The recession continues. In these tough financial times, penny-pinching is essential, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live it up. We’ve once again rounded up some of our favorite low-cost activities (you can find our original recession-proof list here) that are sure to bring a few smiles while keeping the debit card in pocket.
1. Chuckle It Up at UCB Theatre: The recession is taking its toll on Americans pretty hard, so why not get out for a few giggles? UCB Theatre, a staple of New York’s comedy scene, hosts “School Night” where those in dire needs of laughs can take in new, experimental improv, sketch comedy, and stand up for absolutely zero dollars. That’s right, zero, zilch, nada. The one caveat is that it tales place at 11PM on a Wednesday night, but hey, many of us aren’t waking up for work on Thursday morning anyway.
2. Get Your Game-On With Gametap: Thanks to the breakthrough success of the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii, gaming has expanded its scope beyond basement-dwellers to bring joy to the mainstream. With so many new gamers on the scene, we suggest checking out some of the classics courtesy of Gametap (compatible with both Mac and PCs). Although the meat of the Gametap’s library reserves are available only to subscribers, there are awesome freebies like Bubble Bobble, Final Fight, King of the Fighters ’96, Metal Slug 2, Neo Turf Masters, and Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. Please note: some of the free titles are siphoned into Gametap’s premium area, so the content may vary from month to month.
3. Watch Public Domain Movies: Remember those old, campy black ‘n white monster double features that you used to watch on weekends as a kid? Many of them have fallen into public domain and are available as free downloads from moviesfoundonline.com. There you’ll find cult classics like Carnival of Souls, Attack of the Giant Leeches, House on Haunted Hill, Hercules vs. The Moon Men, and more. Take that, iTunes!
4. Read Some Books…Google Books, That Is: When Google Books Search fist launched a few years ago, it came under heavy fire from publishers who didn’t want their content available online for free. Fast forward to the present, and Google and the various publishers are working hand in hand to deliver loads of good reading to you for free. There are many sample chapters of books currently on the market so you can try before you buy (or hit up your local library). One of the best aspects of Google Book Search is the deep back catalog of magazines: you can read full issues of Baseball Digest, Jet, Prevention, and other ‘zines that have a few years age on ‘em.
5. Join the Secret Science Club: The Secret Science Club is a free science lecture and arts series, that’s open to the public. The high-end geek gathering meets the first Wednesday of every month in the basement of Union Hall in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Their website has a long list of interesting past speakers like Leslie Vosshall, Neuroscientist at Rockefeller University and Paleoanthropologist, William Jungers.
6. Sit In On Barnes & Noble’s Author Readings: Every month B&N has authors that come in to promote their newest books by holding readings, Q&A sessions, and signings — all for free. For instance, John Grisham will be promoting his latest novel “The Associate” on January 27th at 7pm at the Union Square Barnes and Noble. You can check out your hood’s calendar here.
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I love this series! Please do more!
Hey Lois!
The more free/ low cost stuff to do in NY we find, the more we’ll post!