Free 411

This is not news but is very useful. I was out on my lunch break today and didn't know where the nearest JC Penny was. (Their clothes seems to be getting a lot cuter these days and I wanted to check it out myself.) So I called 800-GOOG-411 to use Google's free business listings. They don't have ads anymore but also don't list residences. It works from cell phones too.

You can also get free directory assistance at 800-FREE-411, which has residential listings but also ads. I had to listen to two commercials before getting the listing I called for and had the opportunity to be connected to one of the advertising companies directly. Before repeating the phone number, they played a third ad. Lame! This one I've only tried from a land line, but I don't see why it's should be free from your cell phone (of course the cell company will still charge you minutes or whatever the deal is in your contract).