Seeing that the news is replete with horrible economic news I thought to add some ideas for frugal fun.  Low or no cost activities to keep your mind sharp and off all of those layoffs and news of recessions.

I learned to play chess at around 5 and its been a game I return to now and then.  One day I’d like to get past my all time level (which is probably around the 16-1700 rating) and one exercise is to do chess problems.  There are thousands to choose from and they are categorized from Novice  through to Difficult and even Fiendish.

Chess problems

If you are new to the game here is a site that takes you from the very beginning: How to setup the board, what the pieces are, to how they move, to basic strategies and openings.

Have fun!