It’s the day before Thanksgiving! With the four day weekend approaching, right about now is the time we look back and reflect on what we should be thankful for, most often our family and friends. But in the tech world, we can do more than that. While there are dozens of apps that make our lives more convenient, there are only a few that I personally believe I couldn’t function without.

Maps

I rely on this app, which is built into all iPhones, more than I can put into words. When driving in New Jersey (yes, Manhattanites, people drive consistently), it’s essential. Even when walking in certain areas of New York it’s extremely useful. Without it, I’m not sure what I would do. It’s amazing how many generations got by without having any sort of GPS or MapQuest with them. How did people get from point A to point B without getting completely lost? Perhaps our internal compasses used to be more fine-tuned.

BestParking

For a New Jersey-an (New Jersey-ite? Just stick with ‘Fist Pumper’?) that travels often to New York City like myself, this app is a must. When driving in New York, it’s easy to get hosed for parking if you don’t know where you’re going. Finding street parking is always a dicey proposition, and after awhile many drivers resort to throwing their cars into the nearest parking lot, which might be really expensive. But with BestParking, people can find cheap parking lots in their immediate vacinity. Many lots offer discounts to people that use the app, since it means more business for them. The app tells users exactly what the price will be for coming and going at certain hours of the day. Plus, with an exact address in hand, wandering around aimlessly looking for a lot will be a thing of the past. For a commuter, it’s vital. I’m very thankful for it.

How To Tie a Tie

I’m not the most handy of men. My handwriting is a mess. My lack of can-opening skills may be the reason why I hate tuna fish. Peeling potatoes? Not a pretty sight. So, it can’t come as a major shock that I’m absolutely dreadful at tying a tie. And while I don’t wear a tie very often, there are certain occasions where men are required to put a tie on, no matter what. And I don’t want to be a grown man wearing that awkward clip-on tie that 7-year-olds wear to church or temple. Fortunately, there’s an app for that. How to Tie a Tie offers directions on how to tie a dozen different tie knots, like the traditional Four-in-Hand, the Atlantic, the Diagonal, and the Windsor. The app gives step by step directions of what to do, with color photos to go along with them. For $4.99, you can buy the animated app, which gives animated directions along with an extra nine knots. This isn’t an app that I use every day, but in a moment of difficulty, it’s hugely important.

Got any other apps that you’re thankful for? E-mail them to [email protected] and we’ll put together a list of other apps we should give thanks for. Until then, enjoy the holiday, and don’t use the ESPN ScoreCenter app to get the score of the Cowboys game while you’re at Thanksgiving dinner. It’s just rude. Well, at least don’t get caught.