So why does it seem there are more freebies than ever? Perhaps author Chris Anderson has the answer. Listen to him discuss why FREE is THE NEW PRICE

FREE 411 SERVICE: On most cell phones, an Information call costs $1.95! That's ridiculous, even if they do connect the call. But there is an alternative. Call 800-373-3411. You'll have to listen to a very short ad, but you'll save $1.95. As they say on TV, that's 800-373-3411.

FREE FLU SHOTS
Influenza kills 30,000 - 40,000 people every year. Don't trivialize it. Don't put off getting a flu shot especially if you are in an 'at risk' group. Check with your doctor's office or the town hall or even your pharmacy, flu shots are often free. They are not shots foolproof, but they improve your odds and may help you fight it off if you do get it. Do it!

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT....STARGAZING
The Museum of Science's rooftop observatory is open on Friday evenings, 8:30-10 for stargazing (weather permitting). Peek through their 12" Meade LX200 telescope. Museum staff is on hand. Call 617-589-0267 or click here.

BIRTHDAY FREEBIES
Birthday coming soon? Cool off with ice cream - courtesy of local establishments. Sign up for a free birthday ice cream from Baskin-Robbins, Friendly's, and Coldstone's, among others. And, on your way, stop for a free vehicle wash, if you are a member of car wash 'clubs', like RoJo's and ScrubADub.

Many restaurants give you a free dessert (or other deal) on your birthday, Check it out HERE.

TIPS ON TIPPING
Jodi Smith of Mannersmith.com will send you a wallet-size reference card to guide you to an appropriate tip. You'll also find a Thank You Note Wizard.

LOVE TO READ? FREE BOOKS HERE!
This is brilliant. It's an online exchange for used books. You list at least 9 books you want to swap. Every time you send a book, you get a credit for another book. You pay the postage when you mail a book to someone else (probably $2.13 at Media Mail rates.) Check out PaperbackSwap.

FREE FROM UNCLE SAM
The US Government Printing Office is a great source of useful information on health, finances, consumer issues, and more. Many of their publications are free. The rest typically cost $0.50 to $2.00, but you can often download a FREE PDF CATALOG.

FREE AUDIOBOOKS
Many public libraries belong to a service that provides downloadable audio books. The systems and access vary; just inquire at your public library. You can download to a computer, then onto an MP3 player (not an iPod for at least one of the vendors.)

FREE EDUCATION

• Aerodynamics, Music Theory, Econometrics, Whatever. If they teach it at MIT, you'll probably find it in their OPEN COURSEWARE PROGRAM .
• Learn a language. The BBC, yes the BBC, offers podcastable lessons in many languages. www.bbc.co.uk/languages.
• The Small Business Administration, SBA, offers classes to help you start or run a business. Everything from business plans to taxes. Go to www.sba.gov, click on local resources, then select "counseling and training" in the right column.
• Apple Stores offer free workshops, about 50 minutes long. The downside - it's all about Mac. Go to Apple.com, click 'visit an Apple store"

FOR HISTORY TEACHERS
There are classroom manuals from the History Channel. Here are a few examples.
• The Declaration of Independence.
• The Missouri River: A Journey with Stephen Ambrose.
• The National World War II Memorial.
• The White House 200th Anniversary