Phone Phun

If you're always on top of things, if you never misplace anything, if you know exactly where your cell phone is at all times, then you might as well not continue reading this.

For the rest of us, misplacing our mobile phone ranks right up there with the more frustrating things that we can do. You had it in your hand when you walked in the door, but when you put the grocery bag down on the counter, or tossed the keys on the table, or threw your jacket over the back of the couch, somehow your phone disappeared. So how are you going to find it now? It could be just about anywhere.

The aptly named I Can't Find My Phone is a free service that will give you a hand with this vexing problem. Go to their website, enter the number of your missing phone, and press the magic button. This free service will call your phone, and hopefully–unless you stuck it in the freezer with the ice cream–you'll hear your phone ringing, and the two of you will be reunited. Pick up and you'll hear a "thank goodness you found your phone" message, and all will be right with the world.

The folks at I Can't Find My Phone promise that they don't keep track of the numbers they call, and that you'll never, ever get any kind of spam from them.

What is it that makes the holidays special? For some, it's the sound of rosy-cheeked carolers in the yard. For others, it's the little packages secretly smuggled into the house. And then there's the turkey. While traditionally associated with Thanksgiving, there are an awful lot of households who just can't get enough of that bird and go back for seconds when Christmas rolls around. Good thing the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line people are still on the job.

Started nearly thirty years ago, this holiday tradition has been helping cooks make it through the sometimes agonizing process of getting that holiday feast on the table. Their trained experts can give you a hand when you call 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372). If you don't have stuffing all over your hands yet, you can also send them an email asking for a little help or moral support. And if you're really planning ahead their website has all kinds of information, as well as an FAQ, to help you make this holiday season the best yet.

And remember to save us a drumstick.

Do you know a certain someone who would love to get a phone call from Santa Claus? Turns out you can help make that happen. The Google Voice folks have set up a website that lets you give The Big Guy all the info to arrange a personalized call to your son, daughter, co-worker, or whoever.

All you need to do is to point your web browser at SendACallFromSanta.com and start filling in the information. You'll let Santa know who you are and what your relationship is to the recipient (parent, friend), as well as a little about about them: where they live, what they're looking for under the tree, that sort of thing. When you've given Santa all he needs to know, press the magic button, and he'll be in touch with the recipient. You can choose for Santa to make a phone call or to send his greetings via email.

Send A Call From Santa is a free service. With the price that low, you should know that there is a brief commercial at the end of the message, so if you're sending a message to a little one, it probably makes sense for you to listen in and maybe distract them when the pitch comes.