Twenties Life

There are plenty of great websites on the internet.  We all know that.  But there are so many more terrible ones that sometimes it’s hard to wade through the garbage to find the gold.  I’ve spent more hours on the internet than any healthy person ever should, and I’ve found a few diamonds in the rough.  I’m going to share some of the best with you, just to help you get started on building your super awesome lifestyle.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for here at TwentiesLife, you’ll definitely find it on one of these!  Enjoy!

Lifehacker – This must be my favorite website of all time.  There is something awesome added almost every single day.  It’s basically an aggregation of all sorts of lifehacks from cooking to computers.  I always find something super useful there, and rarely a day goes by that I don’t find myself checking this site.

Digitizd – I consider myself quite a techie, but if I need to know about something I go to Digitizd.  David Pierce keeps up with all things technology, and he knows his stuff.  Digitizd is a great resource for learning about the newest tech stuff before you go spend your dough.

JCDFitness – I’ve been on a quest to get a six pack for about a year and a half.  I’ve been really dedicated, and I’ve already lost 30 lbs.  I’m getting close!  My knowledge bank for all things fitness and health grows every time I go to JCDFitness.  If you are interested in looking great naked, this is the site for you.

CollegeCandy – This site is great.  It’s pretty estrogen heavy, but the articles are written by people who actually experience the things they write about.  It’s like Cosmo for college students, except better.  For entertainment and some college knowledge, hit up CollegeCandy!

HiLife2B – Into personal development?  If not, you need to get with the program.  HiLife2B is a great place to start.  It’s easy to understand and identify with, and the writer is a college student himself.  He’s wise beyond his years, and you’ll find great inspiration at his fantastic blog.

20SomethingFinance – Your Twenties are a great time to get started with great financial habits.  The habits you form in these years will follow you for the rest of your life, good or bad.  Choose good and educate yourself at 20SomethingFinance.

CollegeFashion – Here’s another site that is mostly for the ladies.  CollegeFashion is a great place to keep up with the most popular trends and see what’s coming next in fashion.  It’s a great site for all of your fashion needs.

PracticalManliness – For men that want to be manlier men.  PracticalManliness is a great site to learn all of the skills and knowledge that men need to be real men!  You’ll definitely want to check this out!

I’m sure there are plenty of other great sites to get what you’re looking for.  These are the ones that I visit most.  What are your favorite websites?  Share a few of your favorites in the comments below and we’ll all check em out!  Thanks!

Here’s the deal folks.  I was recently offered the opportunity to use and review a brand new Lenovo A70Z all in one computer.  Having not heard much from Lenovo in the past few years, I accepted the offer, just to see what they were cooking.  Though I entered into this with little opinion on Lenovo, I’ve left with much more.

First off, this computer is beautiful.  It comes with a 19 inch screen and the entire computer built into it.  The colors of the screen are vivid and the viewing angle is pretty great.  Also, only 1 plug means it’s easy to set up.  My initial opinion is that this is an easy computer to get used to, and a hard one to give up once you have.

Then I got into the hardware of the computer.  It’s a snappy 2.93 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, that out clocks my own AMD tri-core 2.9 Ghz processor.  It comes with 2 Gb ram standard, and is upgradeable to 4 gb.  The geek in me would love 4 gb, but I’ve honestly found no use for more.  It also sports a 320 Gb hard drive, and a pretty great front-mounted webcam for video chatting (which my fiance and I have tested many times).  She loves the quality of the Lenovo camera.

And with stereo speakers and wifi built in, a dvd-burner, and Windows 7 to manage it all, it’s the perfect computer for just about anyone.  It takes up little space on your desk, and can be out of your way when not in use.  I’ve got to say, after not hearing much from Lenovo in the past few years, they’ve really built a machine to get my attention.  I could definitely see this computer being the front end machine for any small business, with it’s small footprint and large power.

I do have one complaint though.  It will probably be minor to most of you, but any super-serious computer user like myself will understand.  It has no secondary monitor option.  There is no video out to plug in a second monitor.  Now for many of you, this may not matter.  But for a user who’s main computer is outputting to a 26 inch monitor with a 20 inch monitor on each side, this is a bit weak.  But as an all in one, you have to realize that that isn’t the ultimate goal of a machine like this.  This thing is a get up and go kind of machine.  And as such, it works fantastically.
If you’ve made it this far in the review, I have great news.  In just a few weeks I’ll be giving this machine away to a lucky ready.  So stay tuned for your chance to win this awesome computer. What would you use this computer for?  Leave a comment below and share with us…

Wanna know more about it?  Check it out here!

There’s something about growing up with superheroes and villains that really makes a boy (or girl) feel like he can save the world. When we were young we often thought about the huge differences that we would make. We knew that we have the ability to change the world, and we thought that we were just the people to do the job.

Sadly somewhere between 8 and 18 we lost sight of our own heroism. We started caring more about iphones and less about impact. We became consumers, and as consumers we thought less of what we could do and more of what we could get. Something in us died the moment we made that switch.

But I’ve been thinking a lot about honor and heroism lately and I’ve realized that it’s more possible than ever to be a hero in our twenties. We have just enough access to opportunity and resources to make a real difference. If we can only be disciplined enough to set a goal and work towards achieving it we can be real life heroes. Need some help figuring out how? Here’s a few quick tips:

Help a stranded driver

A stranded driver is like the modern day damsel in distress. For the low price of a few minutes of your time (to learn to change a tire) and about $10 (to buy jumper cables) you can attain all the necessary skills and tools to help out at least 50% of people who “break down.” If you’ve ever helped or been helped in this situation, you realize just how much of a hero the person who stops can be.

Teach a child or elderly person

No matter what stage you are in your education, we all possess the knowledge of something that could be of great use to a child, or even an elderly person. And if you’ve ever taught a child, you know just how amazing it can feel to know that something you taught a child will make a difference for the rest of their lives. Whether it’s teaching a kid how to save money or to shoot a jump shot, or teaching an elderly person how to use a computer, heroes find ways to help other people benefit from their knowledge.

Mentor a troubled teen

Better than any other age group, we understand the pressures and stresses of being a teen in today’s society. We just got out of there, and we know best all of the issues that a teenager today will face. Because of that knowledge, we can best identify with teenagers, better than their parents or other family members and better than many other adults they come into contact with. And we’re just the right age that they could identify with us. Mentoring a troubled teen can be infinitely rewarding because you don’t really have to do much at all. Just be there, be a friend, and show a teen possibilities that he/she might not even know existed. You’ll be making a real impact on their lives, and you’ll sacrifice little more than your time and maybe a little money; a small price to pay for the opportunity to turn someone’s life around.

Care for the environment

That’s right friends, Captain Planet was a superhero as well. And with BP’s “accident” spilling thousands (or maybe millions) of gallons of oil into the gulf, I think it’s pretty easy to see the line between good and bad as far as the environment goes. Pick up trash = good, spill oil into the worlds oceans = bad. Simple enough, right? Whether you’re taking drastic steps to reduce your carbon footprint, or just replacing your bulbs with fluorescent ones and using less water, every little bit counts. It’s not that difficult, and if our generation of adults is to be the ones that “save the world” we need to develop these habits into our lifestyle, not just gimmicks like the whole “green” fad.

Do good socially

It’s always great to help other people. But what’s even greater is to help other people catch the “helper” bug. You could do great things for the rest of your life, and that would be fantastic, but another person could get 10 of his/her friends to do good as well, and that would be just as great or even greater. Get your friends to fight for your cause and you’ll be an army of heroes, rather than just an army of one. Plus, it’s a great thing to do good socially rather than just going out and partying all the time. If you’re stumped for ideas of great things to do socially, visit dosomething.org.

You see, with these 5 steps you’ll be on your way to being a hero in no time. Can you imagine what kind of world we would live in if everyone took just 10 minutes out of their day to be a hero? That would be 60 hours of heroism from each person each year. And it would be a world of difference to the person you’re saving. I know the 9 year old inside of me is really excited that I’m taking these baby steps towards becoming a hero. What does the 9 year old inside of you think about you?

Conversation.  The most obvious form of communication.  It’s what we use to approach each other, how we learn from one another, how we teach, how we make friends, and how we find love.  It’s universally known (in one language or another), and it’s something we do every day.  Yet few of us have learned the art and science of conversation.  Today you’re going to learn a thing or two about how to strike up a conversation with anyone, from a best friend to a stranger.  Listen up!

First off, enjoy yourself.

There is nothing more fun and exciting than meeting someone new.  It’s like trying new food or getting into a new hobby, it’s fun right from the start.  Be free to smile, laugh, and just have a good time.  You aren’t at work and this isn’t a job, it’s something you WANT to do, so enjoy it.

Give Him/Her the look.

So you’ve found someone you want to talk to.  Generally, you’ll want them to have noticed you before you talk to them.  Their smile or short glance will give you the opening you’re looking for.  Make eye contact, hold their gaze for a moment, then gently look away.  Continue with the short glances long enough that they know it’s no accident that your eyes keep meeting.  Then move to the next step.

Approach  Him/Her.

This will take some courage.  Be the lion that is going to devour it’s prey.  Walk slowly and confidently towards the person, and prepare to engage.

Harness Your Confidence.

Confidence is the super tool of communication.  It radiates in everything you say and do.  You may be bursting with it, or you may be short on supply.  Whatever you have, use it to portray the confidence that the other person will admire in you.  Remember, a little confidence goes a long way.

Have a subject.

Some people are just in tune with great ways to open a conversation, but you may need a starter.  Here are a few great ones that you can pull from:  situational the weather, an event you’re attending, a person’s hair, jewelry, clothing, any not-too-personal compliment (as in don’t compliment a lady’s breasts!), current events, etc.  Even if you can’t come up with anything, you could always ask their opinion.  “I wasn’t sure how to dress for this occasion, what do you think about this shirt?” or “I never know what to say at something like this, but you look like someone I’d like to meet.”  A great opener can get you in the door.

Avoid certain subjects.

Avoid racy jokes, heavy social and political issues (abortion, cloning, racism, religion, etc), your ex’s, or anything negative.  Also avoid anything too complicated or specific.  If you are an engineer, don’t talk work with another person, especially the details that they couldn’t possibly understand.  Let your first conversation/encounter be light and pleasant.

Flattery is King.

There is nothing that will make a person like you more than flattery.  Don’t lay it on too thick, or they’ll see right through it.  But find real ways to make them feel good about themselves.  It works especially well if it’s something that you enjoy as well, like a favorite movie, or band, or a shared hobby.  Tell the person that you find them funny or interesting, then continue on.  Their flattery will be obvious and you’ll know that you’re engaging them well.

Practice open body language.

Pay attention to your hands, your posture, and your facial expressions.  Be pleasant, open, and inviting.  Don’t cross your arms, cover your mouth, lean away from the person.  Smile, lean slightly towards them, and use hand gestures to communicate openly.  It’s so subtle, but a simple thing like a smile and an open hand can be so inviting to the opposite sex.

Realize your window.

From the time a person sees another, it only takes a few moments for them to completely make up their mind about what they think about another person.  Harness this short period and help them like you.  Realize though that sometimes they just wont.  Don’t spend all your time trying to change their mind, move on to someone new.  With 6 billion people in this world, there’s always another great friend (or more) just around the corner.

Tiny Tips

1. Smile. It’s contagious.
2. Never wait to be approached.  If you want something, go get it.
3. Take a deep breath.  It will calm your nerves.
4. Joke, be fun, take things easy.
5. Don’t be what you think someone will like.  Be yourself and give them a chance to like you.
6. Use eye contact like a secret weapon that you want only him/her to see.
7. Be nice.  People don’t generally find unpleasant people likable.
8. Push and pull.  Flirt a little, tease a little.  It drives guys and girls nuts.
9. Use physical contact cautiously.  It will either seal the deal or make things very uncomfortable.
10. Seize every opportunity.  Sometimes you’ll fail, but sometimes you’ll succeed.
11. Meet someone new each day.  It’s a great opportunity to practice.

Though this isn’t everything you need, it’s a great start.  You’ll learn as you go, and with each conversation you’ll get better.  In no time this will become second nature, and people will think you were born with this ability.  Have a tip to share with the rest of us?  Leave a comment below.

Whether in college, our careers, or just trying to solve a puzzle, brainpower and critical thinking skills are crucial to every day life.  We require the use of logic and problem solving skills each day for a multitude of tasks.  The sad truth, though, is that many of us have brains that have already begun deteriorating since our days of cramming for exams and pulling all-nighters for finals week.  It doesn’t have to be this way though.  There are plenty of things we can do to “exercise” our brains and increase brainpower.  Train your brain with these techniques and you’ll have a mind as fit as a bodybuilder’s body.

1. Sleep on it:  Sometimes all it takes to really solve a problem is to think about it a bit before going to sleep.  When we sleep our minds aren’t limited by the logic that we use day to day, and the abstract thinking can really help see a different perspective.  Sometimes you just need to sleep on it.
2. Exercise Your Body: Research has shown that people who exercise a minimum of 10 minutes per day have 30% increased brain function.  Get the blood flowing and you brain will help you solve problems.
3. Focus Your Breathing: Oxygen is one of the foods of the brain.  When you focus on taking slow, deep breaths, your brain is flooded with a large amount of oxygen.  This allows it to do it’s best work.  When you have a brain-intensive activity coming up, focus on your breathing before and during to ensure your brain is fed.
4. Sit Up Straight:  Posture has a lot to do with brainpower as well.  Optimum sitting position is to sit up straight, square your shoulders, and keep your head straight above your neck.  Studies have shown this to be a more effective posture than slouching or laying down.
5. Learn Your Cycle:  Our brain works in cycles.  Generally we have about 90 minutes of high brain function and activity followed by a 30 minute lull.  If you can accurately observe the difference, and plan accordingly, you can do your best thinking when your brain is in power mode and do your mundane activities during your brain’s down time.
6. Learn a New Language: Here comes more science.  Research has shown that learning a new language in middle and older age decreases the onset of age-related decline of mental function as well as mental related diseases.  Learn a couple of new words a day and you’ll be well on your way to a good healthy brain in your later years.
7. Write Often:  Not just responding to emails, but writing for yourself.  Write about your day, your thoughts, your feelings, your plans, your goals.  Get comfortable with a pen and paper.  It helps you concentrate your thoughts and helps your brain realize what’s important as far as memory formation goes.
8. Listen To Classical Music: In a study that tested children after studying with and without classical music, the children who studied with the music tested on average 80% higher than the children who studies without it.  Listen to classical music when studying or really working your brain.
9. Caffeine:  Though it’s often a double edged sword, if used right caffeine can be one of the greatest sources of boost for brain power that we have.  Skip it in the morning, so that it’s ready and potent when you need it.  People who drink coffee daily develop a resistance to it’s effects, thus feeling sluggish and requiring more and more as the days go on, while those who keep it in the reserves for only when necessary experience a boost and mental and physical capabilities.
10. Avoid Sugar:  Large amounts of sugar tend to give us a very short rush followed by a long lull.  This is because the sugar is burned as energy, but if not used quickly is then converted to fat as storage.  When the sugar is broken down, insulin is released and blood is used for digestion rather than brain power.  Less blood in the brain means less good thinking.
11. Clear Your Mind:  Practice this often.  Just make the decision to and then execute clearing your mind.  The faster and better you become, the more control you have over your mental function.  People who aren’t good at clearing their mind often find that there is a lot of noise going on in there when they need to really be thinking… practice now and it will serve you well later.
12. Social Interaction:  Many people don’t realize this but social interaction takes a lot of brain power.  We are quickly and constantly thinking about what everyone else around us is saying, interpreting how we feel about it, and considering and executing a response.  Then we observe reactions to other our responses and the whole process restarts itself.  It’s a pretty mentally heavy activity.  The more we do it, the better we get, the more fit our brains become.
13. Define and Prove Your Beliefs:  It’s easy to adopt beliefs that someone else has proved to us.  It sounds good, so we just believe it.  But when we define our beliefs to others and try to prove them, we find that we may not be as eloquent as the person who proved them to us.  If you can get into the habit of being able to eloquently and logically express your beliefs, your mind will flourish.
14. Eat Fish:  Fish is rich in omega fatty acids, the same that fuel the brain and healthy brain function.  Eat more fish.
15. Drink water:  I don’t think  I need to remind you of all the reasons you need water, but you need it.  Try to drink 6 glasses of water a day, then drink more.
16. Solve Puzzles, Riddles, and Games: These are like bench-press and bicep curls for your brain.  Do them often.
17. Eat Smaller Meals:  Smaller meals means less time digesting, which means faster recovery from digestion and more time for higher brain function.  Ever notice how after a big meal you get sleepy and lethargic?  Avoid that like the plague.
18. Take a Multi-vitamin: In America we just don’t eat the way we need to.  Though it’s not a proper replacement for healthy eating, a multi-vitamin will help ensure that you aren’t terribly deficient of any important vitamins and minerals.
19. Manage Stress:  Stress is like poison to a healthy brain.  It decreases our ability to think clearly and properly solve problems.  Learning to manage your stress could be the best way to ensure a healthy brain.
20. Practice Your Math: Even shopping can be a place to practice your math.  For example, what’s 40% off of $80?  If you don’t know, you need to get to action!

Following these steps is only the beginning to building a stronger, faster, healthier brain.  There are many other things you can do as well.  What do you do to ensure that your brain is in tip top shape?