So, New Yorkers…how are your finances? If you’re like the majority of Americans riding out the recession wave, penny pinching, saving, and being financial responsible is more vital now than in any other time in our lives. Still, you can have plenty of smile without opening your wallet, purse, or murse. It’s Recession-Proof Activities III, the follow up to follow up to Recession-Proof Activities I and II. Consider this a sequel that doesn’t suck.

Download free music from RCRD LBL: The brainchild of GDGT‘s visionary Peter Rojas, the vowel-less RCRD LBL is an ad-supported site that lets users download free, legal MP3s–no RIAA lawsuits up in this piece. The MP3 catalog is a mix of new and established artists (Black Dice, Santogold) who get a cut of ad profits. The icing on the cake? You don’t even have to sign up for an account–point your browser toward RCRD LBL and commence partying.

Resurrect an old notebook with Linux: Have an old PC that chokes, wheezes, and coughs when you power it on? Put it to good use with Linux, a free open source operating system that has less bloat than Windows, so it runs fine on ancient hardware. Linux comes in many flavors, but we recommend Ubuntu which has an easy level of entry for wannabe techies. Simply download the ISO file, burn to CD/DVD, and boot your PC from the disc.

Check Out the NYC Public Library Cultural Calendar: If you’re looking to take in some learnin’, the NYC Public Library is here to help. The institution hosts lecture series covering a range of topics from business to science in various locations around the city.

Get A New Do–For Free!: The hair stylist ninjas at Bumble & Bumble (the salon to the stars), have to start somewhere–and the somewhere is Bumble & Bumble University. There the students learn to trim, dye, and cut with real human heads. Sign up, get styled, and take pride in knowing you’re assisting stylists-in-training make steps towards their dreams — and get a kick-ass hundred dollar haircut for nary a dime (they don’t accept tips).

Take A Ride on the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry shuttles 20 million people a year between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street–without charge! Enjoy the terrific view of Ellis Island, Lady Liberty, and the city’s skyline as you cruise one of NYC’s most under-appreciated modes of transportation.

Sit In on a TV Show Taping
Many popular TV shows are taped right here in NYC such as the Daily Show, The View, The Colbert Report, Letterman,  and SNL,  and it won’t cost you a thing to sit in as a member of the studio audience. Tickets, naturally, can be hard to come by so you may have to call/request them online several times to nab one (or even stand in line outside of the studio in hopes of copping the seat of someone that’s canceled).

That’s Recession-Proof Activities III for you. Keep those eyes peeled for more freebie activities that will put a smile on your face no matter if you’re home or out on the town.

No related posts.