GeekSugar

Make Your Fourth of July Geeky and Eco Friendly!

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:04:23 -0700

I'm counting the minutes until the grill gets fired up for my family's annual Fourth of July barbecue! Grilling is one of my favorite pastimes, especially since I'm an apartment dweller, but as I discovered earlier this year, that doesn't have to stop me from enjoying a nicely grilled meal. If you're having a celebration this weekend and don't have a patio to park a barbecue, no worries - the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor grill is here to save you. I know I've mentioned this item before, but it's totally worthy of another spot here. Plus, when used with the Digital Barbeque Thermometer, you'll have perfectly cooked steaks every time.

However, if you will be outdoors this weekend, try to connect with nature and go solar. Not only do Ikea and Amazon have plenty of stylish solar powered hanging and yard lights to keep you partying into the night, but if you invest in a Solio, you can power tunes from your iPod or MP3 player all day long via your eco-friendly DIY Cardboard Speakers.

Deck Out Your Tech in Red, White, and Blue For the Fourth

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:07:55 -0700

Happy Fourth of July from geeksugar! Before you make your way to a firework-and-hotdog-filled BBQ, check out some fun gadget accessories that celebrate this Independence Day in a major way.

View Slideshow ›

Celebrate the Fourth Anywhere With a Fireworks iPhone App

GeekSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:06:51 -0700

Sometimes you can't be in a place where you get to see fireworks on the Fourth of July - or like me, you're in a place so foggy all you'll see is some colored clouds.

So no matter where you are this Independence Day, get your dose of exploding pyrotechnics with the free Handmarks Fireworks App.

Pick one of your own photos as a background (or use one of four preprogrammed images), grab some music, and then let 'er rip.

Swipe the fireworks with your fingers to manipulate them and be mesmerized as you get your own private show, courtesy your iPhone.

Take the Underwater Fisheye Camera to a Fourth of July Pool Party

GeekSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:12:51 -0700

Add this to your beach bag full of gadgets: the Underwater Fisheye Camera ($100).

It's actually a combo kit of a Fisheye camera and the Fisheye Submarine (which makes it waterproof), and the whole package comes with a waterproof bag. Seriously, there's no better time to bust this out than this weekend, at a Fourth of July party. Think about it - has any picture taken with a fisheye camera ever not looked like a ton of fun?!

Kids and Robot Costumes, It Doesn't Get Any Better Than That

GeekSugar — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:06:01 -0700

I love the weekend, and especially Sundays, why? Because it's the perfect day to post fun and adorable, videos like this! Over the July 4th weekend, Vimeo user Jared Foster got all the little ones in his family together for what else but a Robot Parade! I guess it took a lot of orchestrating from the adults - who are in the background directing the kids - but boy, oh boy are we thankful this came together so perfectly; Robot Love is the best!

Robot Parade from Jared Foster on Vimeo.

Love It or Leave It? American Flag iPod Case

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:00:47 -0700

For all of you getting your Star Spangled Banner on today, you can now take your patriotic spirit to the next level by pimping out your iPod with this American Flag case by case-mate. Each red, white and blue case, which got some chip chick lovin', perfectly fits the 30 GB video iPod and will keep your screen and scroll wheel fully protected. They are priced at $25. Love or leave this 4th of July case? Share your comments below!

Totally Geeky or Geek Chic? Starry AM/FM Cooler Bag

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 07:00:42 -0700

What American wouldn't want one of these star covered AM/FM speaker bags on the 4th of July? Maybe not iPod compatible and maybe not as fashionable as the Roxy or Burton speaker bags, but this bag can blast tunes from a battery operated AM/FM tuner while chilling your beer in an insulated area big enough to hold a six-pack! Featured on Gizmodiva these bags come with a durable carrying strap and cost $25. Do tell - geek or chic?

The Perfect Geek-Chic Fourth of July Chair

GeekSugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:00:04 -0700

If you've got the day off work and plan to take part in some Fourth of July festivities, have I got the chair for you! Taking you from poolside parties during the day to fireworks shows at night, the G-Flex Sound Booster Portable Audio Chair by Pyramat is not only a comfortable rest station for your butt, it's also a mini entertainment hub!

Powered by four AA batteries, this media chair features two built-in hi-fi performance speakers, and can easily connect to your portable gaming device, MP3 player and even a TV. And with the iPod/MP3 docking station's holster, you can remain plugged in while switching from music to game mode. Portability is easy with the included carrying handle, and you can easily fold up this chair when it's not in use.

And now for the best part - the price! Prices start at about $22 (for the pink one), which isn't too shabby, considering other media chairs can cost upwards of $500. Talk about a great conversation piece for a party!

Star Headphones Get You Ready For the Fourth of July

GeekSugar — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:00:05 -0700

Got a little Evil Knievel in ya? These Star Headphones ($65) are the perfect Summer accessory - especially as you make your ways to all those music festivals.

The red and blue stars are definitely patriotic, definitely cool, and will keep your tunes coming in flawlessly.

Fourth Of July Photo Tips

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:00:58 -0700

I'm going to go all out and claim today as one of the most heavily-photographed days of summer. The majority of the population has the day off, many of us will gather with our friends and family and the weather will (fingers crossed) be beautiful. So if you're headed to a pool, picnic or fireworks display you better bring your camera. I've shared some simple tips for capturing fireworks before, but if you'd like to take it up a notch, consider these tips.

Family photos - It's all about the pose, lighting and placement of your "subjects" or family. Make sure to get the kids in the foreground and the taller people in the back. Don't be shy about re-arranging people, but make sure to tell them to act natural.
Outside/nature photos - The most important thing to remember about outdoor photos is to avoid high-contrast situations. If your whole family decides to wear green tee shirts don't photograph everyone in the grass. Also, set the background. If you want use the pictures for a card or even just for a family photo album always think about the entire landscape when you take the picture, not just your subjects. If you are at a particularly beautiful park or beach have your subjects pose in the most "picturesque" and colorful spots.
Night photos - Taking clear night photos can be a challenge, but with a little finesse you should be able to capture memorable moments. If you are around lots of lights (or fireworks) turn off your flash. Also, remember that good night photos require a long exposure. This means you should keep your digital camera very still.
Fireworks - First and foremost find a good location. You'll want a spot where buildings, trees or tall people won't be restricting your view. Getting great fireworks shots requires that you pay more attention to timing and keep your camera as steady as possible. To avoid blurry pictures, brace your camera on a railing, the back of a chair or a table, or against a column or tree. This helps keep the camera from moving and blurring the pictures. Or use a pocket or full-size tripod.