Phone Phun

So what's the weather going to be like today? Sunny or cloudy; windy or calm; cool or warm? You can ask the folks at The Weather Channel to keep you updated on the latest forecast.

All you need to do to get the current forecast is to text your ZIP Code or city name and two-letter state abbreviation to 42278 (4CAST), and they'll shoot back their 36-hour forecast for your area. That means, for example, that you'll get info for today, tonight, and tomorrow as well.

If you're interested in a longer-term commitment, you can also subscribe to their forecasts. This time you'll need to text SUB + FCST + your ZIP Code (something like SUB FCST 90028) to 42278. They'll get back to you everyday for a month, letting you know whether to bring an umbrella or sunscreen.

These Weather Channel forecasts are a free service. As they say on TV, standard text messaging rates apply.

Want to wish somebody a happy birthday, but don't want to make it just another Hallmark moment? Maybe you should check out BirthdayDialer.com.

A free service, these guys will send your greeting along to the lucky Birthday Boy (or Girl). You can choose from several different greetings—there's a traditional rendition of "Happy Birthday to You", a banjo version, and even a "Bollywood Birthday". And of course, there's Marilyn Monroe's breathy "Happy Birthday Mr President". There's a generic "happy birthday" message that goes out along with the fancy-schmantzy one. Your call is placed in real time, so you'll need to remember to visit the site on your friend's birthday.

These guys also offer a paid version, where you get to schedule the call, and add your own personal message as well.