Yes, we know you've resolved to eat healthier and work out more. Haven’t we all decided to strap on a pedometer and order the side salad instead of the fries? This should last ... oh about another week. Or maybe, by mixing up your routine and/or finding a place you really like to exercise you could do your part to fight the American obesity epidemic. Forget the skinny jeans and the scale, incorporating a little movement into your life could potentially give your mood a boost. The following is a list of free passes to gyms around LA. No more excuses.

 

We’ve heard it way too much: times are tough, unemployment is high and its looking like we’re headed for a double dip in the recession. Tell me something I didn’t know, like how the heck I can make some extra money! For those of you walking around with a smart phone there maybe an easy way.

I grew up in the age of Napster and Kazaa as well as DC++ and MyTunes in college dorms. If somebody wanted to listen to a song they could pretty easily grab it and build out their music library instantly. The size of people's collection not only became a contest, but a source of gigabyte based pride. Nowadays the trend of illegal file-sharing is pretty dead. Sure you can still hop onto BitTorrent and grab some music, but with the advent of solid streaming services who really wants to fill up their hard drives with an overwhelming amount of songs you'll never have the time to listen to? There are a number of free services out there to help you get your music fill. 

William Shakespeare is very dead, though you wouldn't know it from all the performances of his plays happening around Los Angeles this summer. New York City has a huge Shakespeare in the Park show every year, but we're better than that here in Southern California. We have Shakespeare in lots of parks. And they're all FREE. So whether you don't have the money to see a play at Music Center, or just prefer the theatre to a free concert, show the Bard some love and go to a show. Wherefore art all these shows? Probably very close to you!

One of the best things about summer in Los Angeles is that all around the city, nearly every day of the week, someone is treating you to awesome live music in the great outdoors for FREE. From local indie bands to big acts, world music to jazz to Latin to country/Americana, there is definitely something you'll like at a price you can afford: FREE. Did we say FREE? Yeah, all these concerts are FREE. Check the BrokeLA.com calendar to see what's going on today. Now go listen!

Though in some areas we've made strides, with the tragic shooting of 15-year-old Larry King back in the news, and the not so distant memory of the rash of teen suicides, we're reminded that even in this day and age, growing up gay can be tough. I have compiled a brief listing of GLBTQ resources which include everything from mental health referrals to online support and social groups in the greater Los Angeles area. One of the biggest obstacles of being GLBTQ is struggling with isolation, loneliness, and lack of support. Please make use of this list to reach out to those who can help, and share it with those who can benefit.

It's 4th of July weekend 2011 and we can't wait for the fireworks! Yes, there are parades and pancake breakfasts to celebrate the red, white & blue this Independence Day, but who are we kidding? We are just waiting to see beautiful explosions light up the night. Grab a blanket and a friend, because we've got your rundown for fireworks across Los Angeles and SoCal at large. Most of these fireworks shows are free, and all the rest are really cheap at $5 and under, with that money generally going to charity. Happy Birthday, America!