Depends on what you're going to use it more for. The Xbox is slimmer on features, but has a better gaming community and online services, though there is a relatively nominal yearly fee. Personally, I also prefer the controller, which is better constructed and isn't just a rehash from 1994 (Sony needs to get on that).

The Playstation has much better media features, with better format support and affordable hard drives. It is capable of games with better graphics, but since 90% of big title games are ported to both systems, you'll only get that benefit on PS3 exclusives. Its online features are free, but you get what you pay for (only just got voice chat, no "party" system, downloads take over your system, downloadable content for games is sparse)

I'd say the main difference is in how much time you want to spend on games vs. media. Xbox has a edge in game features, while the PS3 is a bit more of an all-around box.

Your car purchase should not be based on your salary at all. It should be based on DISPOSABLE INCOME because, after all, aside form the utility of transportation (and a Civic provides the same utility as a Ferrari in that respect) a car is a purely depreciating asset.

Think about your goals and what you are currently paying for. Take your net salary and remove all of your ongoing financial commitments (utilities, TV, loans, rent, Netflix, etc.). Now, remove the average amount that you like to spend on entertainment, eating out, booze and other frivolities. Lastly, think about the amount that you should be saving (minimum of 10% of your paycheck after you've maxed your IRA) for future investments like a house or, if you already have a house, for your kids or perhaps for an emergency.

If you have any trouble finding out this information, then DO NOT buy a car yet. Get a free Mint:http://mint.com account and find out where your money is going. Mint has to be the best free financial resource online and it's won countless awards from reliable services (e.g. TechCrunch).

With the remaining funds, you can begin to consider your car purchase. Personally, I have no car payment because I don't mind rollin' in a paid for '98 Honda Prelude. However, with the remaining funds, you can pretty much go wild with your car purchase because you've already considered your other financial commitments. Just remember that money into a car is like burning half of it (unless you're leasing and then it's like burning all of it). The bottom line is that the smart thing to do is to spend as little as possible on your car with the caveat that it is reliable and short of embarrassing, especially if you're single and/or need to transport clients.

Tattoos have definitely become more of a fashion statement today and it seems like EVERYONE has one. I am not going to lie, I do too...but I enjoyed tattoos and wanted to get one since I was in gradeschool.

I understand your concern about not wanting to look like a tool but then again, look at it this way. No matter how you look, dress, act, whatever, you will always be perceived differently by different people. Tattoos are wonderful expressions of art and shouldn't just be something that is done because it is a 'fad.'

I cannot tell you what to do, nor can anyone else but your tattoo should be something meaningful to you and should be something you have given thought to in terms of your idea and which shop and artist you would like to have do it.

If you are too concerned about what other people think, you will either A) never get one B) shouldn't get one or C) concerned more about other people's thoughts than your own.

Obviously, there are plenty of tattoos that a mass amount of people seem to have. Skulls, nautical stars, hearts, butterflies, Asian characters...are very overdone. But if you get one of these, get it because it means something to you, not just because you walked in to a shop pointed at the wall and said 'ehhh that's cool.' This isn't a McDonalds menu.

I agree with a lot of the answers that have been given already but I have a few other things to add too. The band thing can go either way. I am actually getting a tattoo of some lyrics from my favorite song sung by one of my favorite bands. They are going to be formulated into a shape along with other things I will allow the artist to design. But here is the catch, this band has meant a lot to me and this song has helped me out in many rough times in my life.

You kinda get where I am going with this?

Get what you want because YOU like it and it has meaning. DO NOT get a wife/girlfriend/husband/boyfriend's name tattooed.
Unless someone died, it is family or your children then that is fine.

DO research on different artists and shops. Look at magazines and talk to people who have tattoos. And not the super buff dude in Affliction gear and tats you see pumping iron at the gym.

I know this is long, sorry! I actually subscribe to a magazine called Inked. Or you can purchase it at Borders or Barnes and Noble...check it out. It has great stories and talks about the pros and cons about tattoos and what is probably not the best.

Good luck!

You don't have to change overnight. A change in style should be gradual so that you don't blow a wad of cash on a bunch of very similar items that you might not like 6 months down the line. In the mean time buy yourself a few key items and swap them into your wardrobe.

While there's nothing wrong with T-shirts, sneakers, and jeans, when you want to dress up just do the following:

Graphic T-Shirts (lose em) for Fitted solid color Polos from RL ($25 from Ross or Marshals).

Striped Polo's (lose em) for Fitted solid color button-ups from Express ($30 if you buy them on sale)

Jeans (lose em) for fitted dress slacks from anywhere (buy them without pleats- the folds found on the front of suit pants)

Sneakers (lose em) for Suede or Leather Brown Dress Shoes

And buy yourself a navy blazer to dress up your fitted jeans for dates and nights on the town.

If you do that, you should be well on your way to looking like a respectable grown-up, even if you are just pretending.

It depends on a lot of things. Personally, our barber does more then cut our hair, he is our confidante, our friend, and he bails us out when we need an emergency trim.

So we slip him a $20 bill every time even though the cut is only $12. We sometimes give him $30 if he goes out of his way like lets us cut in line if we're in a rush, or lets us come to his house for an emergency cut.

And then around Christmas time be sure to slip him a little extra and wish him a happy holidays.

But if your barber is just a guy who cuts your hair then 25% is fine, but personally, we think waiting for change is tacky-especially if it's only a dollar or two.

Go to Mobissimo or Kayak and click on "Deals"

They have a bunch of all inclusive resort packages for rock bottom prices. We have found some pretty great deals on both those websites.

Personally, if you've never been- a cruise might actually be a lot more fun and allow you to see a lot more of Mexico then an actual resort. Get a beautiful balcony room in the biggest boat you can find, and you will get a floating "All-Inclusive Resort" that will let you see more then one side of Mexico.

Also the western coast of Mexico is much more beautiful and less touristy then the "MTV" style resorts on the east coast.

Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas are well worth seeing. And if you're feeling adventurous check out Tijuana.

Have fun and congrats on getting married.

They say that a halloween costume is a representation of your personality, so be careful what you choose.

The best costumes are always one that are relevant to the year.

Get your hot blonde friend and go as Kanye West and Taylor Swift.

Funny, and it won't prevent you from hooking up. Yeah we're looking at you guy dressed up as a Priest.

Or you could always go the classy route. Get yourself a nice blazer and the Phantom of the Opera Mask

What kind of car is it?

Some cars have a pretty good market for parts, and are worth parting out or selling as a rolling chassis. Otherwise you'll probably be better off selling it to a junkyard or recycling company that will write you a check for a few hundred bucks and tow it away. Keep an eye out for those "WE BUY JUNK CARS" signs.

I got a plain hat monogrammed once. Go to a local screen printer, embroiderer...a company that makes custom/corporate/promotional clothing...I picked out a hat that was similar to those popular Polo hats i.e. unstructured, buckle strap, medium depth, hats (I am very particular about my hats). I picked a color and material that would fade well, much like any of the colors of the hats Polo makes. I picked a diamond shaped monogram something like where D is my last initial and is bigger and had it done maybe about an inch or inch and a half wide, something small and conservative.

You can stretch a shoe to make it wider, but you can't stretch a shoe to make it longer. Since you said your pinky toe was hurting you, I'm assuming it's the side of the shoe.

Get yourself a premium shoe stretcher and the "shoe stretcher spray" sold on the same page. Spray the inside of the shoe and leave the stretcher in overnight. It should feel much better by morning.

Make sure you keep your shoe shined afterward as the leather will be much softer and will need to be protected from scuffs.

A lot of my friends sport Converse for footwear but I've never been one to follow the crowd. I would suggest trying PF Flyers for something with a pedigree like Chuck Taylors but still different. Produced by BF Goodrich in 1937 with the "Posture Foundation" they keep your feet comfy and stylish.

Tip Them

No, in all honesty you have to educate yourself with the return policy of most institutions- and shop accordingly. Some places like Nordstrom are notorious for having great return policies, while others could care less.

The problem most people run into is the way they complain. They yell. They argue. They talk about how THEY are unhappy with the product/service. How THEY DESERVE to get their money refunded.

Newflash: Noone cares what you deserve. They only care how this affects them, their job, and their business.

Put yourself in their shoes, and repeat these words.

"I have been a long time customer of your company, and I always recommend your (products/service) to my friends and family because of your excellent customer service . This is the first time I have found myself unhappy. What can we do to resolve this situation?"

This works best on managers because it gives them (as a representative of the company) a reputation to live up to. It puts the ball in their court and gives them an opportunity to correct the situation which usually means either a refund or exchange.

I have used this technique and 9/10 times it has worked flawlessly.

At the very least you can develop a reputation with a manager, so when you return you can go directly to them and get exceptional service. Be sure to remember their name though.