Investor 800-522-6645 Press #.
Memorex Electronics 800-919-3647 Press 333.
Merrill Lynch 800-637-7455 Say "Advisor".
MetLife 800-560-5001 Press ####.
MetLife Bank 866-226-5638 Press 000 rapidly and repeatedly, ignoring messages.
Metro PCS 888-863-8768 Don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Microsoft Tech Support 800-642-7676 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Midwest Airlines 800-452-2022 Press **.
Money Magazine 800-633-9970 Don't press or say anything.
Moneygram 800-926-9400 Press 0.
Morgan Stanley 800-869-3326 Press 00.
Motel 6 800-466-8356 Direct to human.
Motorola 800-331-6456 Press 00.
MSN 800-386-5550 Say "agent" at each prompt, until offered a representative; say "yes."
Napster 800-839-4210 Press 33; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2.
National Car Rental 800-227-7368 Direct to human.
Nationwide Insurance Claims 800-421-3535 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Nautilus (Bowflex) 800-628-8458 Press 3; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 4.
NetFlix 888-638-3549 Press 0 at each prompt.
Netgear 888-638-4327 At prompt press 41.
Netscape 866-541-8233 Press 000.
NetZero 866-841-1442 Press #### at each prompt, ignoring messages.
New York Times 800-698-4637 Press 500.
Newsweek 800-631-1040 Press 0.
Nikon Service 800-645-6687 Press 4 at prompt.
Nintendo 800-255-3700 Press 0.
Nissan Credit (NMAC) 800-888-2799 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Nissan USA 800-647-7261 Press #.
Nokia 888-665-4228 At prompt press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 1.
Nordstrom 888-282-6060 Direct to human.
Northwest Airlines 800-692-6980 Direct to human.
Northwest Airlines WorldPerks 800-447-3757 At prompts say "WorldPerks," "agent," "yes," "agent," "yes."
Northwestern Mutual 800-388-8123 Press 0; press 1 to participate or 2 to decline survey.
Norwegian Cruise Line 866-234-0292 Don't press or say anything.
NY Life Benefit Services 800-294-3575 Press 0.
NY Life Retirement Svcs. 800-586-1413 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Office Depot 888-463-3768 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
OfficeMax 800-283-7674 Press 2.
OfficeMax Rebates 866-765-5702 Press 2; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2; enter fake phone #; press 1 to confirm; press 1 to confirm.
Olympus - Digital 888-553-4448 Press 5; at prompt press 0.
Omron Healthcare 877-216-1333 Don't press or say anything.
Orbitz 888-656-4546 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Overstock.com 800-843-2446 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pacific Gas & Electric 800-743-5000 At prompt say "Operator"; at prompt say "Yes"; at prompt say "Operator"; at prompt say "Yes."
Palm 800-881-7256 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 2.
Panasonic 800-211-7262 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PayPal 888-221-1161 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PayPal Buyer Credit 866-571-3012 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PC World 800-234-3498 Press *; at prompt press 2.
People Magazine 866-365-1620 Press 0.
People PC 800-736-7537 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pep Boys 800-737-2697 Press 33; at prompt press 1; hold through prompts for representative.
PepsiCo 800-433-2652 Press 0.
PETCO 888-824-7257 Don't press or say anything.
Philips Electronics 888-744-5477 Say "agent."
Pitney Bowes Equipment 800-522-0020 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
PNC Bank 888-762-2265 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Poland Spring 800-950-9396 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Polaroid 800-343-5000 Press 0.
Pontiac 800-762-2737 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Pottery Barn 888-779-5176 Don't press or say anything.
Priceline 800-774-2354 At prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt enter phone number #; at prompt enter phone number #; at prompt enter phone number #.
Primerica 800-544-5445 Press 0.
Princess Cruise Line 800-774-6237 Press 0.
Principal Financial 800-547-7754 Enter social security #, then press 0.
Principal Life 800-247-4695 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 0; at prompt press 0.
Procter & Gamble 800-331-3774 Press 1.
Progressive Insurance 800-776-4737 Press 000.
Prudential Annuity 888-778-2888 Press ** at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Prudential Financial 800-778-3932 Direct to human.
Public Service Electric & Gas 800-436-7734 Press 0.
Qantas 800-227-4500 Press 3; at prompt press 2; hold through message.
QuickBooks 888-729-1996 Press 0.
QVC 800-367-9444 Press 0.
Qwest 800-244-1111 Press 1; say "operator" at all subsequent prompts.
Radio Shack 800-843-7422 Press 0; at prompt press 0.
Radisson 888-201-1718 Direct to human.
Ramada 800-828-6644 Direct to human.
RBS Credit Card 800-747-8155 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
RCA / Thompson Electronics 877-794-7977 Press 2.
RCN 800-746-4726 Press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 4.
Reader's Digest 800-304-2807 Press 0.
Reliant Energy 866-222-7100 Don't press or say anything.
Rent-A-Center 800-422-8186 Press 1.
Rite Aid 800-748-3243 Don't press or say anything.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 866-562-7625 Press 0.
Ryder Customer Service 305-500-3726 Direct to human.
Ryder Rentals 800-297-9337 Don't press or say anything.
Sallie Mae 888-272-5543 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sam's Club 800-964-1917 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sam's Club Credit 800-203-5764 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Samsung 800-726-7864 Press 2; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 3; at prompt press 3.
Saturn 800 553-6000 Press 3.
SBC DSL support 877-722-3755 Say "sales".
Sears 800-469-4663 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sears Credit Card 800-917-7700 Press 0000000; press 0 at subsequent prompts.
Sears Delivery 800-732-7747 Press 95111.
Secure Horizons 800-228-2144 Say "prospective member".
Sharp 800-237-4277 Press 1132.
Shell Gasoline Card 800-490-9119 Press 0 when prompted for an account number.
Sheraton Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 12.
Simple Freedom 800-335-6401 Press #0#0.
Sirius 888 539-7474 Press 1; at prompt press 0.
Smith Barney Benefitaccess 888-822-6067 Press 0.
Sony / Playstation 800-222-7669 Say "agent"; at prompt say "agent"; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1.
Sony Ericsson Mobile 866-766-9374 Select language.
Southern CA Edison 800-655-4555 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Southwest 800-435-9792 Direct to human.
Sovereign Bank 877-768-2265 Don't press or say anything.
Spirit Air 800-772-7117 Press 00.
Sports Illustrated 800-284-8800 Press ###, ignoring messages.
Sprint - Nextel 800-639-6111 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sprint Broadband Direct 888-996-0001 Press 00.
Sprint Long Distance 800-877-4646 Press 000 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Sprint Mobile 877-349-4413 Direct to human.
St. Regis Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 0.
Staples 800-333-3330 Don't press or say anything.
Staples Easy Rebates 877-266-6483 Wait for "main menu" then press 0 * *.
Starbucks Coffee 800-782-7282 Press 0.
State Farm Auto Insurance 877-734-2265 At prompt, say "insurance."
State Farm Bank 877-734-2265 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Student Loan Corp. 800-967-2400 Press 5.
Student Loan People 888-250-6401 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
SunCom 800-786-7378 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
SUNOCO 800-278-6626 Press 00000; mumble when prompted for an account number.
SunTrust 800-786-8787 Press # rapidly and repeatedly.
Super 8 800-800-8000 Direct to human.
Symantec 800-441-7234 Don't press or say anything, ignoring prompts.
T. Rowe Price 800-922-9945 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
T-Mobile 877-537-7389 Direct to human.
Talk America 800-291-9699 Say "Agent"; confirm phone number; say "agent" at each prompt thereafter.
Target 800 591-3869 Press 2; don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
Target Online 800 591-3869 Press 1; don't press or say anything, ignoring messages.
TD Ameritrade 800-669-3900 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Tech SupportT-Mobile 877-369-4588 Direct to human.
Telecheck 800-710-9898 Press 1, 3, * at prompts.
Teleflora 800-835-3356 Press 2.
Texas Instruments 800-842-2737 Press 0 # and hold.
Textron Financial 800-388-1826 Direct to human.
The Company Store 800-285-3696 Press 0.
Thrifty Car Rental 800-847-4389 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
TIAA-CREF 800-842-2733 Don't press or say anything.
Ticketmaster Local Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Timberland 888-802-9947 Press 0.
Time Magazine 800-843-8463 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Time Warner Cable Local Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Time Warner Road Runner 877-318-8333 Direct to human.
TiVo 877-367-8486 Say "Agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
TJ Maxx 800-926-6299 Don't press or say anything.
TomTom 866-486-6866 Press 1.
Toshiba 800-457-7777 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Toyota 800-331-4331 Press 6.
Toyota Financial Svcs. 800-874-8822 Select Language option; press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Toys ''R'' Us 800-869-7787 Press 1; at prompt press 2; at prompt press 7; at prompt press 2; hold through requests.
Tracfone 800-323-2366 Direct to human.
TransUnion 800-916-8800 Press 2 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Travelers Insurance 800-252-4633 Don't press or say anything.
Travelocity 888-872-8356 Press ### at prompt.
TrueValue 773-695-5000 Press 0 and ask for customer service.
TV Guide 800-866-1400 Say "customer service" twice.
TXU Energy 800-218-7130 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Ubid.com 800-317-7995 Hold for representative.
UHAUL 800-789-3638 Direct to human.
Union Pacific 800-877-5123 Press #.
United 800-864-8331 Press 0; say "agent," say "yes"; say "domestic" or "international" as appropriate.
UnitedHealth 800-585-6586 Select type. Say "Representative" three times.
Universal Studios Hollywood 800-864-8377 Press 4.
Upromise 888-434-9111 Press 0.
UPS 800-742-5877 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
UPS (International) 800-782-7892 Say "Agent" at prompt.
US Airways 800-428-4322 Press 41.
US Bank 800-872-2657 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Bank Visa 800-285-8585 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
U.S. Cellular 888-944-9400 Press 0.
US Citizenship & Immigration 800-375-5283 Select language; press 2; press 4; at prompt press 0.
US Dept. of Edu - Financial Aid 800-433-3243 Select language then press *0.
US Dept. of Edu - Loans 800-848-0979 Don't press or say anything.
US Dept. of State - Passports 877-487-2778 Select language and then press 10.
US Dept. of Transportation 800-832-5660 Press 000.
US Dept. of Veterans Affairs 800-827-1000 Press 10.
US FBI 202-324-3000 Direct to human.
US Federal Trade Commission 877-382-4357 Press 450 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Fish & Wildlife 800-344-9453 Press 0.
US Food & Drug Admin 301-827-4573 Press 1.
US Homeland Security - FEMA 800-621-3362 At first prompt, select language; press 00.
US IRS 800-829-1040 Don't press or say anything.
US Mint 800-872-6468 Press 0.
US Postal Service 800-275-8777 Press 5 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
US Social Security Admin 800-772-1213 Press 1; press 0 at each prompt, until SS# is requested; enter SS#.
USA Today 800-872-0001 Press 0.
USAA 800-531-6095 Press 000#; at prompt press #.
USAA Investment Mgmt 800-531-8448 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Vanguard Funds 800-662-2739 Press 0.
Verizon Billing 888-780-3964 When prompted for phone number, say "Operator." Repeat if necessary.
Verizon Business 888-649-9500 Say "representative" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon DSL 800-567-6789 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon FiOS 888-553-1555 Say "operator" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Verizon Fraud 888-483-7200 Direct to human.
Verizon (land line) 800-483-3000 Don't press or say anything.
Verizon Repair 800-275-2355 Direct to human at times, otherwise press 00.
Verizon Wireless 800-922-0204 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Victoria's Secret 800-411-5116 Press 0 at each prompt.
Virgin Atlantic 800-821-5438 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Virgin Mobile 888 292 8223 At prompt say, "English"; at prompt say, "something else"; at each additional prompt say, "live advisor" until mobile number is requested; enter mobile number.
Virginia Electric & Power 888-667-3000 Don't press or say anything.
Visa 800-847-2911 Press 0 at each prompt; ignoring messages.
Volkswagen 800-822-8987 At prompt, press 32; if offered, press 1 to take survey or 2 to decline.
Volvo 800-458-1552 Press 0, ignoring messages.
Vonage 866-243-4357 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
W Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 16.
Wachovia 800-922-4684 Press 00 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wal-Mart 800-925-6278 Press 1433.
Wal-Mart Credit Card 866-888-3868 Don't press or say anything.
Wal-Mart.com 800-966-6546 Press * at each prompt, ignoring messges.
Walgreens 877-250-5823 Direct to human.
Wall Street Journal 800-568-7625 Press 0 at prompt; press # at prompt; press # at prompt.
Walt Disney World 407-824-2222 Direct to human.
Washington Mutual 800-356-0011 Don't press or say anything.
Washington Mutual 800-788-7000 At first prompt press 1. Then press # at each additional prompt, ignoring messages.
Washington Post 800-627-1150 Don't press or say anything.
Wells Fargo 800-869-3557 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wells Fargo Credit 800-642-4720 Press 0# at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Western Union 800-634-1311 Press *##.
Westin Hotels 888-625-5144 Press 11.
Whirlpool 800-253-1301 Press 421; at prompt press #.
White House 202-456-1414 Direct to human.
Williams-Sonoma 877-812-6235 Don't press or say anything.
Wirefly 888-843-2485 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Wisconsin Electric 800-242-9137 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Xbox 800-469-9269 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Xerox 800-822-2979 Press 0.
XM Radio 800-967-2346 Press 0 and then say "customer service."
Yahoo 866-562-7219 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
How to Make a Salvador Dali Clock
How to Make a Salvador Dali Clock
Here's a great way to recycle old records that you don't necessarily want to keep anymore but wouldn't mind having on display as a fun reminder of things once loved.
[edit] Steps
1.
Imagine a Salvador Dali style clock in your mind before beginning. This photo is but one representation of his famous "melting" clock style.
2.
Pick out an appropriate record. Choose one that you no longer wish to listen to but that you would continue to enjoy seeing on display.
3.
Put your record on a cookie sheet.
4.
Put the record in an oven that has been pre-heated to 200ºF (90ºC). Only leave it in there about 5 minutes.
5.
Take it out after five minutes. It should be nice and soft.
*
Place it somewhere that has a flat edge. Bend down the very top of the record and make it nice and flat. You don't have very much time before it hardens, but you can heat it back up if needed.
6.
(If using a clock kit from a hobby store, skip this step) Pull the clock apart.
*
take off the hands; and
*
pull off the clock mechanism.
7.
Put the clock mechanism on the record. The record already has a hole right in the middle of it and the clock mechanism will fit right through.
*
Use hot glue to secure it to the back of the record.
*
Trim the minute hand and the second hand so that they stay inside the label area.
8.
Drill a small hole at the very top so that you can hang the clock. Add a thread or wire for hanging.
9.
Hang your Salvador Dali clock.
[edit] Tips
* If you make this for a friend, ask your friend for a favourite old record that he or she is willing to part with - it will make a great surprise!
* If you don't have any records or aren't ready to part with your collection, most thrift stores and many garage sales have inexpensive records on sale.
* Instead of destroying an old clock, you might purchase a clock-kit for a few dollars at a hobby store, which would include the motor and clock hands.
[edit] Warnings
* THINK before removing the record; 200ºF is more than hot enough to burn your fingers. You may want to use a spatula or even a large piece of cardboard (don't put the cardboard under the record before putting it in the oven).
* Burning vinyl in your oven would make a horrible mess and be very dangerous. Be sure you don't set your oven above 200ºF by mistake!
* Even if it doesn't burn, hot vinyl fumes have the potential to be toxic. Assure that you have adequate ventilation and let the kitchen air out before you make another one!
* If you find really old records (esp. 78 rpm), they may not be vinyl at all, and may respond differently to the heat. These are made of Bakelite, heat resistant to 300 degrees C.
[edit] Things You'll Need
* Old record
* Oven
* Cookie sheet
* Cheap clock from hardware store or clock kit from hobby store
* Drill
* Hanging cord or hook
Here's a great way to recycle old records that you don't necessarily want to keep anymore but wouldn't mind having on display as a fun reminder of things once loved.
[edit] Steps
1.
Imagine a Salvador Dali style clock in your mind before beginning. This photo is but one representation of his famous "melting" clock style.
2.
Pick out an appropriate record. Choose one that you no longer wish to listen to but that you would continue to enjoy seeing on display.
3.
Put your record on a cookie sheet.
4.
Put the record in an oven that has been pre-heated to 200ºF (90ºC). Only leave it in there about 5 minutes.
5.
Take it out after five minutes. It should be nice and soft.
*
Place it somewhere that has a flat edge. Bend down the very top of the record and make it nice and flat. You don't have very much time before it hardens, but you can heat it back up if needed.
6.
(If using a clock kit from a hobby store, skip this step) Pull the clock apart.
*
take off the hands; and
*
pull off the clock mechanism.
7.
Put the clock mechanism on the record. The record already has a hole right in the middle of it and the clock mechanism will fit right through.
*
Use hot glue to secure it to the back of the record.
*
Trim the minute hand and the second hand so that they stay inside the label area.
8.
Drill a small hole at the very top so that you can hang the clock. Add a thread or wire for hanging.
9.
Hang your Salvador Dali clock.
[edit] Tips
* If you make this for a friend, ask your friend for a favourite old record that he or she is willing to part with - it will make a great surprise!
* If you don't have any records or aren't ready to part with your collection, most thrift stores and many garage sales have inexpensive records on sale.
* Instead of destroying an old clock, you might purchase a clock-kit for a few dollars at a hobby store, which would include the motor and clock hands.
[edit] Warnings
* THINK before removing the record; 200ºF is more than hot enough to burn your fingers. You may want to use a spatula or even a large piece of cardboard (don't put the cardboard under the record before putting it in the oven).
* Burning vinyl in your oven would make a horrible mess and be very dangerous. Be sure you don't set your oven above 200ºF by mistake!
* Even if it doesn't burn, hot vinyl fumes have the potential to be toxic. Assure that you have adequate ventilation and let the kitchen air out before you make another one!
* If you find really old records (esp. 78 rpm), they may not be vinyl at all, and may respond differently to the heat. These are made of Bakelite, heat resistant to 300 degrees C.
[edit] Things You'll Need
* Old record
* Oven
* Cookie sheet
* Cheap clock from hardware store or clock kit from hobby store
* Drill
* Hanging cord or hook
Saturday, January 26, 2008
How to Polish Shoes With a Banana
How to Polish Shoes With a Banana
No shoe polish? No problem, as long as you have a banana! That's right, you can go polish your shoes with this yellow crescent of unparalleled beauty because bananas contain a key ingredient found in commercial shoe polishes - potassium. Here's how.
[edit] Steps
1.
Peel a banana. Take the fruit out and eat it if you like, just make sure you keep the skin.
2. Apply the skin. Using the inner lining of the banana skin, begin to rub it all over your shoes, just as you would if you were using polish. It may feel strange to be doing this (and it is) but don't worry, it does work.
3.
Buff. Once you have wiped the banana skin over the whole of both shoes, buff them up with a soft cloth.
4.
Admire your now clean shoes. They'll come up shiny and almost like new again: perfectly polished shoes, organic style.
[edit] Tips
* The natural oils in the banana soak into the leather, helping your shoes to last longer. Potassium, a key ingredient in commercial shoe polish, is found in abundance in bananas!
No shoe polish? No problem, as long as you have a banana! That's right, you can go polish your shoes with this yellow crescent of unparalleled beauty because bananas contain a key ingredient found in commercial shoe polishes - potassium. Here's how.
[edit] Steps
1.
Peel a banana. Take the fruit out and eat it if you like, just make sure you keep the skin.
2. Apply the skin. Using the inner lining of the banana skin, begin to rub it all over your shoes, just as you would if you were using polish. It may feel strange to be doing this (and it is) but don't worry, it does work.
3.
Buff. Once you have wiped the banana skin over the whole of both shoes, buff them up with a soft cloth.
4.
Admire your now clean shoes. They'll come up shiny and almost like new again: perfectly polished shoes, organic style.
[edit] Tips
* The natural oils in the banana soak into the leather, helping your shoes to last longer. Potassium, a key ingredient in commercial shoe polish, is found in abundance in bananas!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
What can happen in a century
- THE YEAR 1907 -
From Mitch Battros - Earth Changes Media
The year is 1907. One hundred years ago. What can happen in just one century---
? The average life expectancy was 47 years.
? Only 14% of the homes had a bathtub.
? Only 8% of the homes had a telephone.
? There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
? The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
? The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
? The average wage in 1907 was 22 cents per hour.
? The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
? A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
? More than 95 percent of all births took place at home.
? Sugar cost four cents a pound.
? Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
? Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
? Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
? Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
? Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
? The American flag had 45 stars.
? The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 30.
? Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
? There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
? Two out of every 10 adults could not read or write. Only 6 % of all Americans had graduated from high school.
? Marijuana, Heroin, and Morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect "guardian of health."
? Eighteen percent (18%) of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
? There were about 230 reported murders in the entire U.S.A.
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years-----
From Mitch Battros - Earth Changes Media
The year is 1907. One hundred years ago. What can happen in just one century---
? The average life expectancy was 47 years.
? Only 14% of the homes had a bathtub.
? Only 8% of the homes had a telephone.
? There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
? The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
? The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.
? The average wage in 1907 was 22 cents per hour.
? The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
? A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
? More than 95 percent of all births took place at home.
? Sugar cost four cents a pound.
? Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
? Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
? Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
? Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
? Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
? The American flag had 45 stars.
? The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 30.
? Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
? There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
? Two out of every 10 adults could not read or write. Only 6 % of all Americans had graduated from high school.
? Marijuana, Heroin, and Morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect "guardian of health."
? Eighteen percent (18%) of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
? There were about 230 reported murders in the entire U.S.A.
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years-----
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