How to Make Money Online

Whether you're too young to hold any job other than baby sitting, too busy with college to land yourself an internship, or just want to make a little spare cash on the side, options for making money via the Internet are become more and more available. There are even people out there who are making six-figure incomes with online revenue! All you need is a little bit of creativity, patience, persistence, and some luck.

Paid Surveys

The title says it all: people ask you questions, and you get money for it. So if you have a little extra time on your hands, set up a separate e-mail account (to avoid spam getting forwarded to your real account; no matter what the sites say, they will sell your address to third parties) for your survey-ing needs. However, you probably won't make much cash from signing up for just one company, so sign up for as many as possible. Your 2 Cents is a start, as well as Savvy Survey. (The latter was mentioned in Seventeen Magazine, so I'm pretty sure it's a good one; but then again, Seventeen sells phone sex ads in the back of their issues, so...)

Blogging

That's right, you don't even have to go through all the motions to get published in order to make money off of writing. Blogging is a great way to have fun, express yourself, and get paid for doing so. This is done through Google AdSense, a program you can add to your blog that places advertisements on it. Whenever a visitor clicks on one, you get paid! Try blogging about a specific topic like fashion, fitness, movies, or anything else you may be passionate about. Also, make sure to make your blog known. Traffic = cash! Sites like Blogger have tutorials and templates to get your started, so there's absolutely no HTML knowledge needed.

Print on Demand Sites

Sites like CafePress offer a unique opportunity for those of you who are more artistically inclined: creating custom t-shirts and other products. The beauty of the process is that you don't have to deal with the mess of actually making the stuff. Instead, the site does it for you. All you have to do is create and upload the designs. Zazzle and Printfection are also good companies to try.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

SEO Marketing - It's a confusing concept at first, but if you can master SEO advertising, generating traffic becomes a cinch. And for most sites, traffic is the only way you're going to make money!

IRS Form 1099 - Yep, taxes don't just shrivel your real-life income to 2/3 of it's worth, but they also take a chunk out of any large revenue you make online. Many websites such as CafePress and Savvy Survey will ask for your social security number, since they're required by law to file a form 1099 for any income generated by their sites over $600 in a given year (that's like making $50 a month). These sites might also ask for your address, credit card number, or Paypal information in order to send you your monthly check. Because of this you should make sure that you have your parents look over the site before using it; giving away important personal information to any old site may lead to identity theft, so do some asking around beforehand!

Fall Fashion Trends for 2008: Your Exclusive Shopping Guide

Now that the fall fashion shows of 2008 are done and over with, it's time to get a good look at what's tiptoeing off the runway and sneaking into the wardrobes of women everywhere. Want to look hot for back to school? Here's what to look for in every area.



Jeans: Just about every style imaginable is making a debut this fall, with high wasted and skinny styles still bearing strong.

• Skinny
• High wasted
• Boot cut
• Wide legged
• Bright, bold colours

Colours: The emphasis will be placed on rich, warm colours, as well as neons and other brights.

• Purples, burgandys, and navys
• Neons
• Rusty colours (oranges and browns)
• Black and white
• Jewel tones

Outer Wear: Vests are still hot!

• Windbreakers
• Vests
• Pea coats
• Trench coats
• Cardigans

Dresses: If you haven't already, update your wardrobe with a couple of dresses; they're here to stay!

• Maxis
• Minis
• Flapper dresses
• Animal and bright floral prints
• Baby dolls

Shoes: Shoes for this fall are meant to make a statement and stand out.

• Bold colours
• Ankle boots
• Slouchy boots
• Flats
• Vans and Converse styles
• Gladiators

Accessories: You know the drill, they can make you or break you. Stay updated by adding lots of crazy prints and bright colours.

• Chunky jewelry
• Animal prints
• Scarves
• Socks over tights
• High socks
• Totes
• Big purses
• Studs
• Waist belts
• Leg and arm warmers
• Big sunglasses
• Large bows

Themes for Fall: Anything that falls under these themes is fair game at the rack.

• School girl - Menswear and plaid both have staying power this season; combine them both with cute school girl attire! Plaid mini skirts, cuffs, collars, knee high socks, vests, ties, suspenders, etc.
• Fur - Splurge on the real stuff or keep it green with faux pieces. Either way, anything fuzzy will keep your look updated through winter. Furry hats, coats, etc.
• Motorcycle chick - Make a statement at school by looking like you just walked off the runway and a Harley. Think leather, studs, metal, zippers, etc.
• Ballerina - For a sweet and feminine feel, use those tutus as inspiration! Elastic flats, ruffles, lace ups, etc.
• Knits - Knitwear is making a comeback, large and bulky. Knit Uggs are especially cute, and will help you to embrace the everlasting Ugg trend without looking like a classic-tall-chestnut clone. Knit boots, hats, coast, etc.
• Prints - Prints, prints, prints! Go either safari style, floral flower child, or embrace bright abstracts.
• 1920's - Go way vintage with fall's new utilization of the 20's. Flapper dresses, jeweled sandals, etc.

And don't forget the golden rule of shopping: if you don't like it, don't buy it! Fashion trends should be used as guide lines, not rules. Besides, if you genuinely adore something, you'll be more likely to wear it even when it goes out of style (which will save you some cash in the long run by keeping your closet from thinning out too quickly).

How to Tell if You Have a Mental Disorder

It's surprising how often teenagers will consider themselves to have a mental disorder, and never look past that first thought. Or maybe, they just don't have the research skills and resources to tell just how existent, or nonexistent, the condition may be. But whatever the case, most of you will probably be relieved to hear that there's some sort of treatment available for nearly every mental disorder. The first step on the road to help, though, is first figuring out whether or not the thoughts and behaviors that have been toying with your head have a name attached. For this sole purpose, I had spent a great deal of time researching for and creating a quiz to help narrow down the possibilities. Unfortunately, I'm no quiz guru, and I was disappointed to see that I couldn't get the results to come out quite right. Instead, here's one that was made on Go To Quiz:

http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_mental_disorder_do_you_have

Of course, no Internet resource could ever give you a true diagnoses. The only purpose of the quiz is to give you a general idea of what you might have. There are probably plenty of conditions that weren't included (Most people do have a life after all). If you're seriously considering that you may have a mental disorder and the quiz contradicts your gut feeling, you should still consult a doctor as soon as possible.

50 Things Every Freshman Should Know

Having made it far enough to summer, I'm pretty proud to say that I survived through my freshman year with all my limbs in their correct places. I've always been an advice giver with my friends, especially the ones a grade younger. Because of this I keep getting the question, "Have any tips for my first year?" Well, I can tell you one: it's not what you expect. For some reason, most eighth graders have have this idea in their head that high school will be exactly like they see on TV. Well...it's not. The mean girls don't have a group of girls in matching clothing that follow them around like lost puppies, and the kids with the pocket protectors don't get thrown in the dumpster near the cafeteria. In fact, high school's a little bit like middle school on steroids. Same kind of teachers. Same cafeteria food. Same dress code. The only difference is that every one's got a big head their first year and you've got to work a hell of a lot harder if you really want to achieve something. (That is, if you were like me and ended up treating the eighth grade like a walk in the park; if not, you probably won't have to shift your strategy too much.)

So for all you incoming frosh out there, I've compiled a list of what every one of you should know. Of course, it doesn't even begin to touch the surface with the amount I could right on the topic, but it should be enough to get you ahead of the game a little (and some tips even last through your senior year).

1.) Don't act like you know everything. You don't.
2.) Use a condom.
3.) Yes, studying IS necessary.
4.) Karma's a bitch.
5.) Your dog can no longer eat your homework.
6.) Everyone hates a cheerleader. Always have, always will.
7.) Word gets around. Fast.
8.) Yes, sweetie. Drugs, sex, and alcohol DO exist.
9.) And yes, you won't be "cool" if you don't participate.
10.) That doesn't necessarily mean you should do it.
11.) No one is "out of your league".
12.) Tough times don't last. Tough people do.
13.) 4:20 is not just a time of day.
14.) Confidence will get you everywhere.
15.) Be kind to everyone, do wrong to none. (Refer to #4))
16.) Enemies are bad. Very bad.
17.) But no matter how hard you try, there will be people who don't like you.
18.) Smile.
19.) Your friends can make or break you. Choose them wisely.
20.) Nothing is permanent, and nothing lasts forever.
21.) Pantsing is a suspendable offense.
22.) You are who you associate with.
23.) Everyone is a potential backstabber. (Yes, everyone.)
24.) Don’t stereotype yourself or anyone else. You'll just end up looking stupid. (This includes “I’m so aZn!”)
25.) Whatever your expectations for high school are, well, forget about them.
26.) You don't "owe" your boyfriend anything.
27.) Don't get a pair of Uggs. Guys hate them and they shatter your individuality.
28.) Someone will always make a sexual pun every time you say that something sucks/blows/bites.
29.) Wikepedia no longer counts as a citation source.
30.) No amount of Advil will ever cure a hang over. Not getting one in the first place will.
31.) A guy's shoe size does not correspond to anything.
32.) You have a better chance of finding a word that rhymes with purple than varsity football actually winning state.
33.) You probably won't like your schedule.
34.) Upperclassman will always think that they’re better than you. To avoid complications, let them believe it.
35.) No matter what anyone says, the work really isn’t that much harder.
36.) Take an elective that you’ll enjoy. It’ll help to maintain your sanity.
37.) The campus really isn’t as big, scary, or confusing as when you see it on the first day.
38.) Make as many friends as possible. The more connections, the better.
39.) Don’t make fun of the geeks/nerds/braniacs. They’re your boss in ten years.
40.) Organization.
41.) Organization.
42.) Organization.
43.) If you learn to be organized, you can tackle anything.
44.) Be mature.
45.) Put all excessive amounts of money in a savings account.
46.) Get a locker. Then use it.
47.) Looks alone won’t get you very far.
48.) Showering will.
49.) Don’t tick off people with power. (I.E. Teachers, the popular kids, anyone twice the size of you, etc.)
50.) Enjoy it. Really.

How to Write and Deliver a Killer Speech

By the time you reach high school, you'll probably have heard at least once that public speaking is something you'll have to deal with in the real world. And you're probably not going to be very happy with me when I tell you that whoever said that to you was right.

Did you know that, according to teenoutreach.com, being the center of attention and speaking in front of an audience are the top two social fears in teens? I'm sure you've seen or heard horror stories of speeches gone wrong; but even if you're generally more frozen than an Otterpop up on stage, you can become that amazing speaker that the entire class envies. All you need is a little bit of patience and some advice from the good old Internet.

There are two defining factors when it comes to public speaking: confidence and content. Learning to master them both is the key to setting your speech apart from the rest (in a good way, of course).

Content

1. Find a topic. Already have one preassigned? Good, you're already ahead of the game. Don't have any idea where to start? Try a web site like http://www.classtopic.com/persuasive for inspiration. Make sure it's something you can speak passionately about; this will make the process indefinitely less grueling to write about.

2. Consider your audience. Who will you be speaking for? Delivering a speech about saving the environment to the CEO of a recycling company should sound completely different than in a situation where you would be trying to persuade a class of fourth graders.

3. Research, research, research. Why? If you know what you're talking about, you're audience will notice (which is a good way to gain their trust). Also, being knowledgeable about your topic can inspire confidence, which is always a plus. And last but not least, researching your topic well can create a failsafe backup just incase you blank out. That way, you'll still be able to talk about your topic, even if it's not the way you planned it out.

4. Pick and choose evidence. So you've hit the library, and now you've got sixteen reasons for why genetically modified foods should be banned (Yikes!). To avoid boring your audience, combine the similar points (For example, "stripped of nutrients" and "a higher fat content" can be smashed into a simple, "it's unhealthy"), and then narrow it down to the strongest three.

5. Create a thesis. A thesis is composed of the topic, your stance, and the evidence, all jam packed into one sentence. In it's simplest form, a thesis will look like this:

The Honda CRV is the best vehicle on the road because of it's terrific rollover rating, practical size, and affordable financing options.

6. Brainstorm. Once you've got the facts and a thesis, organize them (along with your opinions, of course) on paper under six categories:

Intro: Think of a good opener (details at #7), and write it down along with your thesis.

First Point: Take your strongest piece of evidence and lay it down, along with at least two reasons on why it connects to your stance. Repeat this process for the next two paragraphs using your other two points.

Rebuttal: Depending on the assignment, you may or may not choose to go along with this step. A good rebuttal doesn't just describe the opposing viewpoint's stance, but also counters each statement to persuade even further why your own stance is the only option.

Conclusion: I highly suggest finding an alternative to the words "in conclusion". A good speech stands out, and that phrase is a horrible way to leave your audience thinking so. Try something less cliche. In addition, try your best not to make the conclusion a "retelling" paragraph. You're a big kid now, and need to find ways to keep your listeners engaged up until the very end. That being said, try leaving some food for thought that will leave your audience remembering your words. Just don't bring up any new points.

7. The opener. Have you ever listened to a speech, and after the first twenty seconds started day dreaming? To avoid that happening during your own speech, make sure that you have a captivating opener. Shocking statistics, quotes, or a brief story are classic ways to get an audience's attention from the start. Be creative, and as a rule of thumb, never give away the purpose of the speech in the first sentence.

8. Actually write the damn thing. It's the easiest part, in my opinion. If you've drafted well and organized your thoughts, converting your notes into sentences should be a piece of cake. Just make sure to keep the golden rules in mind:

a. Avoid using "I think" and "in opinion". We know it is; it's your speech!
b. Choose words that fit the occasion and stimulate the audience.
c. Use transitions, they'll make your speech flow much more smoothly.


Confidence

Although solid content is crucial, even the some of the best written speeches can sound like trash if it's not delivered right. All good speakers have confidence. The ones that don't, fake it. Either way your audience will believe that you know what you're talking about.

- Smile! (If it's appropriate for the occasion, of course.) Smiling gives the audience a sense that you're relaxed, and helps them to relax, too. Just the same, if you act anxious, your audience will feel it.

- Stand up straight with your shoulders back.

- Don't fidget or put your hands in your pocket.

- If the situation allows it, casually stroll in the shape of a triangle, timing each point sometime in the beginning, middle, and end of the speech. This will help you to stay calm, keep from swaying back and forth like a wheat field (bad!), and prevent you from looking too stiff.

- Make sure to use constant eye contact. It's okay to glance down at your note cards once in a while, but if you're doing it more than once every minute or so, you're not keeping your eyes on you audience enough. If staring creeps you out, try focusing on the back wall to give the illusion of eye contact.

- Use hand gestures. Don't over do it, but when you can, try adding some into your performance. Not only will this help to emphasize your point, but it'll also give you something to do with your hands.

- Crack a joke or two. This will help you to feel more comfortable.

- If you mess up or pronounce a word wrong, don't acknowledge it (unless it's extremely obvious or interferes with the message of the speech, in which case apologize, correct, and move on). Just pretend that you're right and the rest of the world is wrong. 99% of the time people will notice a mistake only after you point it out to them.

- Make sure you're well rehearsed. If you try to wing it, you confidence may be torn to shreds, and you have a better chance of forgetting a part.

Most of all, try your best to have fun with it. If you happen to freeze, take a moment to think, apologize, smile, and continue. You're only human, and rarely will someone get through an entire speech without screwing up once or twice.

These Crossroads is Born

Teenager.

A word underestimated by some, worshipped by few (okay, very few), and feared by many.

So what's one to do if you just happen to be locked in that infamous age group?

I was browsing through Barnes & Noble the other day, and happened to notice a "teen nonfiction" section. The books were surprisingly interesting, and contained (what I thought to be) some very accurate and helpful articles on common teen issues such as stress management, winning a school election, making the right friends, etc. The only disappointment I found was that the selection was very limited; it only covered maybe a shelf or two.

Once I got home, I began Googling the kind of content I had just discovered, but from a teenage perspective. To my surprise, there were almost none. It didn't make sense to me. After all, who knows how to get inside a teen's head better than, well, a teen?

Two and a half hours and many Google searches later, These Crossroads was born.

I can't promise that my writing will be press worthy or inspire a revolution. In fact, I can't promise anything. All I can really do is write, and hope that maybe someone might walk away having learned something that could make their life a little easier. Maybe.

Hey, at least I can say I tried.