Free Web Friday

They say the best things in life are free and with the economy in decline, free could not be a more welcomed word. However, many of the so-called "freebies" are often laden with strings attached to them. On the internet, there are infinite numbers of "free trials" that require one to purchase something after 14 or 30 days. Other things "freebies" are not worth the cost (yes, some free things are worth giving them away). To that end, I decided that I would post a series of truly free - no strings, no catches - yet also practical things I found on the internet. Below are some things I have found so far. I am interested in hearing about those free things that others may come across as well, so be sure to let me know.

Free Ringling Brothers Circus Tickets - Ringling Brothers Circus promotes itself as an experience of a lifetime. An experience that no one should ever miss out on. To ensure that children have the opportunity to see the circus, Ringling Brothers gives away free circus tickets to any child during their first year. THE TICKET NEVER EXPIRES. To claim your baby's free circus ticket, go to www.ringling.com/offers/baby.aspx in your baby's first year and sign up. Tickets can not be replaced if lost. If you have multiple births (twins, etc.), you can contact Ringling Brothers through their website to request tickets for each baby.

Free Books - Do you love to read? Don't have the time to go to the library or the money to purchase new books from the bookstore? Well, now you don't have to worry about either. Three websites offer free e-books or audio books that can be delivered over the internet right to your computer.

Project Gutenberg offers more than 20,000 e-books and audio books ranging from classics like Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island to lesser known authors and titles such as Francis Buckley and Recollections of 1916, 1917, and 1918. Project Gutenberg converts books to e-books after the copyright period expires.

University of Pennsylvania Online Books Page offers more than 30,000 e-books in much the same way as Project Gutenberg.

LibriVox offers free audio books as downloadable MP3 files. LibriVox does not have as many volumes as Project Gutenberg or the University of Pennsylvania, but they still have a respectable 1,800 + volumes available as audio books. Each audio book is read by volunteers.

Free Anti-Virus Software - For a free, but very basic (no spam filter, firewall, or spyware), anti-virus software, please visit AVG.

Free Architectural Drafting Program - Google offers a free architectural drafting program with Sketchup. Sketchup allows users to create 3D drawings of just about anything they want. Design your dream house, layout a room full of furniture, or what ever else you desire.

Free Interior Paint Calculator - Are you thinking of repainting a room in your house? Don't know how much paint to buy. Try the Easy 2 DIY interior paint calculator at Easy2DIY.

That's it for today. I will keep a lookout for other free things on the internet and pass them on as I find them. Remember, if you find something, let me know, but it must be truly free (no trials, no strings, no catches) and it must be of practical value.