Is skim milk really better for you? I have no idea what the research status on that is, I'm a whole-milk-lover. What I can tell you is that the Skimm is definitely what is best for you. What is the Skimm? It's your secret weapon that's sent to your email Monday through Friday mornings. What does it defend you against? Being called an idiot for not knowing what's going on in the world.

Yes, we are the young adults of this country. Yes, we thrive in our campus, city, and suburb bubbles, but that is no excuse for being clueless on what is going on in the world... especially when it comes to an election year. Skimm makes it easier to be well informed. It breaks down all you need to stay in the know and jump start a conversation. It's smart, witty, and easy to understand. They read, you Skimm. It's like the Ellen DeGeneres of newsletters.

So here's the Skimm. We have to hire a new president this year, and you all better be voting. But I don't just mean turning in a ballot with a check mark randomly placed. I want you all to be so informed that you can fill that ballot out with your eyes closed, upside down, on Mars with Matt Damon or in a random forest with Leonardo DiCaprio. Everyone trusts you, YOU, YES YOU, to share your vote on who should be the next White House homeowner...(that sounds like it could be a really addictive Oxygen TV show or something).

"But, Colleen, how will I ever become so informed as to vote on who should run this beautiful piece of land we call the United States?" You can start by setting this cheat sheet as your background. Or at least mark these dates on your color-coded calendar. I suggest using the color 'freedom' as you mark them down.

Here's an expanded calendar! It's also a great place where you can also find more detailed information about the candidates and any question you might have. Don't know what a caucus is? Sounds a lot like that thing that Leonardo DiCaprio hid in during his last film. You betcha, there's a skimmed definition for what it really is...and it has nothing to do with Leo.

So sign up to get your emails filled with daily doses of skimmed down news here! They're like PF flyers, guaranteed to make a kid run faster and jump higher. Except you'll be guaranteed to talk smarter and vote better.

So lace up for this election year. It's going to be a long one. But as long as you stay informed, you'll be able to make the most informed vote that you can. And you'll definitely feel a lot better on November 8th when you wear that sticker that says, "I voted!"