Time-wasting fun websites to visit
Dear PropellerHeads: My girlfriend just broke up with me, so I have more time on my hands. Do you have suggestions for some fun websites I can visit just to kill some time?
A: Might your wish to spend more time on the Web be a clue to the break-up? We won't go there. For now I'll give you some suggestions of sites that will entertain you, allow for your self-expression (I'm guessing you could use some of that), and maybe even give you knowledge to use for the future. Here goes!
Almost everyone has at least seen one or two clips from YouTube (www.youtube.com). It's a great resource if you're a music lover too. Visit YouTube and spend some time bopping to all the break-up songs. From Tammy Wynette's "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" to Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold," let's hope you gain some relationship insight as you listen.
One of my favorite sites to peruse when I have a little time on my hands is Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org). Wikipedia features a daily article to build your knowledge. But if that article doesn't grab you, you can search for any topic and find out tons of information. Might I suggest searching "breakup?" I think you could use a little help in that area.
The Millennial of my family love Reddit (www.reddit.com). It is a forum-style site where you can read other's posts and post yourself (i.e. the self-expression I mentioned earlier; just don't be a bore trashing your former love). I just read a post that suggested going to the gym after a breakup. Oh wait, that suggestion would get you AWAY from your computer and we don't want that. So spend some time on Reddit. If you're tired of only thinking of your breakup, you can click on sub-topic links on the top of the page that look interesting, or just click the "random" button and read whatever pops up.
If you just need a laugh to lift your spirits, take a look at FAIL Blog (http://failblog.org). Seeing others fail in their freaky attempts to do the simplest of things may be just you need to lift your mood.
The Web is full of self-help options also. Want to build your vocabulary? Try spending some time with Merriam-Webster (www.merriam-webster.com) to view and learn their word of the day. Today's word is compurgator, "one who under oath vouches for the character or conduct of an accused person." I sincerely hope you weren't counting on that kind of support from your former girlfriend.
Maybe a college psychology course on Human Happiness is just what you need to get back on track. Take a look at www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses. You will find more than 350 free college courses available for download. If nothing else, perhaps you can impress your next prospect by spewing random knowledge you've gained from all of your free time.
So get up, brush yourself off, and get ready to put yourself back on the relationship market. I'm pretty sure there are singles in your area just waiting to meet you. At least that's what I see every time I have a little time to waste online.
When the PropellerHeads at Data Directions aren't busy with their IT projects, they love to answer questions on business or consumer technology. Email them to questions@askthepropellerheads.com or contact us at Data Directions Inc., 8510 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. Visit our website at www.askthepropellerheads.com.