GeekSugar

How-To: Homemade Aphid Spray

CasaSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:15:10 PDT

Even if you're not a gardener, you may have encountered plant-killing aphids, or plant lice, on plants near your home — I know I have. It turns out that you needn't be creeped out by these crawlers for long; you can make a simple, organic homemade spray to kick them to the curb. A tomato leaf spray works because the alkaloids in the leaves of the tomato plant, when mixed with water, are toxic to the little buggies, but still safe for you and your plants. You can also make a garlic oil spray, which contains sulfur, which is also toxic to aphids. But, since it kills all types of insects, even good ones (such as natural predators of aphids, like ladybugs), I don't recommend it.

To learn how to make tomato leaf spray,

Insecticide DS Review: Why Do You Build Me Up, Baby, Just to Let Me Down?

GeekSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:00:12 PDT

I was so excited to get my copy of Insecticide DS that I waited a whole day after getting it to start playing so I'd have time to take it all in. How could you not get excited about a cool, film noir-ish game about bugs?! Yes, bugs. The idea was awesome: In a postapocalyptic world, bugs are the dominant species. Thankfully, they evolved to set up a society much like our own with law, order, and, of course, crime.

You play as detective Chrys Liszt, trying to solve a murder at the Nectarola (ie: soda) plant in the capital city of Troi. The game takes on two different types of game play: adventure, where you are out in the field chasing down suspects, and then put in your time solving puzzles during your investigation work. By the sounds of things, I would have been more than content getting some action firing my bug weapons, but still using my bug brain by putting the pieces of the crime together. Unfortunately, this is not how things went down. Dun-Dun-DUN . . . To see what I mean,

read more. Insecticide had me from day one with the look and sounds of the game. I was imagining smooth action scenes and intense interrogations while solving the murder. But what I got was some really rough fighting sequences that had me frustrated from the get go, and even more frustration with the puzzles. While closing in on a suspect, Chrys is supposed to chase him around the rooftops of the city, using her many weapons. However, Chrys can't seem to fire her weapons quickly enough, and certainly can't turn around very fast to see what the heck is shooting her from behind. But seeing is a different story. Remember, the game has a dark film noir feel to it, and dark it is. Literally. Besides the action scenes being a bit rough, I thought Insecticide would be redeemed through its adventure puzzle scenes. But still, I was left less than satisfied by its confusing layout. At times, you are left to guess what you need to do next, and with little hints, I was struggling with one puzzle for way longer than I had hoped, which left me frustrated and ready to toss the game aside. Although, it's during the investigations that you get to interact with other characters in the game, which is pretty fun. I can't totally knock Insecticide, though. Since I really love the concept, as well as the jazzy, sort of sci-fi vibe it had going on, it just didn't hold up to my expectations. However, I'm sure the PC version would have been a ton better with a higher resolution screen and more control with the keyboard and mouse. I would probably recommend renting, but not buying the DS version, and it's likely that the PC version would be the better choice overall. Insecticide for the DS is out now. Source

Stock Up on Organic Bedding With These Sales

Elka Karl — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:34:35 PST

Have you wondered what the fuss is all about when it comes to organic bedding? Here's one quick fact for you: most conventional bedding is manufactured with chemicals, including formaldehyde, that may lead to certain cancers and allergy problems. Formaldehyde is used to reduce wrinkles in bedding (personally I'd rather deal with ironing sheets or sleeping on a wrinkly bed). Of course, pesticides and insecticides used in conventional cotton growing also can lead to groundwater contamination. Not good!

If you've been waiting for a good deal to make the switch to organic cotton bedding, now's the time. I've found some great shams, sheets, and duvets for you all on sale. And while your conscience may urge you to switch over to organics, your sense of style will make the decision easier for you. There are many chic options currently available in organic bedding. Take a look at my favorites, all on sale!