We all like to get something for free but there is an old adage that says “nothing is ever free". A free airplane ticket is the draw of frequent flyer points but since airlines are not in the business of giving away seats for free there are some things you need to be aware of. There are also some tricks to using your accumulated air miles so you can get the most benefit out of them.

First off you need to choose a frequent flyer program and stick to that one program. Research the program and choose one that you will use most often. These programs also have partners including other airlines, retail stores, dining and car rental companies. Also research how many miles you receive for your flights and how many miles it takes to redeem a free ticket. Keep in mind that some airlines only give a percentage of the actual miles on discounted tickets so if you're a bargain hunter then pick a program that gives you one hundred percent of the miles on cheap tickets.

Rural Groups Unite in Support of SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio Merger

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- In a joint letter sent to Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, a South Dakota native, five diverse organizations representing rural Americans from across the country voiced their support for the merger of SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) . The groups cited increased benefits for rural consumers? including greater programming options and enhancements to rural information services? as the main reasons behind their support.

The merger of XM and SIRIUS has garnered considerable support from a number of influential rural organizations, including the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF and League of Rural Voters, which have both previously filed supportive letters with the FCC.

Have You Tried The T?

So now not only do I have to wait for this slow new T line...I have to do a lot of unwanted hiking every day! I'm annoyed that MUNI felt they had to ruin the N-Judah line to make way for the T. It doesn't make sense. Why don't all the trains go to the Caltrain station? Adding one new line while shortening others causes a NET LOSS IN SERVICE! This new line has screwed up my commute and offers nothing to me to balance everything out. It seems like it is MUNI's goal to disappoint riders.

Brain Drill Raise The Death-Metal Bar; Plus Iron Maiden, Walls Of ...

In March, fans will be able to catch Brain Drill in the flesh, as the band hits the road with the Black Dahlia Murder and Animosity for an East Coast run that gets under way March 6 in Millvale, Pennsylvania, and runs through March 16 in Buffalo, New York. The guys' summer remains wide open, unless they're asked to hop on this year's Ozzfest — an invite they'd accept in a heartbeat ("I'd kill to be on that bill," Ruskin said, " ... not literally"). In early fall, the band will be back on the road, but with whom is the question. According to Brain Drill's label, those details are still being worked out.

Live, Brain Drill are at their bludgeoning best. Ruskin said sometimes the material they've recorded is difficult to recreate onstage — but not in the way you'd think.

Tolls Could Fund Brent Spence Bridge Replacement

The groundwork has been laid that could lead to tolls being charged on Kentucky roads to help pay for a Brent Spence Bridge replacement.

The Kentucky Senate's Transportation Committee heard testimony Wednesday morning in Frankfort on Senate Bill 7, which was co-sponsored by Senator Dick Roeding of Northern Kentucky.

Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore testified before the committee on behalf of all eight Northern Kentucky Judge-Executives and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.