I learned to type when I was younger than 5, proving the point that my generation has had technology at their fingertips since infanthood.   It is therefore no wonder that this generation which is so obsessed with Twitter, Facebook, and Google has managed to earn every type of degree using the internet.  Recent studies by the Department of Education has further indicated that students in online universities perform better than students in the classroom setting.

While this is still only a small margin and an ongoing study, this is indicative of the shift our country has undergone from one-room schools only a century ago, to connecting with a class from your laptop computer anywhere you go.  This offers students the most convenient form of education imaginable: you can basically earn a degree from any part of the world….as long as there is a working internet connection.  Furthermore, many of these studies have indicated that online education allows students to focus more than they otherwise would be able to because they do not have the normal distractions of students in a classroom.  Think about it: how much more would you have received out of classes throughout your education if you were able to focus simply on the assignment, rather than everyone else in the classroom?

While this approach is heavily criticized and is compared to homeschooled children, the fact remains that online universities have increased in number and attract a large population of students around the country.  This number is only speculated to increase as technology advances throughout the years and web-conferencing allows professors to monitor their students in ways that have not even been thought of yet.  Many of these correspondence courses additionally allow students to “learn by doing” and do work more independently rather than relying on a classmate or the professor to help them through the assignment.

This type of education is not for everyone and means giving up a large social part of education; however, many online universities offer the option for students to take only the most basic introductory courses through the school and continue onto the more traditional classroom setting once they have a grasp of college material.  This option is set to become a widely used alternative for many high school graduates, as education costs continue to rise around the country and online universities offer a cost-efficient alternative to the introductory classes, saving parents and students several thousand dollars.

While classrooms are not on their way out the door yet, these studies signify that online universities have drawn a large population of students who prefer this type of educational community and excel in this setting.   

Research done over the last decade suggests people who speak more than one language tend to outperform monolinguists. Moreso, children who grow up bilingual have an easier time in school and make better grades. Why not do your child a favor and start her early? From the earliest days to high school and continued education, there is something you can do to give your child the multilingual advantage.

Second Langage Basics

Here’s some of the leading information pertaining to second-language learning.

1. Teaching Foreign Language Tips: This site has everything you need to know about teaching second languages, from birth to early elementary school.
2. Bilinguality and Bilingualism: Understand the basics of bilinguality with this scholarly article from the University of London.
3. Bilingualism’s Brain Benefits: According to this articles, bilingual speakers are better able to deal with distractions than those who speak only a single language, and that may prevent dementia later in life.
4. Multilingualism: Learn the real definition of this powerful force and its history.
5. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition: The aims of the journal are to promote research on the bilingual person and to encourage discussion about the field.
6. Education World’s Bilingualism: Get free tools and lesson plans.
7. Celebrating Bilingualism: Take a look at Spanish language in today’s English children’s books.
8. Bilingualism Research Today: Get the skinny on language facts from this bilingual research lab.
9. Bilingualism and the Brain: In recent years, there has been growing interest in the neurological effects of bilingualism.
10. Children and Bilingualism: This article outlines the basics of teaching bilingualism.

Blogs

These blogs are dedicated to the art to language and the passion to teach children to explore the world.

11. Teaching English in Korea: See how this foreign language teachers fares on a day to day basis and the tips and tools he uses in the real-world setting.
12. Research as a Second Language: This blog is a little off the beaten path, but it offers great perspective for people looking to gift their children with a world view.
13. Bilingual Readers: Get the latest on the best bilingual books for your kids with this awesome book blog.
14. Bilingual Carnival: This is a blog discussing practical approaches and tips for parents who would like to raise their children bilingually or with exposure to two or more languages.
15. Learnfast Language Learning Programs: See some of the best programs available through this tell-all blog.
16. Raising Bilingual Children: This blog was created as a platform for all parents who raise their children bilingually or even multilungually.
17. Benefits of Bilingualism: For 35 years, A.C.E. has been working to make the world your community by helping people and organizations around the world create new connections and build interpersonal networks with those of other language and cultural backgrounds.
18. Bilingualism and Biworldism: This "learning to be" blog will teach you all about learning and teaching a second language.
19. Learning Languages: Understand the languages of the world.
20. Ask Manny: A Venezuelan in the Bay Area looks at his culture in the perspective of the Californian sunlight.

Easiest languages to Learn

Languages on this list are categorized from One to Three. Category One, according to the MLA, requires an average of 600 hours of study, and Category Two is a bit more difficult, with a required study time of 1100 hours.

21. Spanish: Category One. The straightforward grammar might not be similar to English, but it’s usually very easy to comprehend.
22. French: Category One. This language is complex, but you’ll see a lot of English cognates, which makes vocabulary easy to pick up.
23. Italian: Category One. If you’ve learned Spanish or find it fun, you might want to try Italian. The two are much alike and easy to learn.
24. Portuguese: Category One. You’ll likely find this language easy to learn because of it’s Latin origins. It’s also very useful if you love Latin America and would like to include Brazil on your travel map.
25. German: Category One Plus. This one plus category means it’s not quite as easy as learning Spanish, but it’s not impossible. One common sentiment many experts have, is a student should travel to German to really become fluent in this more-difficult language.
26. Swahili: Category Two Minus. Because of the country’s history, this African language borrows from Arabic, Persian, English and French. It is written with Latin letters, but its tone is foreign to many English speakers.

Hardest Languages to Learn

To learn these difficult and more complex languages, you’ll need to present 2200 hours of coursework to your kiddo.

27. Russian: Category Two. Once you conquer reading this lanugage, you’ll notice many similarities to other Western lanugages, which makes total fluency possible.
28. American Sign Language: Category Two. ASL is a manual and visual language most popular among the deaf culture.
29. Hindu/Urdu: Category Two. The Hindustani language contains both Hindi and Urdu. It has a larger number of consonants and vowels than nearly any other lanugage, making distinctions between sounds difficult for English speakers.
30. Modern Hebrew: Category Two. This language was brought back to life during the 19th century and is a must for biblical scholars.
31. Japanese: Category Three. This language is said to be very difficult to read and write, and its lack of presence make it hard to hear.
32. Chinese: Category Three. Many experts say this is the most difficult language to learn, but parents to want an Asian influence in their homes will be able to raise their child with the language close to her heart.
33. Vietnamese: Cateogry Three. While there are an estimated 3 million speakers of this language in the United States, experts say acquiring this language is a slim shot. People who do learn the second language, however, will find their brain power boosted.
34. Korean: Category Three. Korean uses an alphabet of 24 symbols, with 14 consonants and 10 vowels. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, it also borrows 2,000 Chinese symbols, which increasres its difficulty to a Category Three.
35. Arabic: Category Three. It takes a calligrapher to write the letters of this alphabet, and it’s right-to-left style makes it very foreign to English readers.
36. Finnish: Category Three. Finnish doesn’t have much of a reputation in the United States, and usually only first and second-generation Americans know much about it. But if you have familial roots in Finland, you might want to work this language into your baby’s life.
37. Modern Greek: Category Three. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the easiest, most learners place modern Greek at about 7 or 8. Many say speakers of Russian can find this lanugage rather easy to learn, since the two languages share some letters and grammar structures.

Online Dictionaries/Translators

When you need help with words, or can’t quite understand the meaning of a passage, these tools are perfect helpers.

38. Word Reference: Supporting the translation dictionaries, we also have the Internet’s premier language forums. If you have a question about language usage, this is the way to go. Get English to French, Italian, German & Spanish translation.
39. Your Dictionary: New languages and dictionaries are constantly being added to YourDictionary.com; as a result, we have the widest and deepest set of dictionaries, grammars, and other language resources on the web.
40. Foreignword.com: This site is dedicated to the languages of the world, and it provieds on-line dictionaries and glossaries as well as translation tools.
41. TravLang: This site teaches the very basics of over 80 languages, and offers dictionaries with thousands of words.
42. FreeDict.com: This site has even the most difficult languages available for translation.
43. Word2Word: Word2Word provides these dictionary links in the hope of all people developing a better understanding of others through the use of language.
44. Babelfish: This is one of the most popular translation sites, especially for Spanish learners.
45. Free Translation: Be careful when using this site to translate full paragraphs, because the Free Translation service translates literally and might not be accurate.
46. Allwords.com: Allwords.com is an English dictionary translation for hundreds of languages.
47. WorldLingo: WorldLingo provides forthcoming language translation services.

Bilingual Books

Most of these books are English/Spanish, but a few others are in more difficult languages. In any case, your child will find these fun books helpful when acquiring reading-language skills.

48. A Very Smart Cat / Una gata muy inteligente: Children will love this clever feline.
49. 7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child: This book helps parents in both monolingual and multilingual families reach goals for raising a bilingual child.
50. El patito feo / The Ugly Duckling (Bilingual Tales): Wonderful illustrations create a bilingual telling of this classic story.
51. Curious George Plants a Seed Spanish/English Bilingual Edition: Curious George sees Jumpy the squirrel hoard food and does the same. Monkey see, monkey do.
52. My Body/ Mi Cuerpo: Introduce your children to body parts in English and Spansih.
53. Bilingual Bright Baby Colors: This picture book will increase your kiddo’s Spanish-English vocabulary.
54. The Inch-High Samurai (Kodansha Bilingual Children’s Classics): One of three great books published by Kodansha’s Japanese folktales ( Grandfather Cherry-Blossom and The Moon Princess are the others), this toe-sized boy will captivate children’s hearts, and their bilingual tongue..
55. The Bilingual Edge: Why, When, and How to Teach Your Child a Second Language: In The Bilingual Edge, King and Mackey tell parents what really works, and what doesn’t.
56. Huevos verdes con jamón: Sam-I-Am does everything he did in this classic Dr. Seuss book, except he does it in Spanish.
57. Hippocrene Children’s Illustrated Chinese (Mandarin) Dictionary:: Use this book as your child’s first foreign language dictionary (5-10 years). It has 500 entries, each with its own child-friendly picture.

Courses

When your multilinguist makes her way to high school, be sure to share these courses to further her language aquisition.

58. German I: Acquire an understanding of German via actual communication.
59. BBC Greek: The BBC’s Greek resource offers a quick and easy way to learn the language.
60. Beginning Japanese I: Use this course’s interactive study materials to learn beginner Japanese.
61. Introduction to Portuguese: Use this course to get started learning the Portuguese language.
62. Learn to Speak Korean: This video course offers a fast way to learn Korean.
63. Intermediate Japanese: Improve your fluency and learn Kanji characters in this course.
64. BBC Portuguese: BBC’s Portuguese course offers an introduction to the language in 10 short parts.
65. Farsi: Follow this course to get introductory vocabulary, sentences, and basic phrases in Farsi.
66. Advanced Japanese I: With the help of this course, you’ll become an expert in Japanese.
67. Learn to Speak Russian: You can improve your Russian vocabulary and grammar using these courses.
68. Kenyan Sign Language: You can learn about Kenyan Sign Language using this illustrated course.
69. Learning the basics of French: This beginning course offers a look at verb tenses, grammatical structures, and simple vocabulary.
70. BBC Chinese: Get a taste for the Chinese language with BBC’s slideshows, quizzes, and more.
71. Introduction to European and Latin American Fiction: Learn about the language and culture of Europe and Latin America through this literature course.
72. Spanish I: Watch this course’s videos to learn Spanish and all about its cultural diversity throughout Latin America.
73. First Year Chinese: You’ll get an understanding of the basic Chinese speaking and writing principles from this course.
74. Spanish for Bilingual Students: Students who are already familiar with Spanish will learn even more with this course.
75. BBC Italian: Improve your Italian skills using these resources from the BBC.
76. Oral Communication in Spanish: Get an understanding of Hispanic culture with the help of this course.
77. Learn to Speak Portuguese: Use these audio lessons to learn Brazilian Portuguese.
78. Communicating Across Cultures: With this course, you’ll learn how to speak with people outside of your culture.
79. BBC German: Learn grammar, vocabulary, and more in this German Quick Fix.
80. Spanish Conversation and Composition: Improve your speaking and writing in Spanish with the help of this course.
81. French I: Follow this course for an introduction to the French language and culture.
82. American Sign Language: Here you’ll find lesson plans, information on deaf culture, and vocabulary.
83. Learn to Speak Dutch: You’ll get access to language lessons, vocabulary, and more here.
84. Chinese I (Streamlined): This collection of Chinese courses is designed for students who grew up in a Chinese speaking environment.
85. BBC Spanish: Get access to Spanish TV, radio, and other resources here.
86. Learning German: Take these four courses to learn German fast.
87. Learn to Speak Japanese: These Japanese lessons will improve your vocabulary and pronunciation.
88. Chinese I: MIT offers a full series of Chinese language courses, all guaranteed to help you acquire the language.
89. BBC French: You can find resources to use for both beginner and intermediate learners.
90. English Grammar in Context: Learn about speech and writing in English using this course.
91. The Linguistic Study of Bilingualism: This course will help you better understand bilingualism and its effect on the human brain.

Textbooks

Show these online textbooks to your child to help him in in his foreign language studies.

91. German: Make use of this Wikibook to learn German, or take the German course.
92. Belarusian: This textbook teaches the Belarusian alphabet .
93. Afrikaans: Check out this Wikibook to help with your acquisition of Afrikaans.
94. Scottish Gaelic: Find pronunciation, sentence structure, and grammar from this book.
95. Polish:This Wikibook teaches the basics of the Polish language.
96. Irish: Get the luck of the Irish with this Gaelic Wikibook.
97. Arabic Conquer this Arabic book to increase your bilinguality.
98. Portugese: This Wikibook offers both European and Brazilian Portuguese.
99. Yiddish: This book teaches conversational Yiddish, which is possibly the most important part of the language.
100. French: Peruse and use this all-inclusive French Wikibook.

Imagine earning an online university degree without the expense of tuition.  This is the brain-child of Reshef, an Israeli entrepreneur with decades of experience in international education.  His goal is to take the popularity of social networking and apply it to educational fields.  Thus far, Reshef is already the founder of many internet-based educational businesses and knows how to attract people across the globe.  Additionally, he has prepared an impressive resume to become the perfect founder for such an endeavor, working for years in online universities such as Kaplan and University of Liverpool.

His idea for this school is called the University of the People and combines the lure of the internet with the sudden boom in online education.  2007 alone demonstrated the high demand for online education in the United States, with over four million students enrolled in online courses.  Thus far, many other prestigious universities have offered free online classes to the public, such as MIT and Utah State, but never a whole university curriculum that ends with an Online University Degree.   

Reshef’s idea offers a competitive edge to schools such as University of Phoenix and Kaplan University, who are notably for-profit institutions, as compared to Reshef’s nonprofit plans.    Like other online universities, the University of the People would offer online study communities, homework assignments, and exams.  While there is no tuition requirement, the school will require a nominal fee for enrollment and exams, ranging from $10 to $100, depending on your economic situation and the situation of your country. 

While this program is attractive to education fields around the world, it is not without criticism.  Many directors of academia argue that there is no draw for educated faulty to want to participate in a program that does not require tuition money.  Other educators question the logistics of such a plan.  Testing students from various regions of the world will require a vast knowledge about their education systems, and while the program is directed toward English-speakers, what will the university do for students whose English is not at a college level?  Or students who are not in the predominantly English-speaking countries?

Reshef contends that his university will use both active and retired professors, some paid, some volunteers and other master-level professionals to develop and oversee curriculums.  His current goal is to limit the first class to only 300 students when the university opens, offering only bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer science, hopefully reaching a potential population of 10,000 within a few years.  As the school is wrapping up the end of its first semester, it appears to be on a forward track to make waves around the world, even earning the backing of the United Nations.  Reshef  stresses that in this world full of social networks with people helping people, a university of this nature will only bring globalization boundaries closer together.  

Whether you want to learn more about people who’ve shaped the modern world or are just in need of a spark of inspiration to keep you plugging along in your studies, there are numerous biographies out there that will motivate, educate and show you what can be done with hard work and ingenuity. Here are 100 biographical videos to check out the next time you’re looking for a role model.

Business

These business leaders will show you what it means to get to the top by hard work, great ideas and persistence.

1. Andrew Carnegie: Carnegie began working at a textile mill as a child for only $1.25, but by the time he was in his golden years had amassed one of the largest fortunes in the United States at the time. You can learn more about his success and his generosity here.
2. Chris Gardner: You may have seen the movie based on his life, The Pursuit of Happyness, but here you can hear from the real Chris Gardner about how he struggled until he found success.
3. Walt Disney: While today Mickey Mouse is a household name, many don’t know that Walt Disney wasn’t always so successful in his endeavors. This two-part biography will fill in some of the details on his rise to fame.
4. Warren Buffett: Warren Buffet is known as one of the most successful investors ever, but he had to start somewhere. You can learn more about his path to success in this video.
5. Henry Ford: This video will give you the history behind the man who invented the assembly line and brought the automobile to the American public.
6. Sam Walton: Watch this short biographical video to learn more about the man who turned a small store into a worldwide business.
7. Bill Gates: Gates may have been a college dropout, but this video about his life shows that sometimes determination and a great idea go further than a degree.
8. John D. Rockefeller: Rockefeller wasn’t just a self-made billionaire but one of the biggest philanthropists in history as well. Learn more about his life and work here.
9. Steve Jobs: In this video you can find out more about the man who has helped bring the computer into the home and sparked an interest not only in the functionality but also the design of personal gadgets.
10. Sheldon Adelson: Learn how this Las Vegas businessman made his billions and where he began in this video.

Leadership

These videos are about individuals who have stood out as leaders, often making great strides in advancing freedom, breaking barriers and standing up for what their beliefs.

11. Mahatma Gandhi: Through his leadership and nonviolence methods Gandhi helped India gain its independence and fought for human rights all over the world. Learn more about his life here.
12. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Perhaps the best known civil rights leader, this video will show you one of King’s great speeches and let you learn what made him such a powerful force in changing the face of a nation.
13. Nelson Mandela: Despite spending years in prison, Nelson Mandela emerged as the leader of a renewed nation, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his fight against apartheid. This video tells his story.
14. Desmond Tutu: Deterred by apartheid era laws from becoming a physician, Tutu went on to become a man of the cloth, later becoming a key figure in dismantling the system that shaped his early years.
15. Thomas Jefferson: Thomas Jefferson was a U.S. president, helped write the Declaration of Independence, architectural enthusiast and avid supporter of higher education which you can learn about in this short video.
16. Abraham Lincoln: You can learn more about the life and work of one of the most beloved presidents of the United States in this video.
17. Franklin D. Roosevelt: In light of the current economic downturn, many people will appreciate learning more about the president who helped bring the country out of one of the worst depressions it has ever seen.
18. Aung San Suu Kyi: In this video you’ll learn about the efforts of this Nobel Peace Prize winner to restore democracy to Burma.
19. Barack Obama: This video will show you the path that brought this man from humble beginnings to become the first non-white president of the United States.
20. John Kennedy: While Kennedy’s life was cut tragically short, he is a figure that through his family and his term as president has become a source of curiosity and even reverence for people in the United States.
21. Sitting Bull: In this video, Sitting Bull’s grandson recounts the many actions of the Native American leader as he attempted to defend the land of his people from the advancing U.S. Army.

Medicine

Whether they made important discoveries in medicine or just improved the quality of medical care for patients around the world, these videos will teach you about some of the people who helped to shape modern medicine.

22. Florence Nightingale: Nightingale formed the foundation for modern practices in nursing and is today remembered with National Nurses Day, celebrated on her birthday.
23. Clara Barton: Perhaps best known for organizing the Red Cross, this nurse and teacher made sure that those in need got the care they required, as well as fighting for women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery.
24. Bill Wilson: Anyone who has struggled with addiction has this man to thank, as he developed the twelve step process used by Alcoholics Anonymous to fight his own problems with substance abuse. In this video you will hear his tale in his own words.
25. Jonas Salk: Salk may have come from a poor, immigrant family, but he made them proud with his discovery of the polio vaccine, keeping millions of youngsters safe from the crippling disease.
26. Louis Pasteur: Today we take pasteurization of food, a process named for this influential scientist, for granted as well as the existence of those microscopic disease-causing germs. Inspired by the death of two of his children, Pasteur was driven, as this video shows, to find cures and causes for many illnesses.
27. Alexander Fleming: A Scottish medic, pharmacologist and bacteriologist, this video details the path that brought Fleming to the discovery of the first antibiotics.
28. Sigmund Freud: While many of Freud’s theories are dismissed today as false, there is no doubt that he made big impact on the beginnings of the field of psychology which you can learn more about in this series of biographical videos.

Religion and Philosophy

Watch these videos to find out about individuals who helped others, inspired through their faith and asked people to question their view of the world.

29. Mother Teresa: Regarded by many as a saint in modern times, this Catholic nun gave away every penny to help those in need, and in this video you can find out more about her inspiring dedication to charity and kindness.
30. Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama is rarely seen without a smile on his face though he has faced many challenges in his attempts to free Tibet and lead its people. Learn more about the man and his mission to spread peace and happiness to people around the world in this video.
31. Irmã Dulce: This Catholic nun has been nominated for sainthood because of her work with the poor of Salvador, Brazil. Check out this video to see more of her amazing and inspiring work creating one of the largest philanthropic organizations in Brazil.
32. Pope John Paul II: After surviving WWII despite the extermination of many of his fellow countrymen, Pope John Paul II went on to become one of the most influential and best-loved popes, improving relations with other religious groups and influencing the politics of much of communist Europe during his time as Pope.
33. Billy Graham: Whether you love him or hate him, it’s impossible to argue against the power and inspiration this spiritual leader has offered people around the world. Learn more about his story and his mission in this video.
34. Ludwig Wittgenstein: If philosophy is more your sphere of interest, watch this video about the philosopher who changed the game when it came to the philosophy of language, logic, and even mathematics.

Writing and Literature

Learn more about the lives of some truly inspiring authors from these biographies.

35. JK Rowling: This single mom was once on welfare to support her children, but as you’ll learn here, her Harry Potter series made her an overnight success.
36. Jane Austen: Austen’s work came out of an era where few women were published authors or were allowed much independence at all, a fact she often comments on in her novels.
37. Harriet Beecher Stowe: Watch this video to learn more about this woman who at 40 wrote a novel that brought to light many of the important issues related to slavery and the abolition movement.
38. Mark Twain: This writer and humorist is one of the best known American authors and you can learn more about the string of events that set up his writing success in this video.
39. Anne Frank: Frank never intended for her diaries to be published, but the intense story they tell offers an unprecedented look into the horrors of the Holocaust, and serves as a memorial to her life–the story of which is retold in this video.
40. Elie Wiesel: Elie Wiesel’s story is inspiring both for his survival of several concentration camps as well as his work with humanitarian causes that garnered him a Nobel Peace Prize.

Art and Entertainment

In these videos you’ll get to hear about the moments that led these actors, entertainers and artists to their fame and success.

41. Jim Henson: This creative puppeteer and writer created some of the best-known and loved characters from children’s and adult programming alike, including Sesame Street and the Muppets. While Henson died suddenly in 1990, he is highly regarded for his work that promoted tolerance and equality for all.
42. Pablo Picasso: While perhaps not the greatest role model in his personal life, Picasso’s professional one is still a source of inspiration, rocketing him from a relative unknown to a household name who redefined art throughout the 20th century.
43. Charlie Chaplin: Here you can see the story of Chaplin, a man who offered a nation comic relief during the tumultuous times of the Great Depression and the world wars.
44. Oprah Winfrey: Watch this video to learn how Oprah rose from poverty and abuse to be one of the wealthiest and most well-known women in the world.
45. Sidney Poitier: In this interview you’ll hear from this iconic actor who in 1963 became the first African-American to win an Oscar.
46. Bruce Lee: Bruce Lee was one of the first to bring martial arts into the mainstream. Watch this video to see his story and learn more about his dedication to fitness, education and his art.

Sports

Whether they faced great odds or possessed great natural talent, these videos will give you a glimpse into the lives of some of the greatest athletes and moments in athletic history.

47. Jesse Owens: Jesse Owens has many accomplishments to his name, as this video points out, though perhaps the most notable was his winning of four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
48. Michael Jordan: Widely regarded as the best basketball player of all time, this video will show you the path that led Jordan to the success he has today.
49. Lance Armstrong: A little thing like cancer didn’t hold this cyclist back, and this video shows how he returned to win the Tour de France even after battling the disease.
50. Tiger Woods: Woods was a golf phenom, being the youngest player to win the Grand Slam and to win 50 tournaments on tour. Here you can learn about his meteoric rise to success and the work it took to get there.
51. Jim Valvano: Watch this video to hear the inspiring speech given by this former basketball coach as he received an ESPY Award just weeks before he passed away from cancer.
52. Derek Redmond: Redmond had fought injuries for years in his pursuit of Olympic gold, but in this video you’ll see the inspiring moment he is best remembered for.
53. Dick and Rick Hoyt: Athletes come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes the most inspiring aren’t professionals or Olympians at all, as this father and son story shows.
54. Muhammad Ali: While today his body is shaken by Parkinson’s, Ali, as this video documents, was one of the best heavyweight fighters of all time.
55. Pele: Edison Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, was named the Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee. He is a force to be reckoned with both on the field and in his work to improve the social conditions of the poor in Brazil.

Heroes and Icons

There are some people who stand out in history for the things they accomplished and these videos document the stories of just a few of those events.

56. Amelia Earhart: Learn more about this famous female flyer, the first to fly solo across the Atlantic, in this biographical video.
57. Jackie Robinson: Watch this video to hear the inspiring story of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball.
58. Helen Keller: Blind and deaf from a young age, this inspiring woman went on to be an influential writer, activist and lecturer as you will learn from this video.
59. Princess Diana: Princess Diana was loved by many around the world, a fact due largely in part to her dedication to humanitarian projects around the globe.
60. Charles Lindbergh: In a time when flying was a relatively new technology, Lindbergh stretched it to it’s limits making the first solo flight across the Atlantic, later becoming an avid environmentalist, inventor and explorer.
61. Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay: In this video you’ll hear about two men who took the spirit of exploration to its limits, being the first known climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest–a feat that makes the obstacles you may be facing seem small in comparison.

Activism

Give these videos a try to learn more about the people who fought for causes from equal rights to the protection of animals.

62. Sojourner Truth: This amazing woman fought a prejudiced court system to free her son from slavery, fighting throughout her life for abolition and women’s rights.
63. Susan B. Anthony: In this video you’ll learn how Anthony, spurred on by her exclusion from the temperance movement’s discussion because of her sex, became one of the biggest proponents for women’s suffrage.
64. Eleanor Roosevelt: Watch this video to learn about the famous first lady who worked tirelessly for civil rights, women’s rights, education, and helped form the United Nations.
65. Rosa Parks: Tired from a long day at work, the refusal of this woman to move to the back of the bus and he subsequent arrest helped shape the civil rights movement and inspired Parks to fight for equal rights for the rest of her life.
66. Oskar Schindler: While his motivations may not always have been pure, there is no doubt that the actions taken by Schindler, detailed in this video, saved hundreds of lives.
67. Betty Williams: This Nobel Peace Prize winner fought hard to end the conflicts in Northern Ireland, founding the Community of Peace People as well as working on a variety of other humanitarian and political issues around the globe.
68. Harriet Tubman: Escaping from slavery as a teenager, this brave woman would go on to be a powerful force in the Civil War, abolition, the Underground Railroad and later in life women’s suffrage.
69. W.E.B. DuBois: This intellectual man was the first African American to earn a PhD at Harvard, later using his knowledge to help fight against racism and social injustice.
70. Harvey Milk: Learn more about this San Francisco leader who worked tirelessly to gain rights for homosexuals in his community and was the first openly gay public official.
71. Dian Fossey: It was her fervent determination to help the gorillas with which she worked closely that led to this researcher’s untimely death. Learn more about her story from this video.
72. Emmeline Pankhurst: America wasn’t the only place where women were struggling to gain independence and recognition as voters, and in this video you can hear about one of the major figures for suffrage in England.
73. Rachel Carson: Today we take it for granted that many chemicals are toxic and harmful to the flora and fauna living in the wild, but this biographical video shows how Carson was one of the first to bring this crisis to light and continued to fight for environmental causes throughout her life.

Science

Learn about some of the biggest figures in the progress of scientific discovery in these videos.

74. Stephen Hawking: Though today almost completely paralyzed, Hawking has and continues to make contributions to the field of cosmology and theoretical physics.
75. Albert Einstein: Learn more about the man whose name has become synonymous with brilliance in this video.
76. James Watson and Francis Crick: Where would we be today with a model of DNA? In this video you’ll learn about the scientists who discovered its structure and layout.
77. Sir Isaac Newton: Most people know Newton from his gravitational theory, but this video will illuminate his many other contributions to science and math as well.
78. Marie Curie: Though poisoned by her work, Marie Curie was the first to win two Nobel Prizes for her work with radioactivity, discovering some of the first effective treatments for cancer.
79. Edwin Hubble: It wasn’t so long ago that the Milky Way was the only known galaxy out there, and this video will help you learn more about the man who expanded out understanding of the universe and how it works.
80. Linus Pauling: Anyone studying chemistry today can look to Pauling as a model for emulation, as he is often regarded as one of the most influential men in the history of the field, winning multiple Nobel Prizes for his work, even when it was in opposition to popular opinion.

Technology and Invention

The people included in this list invented many of the things we use on a daily basis today and helped shape the modern world.

81. Tim Berners-Lee: The Internet has become an omnipresent part of everyday life, and in this video you’ll hear from the man who helped create it.
82. Alexander Graham Bell: It’s hard to imagine a world without phones, and we have this innovative man to thank for their invention. Of course, as this video shows, he invented many other things as well.
83. George Eastman: Watch this video to learn about the man who helped make photography mainstream by introducing the first film rolls for his company, Kodak.
84. George Washington Carver: The discoveries of this man helped revolutionize southern farming and you’ll learn a lot about his life and work in this video.
85. Orville and Wilbur Wright: Travel by air makes global communication, trade and travel easier and more efficient. Watch this video to learn about the brothers who are credited with creating the first flying machines.
86. Thomas Edison: The inventions of this man are inspiring and include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb.
87. Benjamin Franklin: Few individuals in history have been so prolific and successful in their endeavors as Ben Franklin, becoming a prominent statesman, philosopher, writer and, as you’ll see in this video, inventor.
88. Philo Farnsworth: While TV may be blamed for many of the evils of society it’s hard to imagine life before it. In this video you’ll learn about Farnsworth’s invention of the first working television tubes.
89. Robert Goddard: The innovations of this man, as you’ll see in the video, helped get space exploration off the ground.

Everyday People

You don’t have to be a scholar, a performer or a leader to have a biography that is truly inspiring. These videos show that anyone can be a role model and source of inspiration, no matter who they are.

90. Nick Vujicic: If you’re feeling weighed down by the challenges in your life, watch this inspiring video about Nick, a man born with no limbs who has never let it hold him back.
91. Patrick Henry Hughes: Being born disabled and blind didn’t stop this young man from becoming an accomplished pianist, and as you’ll see here, even playing in a marching band.
92. Dr. Randy Pausch: Many people are familiar with the inspirational speech given by Dr. Pausch, showing him maintaining a great attitude and giving spirit even as he was dying of cancer.
93. Robert Pio Hajjar: In this video you’ll see how a young man born with Down Syndrome learned to embrace his disability, give motivational speeches and work with an organization that helps others with this same disability.
94. W Mitchell: Watch this biographical video to learn how one man overcame the challenges life put before him.
95. Paul Potts: Even a man working selling cell phones has something to share with the world, as this video of the unassuming singer demonstrates.
96. Jason McElwain: He may not always get to play, but in this game a young autistic man was the hero, as this video shows.
97. Dustin Carter: In this video you’ll see a bio that proves that no dream is too big if you’re as determined as wrestler Dustin Carter.
98. Carly Zalenski: She may be just one young girl, but this video shows how this student used her time to help others halfway around the world.
99. Jean Stallings: He may have been born with Down Syndrome, but this boy’s family never let it stand in his way. Learn more about him and his inspiring family from this video.
100. Charlie Plumb: What would you do if you were a prisoner of war? Here you’ll hear the story about one man who stood out and became a leader even in the hardest of times.

While the stereotype of the hard partying, slacking college student isn’t likely to go away anytime soon, the fact is that many college students want to use their free time and the new skills and information they’re learning to help others change the world for the better. Yet many students are unsure just where to begin getting involved with organizations and projects that can help them meet their personal goals. Here are 100 Twitter feeds to follow that offer inspiration to make change, volunteering opportunities, causes to support and much more.

Inspiring People

Whether they have overcome their own personal struggles or just have powerful advice to offer, these feeds can be great sources of inspiration.

1. @Deepak_Chopra: Chopra is a well-known physician and author whose feed offers ways to become more in touch with your spiritual side and attain inner peace.
2. @marwilliamson: Williamson is more than just an author on spiritual matters; she also founded The Peace Alliance and Project Angel Food. Get advice and guidance from her here.
3. @soniachoquette: In this feed you’ll get advice on how to become a more fully empowered person from this spiritual author and speaker.
4. @LouiseHay: Ms. Hay has been through a great deal in her life, from rape to cancer survival, and her feed can serve as a source of inspiration to overcome your own obstacles and be the best you can be.
5. @inspiremetoday: Get daily posts to inspire on this feed from Gail Lynn Goodwin.
6. @TheRealLesBrown: Les Brown serves as an example of what you can do even when everyone else says you can’t. Labeled as mentally handicapped as a child, Brown is now a well-known speaker and writer, sharing his inspiration with those around the world.
7. @greggrunberg: Think all celebrities are self-obsessed? This Heroes star proves otherwise, sharing not only his work experiences but his charitable ones with the Band from TV as well.
8. @zen_habits: Many are familiar with blogger Leo Babauta’s work, and readers can find daily bits of inspiration and motivation on his feed here.
9. @paulocoelho: Author of one of the most widely read books in the world, Coelho offers spiritual insights and motivational tweets on his feed.
10. @J_Canfield: If you need a little chicken soup today, this feed by the creator of the popular series of books will offer you motivation and inspiration to get going.

National and Global Volunteering

These feeds will help you find out more about opportunities to volunteer in the United States and around the world.

11. @3DayMe: This twitterer volunteers time to walk for breast cancer, but the feed encourages people to volunteer in a variety of ways to help others.
12. @projvolunteer: Learn about the construction of a non-profit project as well as more about opportunities to help out people around the world.
13. @EDGEofAFRICA: Check out this feed to learn more about ethical volunteering opportunities all over Africa.
14. @VolunteerToday: This feed can help you learn new reasons why you should volunteer as well as put you in touch with places to give your time.
15. @VolunteerUganda: Through this feed you can find out about the Volunteer Uganda organization, including what projects they’re working on and ways you can help.
16. @VolunteerFamily: Whether you get your real family to volunteer, your roommates, or greek organization this feed will tell you how to get groups involved.
17. @Voluntweeters: Follow this feed to learn about organizations that are in need of volunteers.
18. @ecuavolunteer: If you want to take your volunteer work abroad, this feed can let you know about opportunities in Ecuador.
19. @WhoCanYouHelp: Find out more about volunteering opportunities from this Canadian-based feed.
20. @GreenVolunteer: Those who want to help the environment through their volunteer work can find out more about programs and places that need help here.

Local Volunteering

Check out these feeds to learn more about city and state focused volunteering opportunities.

21. @volunteersd: Find new ways to volunteer in the San Diego area through the posts on this feed.
22. @VolunteerTO: If you live or go to school in the Toronto area, you’ll find loads of great volunteering opportunities through this feed.
23. @VolCenterSN: This feed will help those in Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, learn how to give back.
24. @VolunteerHou: Help improve the Houston community with links to volunteering opportunities found here.
25. @GlobeDoGood: Ivy Leaguers and regular college students alike can find opportunities to help in the Boston area from this feed.
26. @VolunteerKC: Those in the Seattle area will find some truly great volunteering gigs through these posts.
27. @Volunteer2Day: Find placement in a community organization in the Sarasota, Florida area through this feed.
28. @nwivolunteer: This feed will make it simpler for those in Northwest Indiana, and specifically Valparaiso, to find ways to volunteer.
29. @VolunteerArl: Check back with this feed frequently to learn about ways to help others in Arlington, VA.
30. @volunteeraustin: Make the Austin area a little better by learning how to make a difference in the organizations mentioned through this feed.

Leadership

Get some tips on improving your leadership skills from these feeds. It may just help you make a bigger change in the world.

31. @VolunteerLeader: This feed will give you tips on becoming a better leader in a volunteer organization.
32. @kenblanchard: Get all kinds of valuable insights and thoughts on leadership through this feed.
33. @JimRohnQuotes: Become inspired to be a better leader through the quotes posted here.
34. @robin_sharma: This author and twitterer shares her ideas and tips on how you can be more successful in whatever it is you choose to do.
35. @BrianTracy: Learn new ways to achieve your personal and professional goals through this feed.
36. @StephenRCovey: Author of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey aims to teach you how to be a more effective leader and successful individual here.
37. @leaderswanted: With everything from inspirational quotes to links to leadership initiatives, this feed is designed to help you improve your leadership one day at a time.
38. @DrivenLeaders: Here you’ll find a feed loaded with leadership information for those in Gen-Y.
39. @LeadingResource: Get tips on developing as a leader from this feed.
40. @LeadingBetter: Join the discussion on leadership and get tips to improve your own on this Twitter feed.

Social Causes

These feeds can help you learn about and get involved with people and communities around the world who need help.

41. @the1010project: Learn more about initiatives being taken to fight poverty around the world through this feed.
42. @RedCross: Donate your time and money to this organization helping people recover after disasters around the world.
43. @savethechildren: Check out this feed to learn how you can make a lasting change in a child’s life.
44. @sharestrength: If you want to help fight hunger and malnutrition in children, getting involved with this organization can be a great way to start.
45. @mercycorps: Find out more about this organization working to fight poverty and oppression by building stronger communities here.
46. @wateraid: Water seems like a pretty basic resource but many people around the world don’t have access to a safe supply. Learn how you can help them through this organization.
47. @NCLRights: Support the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people through this organization and those affiliated with it.
48. @kaboomplay: Help provide children with safe, fun places to play through the work of this organization.
49. @BBBSA: If you’ve ever considered becoming a big brother or big sister, check out the organization’s feed to get more information.
50. @CityYear: Dedicate a year of your life to helping your community through this organization. You never know what you might accomplish.
51. @Not_for_Sale: Learn what you can do to fight human trafficking on this organization’s Twitter feed.

Environmental Causes

Save the world a little bit at a time with the information and opportunities offered through these causes’ feeds.

52. @dothegreenthing: From small ways you can make changes to organizations you can join to promote green awareness, you’ll find all kinds of environmental information here.
53. @Greenpeace: Most people are familiar with the organization Greenpeace, but many may not know what they do exactly or how to get involved. Both questions can be answered here.
54. @HempIndustries: Learn about the environmentally friendly product hemp, and how you can promote its use in this feed.
55. @preserveland: This organization works to preserve some of the beautiful, wild spaces around the world. Learn how to help here.
56. @NWF: Check out this feed to learn more about the National Wildlife Fund.
57. @nature_org: If you want to get involved with nature, pay a visit to the feed for the Nature Conservancy and learn about new ways you can do more.
58. @WWF_Climate: Climate change is a hot button issue for environmentalists, and you can find out what you can do to support initiatives and policies here.
59. @earthhour: Visit this feed to learn more about ways to promote environmental issues in the mainstream, save energy, use less and a whole lot more.
60. @sustainablog: Linked to the blog of the same name, this site will make you more knowledgeable about issues related to building a sustainable tomorrow.

Health Causes

Help people at home and abroad live longer, healthier lives with the resources provided by these causes.

61. @SU2C: Whether you’ve battled cancer yourself or know someone who has, this organization can help you get involved in raising funds and awareness for the disease.
62. @livestrong: Many people are familiar with Lance Armstrong’s cancer foundation, but this feed will give you an idea of how you can help it in the fight against cancer.
63. @llsusa: The Leukemia and Lymphoma society wants to raise awareness and funding for the fight against these blood cancers that attack people at all ages.
64. @SoundSeekers: Here you’ll find opportunities to help deaf children in the developing world. Learn how you can raise funds or volunteer through this feed.
65. @operationsmile: Very often, children born in poor communities cannot get surgeries to repair harelips and other facial deformities. This organization helps them get the help they need so they can smile. Find out more here.
66. @giftoflife: Check out this feed to learn how to become a bone marrow donor and promote the cause to others.
67. @MalariaNoMore: In many countries, malaria is a big killer. Join with this organization to learn how you can help reduce the number of malaria deaths each year.
68. @marchofdimes: Join with this organization to help women have healthier, better pregnancies and give birth to healthier, happier babies.

Other Causes

Here you’ll find a wide range of organizations you can get involved with that help fund projects, give kids hope and protect animals.

69. @anitaborg_org: This organization is a great place for female students in the science and technical fields to learn how to give back to the community and promote their professions.
70. @officialpeta: If helping animals is a cause you support, you may want to learn more about actions being taken by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
71. @humanesociety: Make sure all those adorable puppies, kitties and other pets find homes by learning how to help the Humane Society here.
72. @Kramden: Help kids get the technology they need to keep up with the rest of the world through this organization.
73. @pcorpsconnect: Ever considered joining the Peace Corps? You can learn more about what they do and how you can get involved here.
74. @kivafellows: Kiva focuses on giving small personal loans to help people at home and abroad get their ideas and educations off the ground.
75. @xprize: If you’re the inventive type, you may be able to help solve some big problems with cash to show for it through the proposals listed on this feed.
76. @OurWorld20: Put out by the UN University, this feed will help you keep up with some of the major issues that places around the world face and ways you can help.
77. @acumenfund: Help put an end to poverty and hunger by joining this organization’s mission to help people start their own businesses.
78. @Camfed: This organization promotes education and professional opportunities for women in Africa.
79. @DreamsforKids: This international youth organization will offer you the chance to play a role in helping young people fulfill their dreams, however big or small.
80. @NonprofitOrgs: Check out the feeds that this profile is following. You’ll find links to over 10,000 non-profit organizations that need your help.

Looking Inward

They say that change begins with you, and these feeds will help you become a better, stronger and more confident person.

81. @TonyRobbins: Whether you want to improve your relationships, overcome your fears or realize your dreams, you’ll find help and motivation here.
82. @Debbie_Ford: Get in touch with what’s going on inside your mind with a little guidance from the tweets of this author.
83. @byronkatie: This tweeter is known for her method of self-inquiry called "the work" and you can get insights into your own psyche through her feed.
84. @pwDan: Author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Dan Millman offers readers a chance to see how to fulfil their true potential.
85. @larrywinget: If you want some personal development that is in your face and no-nonsense, try out this feed from the pitbull of self help himself.
86. @stevepavlina: Get some helpful tips from this personal development guru through this feed.
87. @AnnetteColby: Learn how to fight stress, depression and self-doubt with the inspirational posts on this feed.
88. @ThumbsUpClub: Through this feed you’ll get the motivation needed to keep following your dreams.
89. @JaneEJohnson: The tweets found here will encourage you to use your talents and live life to the fullest.
90. @LorenaHeletea: Get some free life coaching from Lorena Heletea through her feed found here.

Work

Making a change in the world doesn’t have to mean just volunteering. Check out these feeds to see how your college degree could turn into a career in making a difference.

91. @AimeeLena: Check with this feed frequently to learn about job opportunities with non-profits and charities.
92. @VolunteerMgmt: Learn how to successfully run a volunteer organization with tips and tools found in this feed.
93. @AshokaTweets: This community of social entrepreneurs will share their inspiring stories of change here.
94. @socentrep: Follow this feed to learn more about what it means to be a social entrepreneur and how you can help and build a business at the same time.
95. @nlw: Here you can learn about the work of social entrepreneur Nathaniel Whittemore.
96. @sbramley: This feed is full of updates from the Water For People’s Regional Manager for Africa.
97. @nsjhalla: Check out this social entrepreneur feed about work being done in Africa.
98. @maratriangle: Pay a visit to this feed to learn more about the work of Joseph Kimojino on wildlife protection in Kenya.
99. @SteveCase: Steve Case is all about coming up with new, more efficient, earth friendly ways to do business and you can hear about that and more in his feed.
100. @Persistance: This twitterer works to find funding and investors for projects that need assistance.

Whether you’ve been a whiz with money since you were still getting an allowance or struggle with resisting the pull of buying each and every new gadget that comes out, there is always something more you can learn to improve your knowledge and savvy when it comes to your personal finance. These 100 ebooks together comprise an awesome online library that can help you better understand how to manage your finances today so they’ll last well into the future.

Personal Finance Basics

From saving to managing money, these ebooks will cover the essentials of finances.

1. Solving the Money Puzzle: Personal Finance Made Easy: Take a look at this ebook to learn how to finally make personal finance make sense.
2. Building Wealth: A Beginner’s Guide to Securing Your Financial Future: This ebook from the Dallas Federal Reserve will have you on the right path to financial success in no time.
3. Taking Control of Your Finances: Check out this book from the FDIC to learn how to get your finances under control.
4. Simple Strategies for Managing Your Money: Read this ebook to get tips on some basic ways you can start managing your money.
5. Money Matters: Your Guide for Financial Security: Learn how to plan ahead and use your money wisely from this ebook.
6. Pathways to Getting Ahead: If you need a little guidance when it comes to money, read this ebook for advice.
7. A Step By Step Guide To Getting Your Financial Life On Track: Even if you’ve made some money mistakes in the past, this book can show you how to get moving in the right direction.
8. Managing Your Money in Good Times and Bad: Times are tough right now for many people and this ebook explains how to manage personal finance even when the economy isn’t doing well.
9. Money Tips for All Ages: Your Finances at Different Stages of Life: From fresh out of college to heading towards retirement, this ebook offers ideas on how to manage money at any stage in life.
10. Start Smart: Money Management for Teens: It’s never too early to learn how to get a handle on your finances, as this ebook for teens shows.
11. 66 Ways to Save Money: If you need to save money, this ebook will show you how to cut back and save more.
12. Savings Fitness: A Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future: Whip your savings account into shape with some help from this ebook on saving and managing money.
13. Building Financial Freedom: Don’t be a slave to your debts–this ebook will tell you how to gain financial independence.
14. Enhance Your Financial Intelligence: Become a financial wizard with some advice from this great ebook.
15. Family Budget: This free ebook will help you manage money more effectively when you have a family to take care of.

Banking

Get the most out of your banking experience with some advice and information found in these resources.

16. Banking Basics: This ebook from the Boston Federal Reserve Bank will teach you the fundamentals of banking.
17. Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced Check Fees: Make sure you’re not paying money when you don’t need to be with this helpful ebook.
18. When Is Your Check Not a Check?: Sound confusing? Get some clarification from this ebook.
19. Deposit Insurance Summary: Learn why your money will be fairly secure in your savings account from this guide.
20. Avoiding Costly Banking Mistakes: Check out this book to save big when it comes to banking.
21. A Shopper’s Guide to Bank Products and Services: Make sure you’re getting the right banking products for you with this ebook.

Unexpected Events

As much as we’d like to have life go as planned, these ebooks will teach you how to prepare and react to unexpected events like disasters and injuries.

22. Consumer’s Guide to Disability Income Insurance: If you or your loved one should become disabled, would you be able to support yourselves? This ebook will tell you how to choose the right kind of disability insurance so you’ll know you’re protected.
23. Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance: Learn how to prepare in case you or your spouse needs pricey long term care.
24. Fires, Floods and Other Misfortunes: Are You Prepared Financially?: This ebook will help you prepare for natural disasters.

Managing Debt

For many, getting out of debt can be a long and arduous process. These ebooks aim to make that climb a little easier, smarter and shorter.

25. 27 Powerful Tips And Strategies To STOP Bill Collector Harassment And Deal With Your Debt!: If you’ve got debt and creditors won’t stop hounding you, this book may offer some relief.
26. Debt Resolution – How to Get Out Of Debt And Find Financial Freedom: Check out this free ebook to finally conquer your debt.
27. 7 Steps to Eliminate Debt: This book will help you learn some basic ways you can start reducing your debt.
28. My Story: From Desperation to a Smile: Learn how the author of this ebook went from drowning in debt to finally being debt-free.
29. Take Creditors and Collection Agencies to Small Claims Court: If you just can’t seem to get away from the debt that’s hounding you, learn how to deal with it in court with this ebook.
30. Get Rid of Debt: There’s no need to suffer with debt forever–this ebook explains the steps you’ll need to take to get out of it.
31. No Credit Needed Debt Reduction Guide: Use this guide to learn how to reduce the amount of debt you have.
32. Bankruptcy to Go: If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, this ebook can help explain the process more fully.
33. Debt Consolidation Sample Letters for Free: Those working towards debt consolidation can get some advice from these sample letters.

Shopping Smart

Don’t just blow your money; use these ebooks to ensure you’re spending the right way.

34. Consumer Action Handbook: This government handbook will let you know how to protect your rights as a consumer.
35. Consumer’s Almanac: Check out this book to help you organize your spending and create a budget.
36. Ten Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Planner: Don’t just go with the first financial planner you see in the phone book. This ebook will explain how to choose someone who’ll have your best interests in mind.
37. Thriving On Less: Simplifying In A Tough Economy: Check out this ebook to learn how to live on less and still enjoy your life to the fullest.

Credit

From cards to scores, these ebooks will help you better understand everything related to credit.

38. Building a Better Credit Report: If your credit stinks, you can learn how to improve your score with this ebook.
39. Healthy Credit: This book from the US government will help you learn to build better credit.
40. SHOP: The Credit Card You Pick Can Save You Money: Make sure you’re picking the credit card that will do you the most good with help from this ebook.
41. New Consumer Protections for Credit Cards and Mortgages: Learn how new laws may protect your rights even more when using credit.
42. 51 Ways to Save Hundreds on Loans and Credit Cards: If you’ve got some credit card debt to pay off, this ebook can help you do it faster and more cheaply.
43. Your Credit Scores: Learn what your credit score actually means with this ebook.
44. Credit Protection: What to Consider Before You Buy: Ensure that your purchases won’t destroy your credit score with the guidance found here.
45. Credit Reports and Credit Scores: Learn the difference and importance of these two kinds of records.
46. Playing Your Cards Right: Smart Ways To Use Credit and Debit Cards: Learn how to make your credit cards work for you with this guide.
47. What Consumers Should Know about the Cost and Terms of Credit: Credit may sound like a great deal but this ebook will explain why there are pitfalls to watch out for as well.
48. Credit Score: The Quintessential Therapy for a Happy Pocket: Keep your wallet happy with tips from this ebook on improving your credit score.

Investing

Make your money grow with some investing tips and information from these ebooks.

49. Get the Facts on Saving and Investing: This book from the SEC will help you learn the basics behind managing your money.
50. How SIPC Protects You: Check out this ebook to learn more about the protections SIPC offers you.
51. Beginner’s Guide to Mutual Funds: If you want to put your money into mutual funds then you can find some great advice on how to do it here.
52. All About The Foreign Exchange Market in the United States: This ebook will give you a quick education on the foreign exchange market.
53. Tools of the Trade: A Basic Guide to Financial Derivatives: Even if you’re not a financial professional, you can benefit from this ebook.
54. A Guide for Seniors: Protect Yourself Against Investment Fraud: Make sure you or your loved ones stay safe from investment schemes with the advice in this ebook.
55. Fighting Fraud 101–Smart Tips for Older Investors: Whether you’re an older individual or you have one close to you, this book offers some indispensable advice on investing smart and safe.
56. Introduction to Mutual Funds: This ebook will help you learn about the basics of what mutual funds are and how to invest in them.
57. Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments: Don’t invest blindly–this ebook offers some ideas on questions you should ask before putting your money anywhere.
58. Beginner’s Guide to Investing: If you’ve never done much investing, this free ebook is for you.
59. Investing Made Simple: This ebook breaks investing down to the basics so you can understand and manage your money wisely.

Real Estate

For most people, a home will be the biggest purchase they ever make, so it’s important to make it a smart one. These ebooks can help.

60. Know Before You Go To Get a Mortgage: Here you’ll find some things that you’ll be glad to know before you ever put your money into a mortgage.
61. Interest-Only Mortgage Payments and Payment-Option ARM’s: Are they for you?: Before you buy a home, investigate these options through this ebook.
62. You May Be Paying Too Much for Your Mortgage: Ensure that your mortgage payments won’t bankrupt you with help from this ebook.
63. Your Home Inventory: Use this ebook as a guide to protecting the things you own and value.
64. Is Foreclosure Knocking at Your Door?: Those who are facing foreclosure can get advice on staying afloat from the FDIC.
65. Buyer Beware: How to Protect Yourself from Foreclosure Frauds, Easy Money Schemes and Other Costly Deals: Potential homeowners can read this ebook to avoid any damaging schemes when buying a home.
66. No More Monthly Mortgage: Learn how to knock years off of your mortgage payments with this guide.

Retirement

Make sure you’re planning ahead with these ebooks all about retirement.

67. 401(k) Plans: Learn the basics of 401K plans through this ebook.
68. Variable Annuities: What You Should Know: If you think a variable annuity might be right for your retirement plan, read this ebook for more information.
69. What Women Need to Know About Retirement: This ebook caters towards women’s retirement needs.
70. Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning: Retirement planning can be a mysterious thing, but this ebook will demystify it for you.
71. Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement: Get ready for retirement at any age by reading this helpful guide.
72. What You Should Know About Your Retirement Plan: Make sure you know what your retirement plan offers you by reading this ebook.
73. Your Guaranteed Pension: If you’ve got a pension coming your way, then learn what it means for your financial future here.
74. Fiscal Fitness for Older Americans: Stretching Your Savings and Shaping Up Your Financial Strategies: This book will help older individuals prep for upcoming retirement.
75. The Get Rich Slowly Guide to Roth IRAs: Learn how to use a Roth IRA to amp up your retirement plan here.

Estate Planning

Your money will have an effect even after you’re gone, so make sure your loved ones are protected by reading through some of these ebooks.

76. Estate Planning: Learn how to plan for your money even after you’ve gone with this guide from the government.
77. What You Should Know About Buying Life Insurance: If you want to protect your family, this ebook will help you get the life insurance you need.
78. Living Trusts Offers: This ebook will help you understand what a living trust is and how it can help you plan for your family.
79. Estate Planning: Protecting Your "Family Fortune" Through FDIC-Insured Bank Accounts: This guide from the FDIC will help you protect your finances.
80. Asset Protection and Estate Planning: Keep your family afloat no matter what with information found in this ebook.
81. The Estate Manual: Learn how to create a complete estate plan in this ebook.

Privacy and Security

These free ebooks can save you a lot of pain and hassle by helping you learn to protect your information and finances.

82. Phishing and Pharming: Helping Consumers Avoid Internet Fraud: This ebook can help you learn to avoid being taken advantage of online.
83. ID Theft: What It’s All About: Learn what it means to have your identity stolen and what you can do about it here.
84. Identity Theft: This guide from the Boston Federal Reserve Bank will help you avoid identity theft.
85. Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number: Check out this ebook to learn how to protect your social security number.
86. Privacy Choices for Your Personal Financial Information: This ebook will help you to make the right choices when it comes to protecting your personal information.
87. Affinity Fraud: Learn what affinity fraud is and how to avoid it through this ebook.
88. Internet Fraud: How to Avoid Internet Investment Scams: The Internet offers a wide range of advantages, but also a wide range of risks. This ebook will teach you how to avoid some of the big ones.
89. ID Theft: Strategies and Help for Fighting Back: Learn how to fight back against identity thieves through this ebook.
90. Plastic Fraud: Keep your credit card information secure with a the precautionary advice found here.

Making Money and Business

You can’t manage money if you don’t have any, and these ebooks will help you learn how to get ahead in business and make your own personal fortune.

91. Think and Grow Rich: Change how you think about money and bring it your way with this free ebook.
92. The Science of Getting Rich: Learn some principles of business that can help you start building your finances.
93. As a Man Thinketh: Try out this free read to understand how your mindset can affect your finances.
94. Acres of Diamonds: This book will help you build your own personal fortune.
95. The Power of Thought: If you believe in the principles behind The Secret then read this book to bring financial success your way.
96. Principles of Finance: Read through this book to get a quick education on the basics of finance.
97. Don’t Get Business Credit: Try this book to learn why you should shy away from business credit.
98. Budget Breeze: This book will help you learn to build a strong budget you can stick to.
99. Principles of Accounting: Learn the basics of accounting for your business or other uses through this book.
100. Surviving the Economic Crisis: Whether business or personal, this book will help you weather the storm of the economic crisis.

During an economic storm in which jobs are disappearing, executives are taking massive pay cuts, and qualified applicants are being turned away from pursuing their careers, handing in your resume might seem like a shot in the dark. These books tell you, "hit them with your best shot." Instead of teaching you to focus on the negative and dwell on the "what-ifs," these motivational books will encourage you to walk into any office, look the manager in the eye and remember that you deserve the opportunity to follow your dreams.

Interviewing

Interview with confidence and class, and be prepared to answer even the toughest questions with the help of these great books.

1. Winning Job Interviews: by Paul Powers. This book was designed for interviewers, so it powerfully gives the interviewee a look at the other side. Be prepared for any interview question with this book.
2. Fearless Interviewing: How to Win the Job by Communicating with Confidence: by Marky Stein. Dazzle your interviewers immediately and set the stage for the rest of your perfect interview.
3. Interviewing: Principles and Practices: by Charles Stewart and William Cash. Offers comprehensive coverage of a wide range of interviews, as well as the most thorough treatment of the basics of interviewing.
4. Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the Questions That Will Get You the Job: by Tony Beshara. Don’t let unemployment zap the spunk out of your interpersonal skills. Go into your interview like a professional, and use the tactics in this book to ace your interview.
5. 10 Steps to Interviewing With Confidence: by Jeanne Knight. This DVD-book is sure to get the interview butterflies out of your stomach. Go into your interview and knock the ball out of the park with Jeanne Knight at your side.
6. Instant Interviews: 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life: by Jeffrey Allen. What are you waiting for? You could be having more fun and more success than you’ve ever had in your life. Instant Interviews turns you into an interview magnet.
7. Best Answers to the 201 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions: by Matthew DeLuca. Ever wondered what to say when a potential employer asks you what your biggest weaknesses are? If you were previously convinced there is no easy answer, this book will change your career forever.
8. 96 Great Questions to Ask Before You Hire: by Paul Falcone. You probably want a little insight into your interview before you walk through those office doors, so read this book and take a look at yourself through the eyes of your interviewer.
9. 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions: by Vicky Oliver. Be prepared for even the most off-the-wall interview questions with this know-it-all book.
10. Competency-Based Interviews: Master the Tough New Interview Style And Give Them the Answers That Will Win You the Job: by Robin Kessler. Figure out what the head honchos are looking for, and be the person they need you to be.

Networking

Like it or not, much of your success is based on who you know rather than what you know. Link yourself to your fantasy future via use of your natural network.

11. Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty : The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need : by Harvey Mackay. Learn to make the connections you need before you need them.
12. Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-how for Business And Career Success: by Anne Baber. You don’t have to be best friends with the CEO of the company to get where you want to go. Make use of who you do know by making use of this great book.
13. Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time: by Keith Ferrazzi. This networking bible has everything you need to get where you imagine yourself going.
14. The Networking Survival Guide: Get the Success You Want By Tapping Into the People You Know: by Diane Darling. Extend your web of social and business contacts even further by tapping into the resources you already have.
15. Guerrilla Networking: A Proven Battle Plan to Attract the Very People You Want to Meet: by Jay Conrad Levinson. The success you reap in life is directly correlated to-not how many people you meet-but rather, how many people want to meet you. Guerrilla Networking is all about "becoming the type of person other people want to meet."
16. Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People and Get a Great Job: This book is sure to help you meet the right kind of contacts.
17. Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day: by Dave Evans. This book will introduce you to the basics, demonstrate how to manage details and describe how you can track results.
18. Social Networking: The Essence of Innovation: by Jay Liebowitz. Author Jay Liebowitz presents strategies for developing personal knowledge networks; linking social networking to innovation and strategic intelligence; and exploring synergies between knowledge management, business intelligence, and competitive intelligence.
19. Facebook Marketing: Leverage Social Media to Grow Your Business: by Steve Holzner. Holzner reveals new social marketing techniques that do work, and shows you exactly how to make the most of them.
20. Social Networking in Plain English: by Lee and Sachi LeFever. Social Networking is changing the way people get things done, by making connections between people visible to others. Common Craft explains in simple and understandable terms how Social Networking works and why it matters.

Effective Communication

You can’t spell employment without communication skills. Read these books to learn how to talk, give presentations, interview, and debate like a professional.

21. Business Communication: by Carol Lehman and Debbie DuFrene. Get the basics of business communication here.
22. Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication: by Harvard Business School Press. Harvard has one of the top ranking business schools in the country, so read this publication for the best advice.
23. Business Communication: Process and Product: by Mary Ellen Guffey. It’s true that communication skills don’t come overnight. If you want to do it right, follow these rules.
24. Messages: The Communication Skills Book: by Matthew McKay. Avoid miscommunication by reading this book.
25. People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts : by Robert Bolton. Bolton’s self-help guide shows you how to handle the toughest aspects of conversation.
26. 101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly: by Bennie Bough. Unlike other books, this awesome guide shows you how to make important changes, fast.
27. The Art and Science of Communication: Tools for Effective Communication in the Workplace: by P. S. Perkins and Les Brown. Indeed, effective communication is an art, and an interpersonal science, and this book has what you need to develop the right techniques.
28. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High: by Kerry Patterson, et al. The most important interactions you’ll have in life will involve huge negotiations, so make sure you put your most powerful words forward.
29. Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders: by John Baldoni. Learn from the gurus, and follow in their powerful, successful footsteps.
30. Conversationally Speaking: Tested New Ways to Increase Your Personal and Social Effectiveness: by Alan Garner. The best thing about this book is that its advice is new but just as effective as the older ways of looking at communication.

Negotiation

From your original proposal, you can expect at least one "no" before you reach your final goal. What you do after that "no" can potentially determine the rest of your life, so make sure to negotiate like you mean it.

31. Bargaining For Advantage : by G. Richard Shell. Get ahead of the game with the right persuasive skills.
32. 3-D Negotiation : by David A. Lax and James K. Sebenius. This book shows you negotiation like you’ve never seen it before.
33. The 4-Hour Workweek: by Timothy Ferriss. With this guide, you’ll learn everything you need about working "smart, not hard."
34. I Will Teach You To Be Rich: by Ramit Sethi. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does buy comfort. This book will help you negotiate the salary you need and deserve.
35. Secrets of Power Negotiating: by Roger Dawson. If you think you know everything there is to know about negotiating, think again. This book has the true secrets of persuasion.
36. The Only Negotiating Guide You’ll Ever Need: 101 Ways to Win Every Time in Any Situation: by Peter B. Stark and Jane Flaherty. Packed with counterarguments and rebuttals, this shows you how negotiating is like a game of chess–and how to win it.
37. Fearless Negotiating: The Wish, Want, Walk Method to Reaching Agreements That Work : by Michael Donaldson. Go from wanting to having, from thinking to doing, with this one of a kind guide.
38. Harvard Business Essentials Guide to Negotiation: by Harvard Business School Press. If you’ve never considered yourself a haggler, this book will help you along the first crucial steps from being a push-over to winning the world over.
39. Getting Past No: by William Ury. You’re bound to hear a firm "no" every now and then; it’s a simple fact of life. How you handle rejection determines who you are in your career, so learn how to do it right with this book.
40. Negotiating with Giants: by Peter D. Johnston. Wish you were bigger, better, faster, or stronger? Learn how to command the attention of whatever audience you face with this expert book.
41. Getting to Yes: by Roger Fisher. Whether in your career, in your family, or in your friendships, learn to negotiate without giving in.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Don’t be afraid to put your ideas out there. Use these books to show you how to cultivate your dreams and imaginings, then turn them into plans that make sense.

42. Entrepreneurship: Successfully Launching New Ventures: by Bruce Barringer and Duane Ireland. Your plan is moot if you can’t launch it correctly, so use this book to make sure your bases are covered.
43. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: by Peter Drucker. Business guru Peter Drucker does it again with this one-stop business guide. Not only can his books be applied to everyday life, they should.
44. Entrepreneurship for Dummies: by Dr. Kathleen Allen Ph.D. This guide is great for readers with little business experience who need to know how to turn an idea into cash.
45. Entrepreneurship: A Process Perspective: by Robert A. Baron and Scott Shane. Again, success doesn’t grow on trees, and even if it did, it might take years to blossom. Learn to be patient yet optimistic with the help of this book.
46. The Art of Innovation: by Tom Kelley and Johnathan Littman. If change is an art, this book makes you Van Gogh. Learn how to control your craft, and then how to share it with the world.
47. Think Better: An Innovator’s Guide to Productive Thinking: by Tim Hurson. An innovation starts as a thought, and only becomes a reality after the thought has enough power to take flight. This book will show you how to give your idea wings.
48. The Game-Changer: How You Can Drive Revenue and Profit Growth with Innovation: by A.G. Lafley and Ram Charan. This book is great for readers who have already found a bit of success but want to take their product or idea to the next level.
49. Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques: by Michael Michalko. Although it can be argued that creativity is natural and cannot be learned, this business must-have will fine tune your creative energy and show you what to do with it.
50. Managing Creativity and Innovation: by Harvard Business School Press. Like its title implies, this book doesn’t pretend to teach you how to become an innovator, but rather what to do with it once you get started.

Personal Finance

Without work often means without pay. Control your pocketbook, and don’t let unemployment get the best of you.

51. Your Money or Your Life: by Joel Dominguez & Vicki Robin. Make the right financial decisions with this book’s help.
52. The Millionaire Next Door: by Thomas Stanley & William Danko. Coveting his car, clothes or mansion? Learn how to get where you want to be by observing those who have reached success.
53. The Boglehead’s Guide to Investing: by Taylor Larimore, et al. Take control of your finances, even if it seems like an overwhelming concept. This book will get you started and keep you going.
54. Fail-Safe Investing: by Harry Browne. Scared about investment risks? Investing should have your respect, not your fear.
55. Work Less, Live More: by Bob Clyatt. You don’t have to be slave to your career. Strike a healthy balance with this great book.
56. It’s Not About the Money: by Brent Kessel. At the end of the day, there are simply more important things in life than striking oil. Keep life in perspective with the help of this guide.
57. Accounting Made Simple: by Mike Piper. Sure, most people go through years of school to become accountants, but anyone can learn the basics–even you.
58. Essentials of Accounting: by Robert N. Anthony and Leslie K. Breitner. These fundamentals are everything you need to get you headed for a balanced checkbook.
59. The McGraw-Hill 36-Hour Course in Finance: by Robert A. Cooke. Devote three days to your financial future with this guidebook and workshop in one.
60. How to Read a Financial Report: by John A. Tracy. Sooner or later, every adult is going to have to conquer the conundrum of report reading. This book will get you started.

Management Skills

Even the most desperate job seekers don’t want to settle for less than they deserve. Let your managerial skills flourish and get a management position that pays with the help of these books.

61. The Unwritten Laws of Business: by W.J. King. This etiquette and professionalism guideline will undoubtedly improve your managerial and relational skills.
62. First, Break All the Rules: by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman. A nonconformist view of managing and building relationships.
63. 12: Elements of Great Managing: by Rodd Wagner & James Harter. Look at the key characteristics of successful managing in today’s work environment.
64. Growing Great Employees: by Erika Andersen. Hire the right people, then develop them into your star employees.
65. Hiring Smart: by Pierre Mornell. This is another great guide for conducting the best and most productive interviews.
66. The Essential Drucker: by Peter F. Drucker. Sixty years of managerial skills, all rolled into one, easy-to-read book.
67. Tribes: by Seth Godin. Lead by using the most basic rules and theories of interpersonal relationships.
68. The Halo Effect: by Phil Rosenzweig. Read about the nine "business delusions that deceive managers."
69. The New Leader’s 100-Day Action Plan: by George Bradt, et al. So, you’re in charge…what next? Find out how to make your first 100 days your ultimate advantage.
70. Judgement: by Noel Tichy & Warren Bennis. Make good calls, and be confident about your decisions with this great guide.

Motivation

To be successful, you simply cannot let the bad times get you down. Keep your chin up and cultivate that winning attitude to propel you into your brighter, richer future.

71. Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring: Take Charge of Your Career, Find a Job You Love, and Earn What You Deserve: by Ford Myers. This book maps the new world of job search and reveals essential strategies for your success. You’ll learn how to seize opportunities that aren’t posted yet, how to make yourself an instant asset to potential employers, how to clearly stand out as the best candidate, and how to leverage social media, blogs, and other Web tools.
72. The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search: The Proven Program Used by the Worlds Leading Career Services Company: by Orville Pierson. The techniques in this book, developed by author Orville Pierson, have been used successfully for ten years by Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH), the world’s premier career services company. Here, Pierson provides you with the job-search techniques that up to now have been limited to the LHH consultants he trains.
73. Perpetual Motivation: How to Light Your Fire and Keep It Burning in Your Career and in Life: by Dave Durand. Drawing on the author’s investigation of the factors that motivate successful people, this is a guide on how to find and maintain energy sufficient to reach one’s goals. It explains how to balance five key life components as a method of staying motivated.
74. Motivation and Goal-Setting: by Jim Cairo. Aiding listeners in examining their personal and professional goals, this audiobook gives them motivational tools that can be applied right away in order to make their goals realities.
75. The 7 Hidden Secrets of Motivation: Unlocking the Genius Within: by Todd Beeler. Get maximum motivation in minimum time.
76. 17 Lies That Are Holding You Back and the Truth That Will Set You Free: by Steve Chandler. Before you make life-altering career decisions, read this book and get your life and your outlook in order.
77. Fish. A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results: by Stephen Lundin. This high-energy, motivational book will teach you how to reach your maximum potential.
78. Awaken the Giant Within: by Anthony Robbins. Take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical, and financial destiny.
79. Little Gold Book of YES. Attitude: by Jeffrey Gitomer. How to find, build, and keep a YES. attitude for a lifetime of success.
80. Reinventing Yourself: How To Become The Person You’ve Always Wanted To Be: by Steve Chandler. There are two kinds of people, asserts motivational speaker Chandler: victims and owners. Transforming oneself from the victim mindset to the owner mindset is the purpose of this recording. This book will help you develop the attitude you need to turn your life and career around.

Resume Writing

Even before you get a chance to blow your could-be boss away in the interview room, you need to make a lasting impression on him through your resume and cover letter. Fail to grab his attention immediately, or waste his time with a badly written resume, and you’re sure to fail. Do it right with these expert books.

81. Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer: by Susan Whitcomb. Filled with "before and after" resume examples that not only teach the author’s special techniques but also show why they work, "Resume Magic" divulges the secrets of better resume writing from an expert with more than a decade of experience producing powerful, effective resumes.
82. The Resume.Com Guide to Writing Unbeatable Resumes: by Warren Simons. Write a professional resume and blow your potential employer away.
83. Resumes For Dummies: Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time, changing jobs, or changing careers, Resumes for Dummies, 5th Edition will show you the ropes and rules for a new era in recruiting and job finding.
84. Knock ‘em Dead Resumes: Features the Latest Information on: Online Postings, Email Techniques, and Follow-up Strategies: by Martin Yate. For more than a decade, this book has shown job seekers how to make their resumes appealing and eye-catching to employers in a competitive job market. With this invaluable resource, readers will discover what prospective employers are looking for.
85. The Only Resume and Cover Letter Book You’ll Ever Need: Get instant access to 600 resumes for all industries and 600 cover letters for every situation 150 positions from entry level to CEO.
86. The Resume Handbook: How to Write Outstanding Resumes and Cover Letters for Every Situation: by Arthur Rosenberg. Only 1 interview is granted for every 250 resumes received-with The Resume Handbook, you can make sure yours is the one on top.
87. How to Say It on Your Resume: by Brad Karsh. Ever wondered how to word your previous experience and job responsibilities. Become a wordsmith with the help of this awesome book.
88. The Elements of Resume Style: by Scott Bennett. Follow these essential rules and create your perfect resume.
89. ACE the IT Resume: Resumes and Cover Letters: by Paul Moreira. Stand out in a crowd of IT job applicants by creating and submitting a winning resume and cover letter with help from this practical guide.
90. 101 Best Resumes: Endorsed by the Professional Association of Resume Writers: by Jay Block. Top resume writers share their secrets to help you land the job you want. Members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers have pooled their expertise to create 101 of the very best resumes available anywhere.

Marketing

Now that you have the resources you need to help your dreams take flight, put the right power behind them to market them into success.

91. Guerrilla Marketing: by Jay Conrad Levinson. The concept of guerrilla marketing was invented as an unconventional system of promotions that relies on time, energy and imagination rather than a big marketing budget. Apply it to your resume and see sell yourself like never before.
92. Marketing: by Roger Kerin, Steven Hartley, and William Rudelius. These are the very basics of a concept that can make or break your career.
93. Word of Mouth Marketing: by by Andy Sernovitz, Guy Kawasaki, and Seth Godin. Get your name where it needs to be using the awesome power of networking.
94. Principles of Marketing: by Philip Kotler and Gary Armstrong. Learn everything you would in a college course without paying tuition prices. This book contains what you need to market from the ground-up.
95. Duct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide: by John Jantsch. This book was designed for business marketing, but apply these principles to your job hunt, and you’re sure to succeed.
96. Social Media Marketing: by Dave Evans and Susan Bratton. You can’t say "sales" without social media. Use today’s biggest phenomenon to your advantage.
97. Marketing for Dummies: Like the other "For Dummies" books, this is the ultimate reader-friendly marketing book.
98. Self Marketing Power: Branding Yourself As a Business of One: by Jeff Beals. Pay close attention to details, because even if you have the power and smarts that deserve the job, you won’t get far if you don’t know how to market yourself.
99. The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding: by Al Ries and Laura Ries. Read them, study them, learn them, love them. Get to know these 22 rules and you’ll have everything you need for the ultimate marketing strategy.
100. Brands and Branding, Second Edition: by Rita Clifton and John Simmons. This textbook-like resource is similar to something you might learn in a marketing classroom, but with the convenience of moving at your own pace.

Careers have become more specialized over the years, as we look to the tiniest niches in which we need precise degrees.  This had led to an influx of degree programs in areas that were not in existence only twenty years ago (web design, fashion, etc.).  One particular area that has emerged, even spawning universities, is that of bookkeeping.

Bookkeepers are in charge of keeping a company’s assets in order and making sure everything remains organized.  The need for online universities catering exclusively to bookkeeping has developed as companies have looked for certified employees to take over their bookkeeping.  No longer are major companies solely relying on a high school diploma, but now require a certificate or degree proving that their potential employees have become specially certified.

There have been many recent news articles that have chronicled the sloppy work of bookkeepers around the business world, even within Congress.  This type of inaccurate work has led to the downfall of many corporations and spawned lawsuit after lawsuit.  Companies that employ thousands of workers are more at risk than companies that only employ five workers.  Only a few days ago we heard about Pepsico losing $1.26 billion dollars in a default judgment against them, solely because their secretary did not file the service accordingly.  While filing this type of potential lawsuit is not a difficult task, it can become confusing in such a large company.

As a result of these impending dangers, more companies now require more experience within their bookkeepers, typically in the form of a degree or certificate.  This type of schooling helps convince companies that you have been able to pass tests relating to the subject matter and have learned everything about your particular subject.  One thing companies are not looking for is someone who is brand new to the bookkeeping industry; this poses more of a liability to the company.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor has predicted that bookkeeping careers will remain on the rise in the coming years, which also has led to a new demand for bookkeeping degrees and universities. 

While every employee requests something different in their bookkeeping position, every one of them will require that you pass the certification exam from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.  The bookkeeping university that you decide to go to will determine how prepared you are to take this test, and will inevitably help determine what score you will earn.  Employers now base much of their hiring on the results of these tests and the grades you receive in your degree, making your school performance more important overall.

With football season in full swing, many fans are reveling in the abundance of football-related entertainment available–from attending the games themselves to listening to news coverage and analysis of them afterwards. If you have an iPhone, you can extend your enjoyment of college football season even further with applications that let you keep up with news, check stats, make wagers, support your team and much more, all while you’re on the go.

Sports News

Find the latest news about your favorite college sports teams with these applications.

1. College Sports News: Follow along with all the latest college sports news, including football and more, with this app.
2. USA Today: This USA Today app makes it easy to keep up with your favorite college teams.
3. College Football Live: Try out this application to get real-time updates about college football.
4. SEC Sports: Follow along with the Southeastern Conference with this college sports app.
5. Quik NCAAF News: Download this application to read the latest news on sports teams and players.
6. NCAA Highlights: Get the highlights of all the games you might have missed or just want to see again with this app.
7. CBS Sports: College: This CBS sports app is tailored to provide just college sports news to your phone.
8. NCAA Football In Game Now: This app will let you keep up with your teams as they’re playing or anytime you want to read more about football.
9. Fumble U: Make sure you’re in the know about what’s going on with your favorite college football team by using this application.
10. I Love College Football: Whether big or small, you’ll get the latest news on the teams you support here.

Scores and Stats

With these apps you’ll be able to check scores, find out about rosters and track the progress and rankings of your favorite teams.

11. NCAA Football Scores: Find the scores from the latest games on this app.
12. College Football to Go: Get schedules, rankings, rosters, stats and more on this full-featured app.
13. RostaMan College Football: Get the roster for any college football team on this application.
14. Football Stats: Use this application to track your favorite player’s stats right from your phone.
15. SportsTap: Get scores for college football games as well as just about every other kind of professional sport out there with this handy tool.
16. QB Rater: Track your team’s star quarterback during the game using this free and fun app.
17. FanStream: This app offers users instant access to rosters, schedules and news.
18. InGameNow: With this tool you can get sports scores and info sent right to your phone.
19. Fanzone: Try out this application to get scores, stats, news and more.

Clocks and Calendars

Make sure you never miss a game by downloading these applications.

20. Big 12 Football Pocket Schedule: Find out the dates and times for all the Big 12 games using this app.
21. SEC Football Pocket Schedule: Try out this application to keep track of Southeastern Conference games.
22. Days to Game: Count down the hours until the next big game using this clock tool.
23. University of Michigan Clock: This clock will let you show your team spirit and even play your fight song.
24. Big 10 Football Pocket Schedule: Use this schedule to plan which games you want to watch.
25. OSU Clock: Ohio State fans who want a reminder of their dominance in the rivalry with Michigan will appreciate this clock application.

Not Just College

These applications offer a chance to follow college sports news as well as that of professional teams.

26. ScoreMobile iPhone Edition: Use this application to keep up with scores, stats, previews, and recaps for both the NCAAF and NFL.
27. Sportacular: With this application you can get scores, news and more for both college and pro teams.
28. CBS Sports Mobile: This application lets you take CBS sports updates with you anywhere.
29. Fox Sports Mobile: Fox is the home to many professional football games, but you’ll find college level scores and info on this app as well.
30. Austin News, Events and Jobs: Keep up with the latest news in Texas sports, among other things, with this application.
31. NBC Sports Mobile: Get the latest news and scores with this NBC sports app.
32. BallHype: Here you can get sports news, rumors and videos delivered to your phone.
33. SportingNews Sports: Check this app regularly to get sports news updates.

Teams

Your college team might even have it’s own app, making it easy to keep up with how and when they’re playing. There are apps for just about every college team so if you don’t see your favorite listed here, check in the iTunes store for more options.

34. Go Longhorns: Get the latest information, news, and scores on Texas football and more with this app.
35. Volunteers: This application is just for this Tennessee team, letting you know when they’re playing and when games will be aired on television.
36. Utah Football 2009: With a roster, schedule and stats, this app will have you ready for the upcoming games.
37. Go Bears!: California Golden Bear fans should try out this application to keep up with everything team related.
38. Pigskin Penn State: Penn State fans will love this application offering team news, stats and schedules.
39. broncosdashboard: This application displays scores, stats and schedules for the Boise State team.
40. Red Zone LSU: This live blogging tool will help you keep up on team news and share your own views.
41. Red Zone Texas: Comment on everything game-related with this game day blogging application.
42. Vandal DB: Here you’ll find an app that will display the most current information about the Idaho State team.
43. Pigskin Auburn: Try out this application if you’re an Auburn fan to keep up with games, news and scoring.
44. KUAthletics: News, scores, schedules, rosters and even streaming audio can be found using this app.
45. Mizzou Mobile: Follow your favorite Missouri team with this app offering headlines, videos, audio, stats, schedules and more.
46. Bama Mobile: Use this application to follow everything going on with the Alabama team.
47. USCAthletics: Ensure you stay on top of every game for the USC team with this application.
48. OSUTube: Watch videos and get updates on the latest news related to OSU with this app.
49. Tar Heel Mobile: Here you’ll find all the tools you need from videos to schedules to keep you watching and supporting the Tar Heels.
50. Washington Huskies: Use this application to get access to news, schedules and a whole lot more for this team.
51. Panther Football 2009: Follow the FIU Golden Panthers through this football season using the tools provided by this application.
52. Pigskin Ohio State: Through this application you’ll get schedule, scores and news information on the Ohio State team.
53. Team View Notre Dame: This application offers a schedule, roster staff and news–perfect for the Notre Dame fan who wants to be in the know.

Odds and Wagers

If you like to make your sports watching a little more interesting financially, these apps can help you make the right wagers.

54. iOdds: This app updates scores every 30 seconds and lets you know the results and the lines for the teams you’re interested in wagering on.
55. Fantell: Here you’ll find predictions based on average fan picks.
56. Bowl Picks: Use this application to pick and track what teams will go all the way.
57. Today’s Pick: Get the winning edge with this application that offers the best bets out there.
58. iSportsLine: Here you’ll find gambling odds on a variety of events–including college football.
59. SmartBet: Try out this application to learn to make smarter, and hopefully more successful, bets.
60. Office Pool: If you work in a place where lots of people like college football, this app makes it easy to manage your picks.
61. SportsBook: This application will let you track all aspects of your wagers right from your phone.
62. MAD Mel: Check out what players and teams this football expert is projecting to win.
63. My Sports Picks: Football ‘09: This application will organize all of your football picks for NCAA and NFL games in one easy place.
64. Break the Book: Here you’ll find a tool to track your bets, get odds, data and more.

School Spirit

Support your team with these apps that offer school songs, rallying cries and more.

65. Ball State University Chirper: Chirp at the opponents with this spirited app.
66. iRivalz-Utah: This application works hand-in-hand with the next app in this list, pitting fans against each other to compete for athletic scholarship funds. Of course, it also plays the school fight song.
67. iRivalz-BYU: Use this application to support BYU and hear the team’s song.
68. Boomer: If you’re an Oklahoma fan, download this app to listen to the Boomer Sooner, Oklahoma, and the OU chant.
69. Clemson Tigers: With this application you can listen to the Tiger Rag and find football game schedules.
70. GigEm: Aggies will appreciate this app, with tools to play War Hymn, Noble Men of Kyle, and Spirit of Aggieland.
71. HookEm: This University of Texas application will play the Texas Fight song, The Yellow Rose of Texas, The Eyes of Texas, and the Texas Chant.
72. Go Pokes: Oklahoma State University supporters can get ramped up for the game with this app that plays Ride ‘em Cowboys, The Waving Song, the OSU chant, and the OSU alma mater.
73. MSU Cowbell: Mississippi fans will be able to ring their own cowbells and play the ‘Hail State’ song on their phones with this app.
74. College Fight Songs: This application collects the fight songs for numerous schools into one place, letting you show your spirit for all your favorite teams.

Sports Trivia

Test your college sports knowledge with these fun applications.

75. College Football 101- Quizner’s Sports Trivia: Here you’ll be able to see how much you really know about college football.
76. Absolutely Trivial Football: Find out if you’re a true fan with this trivia application.
77. Buckeye Classics DVD Trivia Game: Test out your knowledge of the Buckeyes past and present with this quiz tool.
78. College Football History: This application will let you explore the history of the game.
79. Behind the Line: Take this book on college football with you anywhere to learn more about the sport.
80. NCAA Football: Learn new facts and share them with others with this app all about NCAA football.
81. Mascot Trivia: Do you know your mascots? This app will help you find out.

Superfan Tools

If you’re a tried and true fan of college football, check out these tools to help you support your team.

82. College Football Logos: Decorate your iPhone with your favorite team logo using this application.
83. iTeams Mobi: You can make your own website and station featuring college football info right from this site.
84. College GameDay: This app puts everything you need to tailgate in style right at your fingertips.
85. Local Radio Finder: Find a local station that’s airing the game with this app.
86. Tailgating: Make sure your tailgating experience goes off without a hitch with this helpful app that lets you check off what you need to bring.
87. FANS of Football: With this app you’ll get news, tweets, chat, video and information all about college football.
88. Sport Rule Books: If you’re having a dispute over the rules of the game, settle them with this handy app.
89. Football Rule Book: Use this app to double-check the rule book for football.
90. FanFinder: If you want to head to a sports bar that supports your favorite team, try out this helpful application.
91. iReferee: This application will remind you of the meanings of all the referee signals.

Just for Fun

If there’s no college football game on TV, bide your time playing one of these football-themed games instead.

92. Tailgate Games: Play bags, horseshoe, ladder golf and washers on your phone to give you the tailgating feeling, even if you’re at home.
93. ESPN Zoom: College Football: Let this photo hunt game keep you busy and in the football spirit.
94. iFootball: Try out this application to test the football skills of your fingers.
95. iHotdog: If you’re hankering for a delicious hotdog, try this app to hold you over.
96. Blitz Football Pro: Try this fun app to play a simulated football game on your phone.
97. Football U: Football fans will love this 3D football simulator for the iPhone.
98. UCoach Pro: Ever think you’d be a better coach than the actual coach? This application lets you step in and try your hand.
99. What College Are You?: Find out what college team best fits your personality in this application.
100. Extreme Paper Football: Use this application to give this old game a new spin.

As a law professor, you’re probably always on the hunt for new material to talk about in class, besides the mainstream legal news. From case studies to legal headlines and niche law topics, these 50 blogs written for and by law professors can inspire you to host discussions and challenge your students to think about their classwork more critically.

Legal News

Follow the latest legal cases by visiting these news blogs.

1. Law Blog: The WSJ law blog is updated multiple times a day and follows the big legal cases of the moment and business law.
2. Above the Law: Above the Law is part news, part legal tabloid, and is a great resource for keeping up with behind-the-scenes dirt from law schools, top firms, and major cases.
3. The Volokh Conspiracy: This group blog is mostly written by law professors and focuses on law theory and research, law professors and law school, and top (or just weird) cases.
4. Blawg Review: Get an aggregated list of the week’s best law blog posts here.
5. Robert Ambrogi’s LawSites: Robert Ambrogi is a great resource if you want to find new legal resource websites.
6. The Shark: California law school students keep up with news, salaries and more.
7. Paper Chase: JURIST’s legal news blog is all about "serious law" from "primary sources."
8. Legal Counsel Corner: This legal commentary blog covers the latest headlines in business law, bail bonds, bankruptcy, class action lawsuits, family law and more.
9. ABA Blogs: Find law blogs in every single niche, plus tickers of the featured and most popular blogs and posts.
10. Adjunct Law Prof Blog: Mitchell H. Rubinstein is an adjunct professor at New York Law School and blogs about interesting cases, from domestic violence to health care. He also posts about New York law and law school issues.
11. American Constitution Society: The ACS tracks top law cases and news.

Theory and Philosophy

Here you’ll find discussion and research devoted to legal theory and philosophy.

12. Dorf on Theory: Cornell law professor Michael Dorf, with his lawyer and professor friends, muses on various law topics here.
13. Kenneth Anderson’s Law of War and Just War Theory Blog: This law professor from American University blogs about international laws of war.
14. Ernie the Attorney: Ernie has been blogging since 2002 and examines how the legal system responds to change.
15. Leiter Reports: Law professors will appreciate this philosophy blog that comments on academia, intellectual property and legal philosophy.
16. Florida Student Philosophy Blog: Florida undergrads, grad students and faculty discuss logic, ethics, the philosophy of law and plenty of other topics here.
17. Engage: Conversations in Philosophy: Follow this blog for intriguing discussions and questions about social responsibility, public policy, civil disobedience and more.
18. Feminist Legal Theory: Learn all about feminist legal theory from this blog, published by the UC Davis School of Law.

Business Law

Business law professors will find plenty of resources and commentary on these blogs.

19. M&A Law Prof: Read about mergers and acquisitions and major cases within the industry from Brian JM Quinn and Michael A. Woronoff.
20. May It Please the Court: J. Craig Williams blogs about legal news and mostly business law subjects.
21. The Conglomerate: This blog follows and analyzes top business law cases and economic policy.
22. The Becker-Posner Blog: This prominent blog covers practically everything, but it’s a great resource for business and economics law.
23. The Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation: HLS faculty and fellows share commentary about business law, banking, and more.

Criminal Law

For criminal law analysis and news, head to these blogs written by professors from UCLA School of Law and elsewhere.

24. CrimProf Blog: Kevin Cole, Dean and Professor of Law at the University of San Diego School of Law, edits this criminal law blog that covers top cases, criminal law policy, the cost of crime, homeland security and more.
25. The Rap Sheet: Nolo’s Criminal Law Blog: UCLA School of Law professor Paul Bergman writes about the 4th amendment, sentencing, evidence, ethics, and more.
26. Crime and Consequences: This blog is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation and focuses on current cases but also posts about prisons, juvenile crimes, criminal procedure and other topics.
27. In Session: If you want to keep up with leading criminal cases with your students, follow CNN’s In Session.
28. White Collar Crime Prof Blog: You can read about white collar crime issues regarding tax law, mortgage fraud and more from this blog.
29. TalkLeft: The Politics of Crime: This is a great blog to supplement any criminal law class or discussion.

Justice and the Courtroom

Keep tabs on judges and courtroom gossip by following these blogs.

30. Sentencing Law and Policy: Douglas A. Berman from the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State writes about the death penalty and other sentencing topics.
31. SCOTUS blog: Keep up with Supreme Court news here.
32. Bench Memos: Bench Memos is written by professors and other contributors, sponsored by the National Review Online.
33. Underneath Their Robes: This gossip blog will tune you into the behind-the-scenes "news" of federal justices.

Ethics

Lead your class in a discussion about legal ethics in business, law firms, and more.

34. Neuroethics and Law Blog: Professor Adam Kolber of the University of San Diego School of Law writes about law, science and medicine.
35. Overlawyered: Overlawyered is keeping a close eye on "the high cost" of the legal system.
36. Wal-Mart Watch: B-law and law ethics professors can follow Wal-Mart’s scandals on this blog.
37. Legal Ethics Forum: Various legal ethics subjects are discussed here, from corporate law to public policy.

Niches

From Internet law to sports law, you can find niche legal topics discussed on the following sites.

38. Power Line: Power Line is a public policy blog written by lawyers.
39. beSpacific: This law and legal technology blog has won several awards and references primary and secondary sources.
40. Instapundit: This popular law and technology blog is written by Glenn Reynolds, a professor at the University of Tennessee, contributing editor at Popular Mechanics and author of several books.
41. Balkinization: Various law professors and academics weigh in on international law and policy here.
42. E-Commerce Law: If you teach e-commerce law, you’ll want to follow this lawyer whose work has been featured on CBS, FOX and more.
43. Internet Alia: Internet Alia is an Internet legal research blog, making it a great resource for nearly all law professors and students.
44. Scrivener’s Error: This blog is all about "law and reality in publishing" from the author’s side of things. You’ll also find posts about legal theory and the First Amendment, for good measure.
45. Sports Law Blog: Those interested in sports law will like this award-winning group blog.

Miscellaneous

These law blogs are great simply for their variety and love of discussion.

46. Al Nye the Lawyer Guy: From current affairs to lead cases to books, Al covers it all.
47. Concurring Opinions: Get in-depth posts about a range of legal topics, written by law professors at George Washington University Law School, Thomas Jefferson School of Law and others.
48. Law and More: The posts here are "deconstructing what happens in law," from employment lawsuits to criminal law.
49. Legal Blog Watch: Law.com features law blogs on its site, so it’s a great place to look for new commentary and the latest headlines.
50. The Legal Reader: Get commentary on legal news and politics.