GeekSugar

Go On, Give Online Invitation Service Crusher a Shot

GeekSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:58:54 PDT

I wrote about eVite and Pingg alternative Crusher when it was brand-new in 2007, but I've never actually known anyone to use it, until last week, when I got a Fourth of July invitation to a barbecue via Crusher.

I was seriously impressed: clean lines, tools like polls to figure out the best date for everyone, and awesome features like avatars and html snippets (so you could add your own maps or widgets). I was so impressed, in fact, that I started drafting up an invite for my next soiree!

I love how you can gauge how likely you are to attend the event, and modern look of Crusher - especially how easy it is to customize the invite and make it look as amazing as the party will be. Have you tried Crusher yet?

Website Of The Day: Crusher

GeekSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:00:07 PDT

It's quite simple really: Crusher is the new Evite.

We can't all take the time to create 25+ decadent handmade invites the way PartySugar does, so some of us have to take the techie route (although I'll admit it, PartySugar's invites are always nicer than mine!)

If you've used Evite you know it's a pretty straightforward set up. You make a blanket invite, invite friends via their e-mail addresses and let people RSVP, make comments and see who else is coming via your online invitation. The site is all good and dandy, but not without some bugs and a small army of distracting ads.

Crusher (the url is actually Crush3r.com) is a simple, toned down version of Evite sans the ads. It was created by an independent group of designer/developers in the Bay area. "We're simply trying to do things better than the bigger monkeys, and the big gorilla," says the team. Crusher allows you to send invites to your events and events you go to so your friends will always be in the loop. You can request that your friends RSVP or simply invite people to your page. Your guests aren't required to sign up.

To read the rest of my review and check out sample invites, read more My favorite feature, which is lacking on most of the invite community sites, is the fact that there is a "best date" feature that allows you to find out which calendar dates your friends prefer before deciding when to have the big day. It's simple and genius. Customize your page, or use their simple templates like the ones below.

View 5 Photos ›

To learn how to post your favorite sites to the Website of the Day group, see tips below. I know that this long list looks scary, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll be a snap the second time around.

First of all, join the Website of the Day group
Click "Create and Share!" on the left hand side
Choose "Blog"
Give your photo a Title
Leave the category as "general"
Change the channel to "technology and gadgets"
Add keyword(s) (for example mine for this photo was "Website of the Day")
Click on the "Add Image" link below the "body" box
A popup window will happen - click on "Browse" to find your image on your computer
Once you have the image chosen, click "Submit"
The popup will show you your image, choose size: "normal" - if you want, you can give it a title (which will show up as a caption)
Click "Insert" and the popup will go away
Your "body" box will now have some text in it. Leave it as is. If you want to add some text before the picture telling me why you love the website, do it before the code that has appeared.
Click Submit

So join the Website of the Day group and share information about all your favorite sites! Yours just might end up on the geeksugar homepage!

Is Popcorn Healthy?

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:07:22 PDT

Believe it or not, popcorn can be a healthy snack; corn kernels are considered a whole grain, and its nutritional benefits are similar to a serving of brown rice or whole wheat. It's the additives like sugar, oil, butter, and salt that stir up caloric trouble. Air popped popcorn has only 31 calories per one cup serving. Loaded with fiber, popcorn will aid digestion, make you feel fuller longer, and balance your blood sugar levels. Popcorn also has high amounts of polyphenols, an antioxidant that helps the body protect itself from free radicals. The B-complex vitamins found in popcorn provide an energy boost too. It's so easy to make homemade popcorn, either by microwave or stove top, so there's no excuse to opt for the pre seasoned bags. So you can indulge in a guilt-free snack that's still loaded with flavor, we've provided some healthy topping alternatives after the break.