“How to get a better phone deal,” by Liz Pulliam Weston of MSN Money. Provides some strategies on how to cut your bill down to size and to know which cell-phone plan fits you best. On a related note, we recently called our mobile provider T-Mobile to inquire about downgrading our cell service; they offered us a package that is not advertised on their web site or in promotional materials. The lesson we learned is that had we not called, we would still be paying $20 more a month for a plan that just wasn’t meeting our needs; thus, it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Monday, February 22nd:
- History Pub Monday at McMenamins Kenny School at 7:00pm. Free admission, all ages welcome; bring canned goods to donate to Oregon Food Bank. Tonight’s history topic is “Renewal and Removal in North/Northeast Portland.”

- Book reading at Powell’s City of Books at 7:30pm featuring Rachel Kramer Bussel’s “Best Sex Writing 2010.” Free.

Tuesday, February 23rd:
- It’s National Pancake Day and IHOP is giving out a free short stack of pancakes between the hours of 7:00am – 10:00pm. In lieu of payment, they ask that customers consider making a donation to support local children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network (there will be a donation box located near the entrance).

- Shari’s is in on the action too, but you’ll need to print this coupon to get a free short stack of their buttermilk pancakes.

- More free food: buy a large fountain drink at Jack in the Box and get their free grilled sandwich. No coupon required! Tuesday only.

Wednesday, February 24th:
- Portland Spring Home and Garden Show starts a 5-day run at the Portland Expo Center with hours of 11:00am – 8:00pm Wednesday – Friday. Adult admission is $10, ages 12 and under are free; check the local papers for a $3 off admission coupon valid the first 3 days only. You can also fill out a form online to get a discount, please see web site for details.

- Ground Kontrol’s monthly free-play party, 5:00pm – late; pay a $5 cover and play all the classic video arcades and pinball games you want!

Thursday, February 25th:
- Portland Jazz Festival presents a CD release party of “Ukiah’s Lullaby” at 8:00pm at the Benson Hotel. Other free jazz events will take place all weekend long, please see web site for schedule and locations.

80% off Restaurant.com gift certificates. Use promo code ‘Savor’ at checkout.