I loved this story by Tobias Buckell, which takes place in a place where every breath a character takes costs money. It's got adventure, deep emotions, moral quandaries and intriguing ideas. I hope you like it as much as I did.

http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/buckell_05_10/

The Home Joys blog comes to our rescue again with this terrific round up of homemade seasoning packs. Using these instead of spending a couple of bucks every time you want to mix up some salad dressing, make tacos, soup, chili or ribs will definitely save you some cold, hard cash. (Not to mention fried chicken and a couple of other favorites.)

http://homejoys.blogspot.com/2009/03/make-it-yourself-seasoning-mixes.ht...

With the economy still in chaos and so many people out of work libraries are more important than ever. Not only can you learn new skills, either from reading or from free or cheap classes, but the internet access and ability to easily apply for jobs is invaluable. Unfortunately with tax revenues down libraries are feeling the bite, with entire counties getting rid of their libraries completely.

Libba Bray, who won the Printz Award for her novel Going Bovine, has written an excellent post with suggestions about how help save libraries, what boycotting meant when she was a young child and other thoughtful topics. http://libba-bray.livejournal.com/56915.html

Just in case your big cookout plans didn't work out for Memorial Day, or you didn't make any or you just need to get need to get away from a bit, keep in mind that many parks have special events or prices for the weekend. Generally veterans get in for free at government sponsored parks, especially Federal parks, which is only fitting, but others can often also get in for free or a reduced fee.

There are also loads of picnics and parades going on and it's not too late to get out in the fresh air and enjoy one of these. The parades can be a very nice way to pay your respects, relax and be entertained all at once. My kids were huge fans when they were little; especially enjoying the little toys various groups toss out to the kids. Often these parades culminate in a festival atmosphere, complete with bouncy castles and guess the winning duck games, which can cost little to nothing.

Harbor Hospital in Baltimore offers a nice range of free and low cost screenings, some of them excellent bargains like fifty dollars for a CT scan for those at high risk for lung cancer. You can find the list here: http://www.harborhospital.org/body.cfm?id=556215

I realize I've been posting an awful lot of local stuff lately that isn't much use to anyone out of my area but I hope it inspires those of you who are further away to check your local resources for similar opportunities.

Horror author Douglas Clegg has posted an e-book for free on scribd. Called Twenty Tips for Writers, you can access it here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/31244122/20-Tips-for-Writers-by-Douglas-Clegg

He's had a successful career for quite some time and offers valuable advice.

Tor.com is giving away a different amazing piece by a fantasy/science fiction artist. The offer is only good this week so you'd better be quick (sorry for the late notice, I've been pretty sick this week but am on the mend now).

Thursday's art is a powerful Green Man figure, or at least that's how I interpret it. It's by John Picacio and is the cover of an upcoming novel.

I also very much like Shaun Tan's work, which is available now, and Bob Eggerton's, which will be posted Friday. Enjoy!

http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=59332

Screen on the Green returns for its eleventh season this summer, showing classic films in Washington, DC for free, on the grass on the National Mall. I've been to this and it's lots of fun.

Bring something to sit on, a blanket or whatever, and a small bat to eat any mosquitoes or other annoying summer bugs that dare to harass you.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/misc-events/screen-on-the-green,104401...

Here is a four minute video with advice about what to look out for before you get a mortgage, while having it and if you get into trouble.

Pat Cadigan wrote my favorite short story of all time. She's written a new story with an interesting look at what alien interaction might be like that's part of an upcoming anthology. Luckily for us the story is available online for free, in three parts.

Here is the link to part one:

http://martyhalpern.blogspot.com/2010/05/taste-of-night-by-pat-cadigan-p...