Comics And Video Games Overflow With Such Depth That Their Original Mediums Can Hardly Contain Them. In These 3D Sidewalk Art Murals, Some Of Your Favorite Heroes And Games Are Taking It To The Streets!

In recent years, the street art phenomenon has taken off, and our world is the richer for it. It’s the nature of the artist to interpret, and since this particular form has gained momentum, there have been some genuine talents, who have done just that. Names like Kurt Wenner, Eric Grohe, Daim, Gregory Brown, and several others. It’s only natural that these Rembrandts of the Streets would turn to two other relatively contemporary art forms for inspiration: the comic book and the video game. Since 3D sidewalk art lends itself to geek culture, we’ve decided to take a look at 8 murals for gamers and geeks. Here goes!

1. Superman

This shot came from the Superman Homepage. No idea who the genius responsible was, but he deserves some major props. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster probably didn’t envision this when they had the Man of Steel pick up his first car, but we’re sure they’d be pleased.

2. Bumblebee 

Bumblebee rather unexpectedly stole the show in director Michael Bay’s first live-action adaptation of the classic cartoon Transformers. Here it looks like he’s done it again with that giant Mountain Dew bottle. How those two are related, who knows? Probably a cross-promo for one of the movies. Still cool, though.

3. Mario 

Who’d'uh’thunk that a little fat Italian plumber would become one of the most enormously successful video game franchises of all time? Thanks to the classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Mario and brother Luigi will now forever be with us. They even survived that godawful live-action movie, reputations intact. It’s only fitting they should be pictured here together.

4. Spider-Man

This guy appears to be several feet from certain death. Good thing there’s a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man around to save the day. As with many of these 3D sidewalk art examples, we’re blown away by how the artist can take a cartoonist’s style and blend fiction and reality so seamlessly. Fantastic.

5. Batman And Robin

Bats and the Boy-Wonder are well-conceptualized drawings, but drawings nonetheless. However, you sort of have to do a double-take to realize that the people on the street below are also just figments of the artist’s imagination. Pretty convincing mashup of Gotham City and an ordinary city sidewalk.

6. Ryu (From Street Fighter)

Ryu is back and badder than ever. This street smash 3D sidewalk art mural makes it appear as though the heroic character from Capcom’s classic Street Fighter series has escaped his N64 confines to tear evil a new one.

7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman created the anthropomorphic crime-fighting team in 1984. In less than a decade, the self-published comic book would become a multimedia juggernaut with cartoons, films, and more comic books. Currently, Michael Bay is prepping a reboot for theaters. We’ll take the pic above.

8. Pac-Man

Pac-Man may not have the best graphics or any kind of a coherent storyline, but when it comes to addicting game-play, it’s hard to beat. And continuing that line of thought, we think the little yellow ghost-gobbler wins in the 3d sidewalk art department as well.

If this is your first introduction to the world of street murals and sidewalk art, then you’ve just witnessed the tip of the iceberg. Check back to the first paragraph and the link we’ve included there if you want to dig a little deeper for some more mind-blowing 3D sidewalk art. Or better yet, why not grab some materials and do one yourself? Which mural above did you think was best?

8 3D Sidewalk Art Murals For Gamers And Geeks is a post from: Lifed

Ogden Nash said “The trouble with a kitten is that eventually it becomes a cat.” Does that include the cutest kitten ever? Probably.

We’re not the foremost experts on cat breeds. Apologies here for not even trying. But we do know cute when we see it, and these little felines are about as cute as they come. What follows is our list of the 14 cutest kitten ever pics that’ll make you want to swear off dogs forever. But a word of warning: if you have an aversion to heart-melting cuteness, some discretion is advised. Let’s begin.

1. This little tyke was so camera shy we almost didn’t get a peak at those big dark eyes. 

2. Next time you put on a pair of jeans, better check to make sure one of these cutest kitten ever shoe-ins isn’t hiding in the pant leg. 

3. If cleanliness is next to godliness, then this little one is heaven-bound. Got to look your best to be on camera after all.

4. We almost thought this was one of the Budweiser frogs when doing a once-over of this cutest kitten ever pic. Little one almost fooled us.

5. Not quite sure what this kiddo is asking for, but we couldn’t imagine any set of circumstances where we would say no. Could you?

6. Really, you’re going with the Hello, Kitty doll? How cliche? Nevertheless, you get a pass for napping like a champ.

7. Look at the mugs on these little guys. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) If you’re looking for that morning cup of coffee, better check elsewhere.

8. Looks like this friendly feline found a couple of buddies. Not sure what kind of relationship they’ll have a few months from now, but let’s relish the tranquility, shall we?

9. The kids grow up so fast. Unfortunately, they can’t stay this size forever (unless you’re really screwing up this whole parenting thing.)

10. Some cats have to work at it, and some are just born with it. Camera loves ya, babe. 

11. “Time for the airing of grievances. I got a lot of problems with you people, and now you’re gonna hear about it.” Bonus points if you can name the sitcom.

12. This fur ball has an answer for everything. 

13. Amazon Prime membership gets you free two-day shipping on all items — well, almost all. 

14. Cuteness is inevitable. Resistance is futile.

And so it ends. We’re sure there are more cute cats out there, but it would be hard to top the epic adorableness you just witnessed. However, if you do have some kitten pics that you think can hang with our cutest kitten ever list, we invite you to speak up. And while you’re at it, let us know which of these little guys was your favorite. (Personally, I’m going with number 11. Always dug the so-ugly-they’re-cute look. That’s something I’ve been trying to pull off myself for years.

Source: cutestkittenever.tumblr.com

14 Cutest Kitten Ever Pics That’ll Make You Want To Swear Off Dogs Forever is a post from: Lifed

Nothing Throws Off Our Work Mojo Quicker Than Being Summoned By Our Judicial System. That’s Why We’ve Put Together These Helpful Tricks For How To Get Out Of Jury Duty, So You Can Let Someone Else Worry About It.

Jury duty is a funny thing. Some can move to a new city and instantly be called, while others who’ve lived in that same area their entire lives fly under the radar. Regardless of where you’re coming from, it can be very disruptive to your life and your pocketbook. (In other words, you’re not getting rich doing it, and whatever you do make will likely cut in to your normal earnings if you’re an hourly employee.) We have no idea how they make selections, but we know a thing or six about how to get out of jury duty. Read on and never be annoyed again.

1. Get Sick.

Okay, so we’re not exactly telling you to feign illness here — or maybe we are — but nothing is to stop you from going to your doctor and saying, “Hey, this is going to be a real drag on my finances. Anything you can do to help?” If you can get your primary care physician to write you a doctor’s note describing why you’ll be unable to participate, then you’re home free. Zero time wasted. Of course, it works best when the medical reason you can’t serve is legitimate — this is called a hardship reason — but you may still be able to pull something off regardless, depending on the rapport you have with ol’ Doc.

2. Have Your Jerk Boss Get Involved.

If you’re a valuable asset to your employer, then he’ll likely be as annoyed as you are with the idea of losing you to jury duty. You’ve already got an instant ally. Still, depending on where he falls on the ethics scale, it’s not necessarily a lock that he’ll go to bat for you without proof. That’s when it may be time to have a heart-to-heart about the projects you’re working on, what you’d like to have accomplished, and how he can help keep you in the office instead of in the courtroom. Chances are, he’ll be more than happy to help you weasel out of it. He’ll just have to give details for why losing you at work would be detrimental to his business. Between the two of you, we’re sure you can come up with something here, but it does have to be convincing.

3. Find A Reason You Can’t Be Impartial.

When you start digging around in your own past, it can be quite easy to manufacture reasons why you can’t be impartial. Of all the means for how to get out of jury duty, this one is the most common. While we don’t recommend it, it’s a cold hard fact that some people have racial or orientation prejudices that have no place on a panel of 12 people, who may be deciding between life and death. If you’ve got any racial hangups, now’s the time to get them out in the open. But it’s also worth noting that you don’t have to be a bigot to make this work for you. For example, if your mother was sexually assaulted and it has always made you irrational when it comes to accusations of sexual violence and the possibility of someone “getting away with it,” then you may not be the best person to weigh evidence on a man accused of rape charges. Think hard enough, and you’ll find a means for getting out of jury duty that will be foolproof.

4. Rely On Religion To Deliver You.

Some individuals have a belief system that precludes them from being a part of the jury process. We’re no experts on religion, so we can’t exactly tell you what those belief systems are, but chances are, if yours is one of them, you already know it. Have a talk with your pastor, minister, rabbi, priest, or religious leader, and explain to them why you object. They’ll be happy to write you a note, but they’ll have to be specific, and so must you be when explaining the problem. For all the ribbing the government takes over how it deals with religious people, it still recognizes your freedom of religion and will nine times out of ten stop before violating any principles you may have.

5. Conveniently Lose Your Babysitter’s Number.

Children can be crying, screaming, whining little brats that make you want to cut your own ears off and cauterize the exposed nerves until you can’t hear anything at all. But they can also be great helpers when it comes to getting out of jury duty, especially when you have no one willing to watch them or take care of them while you’re predisposed. The only drawback to using your kids as a method for how to get out of jury duty is that you may have to actually do what you’re saying you’ll do and take care of them. In that case, we recommend jury duty. (Kidding.) (Or are we?)

6. Make Those Failing Grades Pay Off.

One of the last great bastions of hope for how to get out of jury duty — if the others aren’t working for you — is turning to your grades. Of course, this is only a temp fix as long as you’re in school and won’t permanently do the job the way that, say, a medical or religious reason might (see nos. 1 and 4), but it’s effective in a pinch. If you have finals coming up or an important presentation or project, then you can turn to your administration to help save you. As with the other options on this list, you’ll need to have documentation, so you can’t just fabricate a story on the fly, but you can make it work for you.

7. Use Reverse Psychology. 

People who actually want to be on jury duty tend to freak out lawyers, who help in the culling process. In an article for Business Insider, jury consultant Marshall Hennington explains: “Those are the jurors you have to be very, very mindful of because they could severely damage your case … One of the signs is that they want on the panel badly. They smile a lot, they make good eye contact with you, and they give you all the politically correct information.” So, if nothing else is working for you, embrace the opportunity, make out with it, and hope she rebuffs you.

No matter which method you end up using, make sure that you show up to the jury selection proceedings until you’re dismissed. Avoiding the summons could place you in contempt of court as it did with one stay-at-home dad, who called in his reason — childcare — and then forgot to show up until he was dragged in on charges. The 7 tips we’ve just given you for how to get out of jury duty will help, but it’s still up to you to communicate and know what’s expected from you. What methods have worked for you?

7 Foolproof Methods How To Get Out Of Jury Duty is a post from: Lifed

What turns a normal video into a viral video? Does it have to be funny, eccentric, engaging, or all of the above?

Out of the 7 most watched YouTube Videos of all time, only one is an amateur video. All the rest are professionally produced Vevo music videos by popular artists. Even if you don’t like all of these YouTube videos, it’s pretty hard to ignore them. Watch and see…

7. Charlie Bit My Finger – Again!

“Ouch Charlie! Aaaaaah! Charlie, that really hurt!”
Howard Davies-Carr, father of Charlie and his older brother Harry wanted to capture them growing up. He uploaded the video to YouTube so that their godfather, living in the US, could watch it. The video quickly became the most watched YouTube video that is not a professional music video. Davies-Carr keeps uploading new videos of his boys as they grow. There are also Charlie bit my finger T-shirts and even mobile apps on offer!

6. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

The sixth most watched YouTube video is Shakira’s song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). The song was chosen as the official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Although the South African band Freshlyground is featured in the music video, some critics were dismayed by the choice of a non-African performer. The upbeat music video contains archive footage from past World Cups with football legends such as Ronaldo, Pelé and Diego Maradona.

5. LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

“On March 1, LMFAO’s Redfoo and Sky Blu slipped into comas after excessive party rocking. Their new single “Party Rock Anthem” was released to the world.”
28 days later Redfoo and Sky Blu woke up from their comas. Music video director Mickey Finnegan describes what followed: “There’s been an epidemic, the world has gone crazy, as soon as the song came out, everyone got possessed and all they want to do is to shuffle…” Featuring British singer Lauren Bennett, the fifth most watched YouTube video is a parody of the 2002 horror movie 28 Days Later. The video was featured in the 2012 movie 21 Jump Street and won the MTV Movie Award for Best Music.

4. Eminem – Love The Way You Lie ft. Rihanna

“Just gonna stand there and watch me burn
Well that’s alright because I like the way it hurts…”
Starring Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan, the fourth most watched video on YouTube, Love the Way You Lie was received with mixed reactions by critics and women’s organizations alike. Dealing with domestic violence, Eminem’s music video Featuring Rihanna was controversial. Rihanna felt she could relate to the theme of the song as she and Eminem had experienced domestic violence with ex-partners on “different ends of the table”.

3. Jennifer Lopez – On the Floor ft. Pitbull

Premiered simultaneously on Vevo and on American Idol on March 3, 2011, the third most watched YouTube video, On the Floor quickly went viral on YouTube, increasing the traffic to Lopez’s official Vevo channel by 1000%. The Latin pop dance floor gained commercial success and reaped critical acclaim for its lush production and J.Lo’s sexy performance. Featuring rapper Pitbull, the original video had three alternative endings that fans had to choose from.

2. Justin Bieber – Baby ft. Ludacris

“You know you love me, I know you care
Just shout whenever, and I’ll be there…”
Part of Justin Bieber’s debut album My World 2.0, Baby has become the most watched YouTube video in 12 July, 2010. It remained the most viewed until it was surpassed by Psy’s Gangnam Style, in November 2012. Baby is a sugary sweet love story of a guy who desperately tries to win his girl back. Taking place in a bowling alley, the video includes a cameo appearance by fellow Canadian rapper Drake and some less suggestive Michael Jackson moves.

1. Psy – Gangnam Style

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you must have heard Psy’s Gangnam Style at least once, even unintentionally. After all, how could you not? With over 1.6 billion views and counting, the South Korean eccentric (and somewhat annoying) musical video has become the most watched YouTube video, surpassing Justin Bieber’s Baby. What started as a parody on the lifestyle in Seoul’s Gangnam District has quickly become a global phenomenon with countless parody videos and flashmobs inspired by Psy’s amusing dance moves, shooting the Korean singer into world stardom.

The 7 Most Watched YouTube Videos of All Time is a post from: Lifed

For More Than A Century, Movies Have Provided Escape, Comfort, Insight, And A Different Way Of Looking At Our World. It’s Tough Selecting The 10 Best Movie Quotes Ever From The Hundreds Of Thousands Made, But We’re Gonna Try!

It’s tough to think about a great movie without some pretty amazing lines of dialogue or narrative coming to mind. The movie quotes we consider great are often reflections of our personality. They come from the movies that we believe to be among the best ever made. With that said, compiling a list of the 10 Best Movie Quotes Ever will always be in the eye of the beholder, colored by time, experience, and preference. Which do you consider the best?

“Somebody’s got to go back into town and get a s***load of dimes.”

Taggert (Slim Pickens) from Blazing Saddles

This classic came from one of the villains in the legendary western satire-comedy directed by Mel Brooks. It exemplifies the film itself, which lampoons the stupidity of racism. The villains are riding across the open prairie looking to pillage the small, all-white town of clueless Rock Ridge. Rock Ridge’s black sheriff (played by Cleavon Little) has set up a narrow toll system in the middle of the prairie. And even though the bad guys aren’t above roughing up an old lady for no good reason at all — as if there ever is a good reason — violating a toll booth would be a violation of their collective moral code.

“Ah come on, Adrian, it’s true. I was nobody. But that don’t matter either, you know? ‘Cause I was thinkin’, it really don’t matter if I lose this fight. It really don’t matter if this guy opens my head, either. ‘Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody’s ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.”

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) from Rocky

Spoiler alert: Rocky doesn’t win in the first movie. But he doesn’t have to. This exchange between Rocky and Adrian (Talia Shire) the night before club fighter Balboa meets the unbeaten heavyweight champ in the ring is what gives the finale its power. As good as the five sequels are, they’re never able to equal the power of the original, and the whole film hinges on this moment.

“You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.”

Marie “Slim” Browning (Lauren Bacall) from To Have and Have Not

One of the greatest Hollywood couples to ever grace the silver screen (or the real world) got their start in this 1944 film. The tension between Bogey and Bacall was thick enough to cut with a chainsaw, and Slim’s exchange with “Steve” (Bogart) in this scene is sexy, suggestive, and way ahead of its time, without crossing over any lines.

“May the Force be with you.”

Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

The Force gets frequent mention in the six Star Wars films — well three films and three terrible prequels — but it’s when Han Solo, a non-believer, says it before Luke Skywalker flies into almost certain death at the end of the 1977 classic that it resonates with the most emotional impact. It’s the moment when Han reveals there is more to his character than meets the eye.

“Get busy living, or get busy dying.”

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman) from The Shawshank Redemption

Red is an “institutional” man, who doesn’t think he can make it outside prison walls. Andy is a wide-eyed dreamer, whose luck has taken a turn for the worst. But no matter what, nothing can destroy Andy’s hope, a lesson he tries to teach Red throughout the film. If you don’t know the rest, then buy this movie at once.

“I know what you’re thinking. ‘Did he fire six shots or only five?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?”

“Dirty” Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) from Dirty Harry

Callahan gives this speech twice in the film — the first time, toying with a crook he’s acting like he’s about to shoot; the second time at the end of the film to the Scorpio Killer. Both times he knows exactly how many bullets he has in the gun, but the last time, none of the playfulness is there. Only hate. And it’s awesome.

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) from Gone with the Wind

Selfish. Manipulative. Drama queen. The world revolved around Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) until it didn’t. It took Rhett Butler to clarify in one of the most controversial (at the time) lines uttered on film. Today the word “damn” isn’t that big of a deal, but back then, it kind of was. No $#!T!

“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) from The Godfather

Marlon Brando completely lost himself in the role and became The Godfather. Since then, the line has been repeated, parodied, and immortalized. But before it became a pop culture milestone, it was the perfect example of the main character’s menace and civility that somehow coexisted in one very brutal, very classy film.

“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey) from The Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects is a classic plot-twister that we’d hate to give away in case you haven’t seen it, but we’ll just say the line is very cool on its own, and when you put it in the context of the film, it’s even more awesome.

“I regret trifling with married women. I’m thoroughly ashamed at cheating at cards. I deplore my occasional departures from the truth. Forgive me for taking your name in vain, my Saturday drunkenness, my Sunday sloth. Above all, forgive me for the men I’ve killed in anger. And for those I am about to.”

Jebediah Nightlinger (Roscoe Lee Browne) from The Cowboys

This line comes from the incredible John Wayne western The Cowboys, but it’s not the Duke who says it, which makes it even more memorable in a way, given the many great lines he delivered throughout his career up to, including, and after this film. If you’ve seen the movie, you know the circumstances add to the effect. If you haven’t, then brace yourself. It’s a moving and exciting experience.

So those are the great movie lines that we can’t forget. The Best Movie Quotes ever, if you will. Agree or disagree — share your thoughts below.

10 Best Movie Quotes Ever is a post from: Lifed

If you have children, you may see yourself as a lot of things. Maybe a teacher and a friend. And while you may strive to be a good role model for your children, you may not see yourself as a financial role model.

Being a financial role model for your children is a bigger deal than you may think. The way we manage money influences every aspect of life. It affects whether we set aside enough funds for retirement, how we manage debt, as well as how much we have in an emergency fund. If you weren’t taught how to manage money, you may mistakenly skip money discussions with your own children. But even if you don’t sit down and have a discussion, your kids are watching. They’ll follow your good examples, and repeat your mistakes.

1. Be Smart with Debt

Some parents teach their kids to avoid credit cards at all costs. But this isn’t the best advice. If used responsibly, credit cards aren’t bad. In fact, a credit card can help your child build a credit history. Rather than create a negative image, teach your children the proper way to use credit cards. Of course, this means that you have to educate yourself and learn how to manage credit card debt yourself.

If you shop excessively and your children see you swiping a credit card every time you go to the store, they’re likely to repeat this behavior. They might view credit cards as an endless money supply, and they may not consider the consequences of debt until they’re overwhelmed with high balances. Don’t use credit as your “get everything” card. Use cash as much as possible, and when you do bring out your credit card, pay your balance in full each month.

2. Don’t Try to Keep Up With Friends

If you’re driven by what others have, and if you’re constantly trying to keep up with relatives and friends, your children will pick up on this behavior. They might grow up thinking that they need the latest fashions to fit in and be happy. This can trigger a life of overspending and excessive credit card use.

Teach and demonstrate the importance of living within your means. Don’t buy houses and cars that you can’t afford, and don’t use material things to compensate for low self-esteem. Be honest with your kids – and yourself. Most people who walk around with the latest and best of everything are also deep in debt. They may have it together on the outside, but weighed down with worry and anxiety on the inside.

3. Don’t Bail Out Your Kids

As parents, you may quickly come to your child’s rescue if he needs cash or faces a financial crisis. However, this doesn’t teach your child responsible money habits. Make your children responsible for their actions at a young age. For example, if your child accidentally hits his baseball into the neighbor’s window, or if he accidentally breaks an item around the house, put him to work. Although you may go in your pocket to initially fix the problem, give your child extra chores around the house to work off the debt. This way, your child learns that some actions have financial consequences.

4. Stretch Your Dollars

As a financial role model, teach your children how to stretch their dollars and get more for their money. This simple lesson can be of great benefit during their adult years. Whether you’re shopping for food or buying clothes, always shop around and compare prices. You might find an item you need in one store, yet another store might have the same item half-off. Show your kids how to go online and locate coupons codes, and if they have a favorite retailer, have them sign up for email clubs to receive discounts and sale announcements. If you pay full price for everything and never wait for a sale or clearance, your kids will follow in your footsteps.

5. Save Your Money

Kids aren’t born knowing how to save, and most don’t have the desire. However, you can teach the value of saving by your example. If you diligently set money aside for their college education or build a household emergency fund, you actions won’t go unnoticed. In all likelihood, it’s because of this fund that your kid can attend college, and if you or your spouse are laid off from work, an emergency fund might carry your family for a few months. These experiences can help kids grasp the importance of saving their money.

Get your kids saving at an early age. Think beyond piggybanks and open a savings account. Require that your kids deposit a percentage of their weekly allowance and any gift money.

6. Don’t Stop with the Basics

Teaching your kids how to save and compare prices is a good start, but don’t stop here. Educate your older kids on credit reports and teach the importance of credit monitoring. Avoiding high credit card debt can help your kids maintain a good credit score once they’re ready to apply for credit. But more is involved than this.

Set the example and order your personal credit report each year. Discuss all aspects of responsible credit card use, such as paying bills on time, limiting credit applications and diversifying credit accounts. Talk about the dangers of credit report errors and the importance of disputing mistakes. Give your teenager some practice and add him as an authorized user on your credit card account. He’ll learn how to manage credit under your guidance, which can prepare him for getting his own credit card.

Six Ways to Be a Financial Role Model is a post from: Lifed

There is a buzz  on the inter webs concerning discover student loans.
The cost of college is rising across the nation, and for many college-bound students, a student loan is the only way to achieve a higher education.

Sure, some students work and pay their own way through school or rely on financial help from parents. But for many college students, this simply isn’t an option. Federal student loans are often a college student’s first choice. There are federal loans for practically everyone, and because these loans do not require a credit check, they are easier to obtain than other types of loans. But unfortunately, there are limits to how much federal aid a student can borrow each year. Some students have higher educational expenses, and after exhausting federal resources they often bridge the gap with private student loans. These are loans offered by private banks and credit unions, and not the federal government.

About Discover Student Loans 

There are several choices for private lending, and when comparing your student loan options, you may not immediately think of Discover. This bank, however, isn’t just a credit card company. Discover offers a host of financial products from home loans to online savings accounts, and if you need funding to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree program, multiple options are available to you.

The types of loans offered by Discover Student Loans includes:

• Undergraduate Student Loans
• Health Professionals Loans
• Law Loans
• MBA Loans
• Residency Loans
• Bar Exam Loans
• Graduate School Loans

Features of Discover Student Loans

Private student loans vary by bank or credit union. To determine whether Discover Student Loans are right for you, familiarize yourself with the features and terms of these loans.

1. Annual Loan Limits. Student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education may not cover the entire cost of attendance at a college or university. Discover Student Loans, however, can cover up to 100% of tuition, books and other college-related expenses, minus other financial aid (federal loans, grants, scholarships, etc.)

2. Competitive Interest Rates. Discover Student Loans feature fixed and variable interest rates. Fixed rates range from 6.79% to 7.89% APR, and variable rates currently range from 3.25% to 5.75% APR.

3. Repayment Terms. For an undergraduate degree, the standard repayment term is 15 years and repayment doesn’t begin until six months after graduation or until enrollment drops to less than half-time. With graduate degrees, the standard repayment term is 20 years and repayment doesn’t begin until nine months after graduation or until enrollment drops to less than half time. Although in-school payments are not required, interest does accrue while in school. Students can make interest payments at anytime to reduce the final costs of their loan.

4. Credit Check. Unlike federal student loans, which do not require a credit check or cosigner, private student loans are based on creditworthiness. Approval for an undergraduate or graduate student loan with Discover Bank requires a satisfactory credit check. Students who cannot qualify for a loan based on their own credit history can add a cosigner to their loan application. This can include a parent or another person with a good credit history. The cosigner acts as a joint applicant and agrees to repay the student loan if the primary borrower defaults.

5. Payment Options. Discover offers several options to ensure the timely arrival of payments. Students can sign up for online banking and submit payments via the website, or mail in or submit a payment over the phone. Borrowers who set up automated monthly payments receive a 0.25% interest rate reduction.

Managing  your Discover Student Loans

Discover Student Loans feature grace periods between six and nine months, which allows time for you to find a job and prepare for student loan repayment. Timely payments are a must, as your account activity is reported to the credit bureaus each month. Defaulting on your loan can damage your credit score, as well as your cosigner’s credit score, if applicable. For this reason, it is important that you carefully manage your loan.

There are several practical ways to manage Discover Student Loans. Sign up for online banking and you can access your account from your home computer or mobile device. This is the simplest way to keep up with your due date, payments and balance.

You can also monitor your student loan with the help of third-party resources such as SALT. Available at no charge, this multichannel educational program provides college students and alums with tools and resources to take control of their personal finances and manage student loan debt. Once a SALT member, you can track all your federal and private loans in one place, plus compare repayment options.

How to Get Started

If you’re looking for a private student loan with a fixed rate, zero fees and other attractive benefits, apply for a Discover Student Loan. To complete an application online, visit discover.com/student-loans, or call 1-877-728-3030. A student loan specialist is ready to answer any questions and assist you with finding the right private student loan.

Need a Private Student Loan? Explore Discover Student Loans is a post from: Lifed

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, spring has arrived. Depending on where you live, you might be flooded with peas, asparagus, and strawberries, and already looking forward to stone fruits and corn on the cob, or you might be watching the thermometer hover around 50° and longing for something besides radishes to show up at the farmer’s market.

The anticipation that comes along with the first spring produce makes the moment that it finally arrives that much more satisfying – the sight and taste of something young, fresh, and green is exhilarating after months of hardy root vegetables and winter staples.

Here, we’ve highlighted four quintessential spring vegetables – peas, asparagus, fava beans, and ramps – and found recipes that celebrate them from twelve great food bloggers. Some are vegetarian, some are light, some are filling, but all of them will increase the amount of green – and the depth of flavor – that you’ll find on your plate after making them.

PEAS

1) Sweet Baby Pea Salad with Cashews and Bacon from Home is Where The Cookies Are

Tiny, perfect, baby peas, plucked from their pods, have a sweetness that is irresistible on a warm spring day. A bowl full of them, dressed gently with melted butter, is a meal in and of itself. Here, Sara from Home is Where The Cookies Are, takes that bowl full of peas a few steps further. First, she adds water chestnuts and scallions, for crunch and bite. Then, crumbled bacon and cashews, for a salty, savory hit. Last, she tosses the mixture with peppery watercress and a lemon and mustard vinaigrette for a bowl of peas that makes an unforgettable spring meal.

2) Spring Peas and Shoots with Pancetta and Orechiette from Taste Food

For many of us, peas and pasta bring back childhood memories of Mom trying to sneak a few extra, easy-to-cook vegetables into the only thing we ate with gusto – spaghetti. Some of us were fooled, and others simply ate around them, turning up our noses at anything green. Now that we’re grown up, we’ve realized that peas and pasta is really a fantastic combination, one we’d be happy to eat any day. Lynda of Taste Food has upped the ante, adding pancetta, tender pea shoots, and a creamy cheese sauce to the mix. She says it best herself: “It’s the essence of early spring, a season which brings a mixed message of cool rain and gentles sunshine” – this dish totally satisfies the cravings of this transitional time period.

3) Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Herb Peas from Food Wine Thyme

Another common place for peas on your dinner plate? On the side. A side of peas adds a pop of green (as well as a requisite serving of veggies) to any meal. Kathy of Food Wine Thyme serves these vibrant peas, sauteed with lemon juice, parsley, and garlic, with a plate of seared scallops. This meal is healthy, sustainable, easy and fast – blanch the peas for 3 minutes, saute the peas for 2 minutes, then sear the scallops for 6 minutes, and dinner is served!

ASPARAGUS

4) Asparagus Stir-Fry with Smashed Garlic and Black Olive from Lady and Pups

Classic preparations like bacon-wrapped asparagus, asparagus custard tarts, or simple olive-oil roasted asparagus are typically the first things to come to mind when we ponder what to do with our bounty of spring asparagus. But that’s a thing of the past, now that we’re craving this spicy, flavor-packed, Chinese asparagus stir-fry from Mandy of Lady and Pups. Between the black olive and garlic paste, toasted chilies and peppercorns, and flash-fried asparagus spears, this recipe packs a serious punch – in the best possible way!

5) Asparagus, Fontina, and Speck Ham Panini from Strawberry Plum

When spring isn’t quite coming fast enough (like during the April blizzard when Sarah from Strawberry Plum made this sandwich), trick yourself into acknowledging the best of both seasons with a crossover recipe like this gooey asparagus grilled cheese. Toasted Italian bread, melty fontina cheese, salty speck ham, and a thick smear of mustard admit that the weather conditions are less than ideal, but fresh green asparagus spears hidden in the middle remind you that summer will arrive eventually! In the meantime, enjoy the last of the comfort foods while you don’t feel too guilty about it.

6) Shaved Asparagus and Bacon Pizza  from Kitchen Konfidence

A hot slice of pizza is not a seasonal treat – it’s pretty much delicious any time of the year, any day of the week, morning, noon, or night. That said, what we put on our pizza varies now and again, and this springtime pizza from Brandon of Kitchen Konfidence will likely be our next choice. Between the thinly shaved asparagus, crumbled bacon, sliced scallions, and melty mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this pizza has all types of goodness going for it. Fire up the oven, please.

FAVA BEANS

7) Chicken with English Mustard and Fava Beans from The Kitchen Alchemist

What with two rounds of peeling required, fava beans, or broad beans as they are sometimes called, are a bit labor intensive to prepare, but elegant recipes like this Sous Vide Chicken with Mustard and Fava Beans from Hannah of the Kitchen Alchemist make all that shucking well worth your while. This meal, which includes golden brown chicken thighs, a buttery mustard sauce and favas cooked in butter and cream, would be a stunning dish to serve to company, yet still remains homey and satisfying. Don’t worry if you don’t have a sous vide machine – Hannah assures us that the chicken is just as delicious when cooked conventionally in the pan sauce.

8) Fresh Fava Bean and Almond Spread from Love Food Eat

Fava beans are native to North Africa and the Middle East, and are frequently found in the cuisine of those regions. From falafel to hummus, anywhere you might find other hearty beans, you can find recipes that call for fava beans instead. Here, Chinmayie of Love Food Eat creates a Middle-Eastern-inspired dip from sauteed fava beans, roasted almonds, and garlic. It’s vibrantly green, and super good for you – slather it on sliced bread for a satisfying and wholesome afternoon snack.

9) Kasha, Black-Eyed Pea, Mackerel, Fava Bean, Tomato, and Miso Salad from Rosa’s Yummy Yums

If you are looking for a meal that pretty much satisfies every vitamin/mineral/nutrient need you have, look no further. Just about everything in this powerfood-packed salad from Rosa of Rosa’s Yummy Yums is good for you. It’s summery yet filling, featuring fresh favas, tomatoes, and onions, cooked kasha and black-eyed peas, protein-full canned mackerel, and a flavorful miso dressing. Lunch is ready!

RAMPS

10) Ramp Pesto with Bacon from J’Adore You More

Ramps, which are sometimes labeled as wild leeks, are a wild onion that grows primarily in the Eastern U.S., most notably in Appalachia. Their flavor is a cross between a leek and garlic, and when they come into season they’re highly sought after. One of the most favored uses for them is pesto, like this one from  Rachel at J’Adore You More, since they provide both the leafy green body and pungent garlicky flavor that a good pesto needs. Rachel serves this pesto simply, with spaghetti, bacon, and Parmesan cheese – a simple and perfect meal for a spring night.

11) Wild Garlic and Leek Risotto with Crispy-Skin Bream, Shaved Fennel, and Watercress from Susan Eats London

If you want to highlight ramps in a dinner-party worthy dish, consider making this Ramp Risotto with Crispy-Skin Bream from Susan of Susan Eats London. The ramps get chopped and folded into the creamy risotto, which is topped with a quickly fried piece of the bream as well as a raw fennel and watercress salad. It’s a grown-up and restrained combination, with a good balance of indulgence and fresh, healthy ingredients.

12) Asparagus and Caramelized Ramp Hand Pies from Reclaiming Provincial

Not sure that you like the sound of oniony, garlicky, leeky ramps? Just read Carey of Reclaiming Provincial’s story about how they converted her from a staunch onion-hater to a sometimes-onion-liker and ardent fan of their wild counterpart, and you’ll be convinced to give them a try. Now she uses them in all sorts of dishes, including these savory hand pies, which are filled with roasted asparagus, caramelized ramps, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. These would be a perfect appetizer, afternoon snack, or bring-to-work lunch – just imagine all the jealous stares you’ll get when your coworkers see you bite into a cheesy, savory, spring-veggie-filled pie for lunch, then hop into the kitchen and make a batch of these.

12 Recipes to Celebrate Spring Veggies is a post from: Lifed

Who doesn’t want a bigger savings account? With more money in the bank, you can take more vacations, pay off debt, make home improvements and even purchase a house. Unfortunately, saving money is easier easier said than done.

Many people have good intentions, but when it comes to actually saving, they drop the ball. It’s not entirely their fault. Nothing in this world is designed to make saving money simple. There’s the higher cost of housing, food and fuel. And because employment raises can be few and far between, most people earn just enough to cover their living expenses. But even if your present financial situation isn’t conducive to saving, you can take your savings account to the next level. I recently read a story about a newlywed couple who paid off $52,000 of consumer debt in 18 months, and there is a man who dug himself from under $80,000 of debt. Of course, no two stories or circumstances are alike. But if you work with what you have, you can increase your personal savings.

1. Increase Your 401(k) Contributions. 

Stop dragging your feet with regards to retirement planning. Even if you’re in your early 20s or 30s, it’s never too early to think about retirement. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, talk to the benefits manager about joining the plan. And if you already participate in the plan, review your finances to see if you can increase your contributions. The money in your 401(k) retirement plan isn’t liquid like your bank savings account, and if you take an early withdrawal you’ll get hit with a penalty. However, if you lose your job or stumble upon other financial hardship, you can tap into this fund and cover expenses.

2. Open a Certificate of Deposit.

Some people frown upon certificate of deposits because cash in these accounts is unavailable for a certain number of months or years. But if you’re serious about saving, a certificate of deposit can take your savings to the next level. This is one of the safest investment strategies, and by opening a CD, you’re essentially investing your cash with the bank. But there’s a catch. Unlike money market and personal savings accounts, you cannot visit an ATM and withdraw cash from a CD at will. Funds in this account are tied up for the duration of the term, which can be six months to five years. A certificate of deposit can work if you’re bad with saving your money. These accounts force you to leave your cash in the bank, which isn’t exactly a bad thing. The longer you keep your money in the CD, the higher your return.

3. Contribute to an IRA

Don’t rely on a 401(k) or employee pension plan to get through retirement. These accounts will provide income during your retirement years, but it may not be enough. Be smart and take advantage of other retirement options, such as an individual retirement account (IRA). An IRA isn’t a specific investment account, but rather a portfolio of different investments. You can open an IRA with your bank, a financial advisor or a brokerage firm. And with an account, you can choose to invest in bank CD’s, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, money market accounts, etc. IRAs grow your personal net worth, and help contribute to a better retirement. In 2013, the contribution limit for an IRAs is $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re over the age of 50).

4. Bank Saving Options

Banks know the value of a personal savings, and many financial institutions make it easy for account holders to build their nest egg. Not only can you open one of many different types of savings accounts, some banks give the option of automatic savings. The specific features of this program vary depending on the bank, but they’re all designed to increase your savings faster and effortlessly. For example, for each debit card transaction, some banks will automatically deduct and transfer $1 from an account holder’s checking account to his savings account. And with roundup programs, some banks roundup every debit card transaction to the nearest $1 and then deposit the difference into the account holder’s savings account.

5. Take 10% Off the Top

Nobody every said saving money was easy, and if you’re ready to build a liquid financial cushion, make every effort to pay yourself first. Sure, it’s a hard concept to grasp, especially if you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck. But if your landlord increased your rent, or if your employer has to deduct more from your check for health insurance, you would probably find a way to live without the extra money. Not to say that your finances wouldn’t feel the pinch, but you’ll eventually adjust. This is how you have to approach saving your money. There are a million things you can do with 10% of your income – go shopping, hang out with your friends, order the best cable package and hire someone to help around your house. But these choices don’t have long-term benefits. The more cash you put aside, the easier it is to survive a financial crisis. And maybe 10% is a stretch – can you put aside 5% of your income? It’s not so much about the percentage – it’s all about consistency and prioritizing.

5 Ways to Take Your Savings Account to the Next Level is a post from: Lifed

Dating Can Be Difficult And Expensive, But With These Inexpensive Dates You Can Pull Off Just About Anywhere, It Doesn’t Have To Be.

Everything today is more expensive than it used to be. Gas, food, movies — you name it, and it’ll probably cost you. But don’t sign away the life rights to your firstborn just yet. These inexpensive dates will allow you more freedom to step out with that special someone and not have to sacrifice your financial future.

1. Retrace Your Steps.

Who This Is For: Couples Who Are At (Or Have Passed) Significant Milestones In Their Life Together

What’ll It Cost: Depends on how much you’re reliving. We suppose it could be anywhere from $0 to $1 jillion.

If that first date was expensive, don’t recreate the whole thing. Just find one inexpensive something-special that you did together that evening and then redo it. In George Santayana’s “Reason in Common Sense,” a portion of his larger work, The Life of Reason, the writer states famously, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” While we can see what Santayana was getting at from a leadership POV, the past doesn’t have to be such a bad thing with regard to your love life. This is a fun, nostalgic way for veteran couples to stir up the romance before it goes missing for good. I personally used this one on the night I proposed marriage to my wife. Luckily, she said yes, and after we finished breaking the news to our families, we went out for dinner and revisited all the locations of our first date.

2. Roku Together.

Who This Is For: Couples Who Are Past The First Date Jitters

What’ll It Cost: With many of the channels free-of-charge, all it really takes is the purchase of a Roku (about $80 new, we got ours for $20 from a Facebook friend, who was getting rid of his, and it works perfectly, so shop around).

If not a Roku, apply the same logic to whatever device you’re thinking about getting. We’ve called this section “Roku Together,” but in reality, you don’t have to own a Roku to make this one work. It could be anything: media center/apps on your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, Blu-ray or flat-panel television with SmartTV function, your laptop. The point is that you find a good how-to video of mutual interest and then, together, try to recreate the project. Obviously, cooking works the best. Channels like Chow.com offer a variety of step-by-step tutorials on food preparation that can be quite fun to tackle as a team. And if cooking isn’t your thing, there are also a variety of special interest videos you may want to consider — hunting, martial arts, fitness. Just tap in to your individual interests and your couples dynamic to determine the best subject matter.

3. Sport It Up.

Who This Is For: Young And Established Couples

What’ll It Cost: An initial investment in equipment and supplies (if needed); free ongoing.

Playing sports together and unleashing that competitive side can be fun and sexy for couples, who are looking to kindle the fires of romance. Whether you’re playing tennis, racquetball, or air hockey, sports gives you an opportunity to let down your guard and explore romantic tension, which can be so important to establishing a lifelong connection. This is something that can be done by the modest and immodest. Whether you’re idea of sports is a pair of bowling shoes and an eight-pound ball or a tight tank, short skirt, and tennis racket, you’ll like seeing each other’s competitive sides. And in case you’re concerned about ending up with someone, who doesn’t like sports, there are both primary and specialty dating sites on the web that can help you find the right match. Personally, we think this is a good entry on the list of inexpensive dates because it can also help you weed out personality types, who are either too passive or too aggressive (if that’s not what you’re looking for).

4. Fairs, Festivals, And Local Events.

Who This Is For: Newbies And Couples Tired Of The Same Old-Same Old

What’ll It Cost: Free to flexible Every city has an entertainment guide.

It may be a website or a free magazine that you grab from the lobby of a coffee shop on your way to the parking lot after a meal. Find it, follow it, and plan your calendar around it. You can use it to discover local concerts, attend art exhibits, hit county fairs and book signings, or visit a farmers’ market. These are great ways to spend time together and learn more about your potential mate.

5. Wine Tasting.

Who This Is For: Foodies And Wine Connoisseurs

What’ll It Cost: $0 to $100. Any more than that, and you may have a problem.

If Arkansas can have a winery, then we’re pretty certain there’s one lurking in your state. A trip to a vineyard will usually get you some free wine samples and a great meal as many have restaurants on the premises. The views are incredible, the tastes are magnificent. The only problem is that you may need someone to drive you home if you both over-indulge. But even with that, the location is great for walking one off.

6. Pop Some Tags.

Who This Is For: Second Date And Beyond

What’ll It Cost: Up to you (and your significant other)

The Macklemore-Ryan Lewis rap tune “Pop Some Tags” has an important message that you can learn in the dating world. Sometimes being cheap is a good thing. By taking your date to thrift shops, consignment stores, (some) antique stores, and other “Mom and Pop” type stores, you can indulge that love of shopping for a fraction of the price. Along the way, you can also discover some forgotten gems, childhood memories, using those trips down memory lane to reveal more of yourself to the other person.

7. Couples Classes.

Who This Is For: Couples Without A Roku (See No. 2)

What’ll It Cost: $50 to $100 per month — maybe more, maybe less It’s hard to put a price on what a professional will charge to teach you things, such as mixed martial arts, ballroom dancing, or pottery, but whatever it is, can be worthwhile.

I once did a ballroom dancing class for about $35 per month (per person). We met twice per month, and there were two of us, so essentially I took the girl on two $35 outings each month. Talk about an affordable date! As for finding classes, your local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start.

8. Heritage.

Who This Is For: Couples With An Appreciation For History

What’ll It Cost: $0 to ?????

You may be living in a more interesting place than you think, and what better way to discover just how unique your town is, than with someone who shares your interests? The story of a country is the sum of many parts. Major historical events have played out across every landscape from Florida to Washington State. Same goes for anyone outside the US. Find out what it is about your state, city, or town, that’s cool, and then dig deeper into the experience. A museum of history is the perfect starting point. Example from where I live: Fort Smith, Arkansas, was the hub of the American West and the birthplace of the US Marshals. It’s where the John Wayne/Jeff Bridges film True Grit takes place (or originates), and it’s not far from historic Civil War battle sites. If my town is that interesting, so is yours. You’ve just got to seek it out.

There is seriously no shortage of inexpensive dates that you can put into practice. Which will you choose?

8 Inexpensive Dates You Can Pull Off Just About Anywhere is a post from: Lifed