Memorial Day History
Learn more about the history of this holiday and our nation's wars or participate in the Veteran's forum at this special History Channel web site:
http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/memorial/memorial.html

Julian Historic Days
Celebrate the gold rush days with a costume contest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Continues the second weekend of each month through Sept. Dress in period attire from 1850-1913 and compete for a cash prize. First place wins $75. Main Street, Julian (760) 765-1857.

Learn about endangered wolves at the California Wolf Center
A one-hour tour includes a slide show and visit with two wolf packs. Reservations required. Guests must arrive by 1:30 p.m. to check in and be escorted to the center. 2 p.m. Saturdays, off Route 79 near Julian. $8, $5 seniors, $4 for children younger than 10; See map at www.californiawolfcenter.org or call (619) 234-WOLF.

Looking to buy a used book?
Find the lowest price by comparing several online sellers at FetchBook:
http://www.fetchbook.info/

Valley Center Western Days starts today
The festival begins at 5 p.m. today with the Valley Center Outlaws staging pretend robberies and shoot-outs throughout the town. A parade will head down Valley Center Road from 10 a.m. until noon and rodeo gates open at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The celebration includes craft vendors and live music and dancing continuing through Sunday evening at the Community Center, 28246 Lilac Road, Valley Center. $3 festival admission, free 10 and under. $8-$25 rodeo admission. For directions and event schedule visit www.vcwesterndays.org. (760) 749-8472.

Teen Popcorn and a Movie Event @ the Branch
Teens - Come watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Thursday afternoon (May 22nd) from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Vineyard Room at the East Valley Branch.

Theme Park Tips
Whether you're going somewhere this Memorial Day weekend or planning a trip this summer, check out these tips from the North County Times to make the best of your theme park visit:
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2003/20030521/preview/011111.html

Support your Freedom to Read
The ACLU has created a web page that will allow you to fax or e-mail a letter to your Representative urging them to vote for the Freedom to Read Protection Act. Read more and send your letter:
http://www.aclu.org/NationalSecurity/NationalSecurity.cfm?ID=12607&c=110
Or if you want your Representative to vote against the Act, find contact information at Project Vote Smart's web site to let him/her know how you feel:
http://www.vote-smart.org/official_local.php

Why do books cost so much?
Ever wonder why you have to pay 20, 30, even 40 dollars for a new book these days? This article shines some light on the outrageous cost of book publishing:
http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2002/12/03/prices/index.html