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

View 4 Photos ›

Source

Why Everyone (Even 20-Somethings) Should Make a Will

Business Insider — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:15:44 PDT

Getting a will is not just for those who are on the cusp of retiring. People of all ages should consider writing one, says Business Insider. Here's why.

Despite the well-known fact that everyone alive today will kick the bucket at one point or another, nearly 60 percent of Americans admitted in a 2011 poll conducted by online legal service Rocket Lawyer that they didn't have a will.

In fact, one-third said they'd rather do their taxes, get a root canal, or give up sex for a month than lay out their dying wishes in black and white.

All right, let's not get out of hand now.

Making a will these days is easier than ever, and if you've been putting it off simply because it seems daunting, then you could be making a big mistake.

"You do it for your family's [future]," says Rocket Lawyer founder Charley Moore. "[A will] enables you to start thinking about issues like whether you have the right insurance coverage, life insurance, and ways of replacing your lost income."

Whether you're 22 years old and just ran your umpteenth marathon or you're ready to retire, laying out an estate plan should definitely be near the top of your to-do list.

It's one of the three most important documents every adult should have.

Here are the other two, according to Moore:

A living will: Also called an advanced healthcare directive, a living will is where you lay out all the nuts and bolts of your end-of-life care. If you wind up in a coma or unresponsive in the hospital, then a living will can help your family decide how to handle your medical treatment.

Durable power of attorney: Choose an attorney you trust to administer your estate after your death, says Moore. He or she will be objective (unlike family members), and their entire job is to follow your wishes.

Read on for more.

Mad Men's 5 Maddest Moments: "Tea Leaves"

Becky Kirsch — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:32:43 PDT

On this week's episode of Mad Men, Betty's back - and in an, um, "big" way. Thanks to January Jones's real-life pregnancy, Mrs. Francis has packed on a few pounds after what appears to be more than one afternoon spent on the couch with a box of Bugles. Things take a dramatic turn when Betty's mother-in-law advises a trip to the doctor, and he finds a tumor in her throat.

As Betty contemplates her mortality, Don and Harry take a little work offsite to a Rolling Stones concert in the name of Heinz. Back in the office, Peggy adds a new copywriter to Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, and the tension between Roger and Pete continues to build. It's a relatively slow episode ("Zou Bisou Bisou" is a tough act to follow), but let's break down the biggest moments when you

Scary situation: Betty's clearly a bit bored in her life as Mrs. Francis, and as her mother-in-law points out, Betty is starting to let herself go. She heads to the doc in hope of scoring some diet pills, but he finds a tumor instead. Betty begins contemplating what will happen to her kids if she has cancer, and starts having nightmares to go along with it. Ultimately, the tumor is benign, but the scare doesn't shake Betty into reevaluating her life: it only makes her help herself to more ice cream.
Wise beyond her years. Betty's not the only one who's initially shaken up by her tumor: Don is also starting to panic. He's suddenly caring and introspective (perhaps because he recently lost Anna to cancer), but he's also pushing Megan away. When bikini-clad Megan is hurt that he wants to blow off their trip to Fire Island because he's upset about Betty, he tells her that she's 26 and basically insinuates that she's too young to understand. Megan handles the situation nicely, reminding Don that she's old enough to handle death and even manages to convince Don to come along on the trip. Yet another case of Megan proving that Don's temperament doesn't scare her.
Let's spend the night together: Don and Harry head backstage at a Rolling Stones concert in hope of scoring the band for the new Heinz campaign. They basically redefine "fish out of water" standing in their suits and ties among teenage girls smoking joints. Harry gets an in with a groupie, which leaves Don fraternizing with a young fan - and for the first time, Don actually seems fatherly instead of trying to hit on her. It's all for naught though: Harry ends up signing a band called The Trade Winds thinking he got the Stones. Whoops!
Tension in the ranks: Even with his new office, Pete and Roger are still butting heads around SCDP. Pete concedes the Mohawk account to Roger, much to Roger's pleasure - only to essentially take it back at the end of the episode. As he pops a bottle of champagne, Pete announces that Roger will be dealing with the day-to-day, but he'll still be the one in charge. Roger is obviously disgruntled about this and laments to Don that he's starting to feel like he's being shoved out the door at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. This relationship seems like a ticking time bomb, but what will prompt the big blowout?
New guy: With Mohawk airlines back on the client list for SCDP, Roger demands that Peggy find a new copywriter. Enter Michael Ginsberg, whom Stan dismisses as too qualified (he warns Peggy of hiring someone who might be her boss someday), and Roger likes because of his Jewish background. Peggy is immediately turned off when he thinks she's a secretary, and is concerned how Don will feel about his off-putting remarks. As it turns out, Don's completely fine with Ginsberg, and he gets a job. There's just one late-breaking twist: despite Michael's claim that he has no family, friends, or ties of any kind, we learn at the end of the episode that he lives (and cares for) his father. Wonder how this one will affect his promise to live in the office 24/7.

I was happy to see Betty back on the show, but I'm not sure where they'll take her character throughout the season. Plus, it felt like more Betty meant less Joan, and I definitely missed Joannie this week. How'd you feel about the episode?

Photo courtesy of AMC

The Vampire Diaries "The Murder of One": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:33:18 PDT

Excuse me while I try to contain my excitement, but Klaus is back, you guys! After his glaring absence caused me to enjoy The Vampire Diaries far less than usual, my favorite villain is back this week. He's trying to unlink the spell that means death to him and all his siblings, and Stefan, Elena, Damon, and everyone else are trying to kill him (yes, still) before he succeeds.

As usual, Team Kill the Originals are thwarted by the old vampires, and Damon spends much of the episode being tortured with his pecs getting some much-needed air. And amid all the action, Stefan and Elena have a very important conversation about where her heart lies. Ready to get down to the good, the bad, and the bloody? Let's do it.

Avoid Getting Hurt! Don't Make These Mistakes When Running Outdoors

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:51:48 PST

Warmer Spring weather inspires many to ditch the gym and run outside in the fresh air and on open roads. Before you make the switch from treadmill to street, avoid these common mistakes that could lead to injury.

Doing Too Much Too Soon
Between the steep hills, wind factor, uneven or slippery terrain, and not having a belt propelling you forward, running outside is harder than running on a treadmill. And since it's more taxing on your muscles, you are more prone to shin splints and other pains. Start off with shorter distances on flat roads or trails, and as your endurance improves, gradually increase your mileage and hill work. If you experience shin pain, take a few minutes to walk and stretch out your lower legs. Don't run through the pain because it may cause further injury, preventing you from running at all. When you're not running, strengthen your shins with this exercise.

Keep reading to find out other outdoor running mistakes that may cause injury.

Cool Idea: Skip the Bridal Veil and Add It to Your Decor Instead

Elka Karl — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:53:36 PST

Some brides are major veil girls, while others choose to opt out of this traditional bridal headpiece. If you're not the type of bride who's interested in wearing a long, cascading bridal veil as part of her bridal ensemble, why not make it part of the decor instead?

At a Camarillo ranch wedding, the bride decided to opt out of a traditional veil and show off her gorgeous mahogany curls instead. But the allure of the veil wasn't lost on her - she added cascading veil-like tulle behind her dessert table instead. I love the effect - it softens the rustic barn and adds romance.

Here are a few more ideas for adding tulle to your wedding's decor.

Wind it around a trellis or arbor for a dramatic entrance to your wedding.
Use it as a table runner for your reception.
Tie it in bows around the backs of chairs at your ceremony.
Braid ribbon into lengths of tulle and use it as an alternative to bunting.
Create a transparent tented effect when you hang it from the ceiling.

Did you use tulle in your wedding's decor? Tell me about your technique in the comments!

Photo by Stone Crandall

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

The episode opens up with a big, beautiful MJ-filled bang - Blaine leads the New Directions with what he thinks is the perfect song for Regionals. I absolutely loved this performance of "Wanna Be Startin' Something." Blaine is stepping into his role with the club perfectly; he's become my favorite male voice on the show.
Finn asks Rachel for a response to his proposal, but Rachel feels pressured and needs more time. She nearly gives her answer, before Finn cuts her off and agrees that she deserves as much time as she needs. When Rachel asks for Quinn's advice, Quinn announces that she's been accepted to Yale and gives Rachel her honest opinion - that she should break it off with Finn. This moment in the bathroom is a perfect lead-in for her performance of the classic Jackson 5 tune "Never Can Say Goodbye," which ultimately turns into a montage of all Quinn's lost loves on the show. Regardless of the totally cheesy nature, I thought her voice was spot on for this song.
While the New Directions have decided to perform Michael Jackson for Regionals, Sebastian and the Warblers get wind of the idea from Blaine and decide to do it as well. Eventually, Santana and Sebastian and their respective crews battle it out to decide who's "bad"? The performance definitely pays homage to the original video and its West Side Story influence, but the whole thing just felt pretty underwhelming to me. That is, until Blaine gets slushied with a drink that's been seriously tampered with, scratching his cornea. Artie becomes so enraged with the whole thing that he goes to a dream sequence where he and Mike Chang perform a super-long version of the Janet and Michael Jackson tune "Scream." I was excited to see Artie's killer moves, but Mike as Janet was a bit over the top.
There are two musical highlights of the episode for me. The first is Mercedes and Sam performing "Human Nature" - the whole thing gave me the chills I had been expecting for the last twenty minutes. The icing on the cake? The two kiss at the end! Later on, Santana and Sebastian battle it out one-on-one "Smooth Criminal" style, accompanied by only a duo of cellos. I was so glad that Santana got to take the lead on this one, and I was absolutely impressed by Sebastian's voice. I doubt this is the last we'll be seeing of him.
Rachel and Finn perform "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" back in the choir room. It's pretty good, but I didn't really care either way whether she accepted his proposal. She ends up accepting, but it feels like a pretty mediocre experience given the most recent episode. Plus, she gets her letter as a NYADA finalist, so let's see if this sticks.

What did you think of this week's episode? Share your thoughts below!

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!