November 14th - It was on this day in history in 1732 that the 1st U.S. professional librarian, Louis Timothee, was available to help others find books. Today, you can have your own personal librarian who can find anything you need right at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for special interest books, rare books, and even out-of print books, find them fast and for less AbeBooks today. Use our free AbeBooks coupons for free shipping on your order.

1960 - Ray Charles’ Georgina on My Mind Reaches #1 - Those of you who are admiring Ray Charles fans, have I got a surprise for you. If you’ve always wanted to build a Ray shrine in your home, then I’ve got all the great stuff to fill it with. Discover vintage tickets, never-seen-before backstage photos, posters of him in action, t-shirts to wear or hang on the wall and much more at Wolfgangs Vault. Plus, save 10% on memorabilia or get 20% off apparel by redeeming exclusive Wolfgangs Vault coupons.

Famous Birthday

Travis Barker, 33 - He’s the tattooed drummer of rock band Blink 182. Well, since I have no tattoos, I have no right to tell you to go out and get as many as you can…ouch! But I can tell you to nourish that desire you’ve had to learn to play an instrument. Whether you want to elegantly play the piano, smash drums until your hands blister or strum a guitar, find the instrument of your choice at Instrument Pro today. And for 10% off, redeem our exclusive Instrument Pro coupons.

November 12th - It was on this day in history in 1910 that the 1st movie stunt was performed. A man jumped into Hudson River from a burning balloon. What would we do without stuntmen? Movies wouldn’t be the same. Stuntmen are what really make the action movie packed with action. They do flips, jumps and crazy moves that blow us away…but we go on thinking it’s the actor who’s doing all this. Ya right! In some cases yes, but in most, they’d never risk it. Take Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie for example. The scenes in which she’s jumping to and from boats, doing twisted flips in the air…that’s actually a man! Sorry if I’ve ruined anyone’s obsession with the puffy-lipped actress. Go ahead; rent some action-packed movies with tons of stunts to pay tribute to the real risk-takers behind the scenes - stuntmen! Find action movie DVDs for less by shopping at Sony Style. Use Sony Style coupons for a discount on all DVDs.

1933 - First Known Photo of Loch Ness Monster is Taken - In 1933, there were reports of a huge sea creature that inhabited Scotland’s Loch Ness. The photo that was taken during this time was later proved to be a hoax, but stories still circulate as to whether this animal actually existed, just like the stories of Big Foot. Many people ventured out to get a photo of the creature but when attempts failed, phony pics were taken instead. You never know when you may see such animals in nature so anytime you’re going camping, hiking or sailing, always keep a camera around your neck so you’re prepared. Since there are so many skeptics in the world, keep a camera with high resolution handy at all times. Save 6% on high resolutions cameras at Second Act. Use free Second Act coupons when you purchase your like-new camera to claim this exclusive discount.

Famous Birthday

Ryan Gosling, 28 - He plays handsome Noah in The Notebook. That has to be the most romantic movie I’ve ever seen. It was based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Find this amazing book and others for less at AbeBooks. Use free AbeBooks coupons to get free shipping.

September 1st - How was your weekend? Are you wiped out from that final bash of the summer? Well, there’s still some summer left for you to take it easy and recover from all your adventures. What’s in your backyard? If there’s a couple of uncomfortable plastic chairs, then it’s time for you to make some serious changes. And guess what? Since it’s almost the end of the season, there’ll be some great patio furniture, lounging chairs and hammocks on sales going on! But, there is only one place you should go when you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor furniture for less, and that’s Overstock.com. Plus, save an additional $10 with exclusive Overstock.com coupons when you spend $150 or more.

1661 - First Yacht Race (King Charles vs. His Brother James) - Boys being boys…racing huge boats! I guess they had nothing better to do so they let their competitive nature get the better of them. Owning a yacht or motor boat has to be the most fulfilling thing. You have the luxury to leave the hustle and bustle of life behind and head out to sea whenever you please. Nothing but the sound of waves crashing against the boat and wind flapping against the sails. I believe there’s a word for that feeling: serenity. If you’re an avid sailor or fisher, then there’s a store that you’ll love to shop at. West Marine offers the best boating supplies, electronics, apparel and safety gear at bottom-line prices. Set sail towards a treasure trove of goodies for the sea and save 12% when you spend $100 or more. Reel in this hot deal by using our free West Marine coupons as your lure!

Famous Birthday

Dr. Phil McGraw, 58 - Sure he’s a little in-your-face with the people on his show, but nonetheless, he gets through to most of them. He has a way of reaching people and helping them turn their life around. I guess that’s why he’s got his own show, right? He’s also published many self-help books that offer a way out or answers to life’s difficult questions. You can find books by Dr. Phil McGraw at AbeBooks on sale now. And with our free AbeBooks coupons, you don’t pay for shipping!

May 22nd - We’re touching all bases today! Enjoy food for thought, stay connected with the people around you and make your house a home. I’ve got coupons for books, cell phones and art! Let’s get to it, shall we?

1803 - First Public Library Opens (Connecticut) - Borrowing books? What a brilliant idea! Until one day you learn that you have a late charge of $375.00 from 1974! How do you avoid this? Easy, just buy your food for thought for extremely low prices at AbeBooks! Use AbeBooks coupons for discounted books and save even more with free shipping!

Famous Birthdays:

Naomi Campbell, 38 - Hmmm, I wonder what coupons I’m gonna give you. Can you guess? If your answer is cell phones, then you’re correct! Since I don’t have coupons to cure a bad temper, I’ll help you replace the cell phone you broke when you went all Naomi for a few seconds. Get 6% off refurbished cell phones at SecondAct with Second Act coupons today! 

Mary Cassatt, 1844 - 1926 - Impressionism art is beautiful and timeless. Whether you like landscape or portraits, impressionistic painting techniques often create the effect of time passing before your eyes; it’s what makes this genre of art so intriguing. Find gorgeous impressionism portraits similar to Mary Cassatt’s work at Art Select. And save 15% on your purchase by redeeming Art Select coupons.

April 4th - It’s Friiiiiiday…and it’s spring! I’m betting tons of you will be cleaning every corner of your home this weekend. The air’s fresh, the sun’s shining…you can’t help but feel like bringing that freshness inside your home. Or maybe you’ll get your hands and knees dirty from working in the garden. If that’s your plan, then make sure you head over to Park Seed for 10% off gorgeous plants and exotic flowers.

1828 - Casparus Van Wooden Patents Chocolate Milk Powder - I hated drinking milk as a child. My mom would let me mix in a teaspoon of the good stuff to give it that chocolaty taste. Once I got a taste of chocolate, I knew I’d have a long and happy life with it forever. Anytime I can, I bake myself a batch of low-fat chocolate cookies. And with non-stick Vollrath Cookie Sheets from Cooking.com, I never have to add butter or shortening to the pan! Get a cookie sheet for 10% off at Cooking.com.

Famous Birthday:

David Blaine, 35 - He’s the magician / illusionist that you see elevating himself in mid air. He’s been buried alive, stood atop an 83 foot pillar and known for his crazy street magic. He shoots his footage on the streets, shocking people with his amazing tricks. He’s also a writer with a newly released book called Mysterious Stranger. Read about magic, tricks, explanations and more. Pick up this book at AbeBooks with free shipping on your order.

March 20th - I hate seasonal allergies - the itchy, watery eyes, the runny nose, the unpredictable intervals of sneezing. Worst of all, I suddenly become allergic to my cat too! That’s why I looooooooooove Petco - they have great products like a dander removal spray. I just spray some on my cat’s coat and no more sneezing. Get all your pet supplies and save 15% at Petco. Now that I don’t feel so congested anymore, let’s move on to our dose of history, shall we?

1888 - The Beginning of the Sherlock Holmes Adventure - A Scandal in Bohemia made its debut and started a whole new genre - detective novels. Sherlock wouldn’t have lasted one CSI episode, that’s for sure. Deductive reasoning has no place in a lab. It’s the kind of thinking that can put the innocent guy in jail. But that’s okay, good-old Grissom would’ve put Sherlock in his place. Feel like being a detective? Get online detective games at iWin for 40% off.

1991 - U.S. Forgives $2 billion in Loans to Poland - I’m still stuck on the word “forgive” having a place in the financial world. What’s next? Are real-estate agents gonna “forgive” their commission charge to home buyers who have all their savings on the line? Ya, right.

Famous Birthday:

Burrhus Fredric Skinner (March 20, 1904 - August 18, 1990) -Skinner was a psychologist who studied Radical Behaviorism. He was driven by the complexity of human behavior. If he spent just one day in my house, he would’ve had enough material to write a few books. Read up on great subjects like psychology and more by ordering some food for thought at Abebooks.com with free shipping.

Ah, Chi-Town. The Windy City gave us deep dish pizza, Daley’s modern machine politics and Kanye West. It’s one of the most interesting places in America, and there’s never been a better time to visit Chicago.

And that’s all thanks to exclusive FabulousSavings coupons for Orbitz. Book now and save up to $75 on more than 75 Chicago hotels, including:

• Chicago’s Essex Inn - Prime location & affordable rates
• Omni Chicago Hotel - All-suite property in the swankiest part of town
• Seneca Hotel - Perfect for a romantic getaway

For those unfamiliar with the Second City, you’re in for more thrills than the Sears Tower has floors. We could spend hours going through just half of what Chicago’s famous for, but we’ll keep it to just a few:

• Culture - Jazz clubs, theaters, art museums & one of the finest symphonies in the world
• Shopping Shangri-La - They don’t call a downtown stretch of boutiques & restaurants the ‘Magnificent Mile’ for nothing
• Sports Central - Cubs, Sox, Bulls, Bears & Blackhawks…’nuff said

That list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of one of America’s great cities. Book your trip to Chicago and discover what you’re missing.

Tell Me What’s Going On

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 15)

The whole city’s Irish on Paddy’s Day - even the Chicago River! Watch as the city dyes it green for the day and a wild parade marches through downtown. It’s not too late to get in on the fun.

But make sure to stock up on stylish green sweaters and more at Smart Bargains - get 12% off new customer orders!

Artropolis 2008 (April 25-28)

Chicago’s biggest celebration of art, architecture, antiques and culture takes the city by storm in late April. Prepare for the huge exhibitions and events around the downtown core by reading up on everything art. Get free shipping on select books at Abebooks.com!

February 18th - Oh man…Monday has arrived again. What is with that? I can barely put together a cup of coffee let alone a coherent sentence. It boggles the mind that anything ever got done on a Monday, but a casual glance at my collection of world events indicates otherwise.

Let’s see what these keeners were up to.

1885 - Huckleberry Finn Published - See, this blows me away. You couldn’t even get me to read this book on a Monday. But you should - it’s a classic, I’ve been told. Abebooks has free shipping and super-low prices.

1929 - First Oscars Announced - Do you have an Academy Awards Party? I do. Although I call it the Annual Celebration of Lou Diamond Phillips’ Impact on Cinema and I usually spend most of the evening being outraged over his latest snub. I still can’t believe the Academy didn’t recognize the genius of his performance in last year’s Striking Range. Maybe next year. Party supplies are 10% off 50$ or more at BuyCostumes.com

Famous Birthdays

• Queen Mary I, 1516 - Bloody Mary burned 300 people at the stake. I once had 3 Bloody Mary’s and burned my steak on the barbecue.

There’s No Business Like Show Business Day - What’s that? I get to talk about my all-time favorite musical, Phantom? You’ve made my day! Kidding. No one wants to hear that. Or me singing out of key - unless I sing the praise of Viator, that is! Book discount tickets for Broadway and other show tickets through Viator and save 10%! Use this offer to save on Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, The Producers, Avenue Q and other awesome shows.

Book Publishers’ Day - I’ll apologize right off the bat: I don’t have gift ideas for book publishers, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to mislead you at all. Book Publishers’ Day really only made me think of the deals you can get at AbeBooks and other FabulousSavings merchants. Free shipping on select books doesn’t sound so bad, does it?

Other January 16 Holidays -

• Appreciate a Dragon Day
• Nothing Day
• Religious Freedom Day
• National Fig Newton Day
• National Work at Home with your Spouse Day

First-Foot Day - To ensure good luck for the upcoming year, make sure the first visitor to your home brings symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and some whiskey. Take care of the shortbread requirement by using new NordicWare bakeware from Cooking.com. Use exclusive FabulousSavings coupons to get 10% off a single item.

Z-Day - On Z-Day, Zombies will rise and turn the world into a feeding ground for the undead. Are you ready for the end of civilization? Shop at Brigade Quartermasters and find all the essentials you need to survive a Zombie plague, like gun holsters and riot gear. Redeem free FabulousSavings coupons to get the best prices on top gear! You’ll need extra money to barter for supplies with the living.

New Year’s Dishonor List Day - On the first day of the year, a list of banished words from the Queen’s English is published. It is an annual compilation of words and phrases that should be completely eliminated from the English language. Don’t fret because classic literary titles will never be censored! Shop for your favorites at AbeBooks and get free shipping on select titles & no minimum purchase.

Other Holidays:

• New Years Day
• Bonza Bottler day
• Colonial Flag Day
• National Bloody Mary Day