It is very easy to get confused when someone explains the US Tax system, but my buddy sent this e-mail chain message that breaks it down by relating the system to something we all understand very well - splitting the beer tab.
After the jump, check out U.S. Tax System Explained in Beer! Read More »
These days, common knowledge suggest that any Republican will cut taxes, any Democrat will raise them. And this election year is no different. Sen. John McCain has said that there will be no new taxes, only tax cuts, under a McCain presidency. Obama, on the other hand, says that he will only raise taxes on those making the most amount of money–those who benefit most from our economy should also invest the most back in, his logic goes.
But how much of this is talk and how much might actually result in more cash in your pocket? Luckily for us all, the Washington Post has put together an easy-to-read chart that tells you exactly what each candidate’s proposed plan means for your wallet. The information in this chart comes from a recent analysis of the Tax Policy Center, a project from the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution. Read More »
Believe it or not, free money for college isn’t only awarded to Einsteins and star athletes ‘ or those of you poor people who qualify for financial aid. There are plenty of opportunities for the ‘average’ college-bound student to take advantage of scholarship money. The biggest mistake to make, is to sit and wait, and not do anything about it in the hopes that someone will knock on your door and say, “Need some money?”
I just graduated in May, and now I am starting to pay back student loans. Let me tell you, it sucks. Having received my degree in Journalism from UCLA, I thought I would be in a good position to pay back my loans. Yeeeaaahhh…not so much. So now, after 4 years of tuition, room and board, I owe just over $115,000.
People say it all the time, but I will say it again…if I had it to do all over again…I would try to avoid the $1000 a month loan payment.
Here’s some common sense advice:
Planning a trip this summer? Short on cash? Here’s a quick guide to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck.
1. Shop Around.
So-called “value” sites like Travelocity, Expedia, and Orbitz give you the best price for plane tickets–but have often been paid by airlines and hotels to promote their fares and rooms above all others, screwing you over in the process.
Instead, use an aggregator, like Momondo or Kayak, that searches hundreds of travel websites in order to find you the best deal. These Sites also feature flights from smaller airlines and airlines, like Southwest, that don’t actively participate in online travel booking sites. Also, aggregators won’t jack you for a fee, like most “value” travel sites.
2. Skip the Hotel.
Really, most hotels are the same. Except for rooms whose per-night price could pay for last semester, you won’t notice much of a difference, I promise. So, trade in the five-star for one of these inexpensive (but way more fun!) options:
Hostels - For international and domestic travel alike, hostels kick the crap out of everything else. They’re cheap, relaxing and extra fun–plus, you get to mingle with countless hotties from around the world. You may not have the privacy or luxury of a hotel, but it’s worth the “sacrifice.” Read More »
The key to success? Be a nice guy. Seriously.
Obviously, be competent, smart and forward-thinking. But according to Tim Sanders, author of The Likeability Factor, your career success depends on having personal well-being and playing well with others.
‘The grim reality is that life is a popularity contest,’ says Sanders, a Loyola-Maramont graduate and former indie-rock musician. ‘There was a Harvard Business Review study about how people select who they want to work with. And you know what? Everyone would rather work for a likable fool than a competent jerk.’
Sanders is part of a new breed of managers who are looking for ‘emotional talent.’ rather than just physical and mental skills. Being a nice guy, he shared with us some tips to finding emotional satisfaction in our career, from finding a perfect job to loving the one you get. Read More »
The Princeton Review has released their annual list of the best party schools in the nation and this year’s winner is…West Virginia University!
Princeton Review conducts an annual survey on the party scene at colleges and judges the schools on the following criteria: use of alcohol and drugs, hours of study each student puts in, and the popularity of Greek life. I guess whichever school scores the most points wins. Read More »
Campus Squeeze give us the Top 20 most beautiful college campuses in the USA. Of course Seton Hall didn’t make the cut but Pepperdine University, on the beaches on Malibu, CA, was #1 and I completely agree with the selection. I’ve seen the campus and nothing compares to the ocean views, rolling hills and cliff top dorms.
See if your school made the list, “The 20 Most Beautiful Colleges in the USA.”
It wasn’t by choice.
I attended an elite boarding school in Massachusetts (via scholarship, thank you very much) for the sole purpose of attending Harvard. I loved Boston, and I had dreams of going to a place where my intelligence would be respected, not mocked.
When I started applying to schools in the fall, my GPA was high and I had a ton of extracurriculars. Things looked good, but my parents, who had just moved to Michigan for work, insisted I plan out some alternatives. Of course. Thankfully, they had moved to a place with a great in-state school; even when I applied to U of M, I didn’t dread the idea of going. It just wasn’t in my top five. Read More »
Or at least thatâs what one professor in particular thinks.A recent essay in The New York Times written by Joanne Ciulla, a University of Richmond professor, discusses the modern work ethic and how college students today have a somewhat warped view of the world.
It struck me as interesting, and I must admit, it is hard not to be offended by the characteristics she describes college students of today having:
ENTITLED TO A DO-OVER
âIt has become common for students to ask to retake tests or to rewrite papers in order to get a better gradeâ¦While the apparent desire for self-improvement is admirable, usually the higher grade is what really matters. Sometimes a studentâs second try is not much better than the first, but he or she still expects a better grade for the effort. This attitude leads to the second problem.â?
So, we want to work hard to do the best we possibly can on an assignment and now professors are pissed about this? Read More »
Before beginning college last year, if I saw a dime on the street I usually wouldn’t stop to pick it up. It’s just a dime, I would think, and continue walking.Oh, how foolish I was back then! Now that I’m a college student (read: broke) I not only have studied Freud, analyzed Paradise Lost, and started a ten-page research paper at 2 a.m. on its due date, I have also learned the value of a dollar ‘ er, a dime. Heck, even pennies add up when you’re living off Ramen noodles and EasyMac. Read More »
You thought picking a prom date was hard? Try picking a college. It is no easy task. The decision you make will not only affect the next four (or five) years of your life, but will also decide the next 80 or 90! Where you go to college plays a part in determining who your friends will be, what your career will be and maybe even who your husband or wife will be. Where you end up and what kind of person you become may also be chosen based on what college you go to.
Whoa. That’s a lot of pressure.
How do you choose!?
Take a deep breath, grab some soda and relax. Really, it’s easy; you just have to do your work:
1. Ask around: No one knows the college scene better than college students and graduates. So, ask them. They really are the best resource. Find out why they went to a school (Was it sports or social life? Academics or ass?), what they liked and disliked about their school, and tips they may have for you while you spend the next few months deciding. Students and graduates will give you the most honest answers ‘ the stuff you won’t find in a college guide book. Read More »
It was a photo finish but Chestnut sets world record and wins in the end!
First off I would like to thank Joey “The Jaws” Chestnut for bringing the Mustard Belt back to America on our Independence Day. 6 time Nathan champ Kobayashi of Japan had that held the belt for to long and now it’s home!
So who is Joey Chestnut and how do you possibly eat 66 hot dog’s in 12 minutes. Find out more here..
