GeekSugar

Flickr Caved in to Protesters Donut Demands

GeekSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:00:22 PDT

Here's the lowdown: recently, Flickr rolled out a new video feature that allows pro members to upload 90 second videos to their pages. This move sparked a heap of "No Video on Flickr" protest groups demanding that Flickr disassemble the feature in fear that the beloved site would become a Jr. YouTube. But knowing nerds all too well, where there are protestors, there will be mockery.

Flash forward: a "non-protest," protest group calling themselves "We Demand Donuts" isn't interested in taking Flickr video hostage, they just want free donuts. Insisting that Flickr buy them all free doughnuts – and subsequently making a mockery of the video protest groups – if they get 20,000 members to join hands for their donut demands. And surprisingly enough, Flickr obliged:

"While you have not yet reached your goal of 20K members, we at FlickrHQ have heard of your noble efforts and seek to answer your cries for justice."

Unfortunately, it seems that not everyone got the free donut goodness, since the "Donut Day" festivities took place yesterday in San Francisco only. So I'm curious, did anyone from SF get his or her free donut on yesterday?

Source

Winter Running Woe: Numb Toes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:02:06 PST

If you'd rather skip a run than hit the treadmill, then there's no doubt you're continuing with your outdoor runs even through this brisk and snowy Winter weather. That doesn't mean you're not dealing with some discomfort along the way. I've given you some tips on how to beat burning lungs, but if it's your feet that are bothering you, here are some ways to avoid numb toes.

First, consider your socks. You can't get away with wearing the same thin, ankle-length wicking socks you sported in the warmer months. Splurge on some thicker knee-highs; socks made of wool will keep your feet warm and dry. Be sure your socks aren't too tight as that can cut off circulation (go up a size to be sure). You can also try compression socks to improve circulation in your feet and legs.

If you're already wearing thicker socks, you'll probably want to go up half a size in your sneaks to accommodate the extra fabric. If you don't, the snug fit of your shoe might be the sole cause of your tingling feeling. Choose sneakers designed for colder, wetter weather (think waterproof Gore-tex) to protect your toes from the snow. Tie your shoes slightly looser because as you warm up, your feet will swell, and too-tight laces can cause that annoying numb sensation.

Continue reading for more tips on avoiding numb feet.

Hang Out With the President Next Week on Google+

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:22:13 PST

Last night President Obama shared his State of the Union address and is now giving the American public their chance to chime in by taking questions on Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m. EST in the first ever White House Google+ Hangout.

Through Jan. 28 at midnight EST, submit your own questions on the state of the nation to the White House YouTube page and vote on those you find most important for the president to answer. Several people who submit questions will be selected to join the video Hangout and interact with the president live. Since only 10 attendees are able to participate directly in the Hangout, the rest of us will just be watching the 45-minute live video feed of the president discussing the top-rated questions from the public.

The official Google+ White House page is the president's latest push in an integrated social media presence as his staffers also recently set up an Instagram account (@barackobama) in preparation for the 2012 campaign.

Source: The White House Flickr

Samsung Announces DV300F Point and Shoot Ahead of CES

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:30:47 PST

You know you love taking self portraits and pics of you and your friends, so you'll probably love the new 16MP Samsung DV300F 2View camera that features a forward-facing 1.5-inch LCD viewfinder for picture-perfect shots.

Coming stocked with WiFi connectivity, this feature allows you to share images with Facebook, Picasa, Flickr, and YouTube and connect wirelessly to your home PC to transfer pics to your computer, freeing up space on your camera without ever breaking out a cord or adapter. What's more, you can create artwork in various different ways right on the camera. Just like one of our new favorite apps, Diptic, you can merge up to three different images (even from different cameras) right inside the camera. Other features include "Magic Frame," which comes with 12 styled backgrounds; "Artistic Brush," that changes your portraits or landscapes into black and white sketches and watercolor-styled images; and "Motion Photo," a video feature that allows you to capture one person's movements while freezing everyone else in the frame.

No word yet on when this camera will be available, but there are sure to be more details at CES.

Send a Quick Greeting With One of These 19 Ecard Sites and Card Apps

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:47:13 PST

Handwritten cards are always appreciated, but if you've forgotten to pick up a batch for the holidays, sending an ecard today might be your last hope for sending well wishes this season. Let your friends and family know you're thinking about them by shooting off a few ecards today (or whenever you get the urge to say hello).

GroupCard - Want to personalize a thank-you card from your whole family? This site features an electronic pass-around that's accomplished by just emailing the card to the people who need to sign it. Easy as pie.
MushyGushy - Upload photos and cut and place your heads onto awesome video animations! It's like Elf Yourself without the hats.
Postcard.FM - Lets you put together any picture and any song (just upload each file), slap in a message and an email address, and your recipients get a custom card!
Someecards - It's hard not to get addicted to this hilarious site with wacky, cheeky ecards. The site is known for juxtaposing vintage-y images with witty and racy messages. Not your grandma's ecard site.

For the rest of my ecard suggestions (there are lots!), after the break.

Best of 2011: What Was Your Favorite 3D Trend This Year?

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:39:12 PST

3D movies were a big trend in 2010 (and carried over into the early part of this year), but other 3D items made their way into our lives in 2011. From personal glasses to use at the theater to 3D printing and 3D video game hardware, tell us - what was your favorite 3D product trend of 2011?

Source: Flickr user Phillie Casablanca

When Do You Turn Off the Baby Monitor For Good?

BabyCenter — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:32:46 PST

We're excited to share this post from our partners at BabyCenter! Every week, we will be bringing you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the experts at BabyCenter, including this post from Kristina Sauerwein about outgrowing the baby monitor.

My friend posed this question on Facebook: “At what age did you detach yourself from the monitor with your child?” She was wondering if she should get rid of the baby monitor for her 4-year-old son who “sleeps with his door open…(and has been) talking/yelling in his sleep soooo much lately, (she) was up almost hourly to check on him.”

I left a comment telling her to retire the baby monitor. Honestly, I never really used our baby monitor much. My husband and I slept upstairs on the same floor as our kids, and I am the type of sleeper who would wake up if one of my baby’s coughed loudly. A monitor by my bedside would have revved my mind and kept me awake. Every little stir would have me evaluating my baby’s well-being and I would spiraled into an motherhood-OCD-worrywart hell.

Besides, as one mom said in my friend’s Facebook comments, if a baby’s stirs or cries are important enough, you’ll know.

That said, we did place a baby monitor in our basement since our baby slept two floors up. But even then, I could hear important cries sans monitor.

As for a video monitor, that would’ve wired me to no end so I never bothered. My friend said she used to watch it so obsessively, her dreams would be about her baby on the video monitor. Another friend said she watched the video monitor until she noticed her toddler boy could only get to sleep if he played with his private part and she just didn’t want to know that.

I will say there are two things I liked about the auditory baby monitor:

Once my husband and I heard another couple in our so-called perfect town fighting about stupid things such as his overgrown nose hairs and her annoying food-chomping habits. We had no idea who these people were so it was rather amusing and we took it as free entertainment. I know, it was immature and bad of us but it was a train-wreck-we-had-to-watch moment.
I never did this but I always wanted to turn the baby monitor on when my husband and his friends played cards, drank beer and watched back-to-back football games. After all the guys left, I’d ask my husband what they all talked about and he’d say “nothing.” Nothing? For six hours? I don’t buy it and so I always threatened to eavesdrop via baby monitor. My husband said all I’d hear is a lot of gas passing.

So tell me: Did you use a baby monitor? What kind? When did you ditch it? Did you ever eavesdrop on anyone or have any funny baby-monitor mishaps?

More great stories from BabyCenter.com:
3 simple holiday cookies to make with your kids
Do you force your baby to nap?
Does working make you a better mom?
9 Hanukkah crafts for kids
Kids birthday parties at home: Yay or Nay?

Source: Flickr User kona99

Photography Tips For Your Holiday Greeting Cards

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:30:39 PST

Capturing fabulous family photos for your holiday cards isn't always easy, especially if you're wrangling little ones and pets for a sit-down photo session. You don't have to drop a fortune on professional sessions - you can DIY your holiday cards this year, save a bundle, and have some fun in the process. Make your family photo shoot go a little smoother by preparing your setting and camera equipment ahead of time, and get a handle on these basic photo tips and tricks before you begin.

Setting it up - Make sure your setting is well-lit to capture the best images. Natural lighting is best, but if you must use artificial light, bring in a few extra lamps and place them around your camera to prevent shadows and dark spots.
Use a tripod - A prerequisite to self portraits, a tripod will keep your image steady and blur-free.
Using the rule of thirds - Having been used since the 1700s, it's widely accepted that adhering to the rule of thirds helps to make your photographs, paintings, and videos more visually interesting and evoke feeling from the viewer. If you were to look into your camera's viewfinder, and imagine that there are nine lines running across the entirety of your image - three vertical and three horizontal - the rule of thirds states that your main focal point should be aligned with one of the linear intersections.
On looking good - You don't have to overdo it for photos. Keep your hair and makeup natural to prevent dating yourself, and check the duckface at the door. Since most people blink from the anticipation and shock of bright light and flash bulbs in their eyes, take two to three photos in a row to get used to the light. Additionally, use your flash if you're outside to prevent sun shadows on your pretty faces. Finally, shoot at eye level or above - shooting from below isn't flattering for anyone.
Keeping pets happy - Although you should clear the area of unwanted clutter, you'll want to keep your pet's favorite toy or treat handy for when it's time to snap the pic. A little coaxing goes a long way.
Have fun! - Posed images are nice, but your friends and family want to see the real you. Take plenty of images, and even consider using some funny outtakes to show your family's silly side.

Source: Flickr user Wolfgang Lonien

A Look Back at the Barefoot Running Trend

Leta Shy — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:06:55 PST

Are we better runners when the shoes come off? That's the question more runners are asking, thanks to the growing popularity of barefoot running, one of this year's biggest running trends.

It's not a new trend, however. Serious runners have been braving the asphalt sans shoes professionally for decades (some have even competed in the Olympics without them!), but the movement started gaining even more traction with the 2009 publication of the book Born to Run, in which author Christopher McDougall explores how members of a Mexican Indian tribe have learned to run hundreds of miles continuously, injury-free, wearing only thin sandals on their feet. The book's promotion of barefoot running has led to a marked increase in runners who decided to ditch their heavier running shoes for minimalist pairs, or nothing at all!

It may not be new, but 2011 was definitely the year of the minimalist/barefoot running trend. Here at FitSugar we got a jumpstart by trying it out for ourselves late last year. Turns out, barefoot running is comfortable (especially on a treadmill over asphalt) and correcting; see for yourself how much your gait can change with this video comparing minimalist running with normal running shoes.

Celebs love barefoot running too! Read on for more about the trend after the break.

Be the Photo With Belkin's iPhone Camera Remote

Kelly Schwarze — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:45:06 PST

The months of November and December mean endless clicks of group photos, and since a survey of cameras on Flickr shows the iPhone 4S is the second most popular camera on the photo site, it's likely someone will be an iPhotographer at holiday events. Instead of drawing straws for who gets left out of each shot, hook up an iPhone to this Belkin LiveAction camera remote ($50) to include everyone in the photo fun.

Compatible with iPhone 4 and iPod touch cameras, the remote acts as a full mini camera kit since it also comes with a detachable camera stand and can even switch between photo and video functions. Use the Bluetooth-enabled remote to activate the shutter from up to 30 feet away from the device. The remote requires Belkin's own LiveAction app to operate with the camera, but it is available for free in the App Store.