Young adults learn a lot of things in school, but are we really prepared for when the real world hits us like a sack of bricks? A diploma may get you a job, but it certainly doesn't qualify you to manage adult life. This blog is about the trials, tribulations, and adventure of diving head first into the "real world."
Earth Day is right around the corner (April 22) and it's time to start thinking about how you can go green. One great option is to use your car less and ride your bike more. Not only does this reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it can also save you money at the pump. Plus, biking is great cardiovascular exercise and can help you get into shape for the upcoming bathing suit season.
Here are some more reasons to start biking this spring:
Bike riding has been proven to relieve stress and anxiety.
A moderate bike ride can burn more than 500 calories in an hour!
A bike can go places, like trails, that a car could never go.
The average commuter bike (one used for casual riding) costs between $80 and $300. That's much cheaper than buying a new car!
In high-traffic areas, a bike can be faster than a car.
New laws and designated routes means biking is safer than ever.
If you are not an avid cyclist, making the switch from car to bike can be tough. You'll need to buy a quality bike, learn about bike laws, plan your routes, and, of course, stay safe. Still, the ultimate payoffs from this effort are certainly worth it. To get started, check out this how-to guide.
Spring is here! Not only does that mean warmer weather, but it also means a new supply of fresh, seasonal produce. Knowing what's available this time of year can help you eat healthy for less. Plus, buying local, seasonal produce is good for the environment and the economy.
Depending on where you live, your seasonal produce options will vary. A great tool to find out exactly what is ripe near you is the NRDC: Eat Local site. In general, though, here are some of the foods found across the country this time of year:
Thinking of getting a new portable computer? Well, you certainly have plenty of options. Most new models, though, fall into one of two categories: netbooks and notebooks. The major difference between these products is their size, with netbooks averaging less than 5 pounds and with 8-10 inch screens. Hoewver, there are other important differences as well. These include processing speeds, disk space, graphics capabilities, etc. So, which model is best for you? Consider the following:
If you want easy access to the web on the go....Netbook (some even have built-in 3G for anywhere connectivity)
If you plan to watch your favorite movies....Notebook (better graphics, faster speeds, and larger screens)
If you need to check e-mail on the go....Netbook
If you want to play some serious games...Notebook
If you want to burn some music CDs....Notebook (netbooks do not have built-in optical drives for managing CDs / DVDs)
If you just want to do basic word processing....Netbook
If you have a huge music collection...Notebook (these have larger hard drives, but you can hookup an external one to a netbook as well)
If you are on a tight budget...Netbook
If you want some more detailed information, check out this article I wrote on Suite101.
When you graduate school and head out on your own, you certainly have a lot to think about. Unfortunatelyy, many of us overlook the need to get medical insurance. For the most part, graduatioin means we are no longer covered by our parents' or university's medical benefits. If you've got a full-time gig with benefits, that's not a problem. However, not everyone ends up with the total career package right out of school. So, what do you do in the meantime?
Well, first of all you certainly don't want to just take your chances with no insurance. Medical bills can really add up if anything happens, and you are more likely to neglect routine care if you don't have insurance. At the same time, you probably can't afford full, permanent medical benefits on your own. So, you'll need to find a short-term alternative.
Thankfully, there are several options that can fill the medical coverage gap between graduation and employment. For more information, check out this article.
Trying to decide on the perfect laptop can be intimidating if you aren’t already a techie guru.With so many options available today, it’s hard to know what model and specs will suit your needs.Plus, in the current economy its important to find the most cost-efficient option.To help you make your next portable computing decision, here’s an overview of the major features and specs to consider.
Size – Today’s laptops are getting smaller and smaller.From the ultra-portable netbooks to the movie-worthy widescreens, there are a lot of options to choose from.When picking your laptop size, consider the following:
Where will I be taking this?If you travel a lot, a smaller model will probably make more sense.
How intense are my viewing needs?Do you plan to do some major movie screenings or hardcore gaming on your laptop?If so, a larger widescreen model will be more satisfying.
Hard Drive- In the last few years, the amount of data a laptop can hold has grown exponentially.With today’s models, you can easily get up to 250GB of space (if not more!).However, the average user will probably not exceed 80GB, unless you have a GIANT music collection or take thousands of photos.Remember, you can always get an external hard drive if you run out of space.
System Memory – This is the amount of RAM in your system and is what keeps everything running quickly and smoothly, particularly when multitasking with several programs.For the most part, your options range from less than 1GB to 4GB of system memory.If you plan to use most current software, or run Windows Vista, you will want to get at least 2GB.However, keep in mind that most netbooks only have 1GB.
Battery Life – Do you take your laptop everywhere?If so, you will want a model that can hold a charge when you’re away from a plug.However, don’t splurge on long battery life if you will almost always be plugged in.As a general rule of thumb, batteries that can last 4+ hours are considered particularly long-lasting.However, some models wont even make it 3 hours on a single charge. Also, remember that how you use your laptop will affect its charge span.For example, word processing will take less power than watching a DVD.
CD / DVD – Small netbooks wont offer any “optical drive” on their models.However, standard laptops usually come with a CD / DVD drive that also has burning capabilities.You can also pay more for models that offer Blu-ray compatibility and LightScribe (a feature that lets you burn graphics on the top of a CD/DVD).
Video – You have two options when it comes to video, integrated or dedicated.This basically means you either have the video capabilities built into the system, or you have a separate video chip set.Integrated video, generally made by Intel, is fine for most casual users who do not watch high-def movies or play high-graphic games.Meanwhile, gamers will want a dedicated chip set from nVidia or ATI.
Remember, it’s a good idea to test out the model you want to buy. Even if you plan to buy online, get to a store first and see a few laptops.You want to make sure the screen suits you, the keyboard is comfortable, and the overall look and feel fits with your needs.Of course, custom models are difficult to see before you buy.However, trying out a similar model is still a great way to ensure you make the bbest choice. Good luck with your hunt!And be sure to check back soon for an article on netbooks vs. laptops!
Looking to get away for a weekend but don't have a lot of money to spend? As the weather gets warmer, camping can be the perfect way to escape for a few days. Most sites charge less than $20 per night for a spot where you can pitch a tent and build a campfire. Don't feel like "roughing it"? For a little more money you can probably rent a bungalow or cabin.
Not only is camping exceptionally cheap, it is also the perfect escape from the stresses of your workweek. You'll get to spend quality time outdoors, which is a proven mood-booster. Plus, assuming you leave your blackberry home, you can get away from the constant communication overload that comes with owning a computer, television, cell phone, etc.
Make your trip more exciting by tossing in some mountain biking, kayaking, or hiking. Not feeling active? Find a site where you can relax with a fishing pole or even lay on the beach. To find your perfect spot, try visiting GoCampingAmerica or Camping.com for reviews / searches. The second site also has some interesting recipes that can be easily prepared on a camping grill or even over an open campfire.
Ready to plan your own trip? Check out this article for tips on how to do it. Oh, and don't forget the marshmallows!
