Posted by Site Administrator on August 24, 2009 - No Comments

By Hannah Watson

If you’ve decided that law is the career for you and want to head back to school, there are a lot of things you need to consider before making a choice. After all, figuring out where you’ll spend the next three years of your life and a hefty chunk of change is a big decision. Here are some articles that will help make it easier to get in, finance your education, learn about what law school is like, and even consider potential careers in law fields.

Getting In

The first step to a career in law is getting accepted into law school. These posts can help increase your chances of acceptance and decide where you want to go.

1. Why Do You Want to Go to Law School?: Have you taken some time to seriously consider why it is you want to go into the law? This post addresses some of the issues in law teaching and other careers you should consider within law.
2. HOWTO: Figure Out What a Law School Is Like: Learn how to find a good match for what you want and need in a law school with help from this post.
3. Law School: Get Ready and Go: Check out this post to read about how to prepare for and choose a law school.
4. Reasons to Avoid Law School; Reasons to Still Go: This post weighs the pros and cons of attending law school helping you get a well-rounded view of things.
5. The Minimal Increase in Law School Applications: While generally, applications to grad schools increase in times of economic downturns, learn why you won’t be facing any additional competition for law school.
6. Getting Into Law School With A Low GPA: Did you not fare so well in undergrad? Find out more about how it may affect your law school applications here.
7. Quick Tip: Letters of Recommendation: You’ll need some letters of recommendation to get into school, so learn the best ways to ask for and get them.
8. Chances of Acceptance: This post will teach you how to calculate your chances of getting accepted into the schools of your choice.
9. Law Student Resume For Law School Admissions: Get a few tips on tricking out your resume for law school applications in this post.
10. Part-Time J.D. Programs: If you can’t go back to school full-time this post can help you learn more about part-time programs.
11. Three Early Steps to a Smooth Admissions Cycle: Get a better idea of what you should be doing early on when it comes to law school applications.
12. Killing Your (Essay) Babies: Here you can get some good tips on writing a better law school admissions essay.
13. Dealing with Your Past: Disclosing Criminal Issues on Law School Applications: Read this post to learn how your criminal past should be dealt with when applying for law school.
14. A Law School Professor’s Advice to an Applicant: Through this post you can get some advice from a law professor on what you should do to improve your chances of getting in and being successful.

Getting Started

These posts can help you navigate those first few months of law school with greater ease.

15. The Summer Before Law School Reading Lists: Make the most of the time you have before you’re bogged down by schoolwork to get some great preparatory work done.
16. What To Do Before Law School: This post offers some advice on how to prepare for law school before the first day.
17. Words You Should Know …BEFORE Law School: Read this blog post to find out some words you should add to your vocab.
18. Five Law School Orientation Tips (Plus Five More): Make it through law school orientation in one piece with some advice from this post.
19. Getting Ready for Law School?: This post offers a couple of interesting reads to look through before you being school.
20. The Summer Before Your First Year of Law School: Learn how you can make the most of your summer before school and what you should do to get ready in this post.
21. Pre-Law School Tips and Advice: Read through this post to get some great advice on preparing for law school.
22. 1L FAQ: Here you’ll find some common questions new students have about law school and some helpful answers.
23. Don’t Mention It: Get some advice from another law school student on everything from Facebook use to how to act in school.
24. Advice to the Class of 2012: This post is full of tips for law school students on how to spend the summer before law school, including getting in shape and not freaking out about school.

Paying for School

Law school isn’t cheap, so learn more about how you can finance your education, keep costs under control, and deal with law school debt from these posts.

25. Paying for Law School: Debt Matters: Get some good advice on managing debt from school in this post.
26. Paying Law School Loans Without a Job: What happens when you graduate from law school and can’t find a job? How do you pay back your loans? This post offers some guidance.
27. Sharp Jumps in Public Law School Tuition: Learn why you could be paying more for school if you’re just starting out.
28. Law School Loan Forgiveness: In this post you can get some tips on whether or not you’ll qualify for loan forgiveness.
29. High Cost of Law School Loans: This blog can show you some of the ramifications of law school debt.
30. Bankruptcy Doesn’t Discharge $350,000 of Law School Debt: Read this post to learn why law school debt is a serious thing– one that you can’t shake even by declaring bankruptcy.
31. Get Your Legal Legs Under You when Paying Off Law School Tuition Debt: This post can help you learn about some of the basics of paying off your debt.
32. Law School: Ways to Pay: Here you’ll learn about the variety of costs included with going to law school and some ways that you can help manage and pay them.
33. Paying for Law School: Considering the Costs: Through this post you’ll learn about ways that you can reduce the amount of law school debt you accrue.
34. The cost-benefit analysis of attending law school in the new legal marketplace: Is going to law school still worth it? Get the numbers here.
35. Too Much Student Debt = Not Fit to Join the Bar?: Law school debt may make it hard to be a lawyer if you let it go, as this post discusses.
36. New Federal Loan Programs: You may be able to qualify for some beneficial loan programs to help you attend law school. Read more here.

Getting a Job

Learn what getting a job will be like after you graduate from school with some advice and information from these posts.

37. Out-of-work lawyers try to be paralegals, secretaries: Finding a job as a lawyer is hard, and many are working in related professions as this post discusses.
38. Fall Recruiting: What Law Students Need to Consider: Learn ways to make yourself look good to recruiters in this post.
39. Law School Grads Face Tough Job Market: Job hunting isn’t easy. Learn what grads now are facing so you can prepare yourself upon graduation.
40. No Sympathy for Unemployed Lawyers: If you can’t find a job after graduation don’t expect much sympathy as this post relates.
41. Dealing with the Reality of the Legal Market: The job market for lawyers isn’t great at the moment, so learn to make the most of the opportunities that are out there with this post.
42. Work the Room Comfortably at a Conference: This post will help you learn how to network and make the most of the law conferences.
43. Paralegal Schools Online: Learn how starting a blog might be able to help your job prospects according to this blogger.
44. After Graduating Law School Is It Difficult To Find A Job?: Here you can get some insight into how difficult it is to find a job post-graduation.
45. 5 New Books Every Job Seeker Should Read: When you’re fresh on the search for a job you should read these helpful books.
46. Top Ten Job Search Engines: Learn some of the best places to look for a job after you finish school.
47. Top Tips for Legal Resumes and Cover Letters: Check out this post to learn how to create a stellar legal resume.

Getting Through Law School

If you think going to law school will be easy, think again. These posts offer guidance and tips on getting through law school while maintaining your sanity.

48. The Savvy Stylist: First Day of Law School: If you want to look professional when you head back to school get some tips on what to wear from this post.
49. What can you do with an iPhone or Kindle in law school?: Get some advice on how to make the most of your gadgets while you’re in school.
50. GTD for Law Students: Review to Relax: Here you’ll find one post out of a series on productivity tips for law students.
51. When It’s Rough, It’s Right: Learn why law school may be giving you the most when it’s the hardest from this post.
52. Dealing with Distractions: Read this article to learn how to better deal with distractions that can keep you from getting your studying done.
53. Prepare for Law School Success During Your Pre-1L Summer: This post will help you plan your summer before law school to ensure you do better once school starts.
54. Writing a Good Law Dissertation: If you plan on writing a dissertation while in law school, this post can give you some pointers on making it great.
55. Have Cognitive Enhancing Drugs Arrived at Law School?: Learn about some of the dangers of taking cognitive enhancing drugs that might seem like a quick fix from this post.
56. Enlightenment: This post offers some great and sometimes humorous advice on going to law school without regrets.
57. Supplements, Oh My Supplements!: Here you’ll find advice on supplementing your readings for better grades in your courses.
58. How To Reduce Your Stress In Law School: Law school can be a stressful place but you can learn to minimize its effects with help from this post.
59. Stretch Before Finals: This post will give you a step-by-step guide to planning your study schedule.

Your Education

Make sure you’re getting most out of your law education by taking a look at these posts.

60. Do Lawyers Need Accounting Training?: Could it help your career to learn a little more about accounting while you’re in school? Learn more here.
61. The Pedagogical Goals of Law School Classes: This post addresses many of the things that first year law students find frustrating or confusing about school.
62. Should Law Firms Have To Do Law Schools’ Jobs?: Here you can learn more about the things that your law school education may be excluding.
63. Law Student Learning Styles: Read this summary of a study on the way law school students learn.
64. Welcome to the Future: Time for Law School 4.0: Find out how law school can change and adapt in the future and the ways they’re failing today.
65. Something They Didn’t Teach at Law School: Learn why you might want to pick up a new language while in law school.
66. Laptops in the Classroom: Learning Tool or Time Waster?: Many law school students bring their laptops to class. Find out whether they’ll be a good note-taking tool or just a distraction.
67. Applying First Year Law Classes to Real Life: While a big part of the material you learn in first year law school may not actually be applied in the courtroom, this post can help you make use of it nonetheless.
68. What Did You Learn in Law School?: Find out what you may or may not be actually learning while you’re in law school.

Law Students

Get some advice and guidance from those who’ve gone before you by reading these posts by law school students past and present.

69. How I Got Through Law School: This mom shares her insights on how she made it through law school in one piece here.
70. Best and Worst of First Year: This older student shares thoughts on some of the ups and downs of being a first year law student.
71. Being a Law Student: Share your concerns about law school with this blogger.
72. Slaying the Law School Myth: There are a lot of myths about going to law school and entering the law profession. This blog post attempts to dispel some of them.
73. Best Law School Advice Ever: Here you’ll get some whimsical advice on getting through law school.
74. Technology Helps Blind Law Student Pursue Dream: Get some inspiration from another student who has overcome a lot of obstacles to make it to school.
75. Paralegal Certificate: If you’re worried about feeling dumb in law school or paralegal school you’re not alone. Learn if it ever gets better from this blog.
76. Imposter syndrome, redux: Those who are older and just now heading to law school can commiserate with this older student’s experiences.
77. It’s All a Matter of Perspective: Get a little perspective and even a laugh from this post about the difficulties of law school.
78. Looking Back on Law School: Learn about this particular student’s experiences in law school, including things she thought she would accomplish and how she thought school would change her.
79. This Is the Song That Never Ends: Your work in law school may be just like the song that never ends, as this post discusses.

Test Taking

There are a couple of big tests you’ll have to take in order to become a lawyer in most states, and you can get some advice on how to do the best you can on them with these posts.

80. What to Do When the Bar is Over: Finally taking the bar can feel like a big relief but can leave you wondering what to do next. This post offers some suggestions.
81. The Secret Weapon on the Bar Exam: Get advice on a secret weapon that can help you perform better on the bar.
82. How To Study Effectively For The Bar Exam: If you’re unsure how to best study for the bar this post will give you some advice.
83. How To Take A Dual Bar Exam: Does your profession require more than one bar exam? Learn how to study for both at once in this post.
84. Bar Review a Second Time: Learn what you should do if you fail the bar and have to retake it through this post.
85. Are Bar Review Courses Necessary?: Should you set aside money to pay for a bar review course? This post offers some advice.
86. Bar Exam Advice: Get some basic advice on taking the bar exam from this post.
87. LSAT Preparation: Before you can think about taking the bar you have to take the LSAT. Learn how to prepare from this site.
88. What’s a Good LSAT Score?: If you’re not sure what you should be aiming for you can find out more from this post’s guide.
89. How to Set LSAT Goals With Your GPA and School’s Entering Class Profile: This post will help you figure out what kind of LSAT score you should be getting.
90. A Modest Proposal: Is There a "Best" Way to Study for the LSAT?: Get some pointers on finding the ideal ways to study for the LSAT from this post.
91. Talking LSAT Prep with Steve Schwartz: This professional LSAT tutor shares his advice on the ways to ace the LSAT.

Law and Lawyers

These posts address a range of issues related to the law profession, working in law and deciding on a career path.

92. Five Ways Millenials Can Prepare to Change the Legal Industry: This post will give you some inspiration on how you might just make a big splash in the legal profession when you start your career.
93. It Wasn’t Like This On Law and Order: Get some insight into what it’s really like to be an Assistant DA– as this blogger points out it’s sure not like on TV.
94. The Question: Inevitably your friends and family will ask you what kind of law you’re going to practice. What will your answer be? This blog addresses the infamous question and how you can come to an answer.
95. Tips for Finding Career Alternatives: If law doesn’t work out what will you do? This post offers some alternatives for work.
96. Coming to Terms with Working Life: Making the transition from school to working life can be hard, as this post addresses.
97. Everyone Seems to Know But Me: Feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t know what they want to do after graduation? This blogger shares your pain.
98. Finally My Paralegal Experience Pays Off: Those who’ve had lots of experience working as a paralegal, oft maligned in law school, can see how it might finally come in handy with this post.
99. Would You Do It All Again?: This post offers the answers of present-day lawyers as to whether or not they’d go through law school again.
100. Law Students Can Network with Lawyers: Learn about this social networking site that can put students in touch with valuable contacts.

Posted by Site Administrator on August 19, 2009 - No Comments

By Hannah Watson

Whether you are trying to boost your grades before applying for college or are struggling to bring up a low GPA, you’ll likely want some help that will get you back on track without straining your wallet. The following list is full of sites that will make it easier for you to find free help with your homework. Get general homework help, join a social network with other students, look for help on a specific subject, and learn how to research and study better with these awesome websites.

General Homework Help

These sites all provide free homework help.

1. MSN Encarta Homework Help. Find articles, tools, links to information on specific topics, and even a homework message board here.
2. HippoCampus. This site provides multimedia lessons and course material to help high school and college students.
3. Infoplease Homework Center. Get help with specific subjects or skills, such as writing and studying.
4. HomeworkSpot. With the reference materials and links located here, you’ll find answers for your homework problems.
5. Discovery Education Homework Help. Select from help with math, science, English, social studies, and other subjects here.
6. About.com Homework/Study Tips. Find information on writing, research, study tips, and more.
7. Refdesk.com Homework Helper. Organized by grade levels (first through college), find plenty of helpful resources here.
8. King County Library System Research and Homework. Get links to sites with little marketing, access to helpful databases, and even online tutoring during specific hours.
9. ClassBrain.com. Geared toward K-12, this site offers help with projects and reports, worksheets and puzzles, and useful articles.
10. Edheads. This site offers games and activities to teach difficult concepts and designed to meet state and national standards.
11. Math and Reading Help. Despite the name, this site offers articles to help with many subjects beyond math and reading, including science and writing research papers.
12. NCES Kids’ Zone. Get help math help, find interesting facts, learn about choosing a college, and more on this site.
13. Schoolwork.org. Find links to information organized by subject as well as information about online college, student health insurance, and student credit cards.
14. High School Ace. This site offers college guidance information along with information by subject, news of the day, and quizzes and games.
15. homeworkNYC.org. Sponsored by the New York public libraries, this site provides links to tons of information, tools, study notes, and text books.

Online Communities

Join an online community to get help from and learn from other students.

16. Cramster. This online study community is available to high school and college students, parents, educators, and experts on subjects and offers everything from practice problems to study tips.
17. Campusbug. Get access to tools and resources for studying, homework, and projects here.
18. learnhub. This social networking site helps students find assistance with their assignments.
19. Loomagoo. Students can share notes and study guides, purchase and sell text books, and more at this site.
20. The Quad. Students can collaborate on school projects or organize face-to-face social events with this social network.
21. Bored of Studies. From Australia, this group helps students with their last two years of studies before college.
22. Student.com. Join this social network to connect with other students. Visit the forums and message boards for homework help as well as subject-specific discussions.
23. The Exchange. High school students and teachers can join online to discuss political and constitutional ideas here.
24. WordChamp. Sign up for free to access this incredible global network for learning a second language. Homework, drills, website reader, and conversation with native speakers are available.

Tutors and Tutorials

Get free online help with these tutors and tutorials.

25. Jiskha Homework Help. Post your homework questions here and experts on the subject will answer your questions.
26. Live Homework Help. This service from the state of Alabama offers free help from online tutors Sunday through Thursday from 3:00 to 10:00.
27. StudentQuestions.com. Post a question through this service and receive an answer from tutors of varying levels of expertise. Note that some tutors are free while others charge a fee, but you get to choose.
28. MathNerds. Get free math tutoring to help better understand math concepts.
29. Free Tutoring – Your Child May be Eligible for Free Tutoring. Find out if you or someone you know in K-12 may be eligible for free tutoring help.
30. MyTutorials Education. This section offers online tutorials in a variety of topics.
31. CYS Services Free Online Tutoring. If you are affiliated with the US Army, then check out this site to find out how you can get free tutoring.
32. Homework Hotline. If you live in Indiana, use this hotline to get free science and math help.

Math

These math sites will help you learn everything from algebra to trig.

33. AplusMath. Geared more to simple math skills through basic algebra, this site offers worksheets, flash cards, interactive math games, and much more.
34. The Math Forum at Drexel. Get tons of tips, problems, and puzzles to help boost your math skills.
35. curiousmath. Learn lots of great time-saving math tricks with the information here.
36. Math.com. Find help with algebra and geometry at this site.
37. Algebra Homework Help. Browse through a list of algebra and geometry topics, find a free tutor, and more.
38. Mathematics Articles. These articles will help you better understand math with topics ranging from algebra through statistics.
39. The Most Common Errors in Undergraduate Mathematics. This professor shares common errors such as bad handwriting and lack of parentheses.
40. Free Math Help. Get help with algebra, calculus, trig, geometry, and statistics here.
41. dansmath. Find lessons for algebra, calculus, and other math topics at this site that is continually adding new lessons.
42. Virtual Math Lab. West Texas A&M provides this math help in three different levels of algebra, GRE math, and other standardized math tests.

Reading

If your reading could use a boost, try these sites.

43. Reading Rockets. For both beginning readers and older readers who struggle, this site offers reading strategies, guides, and more.
44. Teaching Reading to Older Kids Who Have Learning Disabilities. While this article is aimed at educators, it gives tips that older readers can incorporate for themselves to improve their reading.
45. FREE Reading Help. This reading tutor has links to reading help online as well as a waiting list for free tutoring (up to two students at a time).
46. All Info About Reading. Offering lessons, free worksheets, ideas, and more, this site provides tons of reading help.
47. The Reading Genie. This professor provides a listing of lessons, research, and materials to help strengthen reading skills.
48. Maryland Adult Literacy Resource Center. While some of the services offered here are for Maryland residents, they also offer GED and online reading resources.
49. Thinkfinity Online Courses. These free online courses are designed to help students, teachers, and tutors learn more about literacy.

Research and Writing

These sites will help you learn how to do quality research and how to write about what you’ve found.

50. A+ Research and Writing. For high school and college students, this site steps you through the process of creating a well-researched and written paper.
51. Research and Documentation Online. This site offers help on evaluating the quality of information, knowing how to cite online material, and places to find reliable information on the Internet.
52. University of California Berkeley Library General Guides. Find out about the different citation styles as well as other helpful research information.
53. Info Zone Research Skills. This site walks you through six steps of research and provides helpful links for each one.
54. Purdue Online Writing Lab. This online lab provides an enormous amount of writing and research information for students in grades 7-12, college students, and professional writers.
55. Research, Reports and Presentation Support. Find everything from the mechanics of writing a paper to how to research controversial topics on this site.
56. EasyBib. Use this tool to easily create a bibliography in MLA style for books, journal articles, and more.
57. Ottobib. Enter the ISBN from any book and automatically get a bibliography in one of many standard styles.
58. A Research Guide for Students. Learn how to do research, how to correctly write your research paper, and get links to reference materials useful in research.
59. Teaching Organization in Writing. This article offers a simple overview of how to write a well-organized paper.

Science and History

Get plenty of help on your science and history homework with these sites.

60. The Image. Find tons of information about and images of minerals and gemstones here.
61. Dynamic Periodic Table. This incredible periodic table is easy to use and offers information by hovering your mouse or clicking on specific elements for detailed information.
62. The Science Page. Get links to tons of science-specific resources here.
63. Exploratorium. This awesome website offers a ton of useful science information.
64. MadSci Network. Browse through the thousands of science questions and answers here or ask a scientist yourself if you still didn’t find the answer you needed.
65. The Biography Maker. This tool will step you through creating an informative biography on the person of your choosing.
66. History Timelines on the Web. Find history timelines from all around the world on a wide variety of topics.
67. Online Conversion. Visit this site for an amazing number of conversions including global times, acceleration, and distances.
68. History Help. This forum is a great place to post your questions or browse through past questions and answers.
69. The History Place Homework Help. Get tips on how to write a history paper as well as links to other helpful history resources.

Study Skills and Tools

These sites will help you sharpen your study and test-taking skills.

70. Study Guides and Strategies. This site offers tons of help ranging from time management to classroom participation to preparing for tests.
71. Handouts, Worksheets and other Self Study Materials. From the University of Texas, get Word and PDF files covering a wide variety of study topics such as motivation, stress management, note taking, speed reading, and more.
72. ASAP: A Student Assignment Planner. Enter the date you want to start your project and its due date, then receive a detailed checklist full of links to ensure you stay on track to complete your assignment on time.
73. Howtostudy.org. See a study model, get study resources, and get help on topics such as college writing and GPA calculator.
74. How-To-Study.com. Read articles on a variety of study topics ranging from general study tips to subject-specific topics.
75. EducationAtlas Study Skill Guide for Students. These guides offer advice on test-taking, general study tips, and tips by a selection of topics ranging from psychology to chemistry.
76. InfoPlease Study Skills. These tips will help prepare you for test-taking and even offers a section on mastering essay tests.
77. Test Taking Tips. This site focuses on several aspects to help you study for and successfully take exams.
78. Study Skills Online. Get study tips from a college professor at this site.
79. Study Guide Zone. The resources here include study skills, test taking, different learning types, and much more.
80. The Study Skills Help Page. Dr. Carolyn Hopper at Middle Tennessee State University has compiled several excellent resources for studying. Scroll to the bottom for the lists.
81. Free-Ed.Net. Take free online classes here that focus on how to study, how to strengthen reasoning skills, and how to learn better communication.

Reference Materials

Use these reference materials to find answers to almost any question you may have.

82. Multnomah County Library Homework Center. This site offers links to information on many topics as well as links to several high-quality reference sites.
83. BJ Pinchbeck’s Homework Helper. This site has an awesome collection of reference materials sorted by subject.
84. Awesome Stories. Find original sources from national archives, libraries, universities, museums, and government databases. Sign up for a free membership to have full access.
85. Bartleby.com. This amazing site offers access to a huge list of reference books as well as fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
86. Internet Public Library. Get reference material on a wide range of topics such as arts and humanities, law and government, business, education, and science.
87. Fact Monster. Find facts on a variety of topics as well as several reference resources here.
88. Federal Resources for Educational Excellence. This government database provides information on everything from math to music.
89. Searching for Stuff. Find words, information by topic, and websites for education with this simple search site.
90. Biography.com. Get biographical material on famous people that range from Abraham Lincoln to Michael Jackson.
91. HowStuffWorks. Learn how something works at this site that covers everything from celiac disease to materials used in constructing patios.
92. refdesk.com. This site offers facts, quotes, news, and searches for a variety of information.

Student Organizers

Staying organized is a great way to improve your academic achievement so that you never lose an assignment or forget a test day again. Give these student organizers a try.

93. GradeMate. Manage grades, assignments, notes, discussions, and more with this free student organizer.
94. MyNoteit.This note-taking and organizing tool for students will help you keep notes, assignments, and tasks organized and is also shareable with classmates.
95. Gradefix. Fix your grades or just learn to manage your time better at this site that organizes your homework schedule for you.
96. Notely. This student organizer has a to-do list, calendar, schedule, and homework planner to help you get better grades.
97. StudyMinder Lite. This free organizes assignments, prioritizes tasks, and records study times to help you stay on track.
98. HiTask. This free task management tool provides you with easy scheduling, organizing, and sharing of tasks.
99. CollegeRuled. Students can create schedules, create lists and manage notes for specific classes, and create message boards to facilitate communication between classmates. You will need an email with .edu to sign up.
100. Tasks Jr.. This web-based task manager allows you to organize and prioritize your projects for class.

Posted by Site Administrator on August 18, 2009 - No Comments

If you’re studying to become a librarian, Twitter is a great place to find information. Whether you’re learning from other library professionals, staying on top of news, or checking out resources, you can find what you need on Twitter. Read on, and you’ll find 100 of the best Twitter feeds for future librarians.

Library Professionals

Read these Twitter feeds to learn what library professionals are up to.

1. @jessamyn: Jessamyn West is an influential rural librarian.
2. @shifted: Jenny Levine is shifting libraries and the American Library Association.
3. @conniecrosby: Connie is a guerilla librarian, geek girl, and book lover.
4. @infodiva: @infodiva is an information professional who blogs about library information services and more.
5. @libraryfuture: Joe Murphy shares his thoughts on the future of libraries.
6. @Akearns: Amy Kearns is a librarian who loves technology, teaching, politics, and more.
7. @alalibraryval: Valerie Hawkins is the Library Reference Specialist at the American Library Association.
8. @Librarian: This librarian reaches the parts other libraries have yet to reach.
9. @kenleyneufeld: Kenley Neufeld is a community college librarian and teacher who is obsessed with the social web.
10. @kishizuka: @kishizuka is the technology editor of School Library Journal.
11. @geeklibrarian: Geek Librarian is a geek helping public librarians into the world of Web 2.0.
12. @tai_fighter: Tai is a librarian by day and night.
13. @MaceyALA: Macey Morales is the Manager of Media relations for the ALA.
14. @kgs: KG Schneider is a librarian who enjoys writing, homebrewing, and procrastinating.
15. @janettefuller: Janette Fuller is a librarian and children’s literature specialist.
16. @glambert: This law librarian discusses knowledge management, competitive intelligence, social media, and more.
17. @alanlcohen: Alan Cohen is a professional librarian and entrepreneur.
18. @heyjudeonline: Judy O’Connell offers a look into transforming education and libraries.
19. @pfanderson: PF Anderson is an emerging technologies librarian interested in informatics, search engines, Web 2.0 and more.
20. @mstephens7: Michael Stephens is an educator, librarian, and blogger that encourages his followers to never stop learning or dreaming.
21. @LesaHolstine: Lesa Holstine works as a librarian, book reviewer, and blogger.
22. @davidleeking: Read what David Lee King has to say about libraries, social media, and digital communities.
23. @infogdss29: Beth Gallaway works as an intrepid virtual librarian.
24. @msauers: Michael Sauers is a technology innovation librarian.

Jobs

With these feeds, you can find out about jobs available to librarians.

25. @Libgig_Jobs: Find library jobs all over through @Libgig_Jobs.
26. @libgig_talk: You can discuss LibGig on this Twitter feed.
27. @GetLibraryJobs: Check out @GetLibraryJobs for jobs, careers, and community.
28. @ALA_JobLIST: This feed is an excellent source for jobs in library, information science, and technology.
29. @UKLibraryJobs: Get information about jobs in UK libraries here.
30. @LibraryCrossing: @LibraryCrossing highlights jobs in libraries of all kinds.
31. @alaplacement: @alaplacement offers job placement and career information for library and information science workers.
32. @LibInfoSciJobs: Find jobs for LIS professionals in and outside the library through @LibInfoSciJobs.
33. @tmj_usa_library: You can find library and information science jobs through TMJ-USA Library Jobs.
34. @libassociates: @libassociates offers recruiting, consulting, and more for libraries.

News

Read these feeds to learn about the latest in library news.

35. @LISNews: Find library and information science news on this Twitter feed.
36. @LibraryJournal: Read @LibraryJournal to get library views, news, and book reviews.
37. @alanews: Read news from the American Libraries Association here.
38. @TransparentLib: Read about The Transparent Library column in this Twitter feed.
39. @SAGElibrarynews: @SAGElibrary news offers a look into publishing in academic, educational, and professional markets.
40. @sljournal: This journal is the world’s largest reviewer of children’s and young adult material.
41. @Library_land: Use @Library_land to stay up to date with library news.
42. @ncacensorship: Find news about censorship from @ncacensorship.
43. @liswire: @liswire serves as the librarian’s news wire.
44. @librarybeat: @librarybeat offers library news, trends, and opinion.
45. @pr_library: Find top library news from @prlibrary.
46. @LJBookReview: @LJBookReview offers book reviews and book news.
47. @libraryleadpipe: Find peer reviewed library blogging on Library w/ Lead Pipe.

Organizations

You can follow the activities of library organizations on these feeds.

48. @libsmatter: Learn about news and links from Librarians Matter.
49. @del_censorship: Delete Censorship encourages librarians and readers to exercise their First Amendment rights.
50. @alanmrt: If you’re a new member of the ALA, be sure to check out this feed.
51. @NPOLibNetwork: This network serves Canadian nonprofits.
52. @OCLC: OCLC works to connect people to knowledge through library cooperation.
53. @leabharlainne: The Library Association of Ireland works for librarians and the libraries of Ireland.
54. @amlibraries: American Libraries is the magazine of the American Library Association.
55. @ALIANational: @ALIANational represents the Australian Library & Information Association.
56. @forumupdates: Learn about the Prison Library Project from this Twitter feed.
57. @ALA_TechSource: This feed shares resources for librarian geeks and technology innovators.
58. @LivingLibrary: This organization works to promote the Living Library on a global level.
59. @alaconnect: Become a part of the library community and get connected through @alaconnect.
60. @ALALibrary: This library discusses librarianship and ALA.
61. @REFORMAnet: REFORMA National promotes libraries and information services to Latinos and those who speak Spanish.
62. @CalLibAssoc: This organization supports the libraries of California.
63. @tomstader: Tim founded The Library Project, which provides books to rural Chinese elementary schools.
64. @ALA_LITA: @ALA_LITA represents the Library and Information Technology Association.
65. @AtYourLibrary: At Your Library is the ALA’s public awareness campaign to promote the value of libraries.
66. @oitp: Here you can read about the ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy.
67. @TXLA: The Texas Library Association is the largest state library association in the US.
68. @medlibs: @medlibs shares group tweets for medical librarians.
69. @alscblog: @alscblog represents the Association for Library Service to Children.
70. @librarycongress: Check out @librarycongress to learn from the largest library in the world.
71. @NJLA: Here you’ll find tweets from the New Jersey Library Association.
72. @ALLforBooks: 13 year old Adele Taylor created this library literacy organization.
73. @CulturattiKids: This organization supports public school libraries and literary arts programs.
74. @oif: The Office for Intellectual Freedom encourages people to read banned books.
75. @ala_rusa: @alarusa represents the Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association.
76. @MaineLibraries: Check out the Maine Library Association here.
77. @geekthelibrary: Geek the Library is a public awareness campaign for public libraries and their critical funding issues.
78. @MrMLibrarian: Mike McQueen works to get boys to read.
79. @IFLA_HQ: Get news from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions here.
80. @ala_island: Find out what’s happening in the ALA Second Life island here.
81. @yalsa: @yalsa represents the Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association.

Resources

Follow these feeds to get access to great library resources.

82. @GlobalLib: @GlobalLib shares global and international library information for librarians.
83. @LibraryRemix: @LibraryRemix offers a rethinking of libraries.
84. @LITAcamp: LITAcamp is a technology unconference for libraries.
85. @LibrarySecrets: @LibrarySecrets tells the secrets of the library.
86. @AccessMyLibrary: @AccessMyLibrary advocates for increasing discoverability of library content online.
87. @openculture: @openculture shares the best cultural and educational media on the web.
88. @AskALibrarianUK: As these librarians a question, and they’ll answer.
89. @librarythingtim: Here you can read the musings of LibraryThing’s founder.
90. @mlibraries2009: Lean about the Mobile Libraries Conference here.
91. @alcts_crg_ce: Here you can find out about continuing education opportunities for librarians.
92. @Internet_Archive: The Internet Archive is an Internet library with permanent access to historical collections in digital format.
93. @infodoodads: Here you’ll find librarians tweeting about information and information tools.
94. @library2: Find ideas for Library 2.0 here.
95. @twittbraries: @twittbraries discusses libraries and librarians who use Twitter.
96. @TextALibrarian: @TextALibrarian offers SMS/Text message reference services.
97. @FairlyUsed: Here you can find out about copyright and fair use.
98. @libraryconnect: @libraryconnect offers partnerships with librarians.
99. @findingDulcinea: @findingDulcinea is the librarian of the Internet.
100. @timelines: @timelines will help you discover, record, and share history.

Posted by Site Administrator on August 12, 2009 - No Comments

By Rose Jensen

Thoughts of summer vacation may include images of time at the beach or lake, lazy days escaping the heat, and no thought of classes or the stress of the past two semesters. However, there are plenty of productive ways you can spend your summer that can be fun, relaxing, helpful for your education or career, or just downright lucrative for your pocketbook. Check out this list of 100 productive ways to spend your summer vacation for inspiration.

Volunteer Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a day-long project or one that lasts the entire vacation, these volunteer opportunities are an excellent way to spend a productive summer.

1. Join a park clean-up day. Local parks, hiking trails, and beaches often sponsor clean-up days where the public can come out and help clean trash and make simple repairs.
2. Become a big brother or big sister. Mentoring organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters can match you with a child who needs someone to look up to.
3. Coach a sports team. If you love a sport, be it soccer, baseball, or tennis, and like working with kids, then there are plenty of chances for you to volunteer to coach a team.
4. Volunteer at a retirement home. Make visits to retirement homes just to chat, offer a presentation, do art, share some music, or bring your Wii in and hold a tournament.
5. Turn your pet into a therapy dog. Any type of dog who is good natured and loves people may qualify to become a therapy dog. Become qualified, then take your pooch on visits to children’s hospitals, retirement homes, respite care facilities, or anyplace therapy dogs are welcome and bring some joy to those who may not be able to keep pets.
6. Deliver meals. Meals on Wheels provides meals for the elderly or infirm and is always looking for volunteers to bring those meals to the clients. This is a simple way to make a big difference.
7. Read for the blind and dyslexic. Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic has studios around the nation available for volunteers to read and record books and texts for the blind and dyslexic. They are in short supply of volunteers who have a background in such fields as math, science, finance, computer science, and foreign languages.
8. Find the perfect volunteer match. Companies like VolunteerMatch will help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.
9. Find existing projects for college students. Campus Compact coordinates with over 1,100 schools to offer students the chance to make a difference for others.
10. Volunteer and be recognized. Learn & Serve America is an organization that provides students with an opportunity to use what they have learned in the classroom to help others. Volunteers through this program who go above and beyond can be recognized with community service awards.
11. Knit or crochet for babies. Yarn arts have become very popular over the past several years. If you know how to knit or crochet, check with your local hospital. They often have a volunteer program accepting knitted or crocheted items for preemies and newborns and will often provide the yarn.

Travel

The lure of travel is appealing to many, but the cost can sometimes make it prohibitive. Travel is a productive way to spend your vacation, and below you will find plenty of ideas on how to make that happen.

12. Be an overseas camp counselor. Travel during the summer, learn a new culture, meet some awesome kids, and get paid by being an overseas camp counselor.
13. YMCA Study Tours. These your-round tours will take you to global destinations to learn about the region. They cost money, but for many, scholarships are available.
14. Study abroad. Many companies and schools offer opportunities for study abroad during the summer. Travel and get college credits or work experience with these opportunities.
15. Volunteer abroad. A great way to travel and really get to know the culture is by working right alongside the citizens. Try a volunteer abroad program to get the most of both.
16. Work abroad. If you want to earn some money while traveling, then try working abroad. You can spend your summer saving and exploring.
17. Take advantage of student status. Sites such as FarePlay from StudentUniverse.com offer travel just for students. Search within your budget, find destinations popular with college students, find music festivals, and much more.
18. Book a college student tour. If you want something a little more guided, try booking a tour through an agency such as EF College Break.
19. Opportunities for Jewish students. Hillel offers a chance for Jewish adults age 18-26 an opportunity to go to Israel for free on a peer-group trip.
20. College visit opportunities. Some colleges encourage prospective students to visit their campus by providing travel grants such as this one. See if the schools you are interested in attending offer such options.
21. Visit friends. Line up friends you may not have seen in a while and take a trip to see them. You can probably crash with them, so all you need to pay for is getting there and back and your food and entertainment money.
22. Couch surf. Join a group like CouchSurfing to make contacts with others who will let you stay on their couch (or extra bed) for free–anywhere in the world.

Internships

Taking the summer to work on an internship offers many advantages to students. These tips and resources will help you find a great internship for a productive summer no matter what field you are studying.

23. Media internships. A great way to break into TV, radio, and other media-related fields is to take an internship. You can gain experience and also test the waters to ensure you enjoy this type of work.
24. Clerk. If you are a pre-law or law student, taking a clerkship can provide you with important resume-building skills as well as contacts for your future.
25. Science internships. Young scientists can take advantage of plenty of available internships. Learn how to find them and how to make them work with this article.
26. Disney. Disney offers opportunities for summer internships that can lead to paid internships or positions with the company.
27. U.S. Department of State. If working in the government sounds appealing to you, then check out the internship opportunities available through the U.S. Department of State.
28. Investment banking internship options. It’s no secret that if you plan to work in investment banking, the goal is to get an internship the last summer before you graduate. If you missed this opportunity, don’t despair.Here are some other ideas that will also help your chances for a career in investment banking.
29. IBM. If you are pursuing a degree in software development or an MBA, then you may qualify for the internship opportunities available at IMB.
30. Sports. Preparing for a career in sports may mean learning more than how to play sports. An internship opportunity like the one available at USA Track & Field is an excellent way to prepare for this career.
31. Environmental organizing. Summer is a great time to learn about organizing others who are passionate about saving the environment. Internships like this one at Environment Minnesota can get you started.
32. Try an internship company. There are several companies out there like this one and this one that will help you locate a summer internship, no matter what you major.

Expand your Knowledge

Take advantage of your down time to open your mind to new knowledge and experiences with these ideas that include education vacations, new hobbies, and open courseware classes.

33. Read. Make a list of books you’ve always wanted to read or find a list of best-sellers and give yourself plenty of reading for the summer. Share your finds on websites such as Shelfari or GoodReads.
34. Take an education vacation. Instead of just taking a vacation with no purpose, take a vacation where you can learn something. Use a site like Texas Education Vacation to plan a trip or use your own interests to seek opportunities to learn about the region, people, culture, and history of wherever you go.
35. Take a non-academic class. Maybe you think that since classes are over for the summer you should stay away from school, but now is a great time to take informal classes to learn art, music, pottery, or any other subject that interests you.
36. Learn to play an instrument. If you’ve always wanted to learn the guitar or play the piano, summer vacation is a perfect time to learn how to play.
37. Learn a language. Take classes, go online, or buy some books or software to help learn a new language. Whether you go on vacation later or can use that skill for language requirements at school, you’ll be on your way to speaking the language.
38. Take up a new hobby. If you’ve always wanted to make a model airplane, learn to knit, collect coins, or any other hobby you can imagine, while school is out is the perfect time to learn new hobbies.
39. Learn to cook. Specialty grocery stores and high end houseware stores often offer cooking classes. You can also find instructional videos online or just purchase some cookbooks and learn by experience.
40. Visit museums. Check out the museums in your town, then venture out to nearby towns and see what they have to offer. Exploring museums is an easy and inexpensive way to expand your knowledge.
41. Build something. Whether a bookshelf or a birdhouse, build something. Not only will you learn a useful skill that you can put to use later when you own a home, but you can use this opportunity for a creative outlet, too.
42. Take a geek vacation. Read this article to find eleven great vacations for geeks. You won’t be sitting at home on your computer all day with these ideas.
43. Take an open courseware class. MIT and other universities around the world are making many of their past courses available free of charge online. These courses typically include such elements as the syllabus, course reading material, lectures, and projects.
44. Watch a university lecture online. Choose from 17 subjects and find video lectures from professors at top-rated universities at Academic Earth.

Earn Extra Money

If you devote all your time to school work during the semester, then take advantage of your break from that responsibility to build up your bank account with these ways for making extra money.

45. Be a camp counselor. A great summer job, these temporary positions are just for the summer and will have you outside doing fun projects while being a mentor to children.
46. Tutor students. Whatever subject or subjects are your strong ones, use that ability to tutor students who need extra help and earn some great money in the process.
47. Sell unused stuff. Clean out your living space and sell anything you aren’t using anymore. That old DVD player, the iPod you replaced last year, and those clothes hanging in the back of your closet can all bring in some money.
48. Get creative. Take these examples to heart and tap into your own creativity to find unusual ways to earn money.
49. Find a job related to your field of study. Not only can you gain important experience, but you can also save money or reduce your student loans if you find a job over the summer.
50. Take a part time job that may carry over to the fall. Finding a great part time job during the summer can build some cash reserves and still allow you some time to have fun. If it’s something you really enjoy doing, carry it over to the fall and keep earning that extra cash.
51. Start your own business. The possibilities are endless for starting your own summer business. From walking dogs to yard care to house sitting to web design, settle on something you can do well, line up some references, and spread the word.
52. Get a government job for students. Studentjobs.gov offers an excellent way for students to get their foot in the door for government jobs. Find a summer job here for your future.
53. Try an adventure job. Adventure jobs can be anything from white water rafting guide to climbing guides to outdoor educators. Search for a site like this one or this one that helps match you with these types of jobs.
54. Become a personal shopper. If you have a knack for decorating, dressing, or know your way around technology, help others shop for clothes, household items, or computers and other technology products.
55. Sell plasma. Plasma centers will buy your plasma, usually up to twice a week, and can be quite profitable with some donors earning over $200 a week.

For School and Beyond

Just because you aren’t in school doesn’t mean you can be taking care of school or career-related issues. From creating a resume to improving your writing skills, these suggestions will give you an advantage over those lazing around all summer.

56. Study for admission tests. If you are heading off to college or grad school soon, use the summer to get ready for admission tests you may be facing.
57. Take extra classes. If you need some extra classes or need help polishing up on a subject you didn’t quite grasp, take extra classes during the summer.
58. Create a resume. It’s never too early to put together a great resume. Whether you will be in the job market soon or not, spend this time working on your resume so it is ready when you are.
59. Apply for scholarships. This blog post from Pay for College Blog offers suggestions on applying for specific college scholarships, no matter if you are a freshman or have been in school a while.
60. Find your focus. If you have been struggling with a direction to take in life, use this time to research, talk to others, and possibly do some volunteer work in the field of your choice to help determine what direction you want your future to take.
61. Visit colleges or grad schools. If you are about to enter college or grad school, take this opportunity to visit schools and learn about the areas.
62. Learn to type. If you use the hunt-and-peck method on your computer, learn to type. It can speed up the time it takes to complete school assignments and will also provide you with an additional skill for your resume.
63. Earn credits while having an adventure. Castle Rock Institute offers students a chance to take four humanities courses while participating in outdoor adventures and living in small community groups. The college credits earned are transferable, but check with your school to make sure.
64. Buy books early. If your professors already have their books listed, then buy your books early and get started reading them before classes start.
65. Do research for a conference paper. Having a conference paper accepted can be a huge boost to your future, whether that be grad school or a career. Proving you can do original, valuable research is quite an accomplishment.
66. Join a campus group. If your school offers community groups, think about joining one. There may be fewer activities during the summer, but you can still research and contact members. Being a member of campus groups can help make connections for your future and may look good on your resume.
67. Improve your writing skills. Writing is incredibly important during school and in your career. Establish excellent writing habits and learn to communicate effectively to see improvement in school and a great skill for your resume.
68. Get to know professors. You don’t have to get to know them personally, but do your research on the type of professor each is, their teaching style, areas of interest, and what students like and dislike about them. This way, you can choose only the best professors who will motivate you to learn and can guide you in the right direction.

Personal Challenges

If you have ever wanted to challenge yourself with difficult task such as running a marathon or need to teach yourself important techniques as destressing or getting organized, then summer vacation is an ideal time to focus on these activities.

69. Train for a race. Whether you want to run a marathon, 5K, triathlon, or other race, use your time off during the summer to train for the race of your dreams.
70. Research your family history. Take advantage of your down time to research your family history. Talk to the older adults in your family, check out online genealogy sites, and put together a family history your entire family can treasure.
71. Tackle an old to-do list. If you have a to-do list that has been hanging over your head, use summer vacation to get those items checked off the list.
72. Climb a mountain. Travel to the peak that has always piqued your interest or give something local a try if you have ever thought about climbing a mountain–a physical and mental challenge enjoyed by many throughout the ages.
73. Reconnect with family members. Now that you aren’t so busy, take this time to reconnect or mend broken relationships with family members. Use your time off to make a visit to spend time together.
74. Take a hike. Whether you just want a challenge of an afternoon or want to try your hand at a multi-day hiking adventure, hiking can be a great way to connect with nature and find yourself.
75. Clear the clutter. Clean up your living space, your work space, and your computer. Clear out old files, old clothes, paperwork you no longer need, and other clutter and you will not only have a cleaner, more organized place, but you can focus more easily on what you need to do than what is stacked all around you.
76. Destress. If the past semester (or past several semesters) has brought too much stress to your life, take this time to destress by pampering yourself, getting enough sleep, not overscheduling, taking time to focus on your breathing and meditate, getting exercise, eating right, and having fun.
77. Get fit. Take on an exercise program, examine and change the way you are eating, and make positive changes that can help you become healthy and fit.
78. Develop healthy habits (or stop bad ones). Quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, and take up positive habits such as meditation, exercise, and maintaining healthy relationships with friends.

Help the Earth

Use these ideas to have a productive vacation while helping the Earth.

79. Plant a garden. Even if you live in a tiny apartment, you can plant tomatoes, herbs, or flowers in a container. Learn how to grow container plants that can make a difference for the environment and give you something productive to do with your time.
80. Start a community garden. If you have mastered container gardening and want to move on to something bigger, try starting a community garden in your area.
81. Don’t use your car. Try parking your car for the summer. Now that your schedule is more relaxed, take public transportation, walk, or ride your bike to get where you need to go.
82. Take a bicycle tour. Why travel by car or plane this summer? Take a bicycle tour instead. Not only will you help the environment, but you will improve your fitness and can meet new people on your journey.
83. Participate in an organized environmental project. Working or studying abroad while participating in a project such as these available through ProWorld Environmental Projects gives you the chance to do something for the Earth as well as yourself.
84. Plant trees. Plant trees in your own yard, organize tree planting in your community, or volunteer your time with an organization like Tree Musketeers.
85. Clean up vacant lots. If your neighborhood or community has abandoned lots that have become a nuisance to the neighborhood, organize a clean-up of the area. You may be surprised at how many neighbors volunteer to participate.
86. Start a compost. Composting is an easy project that can make a huge impact. Learn how to start a compost for yourself and then volunteer to help others do the same.
87. Switch to natural cleaners. It’s probably not your favorite job, but cleaning the house has to be done. Take some time to learn about natural cleaners, then make the switch to save money and the environment.
88. Start a toner cartridge recycling effort. Set up toner cartridge recycling stations in local businesses and schools, then collect the cartridges and recycle them at the appropriate place (often for money).
89. Work at an organic farm. Spend your summer vacation working at an organic farm and you can learn ways to grow your own food while helping local farmers.
90. Avoid fast food. Fast food is one of the worst environmental polluters. With the massive amounts of beef raised and transported, the enormous amount of paper and plastic goods used, and other sources of fast food pollution are just part of the problem. They also push out local and small farmers and the food is just about the least healthy thing you can eat.
91. Opt out of junk mail. As this article demonstrates, there are many places sending you junk mail–and you have to opt out of each by sending a letter, making a call, or via their website (not always available). To opt out of all these junk mail options may take up your entire summer vacation!

Personal Development

Working on personal development is not only a productive way to spend your summer, but a gift to yourself that will last forever.

92. Create a personal website. Whether or not you think you are tech savvy enough to do this, you can create a website for yourself. If you can’t build one from scratch, use WordPress blogs or sites like WebStarts to make one, then fill it with your professional information that can help you build a career.
93. Blog. Start a blog (there are plenty of free ones out there) and document your summer to stay in touch with friends and family or use it as a personal journal to capture your creativity.
94. Think about goals. Setting both short-term and long-term goals for yourself ensures you will stay on track to make your future what you want it to be.
95. Become an early riser. Give yourself a good night’s sleep by going to bed at a reasonable time, then form the habit of waking early each day. The extra time will give you an opportunity to do something for yourself before the demands of the day begin.
96. Learn to manage your money. This skill is not only an important one, but one that will help you make it through life with fewer stresses. Go online to find plenty of personal finance sites like Mint that can help you learn how to manage your money.
97. Learn to manage your time. Time management can help you complete assignments and projects more efficiently and is an important skill to carry over to your career.
98. Read motivational blogs. There are several popular and inspirational blogs that can help you find your motivation if it begins to flag.
99. Get organized. Before the next semester starts, get your papers and files organized. Set up a system so that you have a place for everything once the new semester starts.
100. Learn to embrace failure. As many successful entrepreneurs will attest, failure can be an important teaching tool and often leads to later success. Embrace and learn from your failures so you can create a positive future.

Posted by Site Administrator on August 11, 2009 - No Comments

By Rose Jensen

Away from home with the high cost of college, students often find that they are usually a little short on cash. But if you are smart about it, it doesn’t have to be that way. Read on, and you’ll find 100 hacks that can help save students money.

Mental Tricks

Use these tricks to fool yourself into spending less money.

1. Pay with cash: Make spending more real by paying with cash whenever possible.
2. Carry large bills: For many, it’s more painful to spend large bills than smaller ones, so carry bigger bills to prevent spending.
3. Leave your wallet at home: Take only the cash you need.

Entertainment

Follow these hacks, and you’ll be able to have fun for less.

4. Make room in your budget: If you know you have to spend money on entertainment, be sure to save room for it in your budget.
5. Don’t use cable TV: Watch DVDs and videos online instead of cable TV.
6. Go outside: Take advantage of parks, outdoor activities, and picnics.
7. Create a club: Put together a book club or wine tasting club with friends.
8. Go on tour: Many breweries, factories, newspapers, and other facilities offer fun, free tours.
9. Find a cheap bar: If you’re going out, locate a cheap bar and make it your usual spot.
10. Go out for just coffee: Don’t spend lots of money on alcohol or food-just hang out over a cup of coffee.
11. Play yard games: Play volleyball, tag football, bocce ball, and other fun, cheap yard games.
12. Visit school plays: See what your school’s drama department has on tap.
13. Enjoy happy hours: Get cheap drinks and food by visiting during happy hour.
14. Use the campus pool: Take advantage of the pool you have access to on campus.
15. Hit the library: Visit the library for DVDs, books, and more.
16. Join a street team for freebies: Get free show tickets and other freebies in exchange for promoting bands and events.
17. See what’s happening on campus: Take advantage of free and cheap activities on and near campus.
18. Find house parties: Go to house parties where the booze is free and plentiful.
19. Look for discount days: Find out which days zoos, museums, and theaters offer free or cheap admission.
20. Find free events: Check out events online to see what’s happening for cheap in your city.
21. Go to gallery openings: Enjoy food, culture, and art for free.
22. Go to matinees: Catch the early showing for a cheap ticket.
23. Take advantage of student discounts: Use your student ID for discounts on movies and more.
24. Give frugal gifts: Give thoughtful gifts that don’t cost a lot of money.
25. Buy group tickets: Find out where you can buy tickets in bulk, then share the cost with your friends.

Shopping & Food

Use these budget hacks when you’re out shopping and eating food.

26. Cool down impulse buys: Put "gotta have it" buys on a list, and revisit them 30 days later to see how important they are.
27. Shop around: Don’t go for the first price you find-shop around first.
28. Share: Lend and borrow books, clothes, toys and other items that you may not need anymore, and get the same in return.
29. Buy in bulk: If you tend to buy a lot of a certain item, buy it in bulk whenever there is a savings.
30. Put a stop to clutter: Know what you have in your home and simplify to avoid accumulating unnecessary stuff.
31. Cook at home: Save money on food expenses by making your own meals at home.
32. Eat stir-fry: Throw together some rice and vegetables for a cheap, healthy dinner.
33. Use a toaster oven: Warm up a cold sandwich to make it more appealing.
34. Eat before you go out: Leave home full so you won’t be tempted to spend money on fast food.
35. Make salads: Make a salad out of just about anything.
36. Buy rotisserie chicken: Get a rotisserie chicken and use every piece of it.
37. Brown-bag it: Don’t rely on the food court for lunch-bring your own food along to save money.

Health

With these hacks, you’ll help keep your health bills to a minimum.

38. Exercise: Avoid huge medical bills later by exercising and staying healthy today.
39. Eat healthy: Maintain your health with food that’s good for you.
40. Exercise at home: Use your local track, do body weight exercises, and more to avoid a costly gym membership.
41. Limit your vices: Don’t go overboard with cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs.

Travel & Transportation

With these hacks, you can get around for cheap.

42. Don’t use a car: Forego car maintenance, gas, insurance, parking and other expenses by not having a car and learning to use mass transit.
43. Ride your bike: Exercise and save money at the same time by using your bike for transportation.
44. Couchsurfing: Crash on a stranger’s couch, and offer yours, too, to see the world cheap.
45. Use campus shuttles: Take advantage of free transportation with campus shuttles.
46. Study abroad: Take advantage of free lodging and good exchange rates with study abroad programs.
47. Stay close to home: Save money by going on economical group trips.

Earning Money

With the help of these hacks, you can start earning more money.

48. Get a job: Whether you work on campus or off, getting a job can supply you with cash as well as experience.
49. Freelance: Take on freelance jobs to earn a bit of money.
50. Ask for a raise: Get more money for your work by simply asking for it.
51. Avoid scams: Stay away from ventures that ask you to invest money to work.
52. Sell your stuff: Get rid of stuff you don’t need anymore by selling it on eBay.
53. Get a scholarship: Apply for scholarships, so you’ll have more money to work with.
54. Tutor: Share your knowledge with students that need a little help and earn some money.
55. Start your own business: Do what you’re talented at and make a little money on the side.
56. Mystery shop: Get a little extra money and some free food or merchandise by mystery shopping.

Expenses

Learn to cut your expenses using these hacks.

57. Use a prepaid cell phone: Unless you are on your cell phone constantly, using a prepaid plan can generally save you money.
58. Get cheap furniture: Use hand-me-downs, Goodwill items, and other cheap furniture for your dorm room or college apartment.
59. Wash only full loads: Don’t waste water or your money by washing only small loads of clothing.
60. Live at home: If you’re going to a commuter college, live at home so you won’t have to worry about living expenses.
61. Get a roommate: Find someone to split your bills and space with.
62. Stay at home: Going out increases the possibility that you’ll spend unnecessarily, so enjoy your time at home.
63. Don’t hang out with spenders: Hang out with spenders, and you may spend more than you can afford.
64. Always assume they want your money: Always remember that companies are out for your cash.
65. Try bartering: Barter for items and services to save money on what you otherwise would have paid for.
66. Stay busy: Avoid bored spending by keeping up with your schoolwork, joining activities, and visiting with friends.
67. Save first: Once you’ve saved, then you can splurge.
68. Stop catalogs and emails: Don’t sign up for catalogs or promotional materials that will entice you to spend money.

Money Management

Use these hacks to better manage your money.

69. Track spending: Keep good records to avoid getting overdrawn or spending too much.
70. Use envelopes: Put your spending cash into categories using the envelope system.
71. Get a better interest rate: Either by negotiating, or moving to a better bank, work to improve your interest rate.
72. Pace yourself: Avoid spending all of your money early on in the semester.
73. Use online bill pay: Save on stamps, checks, and late fees with online bill pay.
74. Create a budget: Figure out how much money you have and where it needs to go each month.
75. Plan ahead: When you know you have expenses coming, set aside for them ahead of time.
76. Have an emergency fund: Save yourself from going into debt in a crunch by maintaining an emergency fund for car troubles and other unexpected expenses.
77. Join a credit union: Become a part of a credit union that offers lots of perks.
78. Use debit card cash back: Instead of paying ATM fees, just get cash back with your next purchase.
79. Pay your bills on time: Avoid paying late fees by paying your bills on time.

School Expenses

Cut your school expenses using these hacks.

80. Buy used: Don’t shell out for a brand new book-buy used to save money, and be sure to sell it back when you’re done.
81. Negotiate fees: Ask your financial aid office to remove fees for services you don’t take advantage of.
82. Study groups instead of tutors: Save money on tutoring by joining a study group.
83. Get good grades: Earn merit-based scholarships to qualify for good grades.
84. Start out at a community college: Save money by completing your core classes at a community college.
85. Use what you’ve paid for: Make use of the library, gym, and prepaid meals.
86. Get free or cheap software: Download free and open source software, or get student priced-software from your school’s technology center.
87. Share textbooks: If you and a roommate or friend have the same class, study together and share your textbook.
88. Be an RA: Get free room and board by working as an RA.
89. Spread out purchases: Buy books as you need them, not all at the beginning of the school year.
90. Test out of classes: Instead of taking classes, try taking a test to see if you can fulfill your class requirements.
91. Max out on classes: Take as many classes as you can handle to save on per-semester fees.
92. Check out textbooks from the library: Get your textbooks for free by getting them from the library.
93. Use student services: Take advantage of free student programs like health care and transportation.
94. Finish early: Save on room, board, and other expenses by getting out of college early.

Debt & Savings

With these hacks, you’ll be able to pay less and keep more.

95. Avoid credit cards: Stay away from credit cards to avoid going into debt.
96. Keep an imaginary credit line: Only spend what you know you’ll be able to pay back.
97. Pay your savings and debt first: Make sure you don’t end up shortchanging your debt or savings payments by paying them first.
98. Avoid non-academic debt: Use your credit for student loans and nothing else.
99. Make small weekly savings transfers: Deduct a small amount from your checking each week, and you won’t notice it’s gone until you have enough for that trip to Europe.
100. Use online savings: Keep your money a little bit harder to get to and earn higher interest with an online savings bank.

Posted by Site Administrator on August 5, 2009 - No Comments

By Amber Hensley

What we study in college usually has some sort of influence over our future careers and hobbies, whether we end up pursuing a job in that field or not. Celebrities for example, don’t always choose to study film or theater when they’re in school. Some study literature, engineering, broadcasting or even math. This list of ridiculous college majors–think geography and opera–may or may not have prepared these celebrities for their future careers as athletes, talk show hosts and Academy Award-winning actors.

1. Michael Jordan: Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time, and also one of the most admirable athletes of all time. He first garnered national attention when he played for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during which time he won the 1982 National Championship with his team. Also at UNC, Michael Jordan studied cultural geography, though he never graduated. Jordan dropped out one year shy of graduation to play pro.
2. Jay Leno: Talk show host Jay Leno enjoyed a successful stand-up career and fill-in host for Johnny Carson before he became the full-time host of The Tonight Show in 1992. Since that time, Leno has become known as an iconic American entertainer and antique car collector. But before making it big, Leno was a speech therapy major at Emerson College. He graduated in 1973.
3. Regis Philbin: Talk show host Regis Philbin has been on the air since the late 1950s, on game shows, TV specials and talk shows. On his shows, Regis enthusiastically broadcasts his support for his alma mater Notre Dame, where he majored in sociology. Philbin graduated in 1953 and took odd jobs in radio and broadcasting to gain experience for his future career.
4. Kate Beckinsale: British film actress Kate Beckinsale has appeared in movies like Van Helsing, Underworld, Much Ado About Nothing and Click, a testament to her range as an actress and as a celebrity with a loyal cult following. Beckinsale was born and raised in London, England, and attended Oxford with the intention of studying French and Russian literature. Instead, she was offered the role of Hero in Kenneth Branagh’s film production of Much Ado About Nothing and eventually dropped out of school.
5. Will Ferrell: Since the early 2000s, Will Ferrell has become one of the most critically and commercially successful comedians and actors in entertainment, thanks to an ever-growing film career following his popular time in Saturday Night Live. Ferrell is best known for films like Old School, Stranger than Fiction, Anchorman, and Talladega Nights, but unlike other entertainers or comedians, Ferrell didn’t study the arts in college. As a student at the University of Southern California, Ferrell majored in sports broadcasting and sports information.
6. Eva Longoria Parker: After a mostly under-the-radar acting career, Texas-born actress Eva Longoria became an overnight obsession when she joined the cast of the new ABC television drama, Desperate Housewives. She is still one of the most popular actresses on the show, playing feisty, superficial Gabrielle Solis. Before her big break, Longoria was a beauty queen who also earned a degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Though her major probably hasn’t helped her with her acting career, Longoria’s interested in kinesiology and sports may have led her to be attracted to her husband and San Antonio Spurs player Tony Parker.
7. Maggie Gyllenhaal: Award-winning actress Maggie Gyllenhaal often takes on thoughtful, intelligent roles in lower budget films like Secretary and Sherrybaby. And though she’s started branching out by starring in bigger blockbusters like The Dark Knight, Gyllenhaal still likes to pursue work in theater and in films that carry a deeper meaning. It should be no surprise, then, that the pensive Gyllenhaal studied literature and Eastern religions at Columbia University in between film projects.
8. Forest Whitaker: Forest Whitaker is an Academy Award-winning actress who is greatly respected by the acting community as well as the general public. But before he became a devoted film actor, Forest Whitaker studied opera at the Music Conservatory at the University of Southern California.
9. Sean Penn: Sean Penn is a critically acclaimed film actor who has starred in important films like Milk, Mystic River, Dead Man Walking, and Being John Malkovich, among many others. Penn is also known as being a highly intelligent, though somewhat erratic individual, and he even spent time in jail after assaulting a photographer. But in his younger days, Penn seems to have sold himself short, studying auto mechanics at Santa Monica College.
10. Matt Groening: The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has won 11 Primetime Emmy Awards and is a greatly respected cartoonist, screenwriter and producer. The Portland, OR, native is the son of Margaret and Homer Groening, his father being a filmmaker and cartoonist as well. Matt Groening attended The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, in the 1970s. Groening studied philosophy at school, before moving to LA to become a writer.

Posted by Site Administrator on August 4, 2009 - No Comments

By Amber Hensley

TV has long been vilified as a brain-numbing device, but recent research, such as the research documented by Steven Johnson in his book, Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter indicates that some specific types of TV shows can actually make you smarter. Shows that offer such traits as overlapping plot strands, a relatively large number of major characters, blurred lines between good and evil, and narrative that is left to the viewer to understand rather than being told exactly what is happening. In addition to these types of shows, there are also shows that are great vehicles for imparting intelligent information. The following 25 TV shows provide viewers an opportunity to learn and expand their intelligence by watching them. Fiction Currently on TV These shows provide many of the characteristics described by Steven Johnson and will certainly sharpen your brain while helping you learn about many aspects of human nature.

1. 24. Not only is 24 the second longest-running espionage drama on TV and follows the work of Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, who works for the American government fighting terrorist threats. 24 is aired in real-time. Each minute of the show corresponds to a real-life minute that is even continued through commercial breaks. The show is known for its complex plots, fast pace, and difficult moral dilemmas.
2. 30 Rock. This comedy is the brain-child of Tina Fey and documents the goings-on of a fictional live sketch comedy show in New York. Based on Fey’s work at Saturday Night Live, the show includes a cast of ten major characters. While critically acclaimed and enjoying a growing viewership, the show has not garnered the widespread popularity many feel it deserves.
3. Heroes. A story of 12 ordinary people who mysteriously develop extraordinary abilities, the heroes in this show devote their powers to thwarting world destruction at the hands of the villains. Heroes is modeled after the style of superhero comics in format with short episodes leading to a bigger, overarching story line. The complex plot lines of this show, while lending to the intelligent nature of Heroes, has come under controversy and may be simplified in future episodes.
4. House. House explores medical diagnostic challenges of patients that find their way to the teaching hospital where Dr. House, played by Hugh Laurie, and his crew of top-notch diagnostic team. While the show offers a formulaic and predictable format, the medical detective work and depth of character development have promoted this smart TV show to being the most watched show around the world in 2008.
5. Lost. Inspired by the movie Cast Away and the novel Lord of the Flies, Lost follows the lives of plane crash survivors stranded on an island in the South Pacific. The large cast and the intricate storylines, including flashbacks to the characters’ past lives, lend this show an air of intellectual stimulation as well as entertaining TV viewing.

Non-Fiction Currently on TV Catch these smart shows and learn about food, science, nature, and more.

6. Good Eats. Host of the show, Alton Brown, walks viewers through preparing recipes, many his own creations, while making jokes, he is actually providing plenty of awesome information on food, cooking, tools of the trade, the science behind cooking, and more. Get a good dose of humor along with super recipes that you will want to try yourself.
7. How It’s Made. How It’s Made takes ordinary items and shows how they are manufactured during half-hour shows. Some of the items profiled have included lollipops, contact lenses, bicycle helmets, boomerangs, and airline meals. The show originally aired in Canada and France and has spread worldwide. The only spoken words are done by a narrator, which can be adjusted to the language of the country airing the show. The fascinating way common items are made is strangely addictive as well as informative.
8. Mythbusters. Everyone has heard urban legends or rumors and wondered if they are true. The guys at Mythbusters did more than just wonder. Each episode of this show has the team members challenge myths by recreating events and testing the situation to see if the myths may be true or false. Watching the teams build contraptions or set up scientific experiments is as much fun as seeing whether or not the myths hold up.
9. NOVA. This science program on PBS has been on the air since 1974 and has won many awards through the years. The topics covered in this series have ranged from AIDS to acid rain and bioterrorism to Siamese twins. The quality of the shows as well as the support for each episode on the official website have contributed to much of the show’s popularity and recognition.
10. Planet Earth. This acclaimed nature documentary series was the first filmed in high definition. The 11 episodes in this series each focus on a specific habitat and also spend a few minutes at the end of each episode showing how the documentary was made. Not only is the cinematography visually stunning and the information imparted truly interesting, but the show captured a series of first-time-on-camera events including male birds of paradise displaying their plumage and male Emperor Penguins wintering with their eggs.
11. Time Warp. Time Warp takes the viewer into the world of ultra-slow motion by showing ordinary events slowed with high tech cameras. Hosted by MIT scientist and teacher Jeff Lieberman and digital-imaging expert Matt Kearney, these two take events such as a bubble popping, a skateboarder doing tricks, or a cat licking its paw and slows them down to show the science behind the action.

Catch it on DVD These shows may no longer be airing on TV, except maybe as reruns, but are still worthwhile sources of smart TV that can help you learn about social issues, human nature, science, community, and more. Check them out on DVD or download episodes online.

12. Alias. The activities of young CIA agent Sydney Bristow and her requirement to hide her profession from friends and family are at the heart of this show. During its five seasons, the show enjoyed an amazing number of famous guests and addressed important themes such as trust and relationship dynamics.
13. All in the Family. All in the Family has been off the air for 30 years, but still stands as a TV legend. This show was the first to tackle tough social issues including racism, women’s lib, and rape, which up to this point, were not allowed on TV. The bigotry of the main character, Archie Bunker, serves to highlight the absurdity of prejudice and the trademark humor of the show softens sometimes difficult themes.
14. Battlestar Galactica. This remake from an earlier series which originally aired in 1978 enjoyed many awards as well as widespread popularity. Themes of theology and issues affecting modern society such as terrorism, civil liberties, and torture have all played out on this show. Despite the science fiction element of this show, its characters, plot lines, and themes have made it a show appealing to many–even those who don’t typically enjoy science fiction.
15. E.R.. This year brought an end to the longest running primetime medical drama on TV when E.R. completed its 15th season. The show was created by Harvard-educated physician and novelist Michael Crichton. Over the years, the large cast evolved yet always presented well-developed characters in plot lines frequently exploring important social issues. Not only does E.R. fit all of the qualifications outlined by Steven Johnson for what makes smart TV, but it also garnered 22 Emmy awards and 123 Emmy nominations.
16. Frasier. A spin-off of the wildly popular show, Cheers, Frasier chronicles the life of psychiatrist Frasier Crane who returns home to Seattle where he shares an apartment with his father who has been injured on the job as a policeman. The show frequently delved into commentary on class issues and family dynamics. The show is also known for the intellectual wit that runs through each episode.
17. Hill Street Blues. This police drama that ran from 1981 to 1987 was the first show that developed both short-term problems resolved in one episode and longer problems that spanned over several episodes. It also was the first to delve into both personal and work lives of the characters and the conflicts of the two and often examined ambiguous lines between right and wrong. The enormous cast of characters throughout the seven seasons, the complex plot lines, and the moral issues explored all provide insight as to why this show was as critically and popularly embraced and the reruns still enjoys air time in both the US and the UK.
18. M*A*S*H. Premiering in 1972 while the Vietnam War was still going, M*A*S*H was a thinly-veiled allegory for that war that enjoyed a long run until its final episode in 1983. Set in the Korean War, the large cast of characters include both drafted medical professionals and career Army characters working in a mobile surgical unit in Korea. The show is often billed as a comedy, but the heavy themes such as war, racism, classism, death, relationships, and fear are hardly those of comedy. The infamous laugh track, as controversial at the time of the show as annoying to present-day audiences, is thankfully an option on the DVD version of this series.
19. My So-Called Life. Widely considered a teen drama, this short-lived show featured the lives of several high school students and highlighted such social issues as school violence, child abuse, and drug use. The show didn’t try to candy-coat any of the themes it dealt with, but incorporated them into the story lines in a realistic manner usually devoid in TV. While the show was not intended only for a teen audience, it never found the popularity it should have despite critical acclaim. The show was cancelled after only one season.
20. Northern Exposure. What happens when a cynical physician from New York is sent to live and work in a small town in Alaska? If it’s a popular TV show, then the physician serves as a catalyst for cultural understanding. The show featured quirky characters (female bush pilot, philosophical radio announcer, former astronaut) and unusual relationships (romance between 20-something Shelley and 60-something Holling) and explored themes of cultural diversity, family, and friendship.
21. Six Feet Under. This show from HBO spanned five seasons and explored the lives of the Fishers, who own and run a funeral home, and their friends and family. Sex and death, two of the most difficult themes to address in America, were at the heart of this series with sub-texts of religion, philosophy, and morality. Each show began with the death of an individual who would become a client at the funeral home and the show would pick up the theme started with each death. The powerful writing and acting in the show along with the controversial themes thrust this show into the limelight and quickly became a critical and popular favorite.
22. The Sopranos. Another HBO show, this one predating Six Feet Under, The Sopranos follows mob boss Tony Soprano through both family and professional ties. Like Six Feet Under, The Sopranos is recognized for its excellent writing and acting. Heavy themes were often the focus of this show, delving into philosophy, politics, social issues, and psychology–especially self-exploration. Not only has this show gathered many awards, it is often referred to as a pop-culture masterpiece.
23. Sports Night. Only on the air for two seasons, Sports Night featured such notable actors as Robert Guillaume, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, and Peter Krause. The story revolved around a televised sports show and its employees with topics often focusing on morally ambiguous problems. The dialog of the show was smart and fast, and a precursor to the style made famous on The West Wing, which shared the same creator, Aaron Sorkin.
24. The West Wing. Set in the west wing of the White House during a fictional Democratic presidential term, the show often examines many social issues on a more personal level in addition to wider, more politically-based problems. Praised for its realistic depiction of the goings-on in the White House and honest exploration of real issues, the show gained critical success and remained popular, although it was often criticized as being too far to the left, politically, and too idealistic.
25. The Wire. This crime show aired on HBO from 2002 to 2008 and explored many facets of the city of Baltimore. Unlike other dramas, The Wire offered a depth in the plotting and writing not typically seen with intricate dialog that was crucial to understanding the storyline. This show explored themes of personal privacy, dysfunction in bureaucratic institutions, war, and the drug world. This raw, realistic drama never gained widespread public attention, but did win awards and critical acclaim, with many reviewers claiming it to be the best TV show while it was on the air.