GeekSugar

Lost Winds Coming to WiiWare

GeekSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:00:06 PDT

First previewed at this year's Game Developers Conference, Lost Winds will be a title to watch out for on the Wii in the upcoming months. Although I'm totally looking forward to the much hyped Grand Theft Auto IV, I do like a nice, friendly Nintendo game to have some fun with. Lost Winds has you playing as Taku as you navigate your way through the world of Mistralis. In this world, you are trying to find and piece together shards of a spirit stone with the help of the wind called Enril, which you also have control over. Using the nunchuck to direct Taku, and the Wiimote to aim Enril's breezes, you not only help Taku jump, but can push over rocky obstacles, light torches and spray water.

OK, so it seems to be a fun and interesting puzzle game, but it's totally pretty, right?! I love little Taku and his cape, plus it kind of reminds me of Zelda. Lost Winds doesn't yet have a release date, but word has it that it will be out on WiiWare very soon. Check out more screens when you

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Glee-ful Highlights From Episode "Michael"

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:04:31 PST

When I heard that Glee was performing a Michael Jackson tribute, I basically starting moonwalking across the floor, but the episode didn't quite live up to my expectations. I definitely appreciated the effort, and there were absolutely some standout performances, but I would have loved more Jackson 5 or old-school Michael disco tunes.

With so many songs crammed in, there's very little in the way of plot here. Basically, the entire episode is about the rivalry between the New Directions and the Warblers, and Sebastian emerges as the show's new villain when he hits Blaine with a jacked-up slushie. Oh, and Rachel finally gives Finn an answer to his proposal! Ready to break it all down? Just

10 Things You Do to Save Money That End Up Costing You More

Wise Bread — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:15:37 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Wise Bread story here on Savvy!

Have you heard of the expression “penny wise, pound foolish”? It’s something I heard a lot growing up, from my parents, and it can have multiple meanings:

You are very careful with small amounts of money, but throw caution to the wind with large amounts. This is akin to someone who eats from the dollar menu every day but then blows a hundred dollars every month on a gym membership that’s never used.
You do things to save money now, only to have those savings cost you more farther down the road.

The second definition is what I’m focusing on today, because it’s a lot easier to fall into the trap of saving money only to have it bite you later on. Here then are 10 things that you may be doing to save money that could actually cost you a lot more in the weeks, months, or years to come.

RELATED: The Case For Expensive Shoes

1. Avoiding Regular Checkups With the Doctor, Dentist, or Optician

It’s something I did in college when money was tight. “Aah, who needs to pay money to a dentist to have him tell me I should floss more?” Well, after leaving the dentist alone for a few years, I paid the price. Avoiding the regular cleanings and checkups left me facing a hefty bill later on when I needed a bunch of costly fillings. I was lucky that I didn’t need root canals or replacement teeth. Now I have a dental plan that covers free checkups twice a year, but even if you don’t, get to the dentist and doctor for health checks. It’s a lot better to pay a co-pay now than pay for major surgery later on. And worse still, it could even cost you your life, especially as so many conditions can be treated if they’re caught early enough.

Read on for more.

5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started Running

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:07:23 PST

When I first started running, I hated it. I suffered from blisters, unsupported bosoms, and irritated skin from seams, and it seemed insanely hard. I wish someone had sat me down and told me these basic tips and tricks to help smooth my transition from non-runner to runner. If you're just starting out on your own journey pounding the pavement or treadmill belt, here are things you should know about running.

It Gets Easier
As with most things, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. To strengthen your muscles, acclimate your heart and lungs, and increase your endurance, run at least three times a week. Start off with a doable distance such as two miles. Once that distance feels good, gradually increase your mileage. The key is to move at a comfortable pace for a reasonable amount of time. If you do too much too soon, you could end up with an injury or a deep hatred for the sport.

You Don't Have to Wear Two Sports Bras
If you're well-endowed, running can be painful. I wore two sports bras for the longest time because I couldn't find one that prevented the uncomfortable bounce. A cheap cotton sports bra from Target just won't do. You might have to spend $50 or more, but it's worth it when you only have to wear one bra you trust. Here are some sports bras to choose from.

Keep reading to find out other running tips for beginners.

Nutrition Myths That Can Cause Weight Gain

Shape — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:04:23 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Myth: Going Vegan Will Make You Lose Weight
"While various research shows that vegetarians and vegans, on average, consume fewer calories and less fat than omnivores (a 2009 Oxford study found that vegetarians weigh 3 to 20 percent less than their meat-eating counterparts, and a National Cancer Institute study found that subjects who consumed four ounces or more of red meat weekly were 30 percent more likely to die of any cause than those who ate less), these numbers may be misleading," says Rania Batayneh, MPH, a certified nutritionist and owner of Essential Nutrition for You.

Going vegan solely for weight loss can backfire, big time. If you aren’t vigilant with a vegan diet, it’s easy to lack in vital nutrients, vitamins, and proteins, which give you energy and help keep your metabolism stoked. Many first-time vegans may also find themselves reaching for more processed foods like vegan cookies, chips, or even ‘ice cream’ more often with such a restricted diet, and many end up packing on the pounds instead.

If you do decide to adopt a vegan diet, be sure to keep the ‘treats’ to a minimum and plan balanced meals (we love ‘Domestic Vegan’ Diva Jessica Olson’s tips for "going veg"). "Aim to get about 10 to 20 percent of your calories from protein (or about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight), replacing animal protein with healthy plant proteins, like those found in beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products," Batayneh says. "And, whether you are vegan or not, eating more green, leafy vegetables is great for your health and your waistline."

See which other diet habits may also being causing weight gain after the break!

A Tale of Three Tortas: The $9 Nopalito Torta

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:25:51 PST

We aren't the only ones who love Mexican sandwiches, or tortas; so does Between the Bread.

I've been on a serious torta kick lately, devouring the Mexican sandwiches everywhere from my neighborhood to the Mission to Mexico itself. To show my deep appreciation for this delicioso dish, allow me to tell this tale of three tortas, starting at San Francisco's bourgie yet authentic Mexican eatery Nopalito.

Like a Mexican hoagie or a burrito on bread, tortas take South of the Border flavors and sandwich them in a soft, toasted roll, such as a telera or bolillo. Nopalito stays pretty true to tradition with its housemade bun, which contains adobo-seasoned shredded pork, refried beans, jack cheese, and avocado.

Read ahead to find out what she thought.

10 Ways Spending Money Can Help You Save

Bundle — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:15:18 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart Bundle story here on Savvy!

We're always talking about saving money, but sometimes spending money can help you save more in the long run. Here are 10 instances doling out cash can help you add more to your savings.

Do a big weekly grocery shop

I like to cook, but I'm a little lazy about buying groceries. It's hard to drop a lot of money on food all at once! When I do a big shop, it always seems like I'm spending so much money. Last week, for instance, the tab came to over $100 for two people. But, when I get lazy and don't do a grocery shop, I wind up going back to the store four or five times in a week, and end up spending even more than I would if I had just bought all my food for the week at once. Plan a few meals and make yourself go to the grocery store once a week.

Resole your shoes

I once had a pair of $150 boots that sat around for two years without once seeing the light of day because the soles had worn down. They were my favorite pair of boots, but I figured they were probably done for. I actually bought two other pairs of boots - and was going for a third when the light bulb went off - just get my old boots resoled! It cost about $50 and they feel like a whole new pair of boots. Save money on excessive numbers of shoes by getting your old pair resoled.

Read on for more.

7 Costly Debt Traps and How to Avoid Them

Kiplinger — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:15:40 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart Kiplinger story here on Savvy!

Not all debt is created equal. While most forms of borrowing entail risk, certain credit decisions are more likely to lead you into a downward spiral of indebtedness. We call these debt traps.

It’s incredibly easy to stumble into a debt trap. All it takes is a brief lapse in judgment. Opening a new credit card account without understanding the interest rates and fees, or the implications for your credit score, is just one example.

No one wants to become mired in debt - especially when common borrowing mistakes are avoidable. Read on to educate yourself about seven of the biggest debt traps and ways to avoid them.

Buying Too Much House

In general, you should not spend more than 28% of your gross income on housing expenses, and your total debt-to-income ratio (including car payments, credit card bills, student loans, etc.) should not exceed 36% of your gross income. While those numbers are not set in stone, especially if you live in a high-cost area, they provide a good framework for calculating how much home you can buy, says Adam Granger, a mortgage consultant in Weston, Fla.

Next, figure out the maximum down payment you can make. Try to put 20% toward your new home to avoid paying private mortgage insurance. You also need to factor in closing costs, which typically range between 3% and 5% of the home price. So if you want a home listed at $200,000, you would need to budget at least $48,000 to cover 20% down plus 4% in closing costs.

It is also important to account for homeowners insurance and real estate taxes, both of which can alter your debt-to-income ratio dramatically, says Granger. You’ll probably want some money for decorating, too, and it’s always good to set aside cash for emergencies. If you’re not yet there financially, keep saving. It’s best to buy a home only when you can truly afford it. Buy one when you can’t, and foreclosure is a real possibility.

Read on for more costly debt traps.

True Blood Bites: "And When I Die"

Becky Kirsch — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:11:04 PDT

Wow. The season four finale of True Blood is slow going at first, but the final moments both knocked the wind out of me and left me speechless. Halloween comes to Bon Temps, and the holiday brings with it a whole slew of events that are a lot scarier than Arlene and Terry's zombie makeup. The residents are visited by plenty of blasts from the past (and the implication of yet another one), and by the end of the episode, a handful of major characters join the ranks of the dead.

I'm admittedly a bit irritated that there's no progress on the fairy front since we've been waiting all season long to see what that whole business in the premiere is about, but there's certainly plenty of setup for next year's stories. I can't wait to share my thoughts with you and hear yours, so beware the spoilers when you

Indoor Workouts For a Rainy Day: How to Burn 300 Calories

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:27:31 PDT

Don't let the rainy weather wash away your workout. If nasty rain and wind is forcing you to get your sweat on indoors, here are some ways to burn 300 calories at home.

Get your stretch on: unroll your mat and practice yoga. An hour and 20 minutes of light yoga burns 315 calories.
Pop in your favorite cardio DVD such as Bob Harper's Ultimate Cardio Body or Tracy Anderson's Cardio Dance Workout; you'll burn 310 calories with 45 minutes of high-impact dancing or aerobics.
Jump rope: it doesn't take much. In just over 30 minutes you'll burn 305 calories. Pass the time by jumping rope in front of your favorite TV show.
Walk up and down the stairs: not only will you strengthen your heart and tone your legs and booty, but just under an hour of doing the stairs in your house burns 313 calories.
Grab your dumbbells: you'll have to do a lot of bicep curls and push-ups, but after an hour and 45 minutes, you'll burn 310 calories.
Hit the machines: if you haven't lost power and you have a treadmill or elliptical at home (lucky you!), go for a run. At a pace of 10 minutes per mile, you'll burn 300 calories in just over 30 minutes.

What other ways do you work out inside?