Something to look forward to after work, especially for those near the Rockefeller Center!

Socially Superlative has posted an event on b/h of BR called CITY SOUNDS TOUR. I'll be stopping by at 7!

Free refreshments, music inhouse and a gift bag. Loves it.

One man's mission: 30 days, 30 dollars, 90 meals. Did he succeed? Er, yes.

He starts by stating:

"Upon returning from vacation in Japan, I find I have no money. As such, I have chosen to limit my food spending to three tenners for the month. Is it possible? I’ve sworn off mooching and handouts—except for a few perfect Italian meals made by my girlfriend’s mother. Plus, I did a full inventory of everything digestible in my kitchen, including all the “food” hibernating in the back of the freezer, cowering behind the garlic salt in the cupboard and relaxing in that moisture-controlled cheese drawer. For better or worse, it will all get used. "

I am both disgusted and impressed. There's no way in hell I could do this - I am a lover of both handouts and vegetables, ask anyone who knows me.

Check out the full story at Time Out New York (which, by the way, published what I am dubbing a RECESSION BIBLE this week. Woot!)

CRAIGSLIST is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get.

Roommate horror (and success) stories aside, Craigslist is amazingly useful in a recession, in particular, the FREE section.

Attn: FREE FREE FREE FREE!

Times are tight, times are tough, and some times you just want something for FREE. CL is there for you. There's gold (figuratively) and trash (literally), so check daily, more than once. It takes 10 minutes, so it's not a real time committment. And if you ever get something you've been wanting, hell, it's worth it.

What I've found in the last week beyond the obvious curbside college futon and broken refridgerator:

tickets to a legitimate musical (in case you're curious, called SESSIONS)
headshots (a seemingly legit bored photographer)
"serious" karate lessons (get a new hobby!)
beautiful FILM SET furniture (if i had a car, dammit!)
pets (like you need another mouth to feed)
cubicles (not kidding)
haircuts/dye jobs (beauty schools)
tons of books (imagine lugging those on a subway?)
bags of clothes (probably stained and gross)
theatre costumes (holloween prep?)
dental exams (not sure this would be a good idea)
wigs (a new you?)

So yeah. Check it out, see what you find. Let me know if it works out for you!

And you know, I think I might take up that dude on the free karate. So HI-Ya! RECESS THIS.

Sometimes, you just need a fucking swipe because:

A.) You lost your monthly pass
B.) Your monthly pass just expired
C.) You don't use a monthly pass because you're that budgeted and poor, goddammit

Well, on Feb. 17 (next Tuesday - put it in your BB or Iphone!) all you recessionites can grab a free $4 Metrocard! Urbanite reports:

"Feb. 17, courtesy of Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge. The bowling alley's mascot, Mr. Pin, will be handing out cards to the first 1,000 passersby from 7 to 9 a.m. at 50th Street and Sixth Avenue and at 57th Street and Sixth Avenue. And, nope, you don't have to bowl to get your complimentary rides."

I'm not one of those unfortunate NYCers who have been canned by their respective companies. Much love to all those who are.


But, I'm feeling the pinch. (also, I can feel slightly ok about not having started my 401 k yet! woot!)


Actually, I was already feeling the pinch because I'm an entry level communications exec, so we all know I don't exactly make stellar paychecks. And, I live in NYC, so rent is 4x here what it is somewhere else....say, Kansas or, um, .. Montana.

...

But you know what? I'm getting by! And so are my friends.

HOW?


Well, we now a.) eat in more (like, duh) b.) take advantage of every open bar known to man, even in places like Greenpoint and c.) pick up side jobs, such as freelance writing, secret shopping, modeling, and, for those talented in the circus-arts such as myself, clowning. YES, we are all for hire in our respective fields (but for me, you need to contact my clown "agent" first). More details on this in later posts.





Just to lay it out there, I will be periodically updating this lovely blog with news from the homefront regarding New York and the recession, and how me and my friends manage to cruise along without too much damage. And if we are damaged, how we plan to repair. Expect tips on everything recession-related, such as side jobs, how to not get fired, and where to find the next open bar.

With that, I leave you with this lovely list on my personal, OMFG, Positives of the Recession!


POSITIVES OF THE RECESSION:

• Rent only went up 30 bucks a month! Normally 100! 840 still in my and my roommates wallets! *CHA-CHING*


• I now feel OK about staying in and catching up on TV via-Netflix online, such as "Friday Night Lights" (ok, so maybe this is more neutral-negative)


• When I one day invest in my 401k, I can buy cheaper Bank of America stock!


• "Recession Specials": Think Hollywood Tan 5 dollar tans, and EXTENDED Restaurant Week