TIME.com's First Annual Blog Index

Sometimes, life throws so many problems at you at once that you just want some quick and dirty solutions. That's what makes Lifehacker one of the few truly — gasp — useful blogs on the net. Lifehacker is full of tips, shortcuts, downloads, web sites, do-it-yourself projects, and how-to's for getting small things done and moving on with life. The blog features 20 or so new tips every day, things like how to swim like a pro and get fit, pack a vacation into just one backpack, get the most from your rechargeable batteries, and avoid the most unhealthy items on fast food menus. (Worst Fast Food Meal: McDonald's Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips with creamy ranch sauce, clocking in at 870 calories.) Most days, Lifehacker lives up to its motto: Don't live to geek; geek to live.

Sample Lifehacker post: Don't travel with anything in your pockets except your passport and wallet. You won't have to dig everything out of your pockets every time you go through security. Sitting in the plane is a lot more comfortable as well. Make sure your wallet is in your front jeans pocket. Sitting on your wallet for long periods of time will put your back out of alignment.