Specials on Comcast, infomercial products, last call at Neiman's

Comcast cable runs frequent unadvertised specials on premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax and The Movie Channel. I call occasionally, usually at the beginning of the month, and inquire about monthly specials on the premiums. Currently, all movie channels are each $10 per month for six months, regularly $17 per month. (I was unable to confirm when this sale offer ends.) I always make a note on my calendar when my promotional rate ends to avoid paying full price. The change of service (both adding and dropping service) will nick you for $2. Here are two more tips: When I called this week, the service rep informed me that January is my anniversary month and asked if I would like five free pay-per-view coupons as a thanks for my many years as a customer. Next time you call, ask when your "anniversary" is and see if you're eligible for some free movies. You can also get a full refund if you discover within 30 days that you are dissatisfied with a premium channel, but verify that when you sign up. Two amazing infomercial products (and 13 fair to poor) In the February issue, Consumer Reports tests 15 infomercial products. Only a few are given a passing grade. The PedEgg skin smoother ($10) is a clear winner, said the magazine. Magic Jack VoIP phone device ($40 plus $20 per year at www.magicjack.com) replaces a monthly landline phone. It was judged a great deal with a few limitations. Three other products were judged adequate. The Tyre-Grip Black Ice Protection spray ($20) and the AutoSock ($99 per pair) that slips over tires are designed to prevent slipping and sliding. CR said that the spray works only for about a mile. The socks work well going uphill, CR said, but they are cumbersome to put on and must be removed when roads are clear. Might Putty epoxy ($20 for six sticks) worked well, but other adhesives are stronger and cheaper. Disappointments: Slap Chop veggie chopper, Garry Ultra Light vacuum cleaner, Snuggie blanket, Grease Bullet cookware cleaner, ShamWow towel/sponge, Ab Circle pro exercizer, iRobot Looj gutter cleaner, Urban Rebounder mini-trampoline, Hercules Hook wall hanger, and Debbie Meyer Green bags to extend life of fruits and veggies.

Last call at Neiman's The final fall/winter clearance at Neiman Marcus (505 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-2600) starts today. The final discounts on fall/winter clothing and gift gallery items range from 50 to 65 percent savings on men's and women's clothes and Gift Gallery items. Unsold items get shipped to a distribution center and are then redistributed to the 15 outlet stores. If you haven't been to the fourth floor outlet lately, it's changed. The furniture has been replaced by handbags, shoes (mostly women's), women's and kids' clothing and toys. Earlier this week I saw several tables of toys by Minneapolis-based Manhattan Toys, including Groovy Girls dolls. It's a hit and miss outlet, but mostly misses, in my opinion.