Big Pile o’ Links: Cooler People Use Evernote, Life Boosters, Cash Money, and Plenty of Lifehacker

Time for another edition of Big Pile o’ Links, where I feature some of my favorite links and groups of articles from all over the wonderful world we call “The Internet”:

Yes, Cooler People Can Use Evernote, Too!

Ah, Evernote. It’s one of the most useful and versatile programs/cloud storage ever, and yet so few Cooler People use it. It’s not just for tech bloggers and people with lots of crap to write about – it’s also incredibly useful for normal people in their day-to-day lives. I use mine every day, and I can’t tell you how useful it has been at the office, at home, or even running around. Here are some great links from recent times that list a bunch of great, easy ways you can start using Evernote more often in your life:

• How Much Do I Love Evernote? Let Me Count The Ways… [via lyndamk] – 7 ways to use Evernote and 10 reasons why you should.
• How To Use Evernote: 21 Creative Uses [via Christian Personal Finance] – My friend Bob runs down a bunch of killer ideas for any Cooler Person!
• Searching Through Evernote With Google Chrome [ via The Evernote Blog] – If you’re a Chrome user like me, you want to check out this sweet tip.

Get Yourself On Track To a Better Life

Job got you down? Feel like you’re headed the wrong way? Here are a handful of great articles (and one AWESOME documentary!) to help you make some changes:

• The Ultimate Formula For Success [via Copyblogger] – It amazes me how many people overcomplicate this formula. Seriously, people.
• Do You Make These 3 Common Mistakes When Trying to Improve Your Self-Confidence? [via The Positivity Blog] – Everybody takes time to try and feel a little more confident, right? So where are you going wrong? Hit the link to find out.
• cherished mementos [via mnmlist] – One of my new favorite blogs shows you how to get rid of clutter without getting rid of the memories.
• Lemonade: A Free, Must-Watch Documentary to Inspire You [via My Two Dollars and Hulu] – Ever been laid off? These people have. Instead of letting it crush them, they took some chances – and with the support of their families, friends, and children that depended on them, they built lives worth living. It’s funny, it’s entertaining, and it’s absolutely gripping. I watched it on my break at the office one night and I immediately knew I’d be sharing it here. Hit the link to watch the trailer and then follow through to Hulu to watch the full 40ish-minute documentary. It’s well worth your time.
• 29 Semi-Productive Things I Do Online When I’m Trying to Avoid Real Work [via Marc and Angel Hack Life] – Who knew the internet has so many ridiculously useful things to do? Learn something, inspire yourself, and be productive, even when you’re not being productive.

Money, money, money, money, moneyyyyyyyy…

It makes the world go ‘round. Here’s a quick handful of resources to further your knowledge on the subject:

• Thoughts on Post-Purchase Rationalization [via The Simple Dollar] – I did it with my $500 recliner. I did it with my first Zune. I did it with my mattress set. Heck, I even did it with my car! I bet you do it too.
• New Credit Card Rules: Who Really Benefits? [via Wise Bread] – The cold, hard truth on this stuff. Yeah, credit cards still suck, guys.
• FillerItemFinder Helps You Secure Free Amazon Shipping [via Lifehacker] – My favorite site shows you an awesome tool to help you round out the last $2.73 you need to qualify for free Amazon shipping.
• "Superman Syndrome" Revisited: Money and Self-Esteem [via The Simple Dollar] – When I got out of credit card debt the first time, I celebrated by taking my family out to an expensive dinner. I paid for it with my credit card. Yup, I’m guilty of this stuff too.

And of course, a few of my favorite randoms:

• How Can I Ditch Cable and Watch My TV Shows and Movies Online? [via Lifehacker] – A giant list of sites and tools to help you score all the free entertainment you want (legally). I’m still struggling to figure out why anybody is still paying for cable, I really am. Mom, Dad, and the kids can all find something here.
• 16 Things Your Lawyer Won’t Tell You [via Wise Bread] – Spoiler: one of them is “You don’t need me.”
• Flavors.me Is a Simple and Elegant Personal Portal [via, yep, Lifehacker] – A really slick online way to share all your info, like a business card (but much, much cooler).
• ZipList Creates Sharable Grocery Lists from Thousands of Recipes [via Mashable] – Share the grocery lists with the other shoppers in the house, and make building them DEAD SIMPLE.
• Ubuntu 10.04 to Include Built-In Music Store [via Lifehacker] – Geez, I miss Linux.
• Set Up a Fully-Automated Media Center [via Lifehacker again] – You bet I’m doing this after the wedding. It’s like a fully-fucntioning, open-source DVR system with movies and TV shows, and infinitely better-looking.
• FillAnyPDF Lets You Electronically Fill and Sign Any Form [I’m thinking of just making a Lifehacker section next time] – Need to sign something? Ditch the scanner and the fax machine and just use this thing. I’ve been using Photoshop, but this is a great way too.

Phew! There you go! Another Big Pile o’ Links for your pleasure. If you have an article or site or tool or whatever that you want featured in the Big Pile o’ Links, send it my way at tom@thepracticalnerd.com (it doesn’t have to be yours either, just something you like!).