Anyone have any experience with Vonage or any of the other net-based telephone companies? Thinking of switching off of SBC ... you all know how much I'm on the phone (and yes, I'm very happy with AT&T Wireless right now) so any way to get more for less is attractive to me.

I'm also happy with Apple's service. My new iPod died, but the service has been so good that they've minimized my damage. Quick, easy, supportive tech support is priceless.

The Orioles have jumped in with an offer to Javy Lopez. Huh? Didn't I say Pudge was signed about a week ago? Well, Beattie/Flanigan are doing some smart shopping. With only one team with both a need and the free cash, the O's are playing the two premier free agent catchers off each other in hopes one will blink. I'd much rather - MUCH - have Pudge, but I wonder where the other will end up. If it's Lopez, I think Florida would be a great fit. If it's Pudge, I'm kinda stumped. The Cubs would be a fit, but they seem happy with their recent signing of Michael Barrett. I can't see Pudge in Milwaukee or Detroit ... maybe the Mets?