Now, I’m not asking to start lighting candles in lieu of your desklamp, but there are lots of options that are sleek, convenient, and help make the change towards a greener lifestyle.  Here are some of my top picks:

IKEA solar desk lamp:  I was pretty sure before, but now I am absolutely certain, IKEA sells pretty much everything you could ever want.  Looking for a solar-powered desk lamp?  They got it.  Want some LED lights that consume 70% less energy than normal light bulbs?  Yep, they’re included.  But these babies aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re also super cute and come in every color of the rainbow.  Stick one on your desk and instantly feel the academic juices flow.

Belkin’s Conserve Surge Protector:  Recently I discovered something known as “phantom” power (who gave it that name, I don’t know.)  Phantom power is the standby power used when you keep your appliances plugged in after you’re done using them.  This “phantom” is estimated to take up as much as 15% of your overall energy use.  Eliminate your phantom by turning to this Belkin surge protector.  It comes with a remote so that you can turn off the surge protector (without having to crawl behind your TV stand) when you’re no longer using your appliances.  For those of us that need the essentials (i.e. blackberry and laptop) to be charged at all times, there are 2 “always on” outlets for your convenience.

The SodaStream:  The soda stream is a personal carbonator that makes your own personal-sized fizzy water in your own home (!).  Not only do you save plastic bottles from ending up in the landfill, but you also spare the energy used to synthesize and transport the bottles to your local supermarket.  Plus, “hand-made” fizzy water doesn’t contain any sodium, which can intensify bloating (ew) and water retention.  It’s a little pricey, but if you’re a soda water fiend like I am, it will definitely make up for it in the end.

The Snuggie!:  Okay, so maybe the Snuggie isn’t the best choice as far as eco-friendly fabrics go, but at least now I know I’ve gotten your attention.  As Autumn nears and the temperature gets cooler, we all run straight for our thermostats.  But why turn up the heat and your electric bill when you can snuggle up with your very own blanket (sleeves optional).  Of course, I recommend any blanket made from organic fibers, such as this throw made with regenerated fibers, but any old fleece blanket will to the job.

But, and here’s the catch, everything I find so essential now will be completely outdated in like three years. Think about it – that new phone/game system/computer that you JUST got and are totally obsessed with will be old news very soon. And you will long for the day that you can get an upgrade.

That’s really kind of depressing. And a total waste of money, no?

Being that electronics go bad faster than those rotting apples in your fridge, it doesn’t always make sense to get the hottest, newest thing. There are just some pieces of technology you do not need. So, before you head off to Best Buy to ogle the latest and thinnest TVs for next year’s apartment, let’s discuss the things worth investing in vs. the things you can just play with at your guy friends’ frat house.

The Cell Phone:
Some things are pretty much a no brainier. Sure you probably CAN live without it, but why would you want to? With society’s on-the-go attitude (and our overflowing social calendars) trying to track us down on a land line is nigh impossible. And trying to find a friend at a party? Good luck. What you don’t need, though, is the latest and greatest phone the moment it comes out. Wait just a few short months and the price on that sick new touchscreen phone will drop.

The Blue Tooth:
Does it really take that much energy to lift that precious phone to your ear? And do you realize how ridiculous you look talking to yourself on the way to class? Pass on the blue tooth and save that money for something you really need, like rent. Or shoes. If you are doing something that prevents you from holding the phone, you probably shouldn’t be talking on it anyway.

Flat Screen:
They are pretty. They are cool. They are also very expensive pretty and cool items that you probably don’t need, especially to watch Gossip Girl. Hold onto that regular TV set a little longer, or just watch your shows online. You’ll save money on cable AND a TV purchase. Cha ching.

Blu-Ray:
Blu-Ray players are very cool, but you don’t need to splurge on one. DVDs are just fine and I’m confident they are going to stick around for awhile.

iPod Touch:
This thing is sweet – there is no doubt about it – but it is also really expensive and doesn’t hold nearly as much music as the pods that came before it. Yes, you can switch songs by tapping on a screen, but is that really worth the giant price tag? Probably not. Hold onto the iPod you’ve got until it’s dead. There will probably be 12 new iPods between now and then, so you’ll end up with an even better one in the long run.

Technology is ever changing and very disposable these days, so remember not to pick up anything just because it looks cool. Chances are something new a better is coming along in a few months.

Remember when you started college and you got a bunch of cool new stuff? Everything was shiny and new and you were off on a great adventure. A lot has changed since then. Now you’re all disillusioned by jerky professors and “real world” problems. Oh, and your laptop is an antique.

Many of you are thisclose to the end of your college days [weep], which means it’s time to upgrade your shiz for the next phase of your life. But what do you need? And which products are the best?

Look no further; I’m here for your graduating shopping needs. I can’t teach you how to survive out there – because I’m a few credits away from that awful place – but I can help you with that graduation wish list to hand off to the parentals.

Please hold your applause until the end.

1) New computer

You seriously probably still need one of these if you kept the same one for all four (+) years of college. No matter how much you loved that thing, the fact that it weighs 11 pounds and burns your legs when you’re using it means it’s time to let it go. Most real worlders will be spending most of their time at work, so your laptop doesn’t need to have as many bells and whistles as it used to. The mini book is slightly limited in its uses, but it’s small and cute and totally portable. And it can get you onto Facebook, iTunes and AIM, so what more do you need?

If you want something fancier, go with the MacBook. It has a built in camera that will let you chat face to face with your friends, which will be perfect for re-creating the weekend Morning After Recap from afar.

2) Smart Phone

You’ve wanted a Blackberry/iPhone/G1 forever, and now is the time to go for it. You are going to be hella busy out there in real life, so having your calendar, email, phone, music and Facebook updates all coming with you wherever you go is imperative. Especially when you want to sneak out of the office for some happy hour drinks without missing any messages from the boss man.

3) A year subscription to Xbox Live

Ok, this seems random and it will only work if you actually play 360, but the real world is stressful and you’re going to need something to de-stress. Since your friends will mostly be spread all over the country, this is the best way to keep in touch… while owning them in the game.

4) A GPS system.

If you’re moving to a new place for that sick new job (which, by the way, is a major accomplishment in this economy), you are going to need to know where to go. You could stop at the gas station every day to get directions (and a Diet Coke), or you could put this puppy on your dashboard and get everywhere you need to go on time. This will also come in handy when you want to road trip back to school for homecoming, or take a weekend drive to reunite with the roomies.

5) A Flip Cam

Personally, I think everyone should have one of these to document the most memorable (or drunkest) moments in undergrad, but if you haven’t forked over the cash for one just yet, get granny and gramps to do it. This camera is smaller than your regular digi, but holds up to 60 minutes of footage and just fits right into the USB port of your computer for easy uploading. Pair that with iMovie on a MacBook and you could be a YouTube sensation (or superstar among your friends) in no time.

The real world is scary, but fun new toys make it so much more fun.
Good luck out there! (Now you can clap.)

Where do you think your old phones go? There’s no magical cell phone farm where they go to live out their last days in a texting spree. It’s more like a industrial landfill where they sit until the end of time.

And well that’s just not great for the Earth. The amount of tech junk that’s hanging out would make Captain Planet cry.

So what can you do to help with that? Well, you could buy less stuff, but that’s not too realistic. Especially with all the cool shiz that comes out monthly (thank you, Apple!) and the short life many of our gadgets have.

So what can you do? Why recycle, of course!

While you can’t just toss your old Razr or MacBook in the recycling bin with your cardboard boxes and empty bottles, there are many recycling centers to send your used electronics to when they break down or become obsolete. Check here for a list of places local to you! Or see if your city offers the USPS recycling program.

And when it comes to many other electronics, you have many options to save Mother Earth that are simple and will probably save you money in the end.

* Instead of buying new printer cartridges just refill the ones you have.

* Print on both sides of your computer paper. Maybe not for your actual turn-in products but for your notes. Also check with your profs to see if you can turn in things electronically. Every little bit counts.

* Turn your stuff off. Game consoles burn up an obscene amount of energy. I understand wanting to leave them running but it’s better for everyone if you just turn them off and replay that level later.

* Unplug! Don’t leave everything you own plugged in at all times. Not only does it cost you extra money, but it sucks a ton of energy! When you aren’t drying your hair, unplug the dryer. When you aren’t making coffee, unplug the coffee maker. You get the idea…

You don’t have to do grand things to help make the Earth a better place. Just do a little somethin’ somethin’ with those electronics and we’ll make this planet a better (and toxin free) place.

Every week we will be highlighting the best, coolest and shiniest in technology. Consider us your personal Geek Squad. And let us tell ya; with CC on your side, geek has never looked so chic.]

So it’s March. Time of leprechauns and half-nice weather. It’s also a time of sales. Tech sales. So here’s some sites to find some cool stuff for cheap. Because everyone loves cheap.

Outlet PC

So maybe you’re not quite ready to sit on your floor and build yourself and an awesome machine, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need stuff for you current comp. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not but cables for your comp are EXPENSIVE and get lost every time you move. This site isn’t flashy but it does have all your basics on it for really cheap.

Newegg.com

Slightly prettier site with a much larger variety of things to shop. Not just PC, but everything tech. From XBox 360 products to new TVs to laptops, this site has it all. The prices are REALLY reasonable making that decision on whether or not to get that extra controller just that much easier. Not to mention the phones. So if you’re plan is coming up on it’s two years you can shop an upgrade from your house. Or you can check out if you can get a better deal by going elsewhere.

PropertyRoom.com

So you know you can get a car at the police auction but did you ever wonder what they did with the other stuff they seize? I always assumed that they just returned it. Nope – turns out they auction that off too. This is one of the websites that they use to dump it. It’s pretty hit or miss on the site but you can find a good deal if you’re diligent. Remember, like Ebay it’s a bidding site, so stick around to watch your purchase close.

Ebay.com

I’m sure you’ve all looked over this from one time or another, but maybe not for tech stuff. This site is a goldmine when it comes to random tech stuff. And with the buy now option you can assure that you’ll get what you want.

The weather may getting nice outside, but there are still those rainy Spring days coming. Stock up on supplies now!

And let us tell ya; with CC on your side, geek has never looked so chic.]

So you’re running around trying to find the best deals on EVERYTHING while getting everyone (and yourself!) exactly what they want. But are you really getting the best deal possible? Or are you just getting the best deal right now? Before you drop a pretty penny on that new flat screen maybe you should look into the future some.

TV

The best time to get a new one of these bad boys isn’t actually the holiday season. Although they are big sellers around Christmas, that’s not when the best price drops happen. A better time to buy one of these bad boys is before the Super Bowl. So wait a month or so and you might be able to snag a better deal.

Cell Phone

Cell phones are strange things. The holiday season is a good time to buy because the different companies do run special promotions on different phones and plans. However, you shouldn’t feel pressed to buy now in this case only because they turn obsolete in a matter of months. So even though you might get a good deal, it might make more sense to wait until your contract is up and upgrade then. Unless you absolutely have to have the new Blackberry.

Games!

Hands down, the best time to buy games is during the holiday season. Companies run so many different deals and bundles on them that it’s insane not to grab em all! After Christmas the sale tags are coming off and you’re paying full price. Take advantage now.

Computer

Computers go on sale twice a year: before school starts and before Christmas. So right now is a great time to buy. You can get pretty much anything you are looking for in a computer. Whether you want to go top of the line or bare minimum, you’ll be able to save a few bucks this holiday season.

And let us tell ya; with CC on your side, geek has never looked so chic.]

So the holidays are coming up and you can’t decide what to give the loved ones in your life. Or probably more accurately, what you want (I want a new TV… just sayin’). One of the hot items this season is a camera. It’s the perfect gift (aside from that TV I mentioned earlier): it’s not too expensive, everyone loves em, and it’s extremely handy. But, as always, it’s always a good idea to know who you’re shopping for.

The Casual Photographer

These are the friends and family that only take pictures at gatherings and vacations. For memories. Their shots aren’t always great and more often than not it’s some group picture. A sub division of this group is the “caught you doing something stupid” photographer.

For these people I suggest a light weight and sturdy camera. They don’t want to bother with something bulky and heavy,nor do they need a bunch of special features. They’re more about point and click. Sturdy because, well, it’s going to be tossed around, thrown into bags, shoved into pockets and all manner of things. That little guy will need to be able to take a hit.

I would recommend this Kodak Easyshare. It’s EASY, as the name implies, and is more focused on the fun of photography.

The Hobbyist

This the person you know who wants you to stand in a certain ray of light, or pose just so. They walk around with their camera taking shots of nature and society. Maybe they’re art students and these are just future studies for them. For whatever reasons, they’re looking for more in a shot than a memory.

These people will need a little better quality of camera. They need a clearer, crisper picture. More mega pixels. More zoom and light options.

Something more like this Canon would work better for this set.

The Professional

Stop right there. You can’t buy a camera for them on your budget, and if it’s for you, you might want to sacrifice a little on what you want. In any case if you’re still looking to give a gift, then have you thought about accessories?

From Digital picture frames to extra printer ink the list is endless. Make a little bundle pack.

In any case these are just suggestions to get you started. Look around the fliers to find things of comparable quality. A different brand might be way cheaper (especially with the season) and have all the same qualities. Happy shopping!

So you waited until the last minute to do that super important term paper again. There you are, middle of the night, all by yourself cranking away at this monster of an assignment with only your trusty laptop for company. And then it happens. Out of nowhere: the Blue Screen of Death!!

Who you gonna call?

Ummm, nobody, because it’s two in the morning. You’re on your own with this one, cupcake.

Actually, if this happens, just restart your computer and only open what you need to get the work done (read: no AIM or Facebook), remembering to save often. You should be able to at least make it through the paper. In the morning you can diagnose the issue. And by morning, I really mean later in the afternoon when classes are over and you’ve had a much needed nap.

In any case this is exactly why you need to be able to do more on a computer than hit the power button. If your computer starts smoking, then, yeah, it’s pretty much dead, but when software issues arise you should be able to identify and at least partially work around ‘em. Computers are very rarely “broken,” they’re just momentarily troubled.

Learning about computers is easy to do. Just ask! The internet is a wealth of knowledge. I assure you that a million other people have had your exact problem before, and after correcting it, provided an easy to follow guide on the internet. And even if you can’t fix the problem yourself, it’s still good to be able to halfway identify specifics of the issue. When you do call for help, it is much easier to assist someone who can explain the situation than someone who calls and says, “It’s just not working! Help!!”

You should know some basics: what operating system your computer runs on, what virus software you use (and if it’s up to date), and what your C drive actually is. Just basic things. No one is asking that you become your own little Geek Squad, but the next time you have a computer crisis, don’t just wait for your on-call tech friend to fix it; see what you can do on your own. The problem might be as simple as uninstalling and reinstalling a corrupted program. Or just running a virus scan.

You don’t have to be a Jedi computer master at first – that’s fine. But knowing these few things will stop you from panicking every time something unexpected happens. After all, knowing is half the battle, and in this case it’s the half of the battle that keeps you from crying on the phone to Indian tech support at 3am.

Which is the most important half.

So who’s a fan of Adult Swim? I know I am.

Ever wonder who the rapper with the high pitched voice is on ATHF? You know MC Peepants/MC Vald. That would be real Nerdcore rapper, MC Chris.

I know what you’re thinking right now: what the hell is “Nerdcore”? Well think Weird Al Yankovic’s “White and Nerdy,” but, you know, BETTER.

Nerdcore is a genre of hip hop, but instead of rapping about ho’s, bling, and money, they rap about games, computers, and other fun geek stuff. I mean they talk about boobies too, but it’s just different.

Don’t let the content of the songs throw you off, though; the beats are just as good as the more mainstream stuff on the radio, which means you will find yourself jamming/dancing to songs about compuers in no time. Want a little help? Check out these performers and their more popular jams (well, popular amongst geeks like me).

MC Chris

He’s perhaps the most well known of all Nerdcore rappers due to his work with voice acting, which, you know, makes his voice quite distinctive. He’s easy to listen to and, believe it or not, fun. Very catchy and poppy. For something new to play on that long road-trip home, check out “Fett’s Vette.”

MC Frontalot

He has a slightly different sound to him with a bit mor ]e rhythm based and very smart lyrics. His music is actually something you could listen to all the time. My favorite pick? Check out “Secrets from the Future.”

MC Router

My friend is totally geeked because he got to talk to her online. (It’s the little things.) In any case she’s a hardcore geek girl with techy beats that are fun to dance to. If you are in the mood for some chick music besides Britney and Rhianna, check out “Emmulation Station.”

Image courtesy of boingboing.net

And let us tell ya; with CC on your side, geek has never looked so chic.]

So your sig other is totally geeked about Punch Out coming to the Wii because it was like his favorite game ever when he was five. And while he’s standing there showing you screen shots you’re thinking “WTF?”

If the only game character you can readily recognize is Mario ( I will also take Sonic as an acceptable substitute), or if the one and only time you played a video game you quit because you “just didn’t get it,” then I have a list for you.

So what if you’re trapped in the eighties of video games , I’ve got five games for you to play that will catapult you into the 21st century.

1) Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)

You’re a little intimidated by all the new buttons and the lack of wires on the controllers. Freaking out already? It’s ok, calm down. Who’s that? Oh, why it’s your old friend Mario! And who’s with him? Sonic! It’s like 1992 all over again and you’re in charge of this video game war.

The Wii’s installment into the Smash Bros family is an accessible game even to those that don’t play games. The premise is simple and addictive: just knock all others off the screen by any means necessary. Whether it be with your own special innate talents or the random poke ball. A fun and easy way to waste some time.

2) Bioshock (X-Box 360)

This was one of the most anticipated games for the 360. It’s a first person shooter with an engaging storyline that will keep you coming back for more. If that’s not enough, the game itself is a beauty to look at with great graphics. The weapon system is varied and innovative.

And the best part for you noobies: there’s no multiplayer function. This is usually seen as a downside, but in your case it means that you don’t have to worry about getting fragged by your boyfriend.

3) Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, Xbox 360)

I like to do bad things sometimes. GTA lets me do them without the fear of legal repercussions. Which is good because jail scares me. Steal cars, beat people up, run drugs – whatever you want. Rise up the ranks until you’re biggest, baddest MF out there.

In this game you don’t have to worry about wasting time or messing up too much. There are a million missions and things to complete, or you can just drive around and cause havoc until you get the swing of things. No pressure.

The game play is pretty much comparable to the others in the series. It’s easy to learn but may take some getting used to for those who don’t normally play games. Of course I’m still waiting for the GTA game that features a female main character. . .

4) Little Big Planet (PS3)

When you’re tired of smacking ho’s around and stealing fast cars then you can take a vacation in the playground that is Little Big Planet. It’s no Katimari or Pikmen but as far as cute ‘n quirky goes, it’s a win.

In this game you control little people and help them build their world, or just explore the one already around you.

The game starts off small limiting your options to only three types of game play, but as you go along you will unlock new things and will become able to use the multiplayer sharing features.

The game is very user-friendly and there is a tutorial level to help you get aquatinted with the game play and the world that you’ll be inhabiting. A fun and possibly addictive little game.

5) Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360, PS3)

RPGs are addictive because it’s like living a story through your controller and TV. Maybe interactive movie is a better way to describe it. Eternal Sonata is no different. This is a visually stunning RPG with engaging characters. And bonus if you enjoy music because it plays a huge role in this game.

The fighting system is a combination of action and turn based fighting. Meaning you wait for your turn to attack. It’s very flashy and keeps what can become an otherwise monotonous aspect of the game fun and exciting.

The story is simple to follow but well worth it. It’s a beautiful way to break into RPGing for someone who has never played or just hasn’t in a long time.

*Extra Bonus!* You should also try a fighting game like Soul Caliber IV. Fighting games are fun even when you’re not feeling aggressive (and especially fun when you are). I suggest you practice while your boy isn’t around and get really good. Next time he ticks you off, play against him in front of his friends. He’ll never live down the shame.

Don’t ever let anybody say girls aren’t good at video games. We’re good at everything.