Feminism and Women's Studies

1. Feministing: With so many contributors boasting a wide range of stances, Feministing provides some of the Internet's sharpest commentary on women's rights and issues.

2. Feminist Philosophers: Explore feminism as it relates to the media, society and philosophical and academic subjects through one of the most popular blogs on the subject.

3. The F-Word Blog: Although largely about issues in the UK, most of the commentary available at The F-Word blog and website still applies to other regions.

4. The Crunk Feminist Collective: Read all about feminist news and views for the "Hip Hop Generation," with special attention paid towards frequently overlooked issues of race and sexuality.

5. Feministe: Another excellent resource overflowing with multiple contributors tackling a nicely broad range of feminist content.

6. Name It. Change It.: Regardless of her politics, Name It. Change It. will defend any female candidate publicly critiqued along gender lines rather than professional ones.

7. Muslimah Media Watch: This watchdog group seeks to dispel many of the stereotypes and misconceptions of Muslim women perpetuated by the mass media.

8. fbomb: Both a blog and a community, fbomb brings together teenage girls from around the world to talk about the gender and sexuality issues affecting them.

9. Feminist Mormon Housewives: Yes, it is possible to be all three at once, as this popular, stereotype-shattering resource so eloquently, intelligently demonstrates.

10. Ms. Magazine Blog: One of feminism's cornerstones adapts to the internet age and brings the ideologies to new generations of women.

General Gender

11. Genderfork: Human sexuality, sexual identity, gender and gender identity doesn't exist on a binary. This blog celebrates diversity through writing, art and photography.

12. en|Gender: Although inspired by and predominantly focusing on transgender issues and couples, en|Gender covers enough broader and similar subjects to warrant inclusion here.

13. body impolitic: Laurie Tobie Edison talks feminism, discrimination against different body types, gender issues and more through essays and stunning photography.

14. genderkid: An Argentinean high school student identifying as "trans, queer and maybe genderqueer" takes to the Internet and writes some insightful, eloquent takes on the subjects at hand.

15. Below the Belt: This group blog takes a multifaceted look at gender, sexuality and the myriad shades of grey existing in concepts traditionally approached as black-and-white.

16. Sugarbutch Chronicles: Written by Sinclair Sexsmith, Sugarbutch Chronicles dissects gender and gender identity, sexuality and sexual identity, kinky pursuits and plenty more with an impressively keen eye.

17. The Bilerico Project: The Bilerico Project features one of the most diverse communities on the web, specializing in LGBTQIA life, politics, issues, art and pretty much everything else. Its broad scope lands it in this particular section.

18. Gender & Sexuality Law Blog: Presented by Columbia University, this blog turns a critical eye towards policies that enable discrimination along gender and sexuality lines.

19. Gender Across Borders: Contemporary feminism embraces the LGBTQIA movement and fights for cis- and transwomen alike. Gender Across Borders especially blurs the previously defined (and unfair) lines.

20. Not Another Aiden: Not Another Aiden's life story should be an inspiration to LGBTQIA teens and adults struggling with the idea that sexuality and gender identity always have to follow a specific pattern.

LGBTQIA Rights, Politics and News

21. Queerty: LGBTQIA news, views and pop culture come together in this extremely eclectic resource, which delves into race and religion from time to time as well.

22. GLAADBlog: GLAAD devotes itself to fighting discriminatory and offensive media depictions of the LGBTQIA community.

23. The New Civil Rights Movement: Passionate LGBTQIA rights advocate David Badash follows all the latest news concerning politics and social issues concerning the movement. It's one of the most provocative, comprehensive and compelling resources around.

24. Pam's House Blend: Gender studies students and anyone — no matter their sexuality — supporting the LGBTQIA rights movement needs to bookmark the absolutely essential Pam's House Blend for updated stories and perspectives.

25. Good As You: This blog, website and community fights for LGBTQIA rights and fair depictions in different public media.

26. A Christian Voice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights: Dr. Rev. Jerry S. Maneker uses his Christian faith to promote tolerance, understanding and love for LGBTQIA members at a time when the religion is oftentimes twisted as an excuse to persecute them.

27. PFLAG Blog: PFLAG brings together family and friends of gay, lesbian, transgendered, intersexed, asexual and queer individuals to show their love and support of their frequently marginalized demographics.

28. Out Front: Almost everything relating to the movement gets covered at Out Front, which also does an excellent job of showcasing communities, politics and perspectives from across the globe.

29. The Trevor Project: Be sure to visit the accompanying website for more information on reaching out to LGBTQIA teens who may be feeling depressed or suicidal from bullying or discrimination.

30. 365Gay: Whether a gender studies major, a member of the community and/or a staunch supporter of equal rights, 365Gay offers up plenty of content on today's latest news, views and trends.

Transgender

31. nixwilliams: Stop by nixwilliams for a take on every facet of living as a transgendered individual in a world catering largely to the cisgendered. Be sure to check out the art and media as well!

32. xxboy: Sebastian hopes that sharing his story and academic inquiries will help nurture a broader understanding of transgender psychology and sociopolitical issues.

33. The Spectrum Cafe: Trans individuals of all types, no matter their backgrounds and sexual preferences, band together to discuss the news and opinions impacting them today.

34. Trans Feminisms: The Spectrum Cafe's brand new sister site blends feminist critique with transgender rights issues and perspectives.

35. Transfaggotry: A gay-identified FTM opens up about his immensely personal journey in the interest of promoting a greater awareness and reaching out towards others in a similar position.

36. Questioning Transphobia: Like the name implies, this blog hopes to point out the social and media phenomena that allow transphobia to exist and perpetuate.

37. The Transadvocate: Marti Abernathey uses The Transadvocate to provide the trans community with an outlet to read about and contribute stories, ideas and issues important to them.

38. Diana's Little Corner of the Nutmeg State: Follow transgender issues in Connecticut and beyond thanks to the efforts of one very devoted, passionate activist.

39. TransGriot: An award-winning transgender rights activist, Monica Roberts, offers up some incredible insights into issues of race, sexuality, gender identity and their points of intersection.

40. Tboy Jacky: Jacky V is a proud, well-rounded FTM blobbing about sex, gender, sexuality and plenty of other related (and not-so-related) subjects.

Transvestism, Crossdressing and Drag

41. Jessica Who?: Comedian Jessica De Leon wrings comedy out of crossdressing and transphobia, all while dispelling many of the myths about straight and cisgendered men who just happen to enjoy women's clothing.

42. My Fem Place: Visit My Fem Place for photographs and candid advice on how to best release that fierce, fashionable diva inside.

43. Bona Drag: The blog and its accompanying shop takes its name from a polari term meaning "nice outfit," finding inspiration in and catering to the gay, drag and fabulous fashionista communities.

44. The Drag Queen Posse: Let the fabulous fatales of The Drag Queen Posse fill the browser with their cheeky takes on pop culture, LGBTQIA issues, celebrity gossip, performance art and plenty more.

45. He Is The Bride: Although wedding plans and real life render updates infrequent, this absolutely touching blog about a man and the future wife who loves and accepts his desire to be a bride is still very much worth reading.

46. Femulate: Cross-dressers new and experienced alike looking for fashion and makeup tips would do well to check out Femulate's awesome content.

47. newmalefashion: While not a transvestite, cross-dressing or drag blog, newmalefashion still pushes edgy clothing and styles ignoring traditionally "masculine" tropes.

48. My CD Life: Gabriela Hermosa happily proffers advice to readers wanting to know as much as they can about crossdressing and similar subjects — as well as some interesting musings on general gender and sexuality topics.

49. Crossdresser Heaven: Since 2008, Crossdresser Heaven has helped visitors of all types learn how to do their makeup, fashions and movement right.

50. Voyages en Rose: Voyages en Rose is brought to readers by Petra Bellejambes, a cross-dresser opening up about the psychology, social pressures and techniques behind the art.

1. USC Lyon Recreation Center: USC students can enjoy a great variety of recreation facilities in the Lyon Center. This recreation center features a fitness center, courts for basketball, badminton, and volleyball, a climbing wall, ping pong table, group exercise, sauna, jacuzzi, and more.
2. University of Houston: UH's Recreation and Wellness Center is award winning and 264,000 square feet. It has a world-class natatorium, combat room, leisure pool, outdoor track, racquetball, and more.
3. Kenyon College: Kenyon College has an impressive athletic center for a small college. It is architecturally stunning, and boasts 263,000 square feet of fitness space. Swim, take classes, pump iron, and more in this state of the art athletic center.
4. Gerald Ratner Athletics Center: The University of Chicago has a $51 million state of the art athletics facility. It includes a competition gymnasium, Olympic-sized swimming pool, multilevel fitness facility, and more. It's won awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois.
5. Eastern Washington University: You'll find more than just treadmills and weights at Eastern Washington University's fitness facility. It has a 750-seat ice rink, sports pub, and more. On top of being a fun place to spend time on campus, this gym is LEED Gold-certified, with environmentally friendly bathrooms, natural lighting, and pedestrian/bicycle-oriented access.
6. University of Missouri: Mizzou has everything students need to stay healthy and active at the Student Recreation Center. The complex is spaced out into leisure neighborhoods, including the aquatic center, jungle gym, pump room. and track. Other highlights include the Scroggs Peak climbing tower, Tiger X studio classes, and the Mizzou Beach Club.
7. Dartmouth: Dartmouth's gym has lots of great class spaces for group workouts, plenty of natural light, club sports, and recreational programs. This gym, renovated in 2006, offers extensive fitness options to students on campus.
8. Ohio State: The Recreation and Physical Activity Center was named an Outstanding Sports Facility by the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association. With more than half a million square feet, students can enjoy massage therapy, a recreation natatorium, athletic training, and wellness suites.
9. FitRec: Boston University's fitness and recreation center is a landmark at 270,000 square feet and 56.8 feet tall at its highest point. Highlights of this facility include a 1/7 mile running track, climbing wall, and multi-court gymnasiums. Students can participate in for-credit physical development classes including dance, yoga, and aquatics.
10. Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center: DePaul University enjoys the state of the art Ray Meyer Fitness and Recreation Center. In this gym, you'll find facilities for weights and aerobics, a pool, running track, and more, including several racquetball and basketball courts.

Technology and Learning

Find out why technology is such a draw for educators and how we learn from non-human tools.

1. Blogs, Wikis, New Media for Learning: This course will show you how blogs and other new media are optimal teaching tools. [Utah State]
2. Computer Games and Simulations for Investigation and Education: This class will teach you how we learn from computer games and interactive technologies. [MIT]
3. Instructional Gaming: Learn how to use instructional gaming to reach out to students. [Utah State]
4. Creativity, community and ICT: Discover how online learning and technology fuel creativity and collaboration. [The Open University]
5. Intro to Instructional Design: If you're curious about how humans interact with and learn from non-human tools, take this course. [Utah State]
6. Videogame Theory and Analysis: Find out how videogames are legitimate teaching tools. [MIT]
7. The Impact of Open Source Software on Education: Learn how different countries are using open source for college education and beyond. [Connexions]
8. The review of the development of eLearning: Get a 10-year history of eLearning here. [Connexions]
9. Principles and Practices of Technology: Designed for teachers, this course will teach you about the application of technology for learning and principles of instructional technology. [Utah State]
10. Cultural History of Technology: Consider how technology has shaped our culture and is now a tool for learning, communication and more. [MIT]
11. Artificial Intelligence: Discover how tools can actively teach us, even non-human ones. [MIT]
12. Technological Tools for School Reform: Consider how innovation and modern technology contribute to the school reform debate. [MIT]

Online Education and Distance Learning

If you want to create online learning environments and manage a distance ed course, look here.

13. Creating Open Educational Resource: Learn how to write learning units that enhance self-directed learning. [The Open University]
14. Producing Distance Education Resources: You'll use Dreamweaver and FTP in this course as you learn how to develop open and online learning spaces and resources. [Utah State]
15. Collaborative Learning and the Open Educational Resource Movement: Get an overview of the popularity of open education resources. [Connexions]
16. Introduction to Open Education: Here you will review some of the main topics in open education like sustainability, licensing, creativity and more. [Utah State]
17. Accessibility of eLearning: Learn more about eLearning solutions for disabled students. [The Open University]
18. Facilitating online: This course will walk you through all the course models and lesson planning strategies you'll need as an online teacher. [Centre for Educational Technology]
19. Master Online Teacher Certification: Teachers interested in creating their own online courses get a lesson in interactivity and other key issues here. [Weber State University]
20. Online Instructor Training: This course features 10 areas of study to help you become an effective online teacher. [UC Irvine]
21. An Overview of Open Educational Resources: Find out how open educational resources can be beneficial to all class levels. [Connexions]
22. Understanding Online Interaction: Design better learning tools and environments after taking this class on online interaction. [Utah State]
23. Best practices in online teaching: Learn how to prepare for and manage an online course. [Connexions]
24. Managing your Distance Course: Discover ways to manage students learning from home. [Connexions]
25. Managing and Maintaining the Discussion Board for Distance Courses: Facilitate online discussions through discussion boards. [Connexions]
26. The "How Tos" of OER Commons: Practice creating open educational materials to add to the OER commons here. [Connexions]
27. Connecting People with Online Resources: This course will train you to become a better researcher and collector of quality online resources you can share with students. [Utah State]
28. Establishing Tone in the Distance Course: Get your point across so that your students really understand what you're teaching when you take this course. [Connexions]
29. Promising Practices in Online Teaching and Learning: This class can help distance ed teachers become capable designers of online courses. [Connexions]
30. Introduction to Copyright Law: Make sure you're correctly sourcing and citing any materials you reference when creating online courses. [MIT]
31. eCommunities: Study how we interact with each other via online communities, which can help you design better courses or get the most out of networking with other students and classrooms. [University of Michigan]

Younger Students

These open courses will help you work with technology in elementary classrooms.

32. Technologies for Creative Learning: Study games like the LEGO Programmable Brick and Computer Clubhouse center to get a lesson in innovation design and how children learn. [MIT]
33. Play, learning and the brain: This course explains how playtime and experimentation is important in young childhood education, and that sensory deprivation can really hurt brain development. Consider this when planning interactive lessons with computers and other technology. [The Open University]

Tech Tutorials

These courses will introduce you to the technology systems you will need to create blogs, websites and other media that can bring learning to a new level to your students, as well as safety and legal tips.

34. Living with the Internet: keeping it safe: Find out how to avoid viruses and hackers. [The Open University]
35. Information on the web: Become a master at using search engines so that you can quickly direct your students to quality materials. [The Open University]
36. Ethics and Law on the Electronic Frontier: Learn about privacy laws, the U.S. PATRIOT ACT, and more. [MIT]
37. Interactive Multimedia Production: Practice using Macromedia Flash so that you can create animations and graphics. [Utah State]
38. Computer Applications for Instruction and Training: If you use a Mac, then take this course to review some of the best apps like PowerPoint, iMovie and Photoshop that aid in lesson planning. [Utah State]
39. Video in Distance Education: This mini-course will teach you how to use video for an online course. [Connexions]
40. Designing the user interface: text, colour, images, moving images and sound: Here you'll learn how to design a user-friendly learning environment that includes great design and interactive media. [The Open University]
41. Open Web Mapping: Create maps for history or science lessons after taking this class. [Penn State]
42. Creating Interactive Multimedia: If you want to design interactive learning environments for your students, take this course. [USQ]
43. Learn and Apply HTML: Learn the basics of HTML to create websites. [Utah State]
44. User Interface Design and Implementation: Continue your education of creating good user-friendly websites and educational platforms. [MIT]
45. HTML Basics: This is another course designed to teach you about HTML tags and coding.

Secondary and Higher Education

College and high school teachers can take these courses to design innovative learning systems and resources for their savvy students.

46. Introduction to Open Educational Resources: Take this course if you're a college teacher wanting alternatives to textbooks. [Connexions]
47. Teaching using digital video in secondary schools: Take this course to discover new ways to use digital media and video in the classroom. [The Open University]
48. An Open Source Vision for Caribbean Higher Education: Find out how the higher education system in the Caribbean is opening up to open source. [Connexions]
49. Teaching College-Level Science: This course includes a lesson in using educational technology in your curriculum. [MIT]
50. OpeningScholarship: Here you'll learn about different ways technology can be used in higher education. [UCT]

Business and Professional

These business books are outdated, politically incorrect, or just totally random.

1. How to Make Money in Mail-Order: by L. Perry Wilbur. The product description really gets you here, doesn't it: learn "how to share in the profits of the mail-order boom." Wow.
2. How to Start a Home-Based Secretarial Business: by Jan Melnik. This is the unabridged guide, so only those serious about starting their own secretarial business should get this one.
3. Working Together: How Workplace Bonds Strengthen a Diverse Democracy: by Cynthia Estlund. Become the president of your little democracy, but don't let it get to your head, or you could become the office dictator.
4. Trade Like an ONeil Disciple: How We Made 18,000% in the Stock Market: by Gil Morales and Chris Kacher. If you've always wanted to invest like Bill O'Neil, then check out this book.
5. Mortar: How to Specify and Use Masonry Mortar: by The Aberdeen Group. If you're foregoing engineering or construction classes and want to teach yourself how to use masonry mortar, then we guess it makes sense.
6. How Full Is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life: by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. Written by a grandfather and grandson, this book plays off the "is the glass half empty or half full" concept.
7. The NeXt Revolution: What Gen X Women Want at Work and How Their Boomer Bosses Can Help Them Get it: by Charlotte Shelton and Laura Shelton. This title just sounds a little suggestive to us.
8. Help! My Job Interview Is Tomorrow!: How to Use the Library to Research an Employer : by Mary Ellen Templeton. This is just too cute. Get a used copy of the 1991 paperback for one cent.
9. Time Mastery: How Temporal Intelligence Will Make You A Stronger, More Effective Leader: by John K. Clemens and Scott Dalrymple. Business leaders need to understand that time is malleable, according to this book.
10. Selling by Phone: How to Reach and Sell to Customers in the Nineties: by Linda Richardson. What's so strange about this book is its price tag of $13.22, barely reduced after twenty years.

Hobbies

Have you ever thought about taking up Swedish weaving or buying a dwarf hamster? These books will help you with your new pursuits.

11. How to Book of Swedish Weaving and Hu: by Avery Hill. Weaving is making a comeback, you guys. Especially Swedish weaving. And don't miss Swedish Weaving Patterns for Monks Cloth, either.
12. How to Ride Your Unicycle: by Charlie Dancey. It looks tricky but fun and carries the tag line "a beginner's guide to the most ridiculous form of transport ever invented."
13. Simplified Anatomy for the Comic Book Artist: How to Draw the New Streamlined Look of Action-Adventure Comics!: by Christopher Hart. Learn how to draw the muscles in all the right places.
14. A Surprisingly Easy Guide to Making Hundreds of Everyday Products You Would Otherwise Buy: from the Readers Digest Association. Make your own cleaning supplies and other household, beauty and kitchen items.
15. How to Carve Wood: by Richard Butz. Get in touch with your inner woodworker when you buy this book.
16. How to Play from a Fake Book: by Blake Neely. To keyboard players and pianists, this one may make sense. It's a guide for creating chords and melodies so that you can play whatever you want.
17. How to Buy an RV (And Save Thousands of Dollars): by Don Wright. So that you have lots left over for beer and jean shorts!
18. How to Care for Your Dwarf Hamster: by Marianne Mays. Oh, my, these little guys must be tricky if they need a whole book on care and maintenance.
19. My Name Isn't Martha, But I Can Decorate My Home: by Sharon Hanby-Robie. Oh, snap!
20. How to Videotape Weddings: by Robert Hurth and Sheila Hurth. You probably wouldn't be able to find the equipment touted in this book anymore.
21. Hearthstrings: How to Make Decorative Garlands for All Seasons: by Carol Cruess Pflumm. Your friends will be jealous, we're sure.
22. The Dancer's Survival Manual: Everything You Need to Know About Being a Dancer… Except How to Dance: by Marian Horosko. We guess you have to figure that part out all by yourself.
23. Check Points on How to Buy Oriental Rugs: by Charles V. Jacobsen. This "folksy" guide by Colonel Jacobsen will help you pick out awesome oriental rugs.
24. How to Haunt a House: by Dan Witkowski and Jack Lindstrom (Illustrator). This book is actually for kids, but we bet it has some pretty spooky ideas!
25. How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshipping Nature: A Christian's Call to Save Creation: by Tony Campolo. Just in case you thought recycling made you a witch.

Personal Improvement

These how-to books also act as self-help books, but you may want to take their advice with a grain (or two) of salt.

26. The Sprouting Book: How to Grow and Use Sprouts to Maximize Your Health and Vitality: by Ann Wigmore. Forget tomatoes, corn or bell peppers: this book favors sprouts as the magic health food.
27. Writing Successful Self-Help and How-To Books: by Jean Marie Stine. The how-to of how-to books? We're curious.
28. Singled Out: How Singles are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After: by Bella DePaulo. We wonder if Bridget Jones is a secret co-author?
29. The Healing House: How Living in the Right House Can Heal You Spiritually, Emotionally, and Physically: by Barbara Bannon Harwood. The ultimate for feng shui freaks.
30. The Tao of Horses: Exploring How Horses Guide Us on Our Spiritual Path: by Elizabeth Kaye McCall. Learn spiritual "exercises" to try out with your horse.
31. How to Become Naturally Thin by Eating More (The Anti-Diet Book): by Jean Antonello. Don't you know you can't become natural at anything?
32. How to Teach Your Baby to Read: by Glenn Doman. Yup, baby. The cover is a picture of a little infant with its hands in its mouth.
33. How to Understand Women Through Their Cats: by Wendy Diamond and Marilena Perilli (Illustrator). Didn't you know there are different breeds of cat lady? This book outlines them all so that you can figure out which one you want to date and marry. Seriously.
34. How to Get Married After 35: A Game Plan for Love: by Helena Hacke Rosenberg. This sounds like one of those books Charlotte York would have thrown out her window.

Society and Etiquette

Brush up on your etiquette and awareness with these books.

35. How to Say It: Choice Words, Phrases, Sentences, and Paragraphs for Every Situation: by Rosalie Maggio. You know you'll impress people when you have just the right paragraph at just the right moment.
36. HOW TO HAVE SEX IN PUBLIC WITHOUT BEING NOTICED: by Brian Heaton (Illustrator) and Marcel Feigel. We want to see the illustrations! (And yes, the title is all capitalized).
37. Mitch Murray's Complete Book of One-Liners for Weddings: And How to Use Them in Your Speech: by Mitch Murray. YIKES.
38. 25 Words or Less: How to Write Like a Pro to Find That Special Someone Through Personal Ads: by Emily Thornton Calvo and Laurence Minsky. Get a real catch by learning how to write a fabulous personal ad or online dating profile.
39. How to be a Way Cool Grandfather: The description for this book reads, "this charming guide shows you how to engage children with fun, inexpensive projects that can teach valuable life lessons." Whatever, way cool grandpas take you to the liquor store.
40. How to Talk to Moms: by Alec Greven and Kei Acedera (Illustrator). Because we all know moms only want to talk about bottles and playdates. Actually, this book is for little kids, which is even weirder.
41. How to Keep Him on a Short Leash: by Jessica Rubin, Lindsey Musante and Partners & Spade. Train your man like a dog or horse, it's that simple.
42. How to Marry the Rich: by Gini Polo Sayles. Making up a name like "polo" might help.
43. How Did Sex Begin?: by R. Brasch. We've always wondered…

Just Very…Niche

We can't really explain these books, but they might be fun reads anyway.

44. Grow Your Own Drugs: by James Wong. This is actually a home remedies kit, but we wonder if it would put you on one of those FBI lists anyway?
45. The Consumer's Guide to Cat Food; What's in Cat Food, Why It's There, and How to Choose the Best Food for Your Cat: by Liz Palika. Become the ultimate cat lady when you display this book on your coffee table.
46. The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You: by Michael Dubruiel. Find out what you're really supposed to be doing when you attend Mass.
47. How to Afford Your Own Log Home: Save 25% Without Lifting a Log: by Carl Heldmann. We didn't realize getting back to (frontier) basics cost so much.
48. How to Make Icing Flowers: by Wilton. This cake decorating book will make you the favorite on Wisteria Lane.
49. How to Be a TV Quiz Show Millionaire: by Consumer Guide editors. There's a strategy behind it, we promise!
50. How to Save a River: A Handbook for Citizen Action: by David Bolling. Don't let the Man pollute your river: pass this book out to all your friends and demand accountability.

1. Rivers Cuomo: Weezer's frontman had a pretty atypical upbringing, the least of which is his Harvard education. Cuomo was born in New York City but was raised on an ashrum in Connecticut. With his brother — named Leaves — River went to a private school on the ashrum after it moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but after graduating, he changed his name to Peter Kitts and moved back to Connecticut for high school. A gifted musician even as a teenager, Cuomo then moved with his band to LA, where he formed Weezer. Between bands, Cuomo still made education a priority: he attended Santa Monica College, the Berklee College of Music, and Harvard, from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 2006 after taking classes for nearly ten years.
2. Gram Parsons: Though he's not known as a hard rocker, singer and songwriter Gram Parsons is considered the creator of country rock. He belonged to bands like the Flying Burrito Brothers and The Byrds, and though he had a very short career (Parsons died of a drug overdose at 26, in 1973), he has won a few very prestigious posthumous awards from the music industry. Born in Florida, Parsons had a very tumultuous childhood before ending up at Harvard in the 1960s.
3. Greg Graffin: So you know that band Bad Religion? Its frontman, Greg Graffin is also a college professor. The SoCal punk band formed in the 1979, when Graffin was just a teenager, and though it broke up and got back together a few times over the next decades, Graffin continued with schooling, too. He double-majored and then got a Master's degree at UCLA before earning a Ph.D. in zoology from Cornell. Today, Graffin splits his time between upstate New York and UCLA, where he teaches science courses.
4. Sha Na Na: This nostalgic rock group loves reviving the 1950s, and after nearly five decades, some of the group's original members are still performing. Sha Na Na formed out of the a cappella group The Kingsmen, which had been a Columbia tradition for years. Humanities grad student George Leonard organized the Sha Na Na group, and quickly led them to perform at Woodstock the same year.
5. Alicia Keys: She's more of an R&B performer than a rock musician, but singer/songwriter/pianist Alicia Keys is still a superstar who is impressing the world with her powerful voice just as much as she did when she blasted onto the scene in 2001. Keys was raised in New York City's Hell's Kitchen by her mother. Demonstrating a talent for music and performing at a very, very young age, Keys — born Alicia Augello Cook — attended the Professional Performing Art School, where she practiced singing and songwriting. After graduating early, she enrolled at Columbia and simultaneously signed a recording contract at Columbia Records at 16 years old, but dropped out of college after only 4 weeks.
6. Vampire Weekend members: Indie rock band Vampire Weekend is still relatively new on the music scene. The group first formed when members Ezra Kroenig, Chris Tomson, Chris Baio and Rostam Batmanglij met at Columbia University. They were quickly signed by XL Recordings and were on an international tour just a couple of years later.
7. Tom Morello: Tom Morello might be our hardest rocker on the list. The guitarist has played for Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, and the Street Sweeper Social Club, and is well respected by musical critics and fans alike. The Harlem-born musician probably has his parents to thank for instilling in him an appreciation for education: his mother has a Master's degree from Loyola in Chicago, and his father — who eventually abandoned him — was at one time Kenya's first ambassador to the United Nations. Raised in Illinois, Morello went straight from high school to a political science major at Harvard, but he had to strip for a living when he moved to Hollywood after graduation.
8. Sean Lennon: As the only son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, you know you've got a lot of opportunity and a lot of chances to fail publicly. But Sean Lennon — who's a steady part of the jet-setting (but New York-based) hipster crowd — has done pretty well for himself. By 16, Lennon was already co-writing songs with Lenny Kravitz, and has since dabbled in film and art, but focuses on music. A graduate of some of New York City's best prep schools including Dalton, Lennon attended Columbia for three years before dropping out to pursue his music career.
9. Dave Longstreth: Experimental rock band the Dirty Projectors was created by Dave Longstreth, whose first album was released in 2002. With seven albums now released, the Dirty Projectors are still a more underground band which mostly sticks to its Brooklyn, NY, neighborhoods, despite having worked with internationally recognized artists like Bjork. Longstreth came up with the idea for the band when he was a freshman at Yale, from which he graduated in 2005. He was already recording albums before he graduated.
10. Duncan Sheik: Oh, my God, remember this guy?! We were excited to include the "Barely Breathing" singer on this list, and it turns out Sheik is a pretty serious intellectual. Taught to play the piano by his Juilliard-educated grandmother, Sheik attended the Phillips Academy boarding school in Andover, MA, before studying semiotics at Brown. After graduating, Sheik moved to San Francisco to work on his music.

1. "College": Yes, Animal House is a classic comedy that's one of the best university-set movies of all time, as well as the best thing to come out of the National Lampoon factory. But, dude, let's be honest. No one needs to see the black and white poster of John Belushi in that classic "College"-branded sweater. It's so overdone that it doesn't even feel funny, just lazy. Love the movie, toss the poster.
2. Scarface: Another ubiquitous movie poster (and this time the movie's not even that good). Beloved by frat bros nationwide, and just as uninspired. If you want to stick with Al Pacino, go for Serpico.
3. Periodic Table of Mixology: We get it: You like booze. You like it so much that you bought a poster about it. However, your money would be better spent on a bartender's guide or recipe book for cocktails. That way, instead of bragging about how much you like to drink, you can prove it with a killer mix of your own.
4. The Starry Night: There's something about the Impressionist movement that sucks in college students by the boatload. As a result, the gorgeous art from the era winds up feeling trite and overdone. The solution? Don't go to that well. If you find yourself itching for Van Gogh's The Starry Night, just download it and use as desktop wallpaper.
5. Water Lilies: Same as above. It's another beautiful piece of Impressionist work that's been diluted in dorms nationwide. Remember: Just say no!
6. Anything involving Bob Marley: The worst thing about the trend of Bob Marley posters is that they override the man's real musical talent and legendary career. When you see a Marley poster, it's usually not because the student digs reggae; he or she just likes to get high, and this is the easiest way to convey that.
7. Anything by Salvador Dali: Salvador Dali was a full-on genius, and no one denies that. But his surrealist works made this list for the same reason everything else did: They're so widely used that they've ceased to be interesting or even entertaining. They're just the standard "slightly edgy" artwork that students buy to look advanced. Don't be fooled.
8. The Great Wave off Kanagawa: Look familiar? That's because every student with a penchant for Japanese culture has this in their room, guaranteed. The country's got a rich history of art, so dig into that instead of recycling this.
9. Abbey Road: The Beatles are arguably the best band of the 20th century, which means they're often forced to live in infamy in this highly reproduced poster of the cover of their 1969 album Abbey Road. If you want something fun featuring the band, dig up art from their earlier releases, especially the American packaging.
10. Anything from Swingers: This 1996 comedy starring Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn is, rightly, a cult classic. But the potentially obnoxious quotes ("You're so money!") and multiple posters are just plain done. Own the DVD, but don't put this on your wall.
11. Trainspotting: If you've seen Danny Boyle's Trainspotting, you know it's a pretty weird flick to celebrate with a dorm room poster. This one-sheet with dialogue from the movie conveniently ends before the speaker talks about how he's choosing heroin over life, anyway.
12. Rolling Stones' Tongue: Art designer John Pasche created this tongue and lip logo for the Rolling Stones, and it was first used on their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. It's since become more popular than the band itself, and a distraction from the fact that, back in their primes, the Stones were flat-out awesome. Instead of putting up this unoriginal poster, invest in, well, your own copy of Sticky Fingers. Play it loud.
13. Breakfast at Tiffany's: It feels like undergrad women are issued this when they apply for housing. Seen everywhere, remembered nowhere.
14. "V–J day in Times Square": Alfred Eisenstadt's iconic photo of a sailor kissing a nurse during a parade celebrating V-J Day in 1945 is one of the most well-known images Life magazine ever put out. Unfortunately, that makes it one of the most overrepresented in our nation's halls of higher learning, where the poster is on display in so many dorms that the image's romance is sapped. Do yourself a favor and pass this one up.
15. Albert Einstein's Tongue: Taken in 1951 on Einstein's 72nd birthday, this image of the renowned scientist sticking his tongue out at a cameraman is one of the most popular images of Einstein ever taken. It's everywhere: offices, labs, and especially dorm rooms. Do the right thing here: Don't buy this poster.
16. The Dark Side of the Moon: There are legitimate Pink Floyd fans out there, it's true. They don't just like "Money"; they celebrate the band's entire catalog. But unless you're one of those people, you really don't need a poster featuring the cover art from The Dark Side of the Moon. (And while we're at it, you should know that any links between the album and The Wizard of Oz are purely coincidental.)
17. Che Guevara: There's a photo of Che Guevara titled "Guerrillero Heroico" that's become the most popular representation of the man, and you should avoid it at all costs. On one hand, you're not a Cuban revolutionary, and many people with this poster just don't know the history they're referencing. On an aesthetic level, it's also tacky and clichéd. Don't go there.
18. Le Chat Noir: Oh come on. They sell this at Target. Unless you are buying this for your mom, move along.
19. Anything involving a Playmate: Fellas: You will be tempted to adorn your walls with posters of bronzed, airbrushed women. But if you ever want to get a real one in the room with you, don't display this poster. They're lazy, uninspired, and boring.
20. "Beer: Helping Ugly People Have Sex Since 1862!": Man, this thing is everywhere. It's been around for years and shows no signs of going away. Plus, it's not terribly funny. If you want hilarious uses of old-school art with modern phrasing, check out someecards.

Make a deal with yourself that you will sleep in on the weekends, if you wake up early during the week. For argument’s sake, let’s say your first class each day is at 10 A.M. If you get up at 7, then you will have about 2 and a half hours to get a head start on your day before you have to get moving on to class. If you are always complaining that you never have time to go to the gym after class, start going when you get up. This will energize you for the rest of the day. If your workout lasts an hour, then you still have more than an hour to do some school work.

This proposition may sound ridiculous to the student who is accustomed to staying up all night, regardless of whether it is to study or party or watch television. It will be a shock to your system for the first couple days. But, you will be amazed at how your body is able to adapt to a new routine. That’s the sticking point; you have to make it a routine. Once you get into a groove, you will be accomplishing so much before you get to your first class that you will feel great about yourself.

So much of personal success is related to self-esteem. The better you feel about yourself, the better your approach to your daily tasks will be. If you are getting up three hours before class and you have already worked out and done some work, you will be much less likely to come home after your classes and sit in front of the television. Eventually, you will become such a motivated person that you start making the most out of every waking hour. Compare your grades after a semester of this approach to your old ways and you will see how your hard work paid off.

Watch movies and listen to music made by artists that speak the language you’re learning. Visit independent movie theaters, or just download or rent them. You can also check your campus library’s multimedia section if you don’t have Netflix and your local DVD store isn’t well-equipped and iTunes doesn’t have the foreign music you like. If you can, download the Pandora app to your smart phone or music to your iPod so that you can listen to it wherever you go. Foreign-language audio books also give you excellent practice, especially as you listen to speech patterns, inflection and pick up on new vocabulary.

Podcasts also keep you updated on current events and pop culture in the country of the language you want to learn, and are free to subscribe to. Listen to the news, a cooking podcast, or life hacks podcast: pick a subject you’re honestly interested in and want to learn more about, and that way you’ll stick with the program and become a more engaged listener. For a less tech-y experience, head to Barnes & Noble (or online) to pick up foreign magazines. Foreign fashion magazines, especially, are often sold at bookstores.

Also ask your professor for links in the community, like cultural groups that have centers with foreign language materials, sponsor ethnic events, and offer extra classes or meetings during which you can practice your language. Surrounding yourself with as many native speakers as possible — through film, music, podcasts or in real life — will give you the best language education possible.

The job market has been decimated over the past ten years, and specifically over the past three. It wasn’t too long ago that students could feel comfortable stepping into the real world, armed with their degrees, and find a job. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate continues to soar to levels that haven’t been seen in over 30 years. It is human nature to feel depressed as you get passed over for jobs. However, it is important to realize that you didn’t create this mess. Accordingly, you need to start making smart decisions about your future. While moving back into your old, tiny bedroom in your parents’ house was probably not high on your list of things to do after graduation, it may make the most sense, financially, for you at this time.

If you find yourself in this position, it’s important to devise a plan to make sure you don’t get too comfortable eating your mother’s home cooked meals and having your laundry done for you. If you have had trouble finding a job that suits you or any job at all, you need to make looking for a job your job. Make finding the job where you could excel your number one priority. Exhaust all of your contacts within your network. Send your resumes out to as many companies that are attractive to you as possible.

If you are living back at home, remember to be gracious towards your parents. As much as they love you, this may not have been on their list of things to do after you graduated. Some parents will expect their sons and daughters to pay rent. Don’t be turned off by this demand. It’s a way for your parents to give you some responsibility for your situation. If you don’t like the idea of paying to stay in the room in which you grew up, then do something about it.

Use it as an ultraportable laptop. You may have a desktop or laptop ready to go for college, and you should, but the iPad can be a great supplement to that. Instead of lugging around a heavy complete computer system, take your lightweight iPad to class and get work done with ease. It has several hours of battery life that are likely to last you the entire school day.

Carry your books in one handy package. Your books are probably heavy, expensive, and cumbersome to lug around. Although the iPad is still expensive, it is certainly more handy than stuffing and hauling around a backpack full of books. You can download textbooks, literature, magazines, journals, and more, and keep them all in one easily accessible place. Some of the downloads you need may even be free, which is a definite plus over hitting the campus bookstore.

Keep all of your papers together and easily searchable. Instead of printing out course materials, keep whatever you can on your iPad. Your professor may offer lecture notes, journal readings, study guides, and more, which can all bulk up your notebook and be difficult to manage. With this information on the iPad, you can be sure that it’s all in one place, and that you have the electronic advantage of being able to search these documents to find what you want quickly.

Get better focus. With a laptop or desktop computer, the lure of the Internet and entertainment is always a temptation. But one of the iPad’s criticisms may be a positive feature for students. With the single-tasking iPad, you’ll have to completely back out of what you’re doing to email, IM, or check game scores. If you’re using it in class, you’ll have to leave open your note taking app, and because it may be difficult to get back into it in time to write down relevant information, you’ll be less likely to switch out to distractions.

The iPad is a great accessory for college students. These are just a few of the ways you can put it to work for you. Take a look at the iPad and the applications it offers to consider how you can find an advantage in this useful device.