Race Your Mouse Over the Icons Day - How many of you have slow computers at home or work? Well, the statistics don’t surprise me. I know I do, and boy does it ever drive me insane! Every time I’m in the middle of something important, my computer loves to take its sweet time and then sends me a message like “Page cannot be found.” ARGH. I’m assuming that’s where the inspiration for this holiday comes from. You can also say it comes from people’s lack of patience and low attention spans. When something takes too long, we usually find something else to do, right? In this case, we race our mice over the icons. Sometimes if I believe it enough, giving my mouse a little shake and swirl around the screen will make my page load faster. HA! The joke’s on me because it doesn’t work. I’ve had my fair share of annoying slow computers, and it was mostly because of low available memory. Today, check out your computer and if you need to upgrade your memory or PC, head over to Crucial Technology. Save 10% on discount memory upgrades including high performance memory, flash drives and memory card readers when you use Crucial Technology coupons.

Tall Building Day - I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned how I hate being tall once or twice before, OK maybe tons of times! Unfortunately, this time, my height kind of sort of came in handy. Two summers ago, I visited New York City, and besides the fact that I’m absolutely in love with the city for its culture and shopping, I was blown away by the massiveness of the buildings. My mom warned me that these buildings were going to be big, except I wasn’t worried. Want to know why? Because I’m tall! So while I gawked at the buildings all around me, I didn’t get THAT much neck pain or feel nauseated as compared to an average or petite person. So today on Tall Building Day, sure, it would be great to go up top the highest building and scream your lungs out. Or may I suggest you take a walk downtown? First check out some sassy shoes from Heels.com to help you stand tall and proud just like a tall building. Once again, unfortunately for me, I don’t need heels, so you can take advantage of Heels.com coupons instead for your chance to save 10% on platforms, stilettos, pumps and slingbacks on orders of $75 or more.

Everybody comes to Vegas for the casinos, the nightlife and the live shows. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, for some travelers that’s just not enough. If you’re a Vegas visitor who wants something more, then read on - the Professor is here to help.

Start by choosing one of the more interesting hotels Las Vegas has to offer. Book through Orbitz and get the guaranteed lowest rate. Take an additional 10% off your stay with Orbitz coupons and prepare for an affordable, unforgettable stay:

• Binions Horseshoe Hotel & Casino - Old-school Vegas charm & the world’s most famous poker room
• Palms Casino Resort - Hardwood Suite for a basketball half-court & Playpen Suites for ultimate party settings
• Wynn Las Vegas - Stunning gardens, massive suites & complete luxury at this Vegas paradise

But a unique hotel experience is just where your anything-but-ordinary Vegas vacation begins. Leave behind the typical live shows and gaming floors and step out for:

• Atomic Testing Museum - See artifacts from test sites, environmental recreations & more
• Cleopatra’s Barge - Party on a Viking-style ship in the middle of the desert
• Desert Fox Tours - Explore the sands from the safety of a Hummer
• Haunted Vegas Tours - Visit haunted casinos, search for Bugsy Siegel’s ghost & more

Tell Me What’s Going On

AnimeVegas 2008 (August 30 to September 1)

It’s one of the biggest gatherings of anime fans on North American soil, and it’s happening in just a few days. It’s not your average Las Vegas convention - expect plenty of fans dressed as their favorite characters, J-Rock tribute bands and other interesting sights.

If you’re a fan of anime, then you know that watching your newest DVD on a lackluster TV just doesn’t do that gorgeous artwork justice. Better get to Second Act to find low-priced HDTVs. Get 6% off everything with your Second Act coupons!

Kiss and Make up Day - What was it this time? Forgot to take out the garbage? Left the bathroom light on? Didn’t take the dog for a walk? We’ve all been there! You can’t stay mad at someone forever. Besides, there’s nothing better than making up with someone you just had a huge fight with, whether that be your boyfriend/girlfriend, best friend or parents. The making up part always brings out big laughs and silly behavior as you remember how insignificant the fight was! So who are you going to kiss and make up with today? Dreading to make that first move with a phone call? I have a better idea (don’t I always). Look through all your photo albums and gather a bunch of photographs that truly highlight your fun and exciting relationship. Next, check out Roxio for cool ways to share your photos. Use Roxio coupons and get free shipping on photo project software, video production software and more. After you create your digital scrapbook or photo slide show, all you have to do is send it through email and it’ll put the biggest grin on your recipient’s face!

National Second-Hand Wardrobe Day - Having a second-hand wardrobe is somewhat stylish nowadays. In fact, celebrities go in search of vintage, second-hand clothing from decades gone by. You can find really good designer accessories and clothes in second-hand stores that don’t require you to take out a mortgage. That must mean something to you and your wallet who has taken far too many beatings in the past. Go through your closet and get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in years then get yourself some trendy second-hand pieces and you can start trends just like your favorite celebrities. Not crazy about wearing someone else’s clothes? How about their bags? Check out BagBorrowOrSteal.com and get your hands and arms on designer bags and accessories just like the celebrities wear, without actually buying it. Take advantage of BagBorrowOrSteal.com coupons and save 25% on rental Gucci or Louis Vuitton handbags and you’ll be proud to show off your second-hand bag around in public, without anyone ever knowing it’s not really yours!

National Radio Day - Today is all about inventions from the past. We’ll start with the radio. Throughout the years, the radio has played an important role in politics, wars and of course passing important news, weather, sports and traffic to listeners. The more technologically advanced portion of society has different views towards radio. When someone mentions the radio, I’m sure everyone’s first reaction is something like “who listens to the radio anymore?” I know I get that all the time since I love listening to the radio, despite the fact that I have an MP3 player and tons of music on my computer. I’ll tell you what I love about the radio…conversation! I don’t love everything about the radio like commercials…UGH! That is until another invention hit mainstream to give listeners everything they love about the radio, without commercials - SIRIUS Satellite Radio! Take part in this fun holiday by checking out SIRIUS Satellite Radio coupons and you can save 15% on COMMERCIAL FREE music, sports, news, entertainment and more!

Thomas Edison Day - I’m sorry…this man was not just an inventor, he was a GENIUS! I bet you didn’t know he invented over 1000 inventions. WOW! What’s more amazing is that he invented the telegraph at the mere age of 16! I seemed pretty useless at 16 compared to what he accomplished. I am a real sucker for new and exciting inventions. Those late night infomercials reel me in all the time…it never fails. Whether the invention sucks or not, I seem to be so intrigued by the fact that the inventor came up with the idea. My mom has been trying for years to think of an invention. She’s come up with a few; however, there was some variation of it already in stores, so she gave up. Although I doubt she gave up entirely! Today we should be thankful for everything that Edison created. If you love quirky inventions like me, then check out Brookstone. Take advantage of $15 off discounted unique and specialty inventions in a range of categories from jewelry to electronics, when you apply Brookstone coupons towards your purchase.

Assistance Dog Day - Today is just one more reason to celebrate how truly special dogs are! Aren’t you amazed when you see dogs assisting people with disabilities or working for the police? Besides being a person of disability, a dog is the best companion you’ll ever have because they’re attentive, good listeners, bundles of fun and will never fight with you! Now that’s what I call a great friend. We should all remember how much dogs do for us and for members in our community. So, instead of neglecting and mistreating our dogs, I believe we must be able to assist and help our own dogs when they’re not feeling their greatest. On this Assistance Dog Day, we should honor and commend all those brave dogs who guide people through life and come to our rescue. And, we should also shop at PetCareRX for all of our dog and pet needs. Use PetCareRX coupons and save $15 on discount pet medications, vaccines, pet supplies and more on orders of $100 or more.

National Navajo Code Talking Day - Navajo code talkers played a huge role in WWII and helped to defeat the Japanese thereby ending WWII. This was the only code that the Japanese could not decipher. If you didn’t know, Navajo is a Native American language still used on the reservations in Southwestern United States. It is the oldest preserved Athabaskan language and is a tonal language which means that depending on how the vowels are pronounced, the meaning changes. Come to think of it, I used to speak in code with my friends so that our parents wouldn’t understand us (it wasn’t that long ago actually…). Languages have always fascinated me, and when I was younger, I wanted to be a professional interpreter (no joke). Today, we should use the theme of language and check out Rosetta Stone so you can learn a new language and speak in “code.” Get 2 free day shipping in the U.S. when you use Rosetta Stone coupons.  

“One time…in band camp…” Hehe…who could ever forget that famous opening delivered by Alyson Hannigan in American Pie? Truth be told, lots of shenanigans happen in band practice - just maybe not as extreme as the scripted variety.

Starting out on your musical escapades? Perhaps you’re a seasoned pro, but you want to surprise someone with the gift of music. You’ll find what you’re looking for when you shop at Woodwind & Brasswind.

Until August 30, get 10% off select student instruments! How? Redeem the free Woodwind & Brasswind coupons. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

You Won’t Fall Flat When You Have a Quality Bb Clarinet

Instrument: Barrington Model 336 Student Bb Clarinet

Proof that you won’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a clarinet with great intonation and strong sound that’s ideal for those who want to test the musical waters.

Da Da Da Daaaa! Presenting the Instrument that ‘Trumps’ All Others

Instrument: Giardinelli GTR 312 Series Student Trumpet

Hear those notes the way they were meant to be heard - crisp and clear. And it comes with a hard case to keep it looking pristine even through years of use.

Just Let It Slide

Instrument: Etude ETB-100 Series Student Trombone

Get impressive projection and tone with this trombone that features a chrome inner handslide and a brass outer handslide for superior play.

Feeling the urge to make some sweet music? Drumming on the pots and pans may have been cute when you were 4, but now it’s time to graduate to student instruments. Pick one or a whole band’s worth for less at Woodwind & Brasswind today!

Vinyl Record Day - Today’s holiday is celebrated by the Vinyl Record Day nonprofit organization that works to preserve the use of vinyl records and our memories of this great invention. The vinyl record, also called the gramophone, stopped being used officially in 1991. That isn’t that long ago. I can tell you that there are some people who had a really hard time giving up their vinyls…like my parents! We have such a great vinyl collection and an old record player cabinet that plays both 33s and 45s.  Another group of people who put the vinyl to good use are DJ’s. Without that scratching and mixing technique found in most hip hop, pop and even rock hits, half of the songs on the radio we know and love today wouldn’t sound like they do. So go ahead and participate in today’s holiday by checking out Instrument Pro. Save 10% on discount vinyl recorders, turntables and instrument equipment so you can easily record and transfer albums right to your computer. Don’t forget to use Instrument Pro coupons!

Middle Child’s Day - Middle Child’s Day, simply put: to celebrate and perhaps draw attention to the middle child of the family. I don’t see a First or Youngest Child Day coming up, so why is it that middle children are in the center of so much discussion lately? Ever heard of The Middle Child Syndrome? Well, it straightforwardly suggests that the first and second child’s personalities tend to be extroverted. While, the middle child is on the other end of the spectrum, keeping to himself most of the time, quiet and has feelings of being left out. Aww! Except, there is a good thing about being the middle one. Since you keep everything on the down-low, you have less of a chance of being blamed for things when they go wrong. SWEET! If you’re a middle child or you’re a parent looking to bring some peace between you and your middle child, check out iWin for something middle children will really appreciate…tons of game time! Save 40% on discount online arcade, trivia, puzzle and board games just by using iWin coupons.

Other August 12 Holidays -

• Sewing Machine Day
• Truck Driver Day

August 6th - It was on this day in history in 1996 that NASA announced that life may have existed on Mars. This doesn’t seem like a far-fetched assumption. I find it very hard to believe that we’re the only life form in the entire universe.  But that’s a whole blog on its own. Do you envision these other life forms to be what we see in movies? The green long n’ lanky body with huge cantaloupe-shaped head and protruding almond-shaped eyes?  Well, this is the idea that most people have, so at the next costume part you’re invited to, wear one of these costumes. It’s sure to freak some people out. Head over to BuyCostumes for eerie alien costumes on sale. And use our free BuyCostumes coupons for 10% off when you spend $50 or more. 

1997 - Microsoft Announces It Will Invest $150 Million into Apple Corp Inc. - Wow, that’s a lot of dough. Probably why Apple Corp Inc. is a leader in its industry with hundreds of innovated products that make life easier and more fun. Take the iPhone for example…that thing does everything except bring you breakfast in bed! Get Apple Corp Inc. products for less with our coupons for Second Act. Discover refurbished Apple electronics on sale now. And use our free Second Act coupons for 6% off your purchase total.

Famous Birthdays

M. Night Shyamalan, 38 - He’s the director of such spine-shilling films as The Sixth Sense, Signs and Lady in the Water.  These films all touch upon certain things that all of us are scared of, or at least question a few times in our lifetime. The idea of ghosts lost and wandering among us, aliens taking over the planet and harming us, and old folklores told to us as children coming true…like the Boogie Man! I think that’s why Shyamalan’s movies are always a success, because they touch a certain part of us that longs to experience such thing, though we’re deathly afraid of them. In the mood to freak yourself out now? Head over to Target for low-priced DVDs on sale now. And redeem free Target Coupons for $5 off when you spend $50 or more.

National Night Out Day - I’m excited for this one, except I’d like to believe I always encourage my readers to get out and have a good time! A typical night out for me is having dinner or dessert at a hip and happening restaurant in the downtown core. Trust me, as cool as I may sound (aww thanks, you think so too?!), a guaranteed fun night for me is sticking to what I’m comfortable with. Every time I try a new place or want to get out of my comfort zone, I get totally disappointed and ripped off. You should do whatever YOU love to do most on this national holiday. Inviting a bunch of friends over won’t cut it. You could go to a friend’s house, just as long as you GET OUT of your house - it’s called National NIGHT OUT for a reason. What’s a typical night out for you? Movies, dinner, dancing, concert, shopping, all of the above? Whatever you do tonight, you should get all dolled up (that’s my favorite part!). Go get yourself some new attire from Boden. Save 12% on discount men’s and women’s trendy apparel and receive free shipping and returns (new customers only) just by using Boden coupons.

Psychic Day - I love the topic of psychics. I can’t really tell you why, it just intrigues me so much. I have never had a psychic reading done before even though I really want one. I guess I’m just too apprehensive about knowing the future. Sometimes I like to believe I have psychic abilities, like dreaming about something and then seeing or hearing about it actually happen. Cool eh? I also share a mental telepathy relationship with other people, like friends and family, especially my mom and best friend. My mom could be thinking about something, and then I’ll end up saying it out loud! I’m especially good at knowing when the phone is going to ring. I bet this has happened to you before! What’s that you say? You can’t find an affordable phone service? Well…since we’re on the topic of telephones, have you checked out Hello Direct recently? If you’re looking for reliable telephony solutions, use Hello Direct coupons and save 10% on discount brand name telephony from AT&T, Nortel, Panasonic and more!

One thing I used to do that I miss now is write songs while playing an instrument (usually the piano, clarinet, or wooden recorder). Not only is it cathartic, but the process is more creative than an Amy Winehouse get-up.

And now you don’t necessarily have to shell out your savings to purchase an instrument that makes your pulse race. With free Musician’s Friend coupons valid until August 7, you’ll save a wad of cash on 1000 qualifying brands! And it couldn’t be easier. Just click to save:

• $10 off Orders of $100-$249.99
• $35 off Orders of $250-$499.99
• $75 off Orders of $500 & Up

Make sweet music when you buy these from Musician’s Friend:

• Ross Mallet R320 Xylophone - Most of us had xylophone toys as kids, but now that you’re older, you need the real deal
• Rogue Learn-the-Mandolin Package - Contains everything you need to serenade your sweetheart with something more unique than a guitar
• Pork Pie Big Boy Bicycle Throne - You’ll actually want an audience when on this ‘throne’ while bustin’ a beat on your drum set

And Musician’s Friend also offers fun novelty jewelry such as the Jeffrey David Silver Microphone Pendant Necklace that’s perfect for your friend who has aspirations to become a singer.

For all your musical needs, Musician’s Friend is the place that sings your tune.