Snapchat Introduces Friend Emojis

Snapchat, the worlds largest picture sharing app released an update today which introduces "friend emojis". This functionality replaces the old system of being able to see who your Snapchat best friends are. Each one of your Snapchat friends will have an emoji beside their name indicating their relationship to you within the app, if they fall in a certain category. Some will get a sunglasses emoji, some a smiling emoji, and some no emoji at all. Below is a list of emojis and their meanings:

• Gold Heart – You’re #1 Best Friends – The person you send snaps to most sends snaps to you most too
• Grimace/Grit Teeth – You Have A Mutual #1 Best Friend – The person you send snaps to most is also who this person sends snaps to most
• Smile – One Of Your Best Friends – This is one of the people you send snaps to most
• Sunglasses – You Have A Mutual Best Friend – One of the people you send snaps to most is also one of the people this person sends snaps to most
• Smirk – You’re Their Best Friend But They’re Not Yours – You’re one of the people they send snaps to most, but they’re not one of the people you send snaps to most
• Fire – You Two Are On A Snapstreak – You and this person have sent snaps back and forth for the number of consecutive days shown

Snapchat released the information behind this new update not within the app store or through a blog post, but through their own Discover section of Snapchat. Below is the image sent to their Discover:

I think that this is a unique and interesting new feature that will make the Snapchat experience even more entertaining for the user and look forward to seeing the relationships I have with the people I Snapchat and to explore the inter-connective nature of the app.

Get Smarter Through Mobile Apps!

So I had a bit of fun on this blog last night for April Fools Day with my riveting post about the best appetizers out there, but now it's time to quit foolin' and start smartin' - getting smarter that is. How many times have you thought to yourself that you would like to learn a new language or learn how to code a website? The app store has more to offer than fitness apps, video games, and social media apps. In this post I will introduce and briefly explain some of my favorite apps for exercising your brain!

Duolingo [Price: Free]

[Download on iOS]

[Download on Android]

Duolingo is the best way to learn a foreign language if you don't have the time to devote to a classroom course or the money to shell out on the popular Rosetta Stone software. Languages that are available to be learned are Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Irish, Danish, and Swedish. Apple voted Duolingo App of the Year in 2013 and it's easy to see why. The app has an amazing user interface that is pleasing to look at and easy to use. Set up a profile either using your email address, Facebook account, or Google account, choose a language you would like to learn, and begin going through the lessons. The app has a fun level based system which at times makes it feel more like a game than actual learning.

Khan Academy [Price: Free]

[Download on iOS]

Stuck with a tough math problem? Can't figure out why two plus two equals four? Well if you answered yes to that last question then you might be beyond helping, but if you are stumped with something else, Khan Academy can help. Khan Academy offers tons of lessons in a multitude of different subjects: math, science, economics and finance, arts and humanities, and computing. These lessons range in difficulty from early math like counting all the way up to calculus and is a great way to learn about many subjects taught in schools whether you are struggling in class, or just want to learn on your own time.

Codecademy: Code Hour [Price: Free]

[Download on iOS]

It's time now to talk about a different type of foreign language. Not one that is specific to one geographical location, but one that is specific to computing. Codecademy: Code Hour is the perfect introduction to the programming world. Based on the name of the app, the intent is to introduce programming to the user and show them the basics in as little as one hours time. The app teaches about data types, variables, comparisons, if... else... statements, and HTML. If you are looking for more than one hour worth of lessons, Codecademy is also available as a website at http://www.codecademy.com/.

Lumosity Mobile [Price: Free w/ Optional In-App Purchases]

[Download on iOS]

[Download on Android]

If you are someone who is currently content with what they currently know and are not interested in learning a foreign language, learning math or science, or learning how to program, but are interested in keeping your brain in top mental condition, Lumosity Mobile is the app for you. Lumosity Mobile offers brain training exercises which they call workouts to strengthen the most important muscle in your body - the brain.

Breakdown of the Best Apps

You've know of plenty different apps out there today, but which ones are best? The following list will hopefully help you to know which apps are most delicious.

1. Mozzarella Sticks

A staple in the appetizer world and an instant classic. Even though deep down Mozzarella sticks are just fried cheese, dip these puppies in Marinara sauce and season with garlic and you've got yourself the perfect beginning to any meal.

2. Chicken Wings

Put on your favorite eating shirt because it's about to get messy with some chicken wings! Sauce them up with a variety of sauces ranging from BBQ, mild, hot, teriyaki, and so many more. Accompany the delectable pieces of meat with a side of ranch or blue cheese and a bundle of celery sticks for best results.

3. Onion Rings

Are you a health nut? Do you need some vegetables in your daily diet? Say no more because I have the perfect appetizer for you: deep fried onion rings. Onions are low in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium and high in vitamin C so you can feel good knowing you made a healthy choice as your appetizer.

4. Nachos Supreme

Nachos were first created in 1943 by Ignacio Anaya in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. Since then, many improvements have been made to the original recipe of corn tortillas, melted cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapenos. I recommend tomatoes, ground beef, and onions.

5. Bread and Butter

Now this is the bread and butter of the appetizer world. Because it is just that: bread and butter. One part bread, one part butter. Bread and butter.