We're changing our (verizon) phone plan soon, and I need recommendations on a new phone. Right now we have Samsung
SCH-a670 - we're looking for something sturdy (I've run them through the washer and dryer before), good battery life, camera (but not a super-high quality), preferably compatible with a USB cord.
Any tips on dealing with verizon sales people who most assuredly will try to gouge us on fees and $$ to upgrade and to change the plan?

From youtube:

Shame on him.
And when I see stem-cell research opponents showing as much concern for children once they are born in comparison to growing cellular tissue in a petri dish, I might have some respect for their views.

And shame on CBS for such a misleading lede on their web site, summarizing Michael J. Fox's interview on the CBS Evening News
"Fox: I was Over-Medicated in Stem Cell Ad."
I would draw anyone's attention to the fact that without his medication, at this point in the disease's progression, that man would be unable to speak.

Although, for the foreseeable future, I'm now a few miles removed from the damage that Buffalo's received, I've started a list of essential items that are should be packed away for situations just like this.
(a dented car roof/car door and spoiled food in the fridge will, hopefully, be the extent of our damage).
- candles, matches and a lighter. Duh. When it's dark, you need to be able to see what you're doing. Flashlights (a super-heavy duty one, a headlamp that runs on rechargeable batteries, and one of those "shakeable" flashlights that runs on a magnet are also in our light arsenal.)
- an inverter for the car. When I had to go out to update the college home page in the dark, and in 12 inches of snow, it was convenient, relatively, to drag a surge protector and my 'puter to have the car with the inverter at my disposal. It's absolutely vital for charging cell phones and rechargeable batteries, too.
- cell phones and chargers. I'd never seen the inside of a telephone wire outside of a textbook before yesterday.
- notepad and pen. Good for taking down info, making lists of things to buy, and doodling while wasting away the cold, dark hours. I have a moleskine. Keeping the emergency numbers for local police, NiMo and the gas company are also a good idea.
- Radio. While you can go for the kind that runs on batteries, we prefer the kind that you windup/crank, with a battery option.
- Camera - disposable or one w/ recharge batteries. Great for taking pictures of incredible snow drifts or damage to your car/house.
- shovels. I was saddened to see so many people trying to dig out their cars with brooms and dustpans. People: those don't work nearly as well as small garbage cans and large tupperware containers. This weekend we invested in a complete car emergency kit ($20 at wallyworld) that includes a collapsable shovel.
- clean water for drinking and washing, plus water for pets. I filled up a bunch of jugs with water as soon as the power went out.
- snacks. Chips and salsa are good, as are granola bars, pb&j sandwiches, canned fruit, applesauce, crackers, s'mores (substitute marshmellow fluff for the marshmellow). If you have access to a grill, propane or otherwise (use it outside, people!), cook up your soon-to-be-spoiled meat, heat water for some rice or ramen, or just hope there's a pizza place within walking distance that's open. (Just pizza on Main had power as of yesterday afternoon).
- an alternative place to crash. Enough said.

Many thanks to (e:mrmike) using his superpowers to make our internet connection work!