Business Week has a story about a gas station chain in Georgia and Florida that is giving a 6 cent per gallon discount to customers who make their purchase with cash instead of a credit card.  You could also say that the station is charging a 6 cent per gallon fee to credit card users.  It’s an attempt by the company to pass along costs associated with accepting credit card payments.

I’m guessing this won’t become a wide spread phenomenon, but you never know.  Some travel centers already charge lower prices for big rig drivers who pay with cash.

Just in case anyone is wondering, it is not a good idea to run your cell phone through both the washer and dryer.  At least not if you want it to continue working.  The flash on the camera still works - and by works I mean it just turns on and stays on when I put the battery in.

Fortunately I’m due for a new phone.  I just wished I hadn’t wasted $20 on a new battery last week to prolong the useful life of my now cleaner, but inoperable, one.

Note to self: don’t fly Allegiant Air.

More than 20 passengers watched in disbelief this morning as a trip to Walt Disney World, a romantic cruise, scuba diving lessons, spring break plans and a 55th wedding anniversary celebration vanished when their Allegiant Air flight flew away without them at Huntsville International Airport.

They stood in line at the Allegiant Air gate, tickets to Fort Lauderdale in hand, not really sure at first what had happened.

…

Tyri Squyres, a spokeswoman for Allegiant Air, said by phone that about 25 passengers were checked in but did not get to board.

“We do view this as an operational error on our part,” she said.

…

Allegiant Air arranged for the passengers to take a 6:30 p.m. flight to Fort Lauderdale, instead of their original 8:45 a.m. flight, spokeswoman Squyres said, adding that each passenger would receive a $75 voucher for travel and free drinks aboard the flight.

Free drinks and $75.  That should make it all better.