Paperback Swap

I try to be "good" and hit the library sales and garage sales. when indulging my tendency towards bibliophilia. However, I can't always find what I want and I never seem to find a good sale when I need (okay, okay... want) a new book. If this sounds like you, consider signing up for PaperBackSwap. Register for free by simply typing in your name, a mailing address, and an email address. Then, use your two free book credits to order some new gently used books.

Once you request a book, the member owning the book will mail it to your home for free. Add to PaperBackSwap's database of books by creating your virtual bookshelf. Just type in the ISBN (found by the UPC symbol on each book) of all of the paperback, hardcover, and audio books you are finished with. If another member requests a book from you, you simply wrap it up, take it the Post Office and mail it at the media mail rate (significantly lower than regular postage.) You earn one credit and can choose a new book for every book you mail to someone else.

PaperbackSwap offers a similar service at seperate websites for movie fanatics and audiophiles.

The Samurai Appliance Repair Man

Fixitnow.com is an amazing resource for do-it-yourselfers (and DIY wanna-bes.) It offers Appliance Repair FAQs for dishwashers, garbage disposals, dryers, general appliances, icemakers, microwaves, ovens, ranges, refrigerators, stoves, and washers. Topics addressed range from "How do I load my dishwasher most efficiently" and "Where have all the tradespeople gone?" to "Eek! My washer is full of suds, won't drain, and is throwing an LD error code" and "How do I replace the motherboard in a GE refrigerator." If you can't find what you need in the FAQ tutorials, the Samurai Appliance Repair Man offers a forum offering interactive repair assistance. And, if you need a part to complete your repair job, while you are always welcome to peruse your local hardware or appliance parts store, you can just click on the link to RepairClinic.com and have parts shipped right to your door. RepairClinic.com also offers DIY assistance from the RepairGuru; however, the RepairGuru is all business and is not as amusing as the Samurai Appliance Repair Man. Fixitnow.com also offers troubleshooting help for air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers, and trash compactors, subscriptions to an appliance repair newsletter, and a series of calming Appliance Repair haikus. The only fee for using this service is a requested donation to the United Samurai Beer Fund.

The Samurai Appliance Repair Man does offer house calls but, as he resides in New Hampshire, this may not be a money saving idea for the typical southwest metro area MN resident. Become a fan on Facebook and or a follower on Twitter though. It will be almost a good - and it's free!