"texting" news and stories

You know all those commercials you see about texting some word or other to some number for something, like a horoscope? For example, it might be something like text the word fun to 4848 for a daily makeup tip. That's not a real one, but this offer from Carvel is.

That's right, the ice cream store wants you to text "fudgie" to 78247, Fudgie being the name of their mascot. It's all part of a summer campaign for the company. For your time and text, you get a coupon for a blended coffee or an Arctic Blender, and enter you for a chance to win a television set. Apparently Carvel is trying to reach its more "tech savvy" customers and attempt to haul itself into the information age. The offer runs through July 31, so there's plenty of time to let Carvel help keep you cool this summer.

I'm not a text messenger and have only done it a few times, but have many friends who live with their fingers on the buttons. Now I may have to change my whole viewpoint and join the ranks of avid texters. www.WineZap.com has a service that started last summer where you text them the name and vintage of a wine, and they will give you the high, low, and average price for that wine. Also if you include your zip code they will respond with the names of stores in your area, with their phone number, and their price for that wine. This way you can find the best price before you go to a store, or check if the price you see while shopping is a good deal.

As a person who has a lousy memory, and who has to write notes to myself all the time, I think this service sounds great. I don't have to worry about whether the wine shop down the road has a better price, and then go check it out before loading up on a sale. Just a few moments and WineZap does all the running around for me. Their search engine puts together lists from over 700 retailers nationwide, with the number increasing steadily.

They are now working on a feature where you send in a picture of the bottle label and you will get back detailed product and price information. Just whip out you digital camera phone, take a quick pic of the bottle, and you will soon know all the background info on the wine as well as prices and stores that carry it. What's the best thing about this service? WineZap.com is offering their Mobile Service for Free! All you pay is your cell phone text rate. WineZap.com also is available on the web through your phone or PDA if it is Internet capable. Now the world of wine is at your fingertips, at home or when you are out and about.

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