The little play on words is obvious. Consumers are just a little bit closer to being free of early termination fees on wireless contracts. A California judge ruled this week that it was illegal for Sprint Nextel to charge early termination fees, and they must refund over $18 million to consumers. The company must also stop trying to collect over $54 million in unpaid early termination fees from former customers.

Of course, Sprint Nextel is going to appeal so we shouldn't get too excited yet. But this ruling is good for consumers, who are at the mercy of wireless providers who are looking for any excuse to get a little more money out of each of us.

The whole idea of an early termination fee is ridiculous. If you want to stop using our service earlier than you planned, you have to pay a couple hundred dollars. To not use the service.

The combination of cell phones and driving is a hot button issue these days, and well it should be. My research indicates that cell phone- related crash statistics are sketchy at best but it seems that almost everyone agrees talking on a cell phone while driving can quickly lead to tragedy. I have a cell phone and it remains turned completely off and in its case when I'm driving. Other people have different opinions on the subject and I'm not here to chastise them for their choices.

What got my gander up today, and caused me to call my local police dispatcher was that I witnessed one of Park Falls, Wisconsin's finest, talking on her cell phone while on duty, driving, and one handedly navigating a dangerous curve.