MAY 10: MANY MERRY MOM FREEBIES IN LA!

From the official TWITTER page of THE LA REPORT (www.twitter.com/thelareport):

thelareport FREE 4MOM 2DAY: cocktails at FredSegal 8100 Melrose 12-4p; Mom-osas at Toast 8221 W.3rd 9-2p; frozen yogurt at YogenFruz 9401 Brighton 12-2p

thelareport ANOTHER MOM FREEBIE TODAY: mothers get FREE MIMOSA with purchase of a brunch item or entree at PASTA POMODORO locations

thelareport FAIRFAX FREEBIES TODAY! MOMS eat free @ Lolas 945 N Fairfax; get free rose + conditioning hair treatment w/service at JoseOfBH 553 S Fairfax

APR 21: ANNUAL BEN & JERRY'S FREE CONE DAY; FREE ICE CREAM 12-8PM (CALL TO CONFIRM IN YOUR AREA)

Can you believe this is the 31st year that Ben & Jerry's is doing a Free Cone Day?
True. According to the Web, they're giving Free Ice Cream 4/21/09 from noon to 8pm.
With our current anemic economic condition, the lines for this may be longer this year.
(By the way, wouldn't it make more sense to do this day on 4/20? Wink wink, nudge nudge...)
Below is more info on this deal, first from the SlickDeals website -- original link is
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=1196819 :

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day ... on 4/21 from noon - 8pm YMMV *
Hey everyone, who doesn't like Ice cream, especially when it is free!!!
Ben & Jerry's is having their free Ice cream cone day this year on
... Tuesday, April 21, 2009
... 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: at participating Scoop Shops
Your local Ben & Jerry's may or may not be participating, so ... call and check ...
Store Locator: http://www.benjerry.com/scoop_shops

* YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary... or at least I assume that's what it means.
If you want the "scoop" from the official source, here it is, via the Ben & Jerry's website:

Tuesday, April 21st is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s, and you know what that means... free ice cream for you! As a way to thank our customers for their support and to celebrate 31 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away! Maybe it’s time for you to try a new flavor that you’ve been wondering about without commiting your hard earned dollars or it’s time for you to enjoy an old favorite and savor in the deliciousness that is free ice cream? Hey, either way it’s time for you to come on in! Around the world, Scoop Shops are opening their doors from noon to 8:00 pm, to serve up a free scoop of your favorite flavor. Please check with your local Scoop Shop for more info! Grab a pal and come on down to have some good, ’scream fun on us!

Find a participating Scoop Shop near you!
Join the Free Cone Day event on facebook!

OCT 6: 4-8 PM: PHILIPPES, HOME OF THE FRENCH DIP, OFFERS THEIR SIGNATURE SANDWICH FOR 10 CENTS & 5 CENT COFFEE

From Yelp.com:

October 6 2008, 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Philippe the Original Restaurant
1001 N Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA(213) 628-3781 Official Website
What/Why: This downtown restaurant, which has been family owned and operated since 1927, will be celebrating its centennial. The restaurant will be celebrating by serving up their famous french dip sandwiches for only 10 cents, along with 5 cent coffee.

A Yelp commenter says that Huell Howser will be there, which sounds cool, but unfortunately about 100+ other dealseekers are likely to be there with him on line. Make that a long long line. (As if Huell ever waits in line, but you get my drift.) Advice: go early, and/or call ahead to ask what the line looks like.

Note to fellow dealseekers: we hear that another LA institution, Canter's Deli, will be doing a similar deal day later this month.

CITIZEN SMITH: HALF OFF ALL FOOD ALL DAY MONDAYS, HALF OFF BOTTLES OF WINE TUESDAYS AT HOT HOLLYWOOD EATERY/LOUNGE

FRIENDS & FAMILY MONDAY // 50% OFF ALL FOOD ALL DAY

LUNCH: Noon-3pm DINNER: 6pm-2am

JAZZ TUESDAY // 50% OFF BOTTLES OF WINE ALL NIGHT

Enjoy their resident Jazz band whilst enjoying an extensive wine list

Citizen Smith, 1600 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028 - 323 461 5001. Call 323 461 5001 for reservations or visit them on the web: www.citizensmith.com.

LOS ANGELES EVENTS FOR $1? YES (AND GOOD ONES TOO); BUCK THE TREND OF RISING PRICES FOR A BUCK OR LESS

It's a tough economy out there right now, so who wouldn't like great entertainment in LA for an mere $1 admission cost? (Then partake of Burger King's $1 value menu - Whopper Jr. for a buck ain't bad - or Taco Bell's new under-$1 menu, and you may be dubbed Dr. Wise Frugalman.) Here then are some stimulating things to do for about a buck or less in the Los Angeles area:

1. JEFF GARLIN'S COMBO PLATTER

Comedic actor and star of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" serves up his tasty comedy yukalaya (did we invent a word?). Check out this Yelp.com page for more info: Upright Citizens Brigade Theater - Hollywood - Los Angeles, CA - an excerpt: "I love Jeff Garlin's Combo Platter on Sunday nights. For $1, you see Jeff Garlin and three other ... great names in comedy, incredibly cheap admission."

2. SWAP MEETS

For example, la.com talks about this swap meet in Torrance: "ROADIUM OPEN AIR MARKET ... 2500 Redondo Beach Blvd., Torrance. Information: (800) 833-0304, www.roadium.com. Admission: $1 per car and driver, 50 cents for each additional passenger, 50 cents for seniors Monday and Friday; 50 cents per person Tuesday and Thursday; $1.25 general, 75 cents seniors, with a $5-per-car maximum Wednesday; $1.50 per car and driver, 50 cents each additional passenger, $1 senior drivers, 50 cents if arriving by the free shuttle bus Saturday and Sunday; children under 5 are always free. Shopping guide: Formerly a drive-in movie theater, the Roadium has been in operation since 1954, making it one of the oldest flea markets in California. It's open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily - Mondays are the designated day for antiques and collectibles; the rest of the week hosts more than 500 dealers selling overstock from department stores and a mishmash of discounted designer goods (use caution here - as in downtown L.A., many are fakes). Being more than 50 years old, the Roadium naturally has a legendary history, too. Back in the mid-'80s, it was the go-to place for burgeoning DJs to get the best underground records around, and it was on these very 15 acres that Eazy-E and Dr. Dre connected and L.A. hip-hop as we know it was born."

Another one for a buck or less: the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet - Santa Fe Springs. Location: 13963 Alondra Boulevard, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 (approximately 12 minutes from Disneyland, Anaheim). Hours: Wed: 7am - 2:30pm / Thurs: 7am - 1pm / Fri: 5pm - 10pm / Sat & Sun: 7am - 5pm. Admission Fee - Wed: 50 cents / Thurs: FREE / Fri, Sat & Sun: $1. Shops: A large variety of food, drinks, beer, ice cream, and many other different types of food items are served. 99 cent items, Auto Accessories, Beauty Supplies, Canopies & Supplies, Car Stereos, Clothes, Electronics, Gift Items and Games, Hats & T-Shirts, Home & Household, Jewelry & Watches, Locksmith - Keys, Leather, Luggage, Purses, Pets & Supplies, Pictures & Paintings, Real Estate, Plants, Records & Tapes, Shoes, Sports Cards, Sporting Goods, Sunglasses, Tools, Toys, Video Games. Nearly 600+ vendors. (562) 921-4359, or (714) 523-3014; info@sfsswapmeet.com.

3. ANTELOPE VALLEY INDIAN MUSEUM

15701 Avenue M, Lancaster, CA 93535, (661) 946-3055, http://www.avim.av.org/. Exhibits: American Indian artifacts from tribes throughout the Southwest, Utah, Nevada and California. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as an official State Park regional museum. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends from mid-September to mid-June. Fees: $1 for adults and free for youth up to 16.

4. GORDON HOWARD MUSEUM COMPLEX AND MENTZER HOUSE

115 N. Lomita St. (museum) and 1015 W. Olive Ave. (Mentzer house, accessible up a path from museum), Burbank, CA, (818) 841-6333. Exhibits: Toys, Victorian furniture, dolls, wedding gowns, military items and antique automobiles representing the history of Burbank. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Group tours of 10 or more need reservations. Fees: $1 donation suggested. Parking is free.

5. LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM

Berth 84 at the foot of 6th St., San Pedro, CA 90731, 3105487618, http://www.lamaritimemuseum.org/. Exhibits: Memorabilia, photographs, maritime equipment, models of all types of ships and ocean liners, and exhibits focusing on California maritime history and the Port of Los Angeles. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (with last entry at 4:30 p.m.). Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fees: $1 donation suggested.

6. PAY WHAT YOU CAN PERFORMANCES

There are many of these "honor system shows" in LA during the year, and in fact there is one the week of this posting: a PARLORPALOOZA show, taking place on May 19 and May 20 in West LA, with all proceeds going to charity. Jeannine Frank, the event producer and main force behind Parlor Performances and the Parlorpalooza plethora-of-performers fests, says "You can come for any contribution -- $1 to $1,000! No questions asked, everything helps -- and the evening is always better when there's a full house!" See our separate Parlor Performances post about this great pair of Pay What You Can events.

MAY 16: JETBLUE DEADLINE FOR $50 OFF FUTURE TRAVEL IF YOU BUY A TICKET NOW

Here is the JetBlue $50-off-future-travel offer's fine print:


Offer expires 11:59 p.m. MDT May 16, 2008. TrueBlue Members who register for this promotion at jetblue.com/50 and purchase roundtrip travel on JetBlue between May 5 and May 16, 2008 for travel between May 5 and June 11, 2008 ("Qualifying Travel") are eligible to receive a $50 Voucher toward future JetBlue travel between September 3 and October 31, 2008. Registration must be done prior to travel or you will not qualify for the Voucher. Booker and traveler must be the same person. If booker and traveler are different, Voucher will not be awarded. Voucher will be awarded only upon completion of the return portion of the Qualifying Travel. Qualifying travel must be completed by June 11, 2008. Redemption of TrueBlue Award Flights, Travel Certificates, or other non-revenue travel is not eligible for this Offer. If Qualifying Travel is cancelled, changed outside the eligible travel window, or is not flown, Voucher will not be awarded or, as applicable, forfeited. Voucher(s) will be awarded electronically on or after June 22, 2008. If a single itinerary has more than one instance of Qualifying Travel, only one Voucher will be awarded. If booker is not a TrueBlue Member or has not registered for this promotion prior to travel, Voucher will not be awarded. Offer may not be combined with other special offers and is available only for newly-booked travel; changes to existing travel are not eligible. Voucher may be applied only to future JetBlue travel that takes place between September 3 and October 31, 2008. If Voucher travel is changed outside of this window, Voucher will be forfeited and you will be responsible fare difference. Voucher may be used only toward newly-booked travel and may not be applied to existing travel or changes to travel. Voucher will be deducted off of total fare. Any amount that may remain on Voucher will be forfeited. Voucher may be used on roundtrip or one-way flights. Voucher is non-transferable and may not be combined with other offers.

DIGITAL TV TUNERS, $40 OFF THANKS TO UNCLE SAM; TRANSITION BEFORE FEB. 2009 DEADLINE TO ENJOY LOCAL & NEW PROGRAMMING IN HD QUALITY ON YOUR ANALOG TV

As you may know, FEB. 2009 is the month when analog TV broadcasts are officially scheduled to switch over to digital transmission. But what if you still have an analog TV set? Never fear, the government is here, to help you make the transition. How? They offer a $40 gift card/coupon to be used toward the purchase of a new digital TV tuner (most cost between $40 and 80, depending on brand, so a new tuner can be free or close to it). A friend of mine paid $20 net (after the $40 savings) and loves his new tuner, since he not only gets crystal clear local stations, but other stations he could never access before (for example, PBS has four to explore). Plus, they come in with HD quality.

Think of a new digital tuner as HD Radio for TV. As for the $40 gift from the government, you can get more information at www.dtv2009.gov or click the links below; think of this gift as Stimulus Check, Jr.

Tell me more about the digital TV transition
What are my options?
Apply for a Coupon
Locate a TV Converter Box Retailer near you
Check out Frequently Asked Questions
Our Partners
Questions about Low Power/Translator Stations?

GTA DAY TODAY - "GRAND THEFT AUTO IV" VIDGAME HITS SHELVES AT 12AM WITH CUTTING EDGE GRAPHICS AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS

by Bruce Braunstein, Writer, TheLAReport.com

Here are the official Grand Theft Auto IV Midnight Store Opening Locations in the greater Los Angeles area (note: Best Buy website says locations are subject to change; check with your store for full details):

Atwater Village Map
Rancho Cucamonga Map
San Bernardino Map
Sherman Oaks Map
West Hollywood Map
West Los Angeles Map
Westminster Map
Woodland Hills Map

Best Buy promises "Grand Theft Auto-related giveaways, but quantities will be limited." Which means going early is a good strategy (and will help you snag a parking space, too). Another Best Buy tidbit of potential interest to gamers or their parents -- the website Kotaku.com reports the following deal:

Buy GTA IV along [with] any version of the Xbox 360, and get a $50 gift card as a sweet bonus. If you've been one of those woulda, coulda, shoulda gamers still holding out on this generation of systems, it's probably not a bad time to make the leap.

We at The LA Report have to agree. Finally, the great gamer/tech site Joystiq.com reports that the videogame chain Gamestop "released a mega-PDF of every store (in the States) opening at midnight for the Grand Theft Auto IV launch." So now you have some choices for your Midnight Madness Mania Mayhem; you can buy GTA IV as the clock strikes 12 am Monday night (Tuesday morning) at Best Buy... Gamestop... and, of course, some 24-hour Walmarts.

FREE LEGAL UNLIMITED MUSIC DOWNLOADS: SPIRALFROG

by Don Rose

Yes, free music via the Internet is a reality. We're talking good stuff, hits, high quality tunes, not just unknowns and/or unlistenable junk. Go to http://www.spiralfrog.com/ and register (for free, NO credit card needed). Confirm your membership and start getting songs and videos, FREE.

How can they do this, you ask? Yes, ads. A recent Spiralfrog press release explains:

SpiralFrog allows music enthusiasts to feed their addiction to music through free, legal and unlimited downloading. SpiralFrog enables anyone to access and download files from a library of 1 million songs and 3,500 music videos, with new content added frequently. To access the free content, users must only fill out a simple and quick registration form. As part of the SpiralFrog experience, users see relevant, targeted advertising that does not interfere with their enjoyment of music. Songs and videos downloaded on SpiralFrog will play on Windows PCs running XP and Vista. Members can download to their PCs and synchronize their music with up to two portable music players or music-enabled phones that support Windows Media digital rights management.

We knew this would happen eventually. If TV can be free via ads, why not music? Spiralfrog simply serves you advertising as you do things on the Spiralfrog site (like downloading), and they in turn give part of the ad revenue to the music publishers and musicians who provide the music on the site. Sounds good to The LA Report. Yes, it really sounds good! Go get your free tunes!

I can hear you thinking, "Okay, but is there a catch?" The only one I see so far: you may not find certain bands' music that you really want. In other words, if you want a one-stop shop with ALL major acts' music available for download, some for free and most for a fee, then iTunes is still king. Or you can go with Napster, Yahoo! Music, Best Buy's digital music store, and more stores. But SpiralFrog is just getting going, so give it time. And give it a whirl.

For ten MORE free websites to consider, see the fine post that lists 10 Sites for Free Legal Music, at www.last100.com.

GUITAR CENTER OPENS IN WEST LA WITH PACKED PARTY; GREAT DEALS ALL WEEKEND LONG

Guitar Center knows how to throw an opening party, as evidenced by its boffo bash November 1st, 2007 at its new store on the corner of Pico and Westwood Blvds. Hundreds lined Westwood Boulevard waiting for entry into the store. All got in, since the event was run in a refreshingly organized manner. Plus, everyone in the multi-age crowd got cool Guitar Center opening-day commemorative T-shirts.

Then there were the fun contests, raffles and bands (including the headliners, a band called The Graduate). Five lucky attendees (number 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 in line) got to compete for the chance to win prizes worth up to, get this, 100 grand! Yes, that is not a typo; it was possible for one of the lucky five onstage to walk away with $100,000 in a gameshow-style competition. Like Deal or No Deal, it was a luck-based contest, no trivia skill required - just pull envelopes off a gameboard and open, see if you win a giftcertificate for the store OR the chance to keep playing and win even more. Eventually, one man remained onstage, who pulled three envelopes from a final group of 12; if all three had the special Guitar Center symbol, he would win $100,000! Alas, he didn't, but the hundreds in gift certificates he won was a nice consolation prize.

On top of all this, many in the audience won prizes during two fun raffles (an amazing assortment of prizes that included iPods, Playstations, DVDs, Led Zeppelin and Dylan boxsets, home theatre systems, Cambridge Soundworks and Bose Wave radios, TVs and more), as well as random awarding of killer gear to various attendees. All in all, there were winners galore, and lots of Rockstar energy drinks for happy music lovers and musicians.

Now for the stuff in store for you in the store. Opening weekend deals include $99 blowout prices on three great products (Ibanez electric guitar, Yamaha acoustic guitar, Peavey trans-tube amplifier), $49 for a portable electric keyboard with built-in speakers, $9.99 for a keyboard stand, and $49 for THREE (yes, I said three) microphones. There are many more deals too numerous to list here, just head down to Pico and Westwood, across from the Westside Pavilion, and you will not be disappointed.

Among those in attendance on opening night were reps from Guitar Center, LA Weekly, Wahoo Tacos (serving tasty food to the hundreds on line to get in the store), Rockstar energy drinks (serving, among other flavors, its delicious JUICED drinks, a favorite of The LA Report), and KROQ. We also chatted with KCRW DJ (and head music guru of the KCRW music library) Erik J. Lawrence, host of KCRW's "Dragnet" show (midnight to 3am Monday nights / Tuesday mornings, 89.9 FM). EJL, who was attending not spinning, told us that the digitization of the incredible music library of the Santa Monica College station is proceeding nicely, thanks in part to some nifty robotic equipment.

Kudos to Guitar Center for a most memorable night featuring a healthy dose of fun and generosity. As store launches go, it was top of the line. Get yourself down to the new store and save some serious dough all this weekend. Saturday afternoon would be an especially good time, as you can meet KLOS FM host Cynthia Fox while you shop.

NOV. 2: DEAL: WALMART $348 ACER LAPTOP WITH 1 GB RAM

Google shows sites to read more about the sub-$350 notebook computer deal:

Wal-Mart to Sell Acer Laptop for 8 This Friday notebooks.com
Wal-Mart is getting a jump start on the holidays, teasing customers with a $348 laptop that will be available this Friday. Those of you who've been waiting ...www.notebooks.com/2007/10/31/wal-mart-to-sell-acer-laptop-for-348-this-friday/ - 30k - Cached - Similar pages

Acer 1GB Laptop Walmart $348 Friday - dslreports.com
Toshiba Satellite widescreen notebook from Office Depot » · « Somerset Entertainment $29.99 In ... This Friday Walmart has an Acer 1GB Laptop for $348. ...www.broadbandreports.com/forum/r19357012-Acer-1GB-Laptop-Walmart-348-Friday - Similar pages

UPDATE: Now starting Friday at 8 a.m. $348 OTD Acer Celeron 530 ...
UPDATE: Now starting Friday at 8 am $348 OTD Acer Celeron 530 Laptop 15.4"/1GB RAM/80GB HD/DVD Burner at Wal-Mart B&M Hot Deals.forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&p=8519125 - 84k - Cached - Similar pages

But beware: low prices can bring out the beast in buyers:

Digg - Video of Crowds Fighting During Black Friday
Fight Breaks out at an Orlando Walmart As Man Races to Get $378 Notebook. .... Frys had a laptop for 348 and I grabbed one but when I opened it there was no ...digg.com/security/Video_of_Crowds_Fighting_During_Black_Friday - 70k - Cached - Similar pages

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES 75 PERCENT OFF AT BUFFALO EXCHANGE

The Buffalo Exchange store on La Brea, just south of Beverly Blvd. -- which features vintage/used clothing and accessories -- has Halloween costumes for you trick or treaters at 75 percent off, according to a sign on their front door.

NOV. 1: H&M STORE OPENS ON SUNSET BOULEVARD

From Splendora:

H&M OPENS ON SUNSET BOULEVARD: Roll out the red carpet and get ready to add some star quality to your closet. H&M opens their newest store this Thursday, November 1st at high noon! There's always a flurry of excitement around H&M openings so come early and line up. The first 100 in line receive a mystery gift card (values range from $10-$200) and a complimentary H&M tee.

What: H&M opens on Sunset Boulevard.
When: Thursday, November 1st at Noon.
Where: 8580 W. Sunset Boulevard.
H&M Store Locator

STARBUCKS OFFERS NEW MUSIC DOWNLOAD PRODUCTS: DIGIALBUMS AND FREE SONG OF THE DAY CARDS

What's part trading card, part music download card, part marketing genius? The new free Starbucks "Song of the Day" card, which lets you download a single song from iTunes, if you ask your barista at Starbucks for one. Cool idea. (I mentioned trading cards because an image of the artist appears on the front of each card, so they may have some collector value and tradeability one day.)

Starbucks now also provides customers with the 21st century digital equivalent of albums, too -- and they're square, not round, this time around. (They may look square, but they're hip.) This other new marketing thing is a "digital release" which enables the buyer of said square thing to download a whole set of songs; the "digialbums" I saw at Starbucks were by Eddie Vedder and KT Tunstall.

Both of these developments should be watched closely; they could be the future of the music business. (As if you haven't heard that phrase before.) Just remember: Song of the Day - free, for a limited time, every day (just ask); digialbum - ask your barista for cost.

DEAL: CONVERT $30 OF COINS INTO AMAZON GIFT CERTIFICATE, GET $10 AMAZON BONUS GIFT CERTIFICATE

Receive a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate by mail when converting $30 of coins into an Amazon.com gift certificate at a Coinstar® Center. It's as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Bring $30 of coins to the Coinstar Center.
2. Cash it in for an Amazon.com gift certificate and get free coin counting.
3. Mail in the printed receipt to receive your $10 at Amazon.com gift certificate.

› Offer details

TRAVEL DEAL: PALMS HOTEL, VEGAS, JR. SUITE, $59/night, $99 WKEND (REG. $300+)

From travelzoo.com

The Travelzoo Newsdesk has found this outstanding offer from
TripRes.com:

LAS VEGAS--SEPTEMBER 28, 2007-- TripRes.com just announced
a terrific early-bird deal for the hip 4-star Palms Hotel in
Las Vegas. Stay midweek for $59 per night or on a weekend for $99 per
night. You will also get a FREE upgrade to a Junior Suite.
Right now, these rooms go for over $300 a night!
This offer is good on dates between Nov. 18-22, 24-29 and
Dec. 9-13, 16-20, 21-22 and 23-27.

The Palms is famous for its celebrity visits, upscale
restaurants and hip night-life. With this deal you even get
FREE access to Rain and Ghost Bar -- Las Vegas' top-rated
bar according to Zagat -- as well as $10 in slot play, 2-
for-1 breakfast buffet and more.

For more information -- including a 2nd night FREE offer at
the Palms -- and to book your trip through TripRes.com,
click here: http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.asp?328780

MOBILE: METROPCS - $35/MO, UNLIMITED CALLS

Yes, the ad on the back of CityBeat said unlimited calls, even long distance, $35 per month. Not sure if there is a catch, but you can learn more at www.metropcs.com, which said:

MetroPCS's cell phone coverage allows more than 3 million subscribers great, flat rate plans with unlimited minutes, no signed contracts, no activation fees and your first month of service FREE! MetroPCS is among the first cellular service providers to deploy an all-digital network based on third generation infrastructure and handsets. Cell phone coverage includes many top markets like Atlanta, Florida, Dallas, Detroit and California.

Note that the ad listed contact phone numbers for cities that all had one thing in common: being on the outskirts of Los Angeles -- fringe adjacent cities -- so perhaps coverage is one issue to check on if you live in the main areas of LA. Their coverage map actually looks okay, but will be much improved once their "planned expansion" is completed. We also noticed that this map mentions what may be a roaming fee - a cost in certain areas for "travel talk" - so perhaps that is a potential catch to what otherwise sounds like a great deal. We hope that MetroPCS will at least spur more competition and lower prices on other cell services.