GeekSugar

Website of the Day: Taxi Me

GeekSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:02:27 PDT

I've come across a few different cab-fare prediction sites, but Taxi Me takes the cake in terms of design, usability, and accuracy. All you have to do is type in your starting and ending addresses and Taxi Me will show you a map of the route that will most likely be taken and an estimate price of how much it will cost you. Unfortunately, you can't input business names just yet.

Do you have a favorite website you want to share with us? Submit your faves to our Website of the Day group! To learn how, just

I know that this long list looks scary, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll be a snap the second time around.

First of all, join the Website of the Day group.
Click the pink "Share" menu on the top left side of the page.
Choose "Blog" and “Regular Post.”
Give your story a “Title.”
Fill in the “Body” with a link to your favorite website and the reasons why you love it.
Click “Next."
Choose the audience for your story to “Website of the Day” in the drop-down menu
Add keyword(s) (for example mine for this photo was "Website of the Day").
Change channel to “Technology and Gadgets.”
Fill in tag field with relevant tags.
Click “I’m done” to submit content.

Mad Men's 5 Maddest Moments: "Dark Shadows"

Becky Kirsch — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:44:57 PDT

It feels like just yesterday it was summertime in Mad Men world, but alas, we've already arrived at Thanksgiving. It's not exactly a celebratory episode: Betty's cranky about both her new diet and Don's new wife; Pete's still struggling to figure out his life; and Don and Ginsberg have a showdown at work.

Roger, on the other hand, is still using his money to get everything he wants, which includes using Jane for some help landing a new client and paying off Ginsberg. And Ginsberg's success is Peggy's lack thereof; with him cleaning up, she has less and less to show for her work. Ready to break down the big moments? Just

Carry that weight: Betty's already looking noticeably thinner than the fat suit episode, and it's because she's joined Weight Watchers. Her weekly meetings seem to be helping with her portion control, but despite measuring her sad little grapefruit dinners on the scale each night, she still can't resist sucking down a little whipped cream every now and then. As much as Betty irritates me, my heart went out to her at the end of the episode when she eats her tiny Thanksgiving dinner and seriously savors her one allotted bite of stuffing.
Green-eyed monster: While Betty's picking up the kids, she gets an eyeful of Don's swanky new apartment - and his new wife. Clearly shaken up by the incident, she retaliates by spilling the beans about Anna to Sally while Sally is in the midst of making a family tree. Betty easily manipulates Sally into thinking that Megan is a liar, but the joke's on Betty in the end. After a squabble, Don explains the Anna situation to sassy Sally and Sally reports back to her mother without even mentioning the argument. Betty proceeds to freak out. I've got to hand it to Megan for convincing Don not to call Betty in a rage; not only is Megan spot-on about giving Betty what she wants, but she also diffuses the argument pretty quickly.
Fantasy land: Pete is particularly smug because he's been chatting with a reporter from the New York Times Magazine who's doing a piece about ad agencies. Once he's done bragging about his connection with Roger and Don, he assures them that he'll be the only one contacted for the interview. Pete then proceeds to have gross sexual fantasies about how the article will help him win Beth back, but - surprise - he doesn't even make it into the article! He calls Don enraged, but it's clear that Pete's really just mad at the world since, once again, things are not going his way.
Wine time: Bert asks Roger to court a potential new client, and since it's Manischewitz wine, he suggests that Roger's Jewish wife could be of service. Though Bert is a bit behind on his interoffice gossip, Roger still takes the client and asks Jane for help. In return, she asks for a small favor, and by that I mean a brand-new apartment. Roger agrees, and then proceeds to um, christen the new apartment with Jane after dinner. She's angry that he's tainted her new place, but there's a much bigger concern at play here than Jane's whining: when is all the money that Roger's been throwing around going to catch up with him?
Still got it: While Don's putting in a little overtime at the office, he comes across Ginsberg's folder of sketches, and is inspired to get back to basics. His idea is a little dark (you know, because it's based in hell and all), and he puts it head to head against Ginsberg's childlike pitch for the same product, SnoBall. The rest of the team likes both ideas, and agrees that Ginsberg should be the front-runner. Too bad Don conveniently leaves Ginsberg's pitch in the taxi, and sells his snowball's chance in hell idea to the company. Ginsberg obviously isn't in a celebratory mood, but when he confronts Don about what happened, Don just shuts him down. Now that both Don and Peggy feel threatened by Ginsberg, might we see them teaming up against him?

There's also more death omens in this week's episode, including Megan teaching Sally how to fake cry by focusing on something sad, and of course, the mysterious toxic smog that invades Thanksgiving. How'd you feel about the episode overall?

Photo courtesy of AMC

When and When Not to Use a Travel Agent to Save Money

LearnVest — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:02:20 PDT

Will using a travel agent help you save money for your upcoming trip? LearnVest has the answer.

Are travel agents back?

This question, posed by The New York Times, got us thinking. According to the piece, nearly one in three leisure travel agencies is hiring, and in 2011 travel agencies experienced a second consecutive year of growth; in fact, their bookings accounted for a third of the $284 billion US travel market.

Silly us, we thought travel agents had become passé.

But if the travel agent business is thriving, we started wondering - is there something to this? Could using an old-school travel agent actually save us money on travel?

To find out, we consulted Barbara Vong, a travel agent with Wright Travel Agency, the 2011 winner of the Best of the Best Globe Award from Travel Impressions.

Globe Award From Travel Impressions.

The first thing we learned? Travel agents usually don't charge customers for their services! Their payment actually comes through the hotels and wholesalers, meaning that we can simply tap into a free service. That also means using a travel agent should never be more expensive than booking by yourself online . . . and these are experts well-versed in where to find the best deals.

Of course, booking your flights in 30 seconds with a few clicks sounds a lot easier than playing phone tag with a live person, so it pays to know when a travel agent can help the most, and when you might as well DIY it. Vong let us in on the best times to call an agent, and some money-saving travel tips she's picked up in her line of work:

Use a Travel Agent If . . .

You're Traveling With a Group

For group bookings that involve coordinating travel for multiple people, it's always easier to use a travel agent, says Vong. “I just had a bride call me because one of the groomsmen booked his own trip through a discount travel site, and he wanted to add someone to the room,” says Vong. "The customer service representative from the travel site he used told him they couldn't do it, but they were probably just being lazy. This is a great example of when you’d rather hand the responsibility of changing that booking to a travel agent, rather than trying to fix it on your own."

Read on for more.

Ryan Gosling's Best Kisses On Screen and Off

Tara Block — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:02:29 PDT

Heroic Ryan Gosling strikes again, making us think he's a real-life superhero. An English writer claims the actor saved her from getting hit by an NYC taxi yesterday when she wandered into oncoming traffic. She tweeted: "I was crossing 6th avenue in a new pink wig. Not looking the right way because I am from London. Ryan Gosling grabbed me away from a taxi." She also noted, "He did not say 'hey, girl.' He said 'hey, watch out!'"

Recently Emma Stone compared kissing Ryan in Crazy, Stupid, Love to smooching boyfriend Andrew Garfield, who will play a classic fictional superhero alongside Emma in The Amazing Spider-Man. She said it was like "apples and oranges," but then added, "I love all fruit" - lucky girl! This got us reminiscing about all of Ryan's past smooches, including that infamous MTV Movie Awards makeout with Rachel McAdams. But Ryan doesn't just lock lips with his hot costars and ex-girlfriends. From guys to dogs to sex dolls, Ryan's Canadian lips get around, and we like it! So pucker up and check out Ryan Gosling's best onscreen and offscreen kisses.

Khloé Kardashian Odom Tells Us Women and Girls Shouldn't Be Shy About Their Bodies

Annie Scudder — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:01 PST

While Kris Jenner is making headlines for promoting a very adult product - arousal oils to be exact - her daughter Khloé Kardashian Odom is appealing to a younger audience. Khloé has teamed up again with U by Kotex, the eccentric line of pads and tampons for young women. Khloé told me that she loves that the line is "trying to destroy the old-fashioned belief that we have to be so discreet" and that it also supports the charity Girls for a Change. During fashion week, a fleet of branded U by Kotex taxis will be picking people up at Lincoln Center and in the Meatpacking District, and donating up to $100,000 to the charity. I chatted with Khloé, and she opened up about the awkward years in the Kardashian household, as well as her move to Dallas for love. Keep reading to find out all about it!

TrèsSugar: Why did you team up with U by Kotex?
Khloé Kardashian Odom: I love their packaging, the neon colors, the black boxes, they're trying to make everything so chic, and fun, and vibrant, like it's OK. Especially if you're in high school and you're pulling out one of those tampons or maxi pads, it's not as embarrassing. I love being able to let women, and especially younger women, know that it's OK to talk about this and to ask questions.

TS: Would this message have appealed to you when you were younger?
KKO: I am so thankful that I had older sisters, because I had a really tough time in school. I was always bullied in school. If it wasn't for my older sisters always making me feel like everything was OK and being able to ask them questions, I don't really know how I would have gotten through those years. I love that this brand is almost like an older sister but on a larger scheme. They're letting everyone know that this is what happens to everybody and it's awkward for everyone.

TS: So who did your older sisters talk to? Did your mom fill that role?
KKO: Kourtney told me that she didn't even tell my mom she got her period for the first year and a half. She said she told her friend and her friend just told her what to do. To me, I find that so weird. But that's Kourtney. Kim was always very open about it, but I think Kim got hers first, and I think Kourtney got jealous. Kids are weird! I don't get what that jealousy is. I'm like, "Honey, please. Be grateful that you don't have it." It's so funny that I'm 27, and my sisters are 16 and 14. I'm not so much older than them, but the comfort in talking about your bodies grows so much.

TS: Do you have an awkward or funny memory from that time?

Find out Khloé's answer, as well as the scoop on Dallas, when you keep reading.

George Clooney Jokes About Gosling's Globes No Show: "You Know What You Do in Thailand."

Molly Goodson — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:43:39 PST

George Clooney brought his charming smile, sense of humor, and girlfriend Stacy Keibler backstage to the press room after winning best actor in a drama at the Golden Globes in LA this evening. His The Descendants also took home best dramatic picture, so it was a triumphant night for George. In between his typical funny quips and jokes, George chatted about going up against his friend Brad Pitt this award season and what he thinks fellow nominee Ryan Gosling is getting up to in Thailand. Check it out:

On any award season rivalry or wagers with Brad: I’ll tell you quite honestly: the truth of the matter is, Brad is my friend. I've never felt competition with him. I've only felt a great deal of friendship and support from him and for him. We don’t wager. We don’t bet. We just look at each other and slap each other on the back and wish each other the best because he's a friend.

On why people connect to this film: Alexander Payne knows how to tell a story. It's a coming-of-age film for a 50-year-old. A lot of us have dealt with issues or people like that. I have people coming up to me all the time. I think it touches a lot of people like that.

On Ryan Gosling being a no-show: He's in Thailand or something, and you know what you do in Thailand. He wrote me a nice email this morning and I found out that he wasn’t able to be here. It happens, you gotta work. He's gotta make a living, he's a struggling actor.

On adopting dogs: I've always had dogs. I've almost always had them out of the pound. Seems like a good place. They have a lot of them. It brings me a lot of joy to do it and they seem like the happiest dogs in the game. I only have one, but he eats for, like, four.

On the honor of being nominated: Both of these films [The Ides of March and The Descendants] being nominated, was three years of work and three years of things that mattered to me. What I really remember and what I do this for is filmmaking. I love being a part of film. I know film history. In 1976 there was All the President's Men, Bound for Glory, Network, Taxi Driver and there was Rocky, which won. But I remember all five of those films. The acknowledgement is unbelievably nice and complimentary, but that’s not why I do it.

Memorable moments from tonight's Globes: Here’s two moments that really struck me: I am in awe of Sidney Poitier. When he walks out on stage and he’s there to present, and he gets the longest standing ovation, earned, I found that to be very emotional to everyone in the audience. And the other is Jane Fonda in that dress. My god. She looked great, didn’t she?

On Ricky's hosting: I thought he did a great job. I think tonight was a much tougher gig because there's so much build-up to it. It's almost like how rough can you go at that point. I thought he handled tonight like a proper good host, again. It was fun. People were expecting a lot of trash talk. He did what he does, and he does it well. He makes me laugh.

On Mitt Romney's anti-gay stance: Well I’m not much concerned until there is an actual nominee, but I think it’s the wrong side of history. I think everyone understand it's the last leg of the civil rights issue. It's certainly not the wedge issue it was in 2004.

Real Mom Gift Guide: All Jessica Shyba Wants For the Holidays Is . . .

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:04:24 PST

We've got mamas on the mind this holiday season! When mom's done doing the holiday shopping for everyone on her list, we're sure there are still a few items on there that she wants for herself.

Jessica Shyba is the woman behind Momma's Gone City, a blog chronicling her daily life with two tots since moving from the Bay Area to New York City so her husband could attend dental school. Since becoming a city mama, she's learned - and written about - the ins and outs of public transportation, the beauty of living in small spaces, and the unexpected adventures of day-to-day life. She welcomed her third child last night (almost in the taxi on the way to the hospital) but shared a few things she's hoping to unwrap later this month.

An iPad 2 ($500): It's about time that our family has one of these brilliant devices. My kids will love it and benefit from it, and I would like something that I can slip into the diaper bag easily so that I can work on the go.
Keurig ($134): I am the only one in the house that drinks coffee and hot beverages, so the large coffeemaker is wasteful and time-consuming, especially when you wash it every single day! With this new baby, I know that a yummy, hot apple cider will be a nice treat for me during his overnight feedings.
Epiphanie "Lyric" Camera Bag. ($155): Just this week I purchased a new SLR camera and two new lenses - something I've been wanting and saving up for, for a while now. I just need a gorgeous new bag to carry it in as well. I rarely leave home without a camera, and this particular one will be able to accommodate a few diapers and wipes as well.
A session or three at The Braid Bar at the John Barrett Salon in Bergdorf's: This is the prettiest, low-maintenance hair style I have found, and this salon does an amazing job at braiding hair! I would love to treat myself to an appointment, especially when I know that showers will be few and far between in the very near future!
Tali Gilette's Mama Necklace, 14k Gold ($525): The perfect push prize, holiday gift, and everyday memento of the most important aspect of my life: motherhood.

Tori Spelling's Pregnant Thought of the Day

Tori Spelling — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:34:27 PDT

We're excited to bring you a new post from mother and actress Tori Spelling! Every other week we're bringing you the best parenting and lifestyle advice from ediTORIal by Tori Spelling, which is Tori's daily blog about everything from food and fashion to parenting and relationships. This week Tori shares one of her pregnant thoughts of the day.

"A big exhale and a belly clutch goes a long way in a crowded elevator."

Recently, I posted the above pregnant thought of the day on Facebook and Twitter, and I am loving your responses!

Here are some of my faves:

From Alora: "Awesome! I loved saying 'Oh' when the baby would move and people freaking out thinking I was in labor!"

From Andrea: "I'm due Nov. 16 and noticed if I just lean forward on the kitchen counter or hold my lower back at work, people start to care that I might be overworked!"

From Vanessa: "I went to NYC with my mom when I was seven months preggo, and we were waiting in an extremely long line for a taxi, so I just sort of bent over a little and rubbed my enormous belly, and we were moved to the front of the line. Funniest part was that it wasn’t even intentional – the baby kicked me, and it hurt me enough to make me lean forward!"

Here’s one more pregnant thought I had recently: "Feeling life move inside of you is like a constant hug. You are never alone."

All my preggo ladies! What are your pregnant thoughts? Whether they are funny or sentimental, I'd love to hear them! Share them in the comments below.

More great stories from ToriSpelling.com:
How to Decorate a Room Over Time
True Confessions: Worst Date of My Life
How to Style a Turban

Savvy Community: When Did You Decide to Leave Your Job?

Savvy Community — Tue, 10 May 2011 03:05:00 PDT

An anonymous Savvy Community member shares her job woes with the Ask Savvy group. Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments below.

So, lately I feel depressed and underappreciated and I don't bother about having a raise.

I wake up and dress whatever I happen to see in my closet, and I don't care about choosing clothes (I am not such a person in real life). These eight hours seem to me like 80, and I take every chance I can get to not to go to work, to stay home and do silly things or go to gym. I spend my salary over taxis and I don't remember over what else. I've been working here for two and a half years, but I only have good relations with one employee. I can't concentrate and I don't want to.

Have you been there before? Should I leave my job?

Ask anything career or budget-related - well almost anything - by posting your questions in the Ask Savvy group, and readers and I will weigh in to support you.

Labor Day Travel: Golden Rules For Houseguests and Hosts

Guest Writer — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:39 PDT

Editor’s note: The following guest post was written by Robert Reid, the US travel editor for Lonely Planet.

This will be my final blog post for you all! And this is your last chance to download any of our 15 free mini-guides off our website so go now and collect them all before they go away on September 5th.

Since this weekend is Labor Day, I’m sure many of you already have your travel plans set. Thus, I won’t give you new suggestions for where to go but rather give some advice that you can perhaps use this weekend, and for years to come.

With rising airfares, hotel costs, and gas prices, people fortunate (and unfortunate) enough to live in destination-friendly places often get a double-dose of cousins and friends dropping by to set up camp for a few days, or more.

But being a good host or guest isn't easy, so how do you make sure you're still friends at the end of the stay, and maybe even have plans for doing it all again next year? We need rules! So, we polled the Lonely Planet staff, and came up with a set of rules for hosts and house guests alike.

Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler was one of the first to offer a rule for house guests: "The oldest line is still the best - guests and fish begin to smell after three days. Or, like fish, guests should go off after three days." There you have it - Rule #1: Three days max, even for family. If you're staying longer, get a hotel.

A general rule everyone should follow: have fun, but remember to play fair.

For house guests:

If you borrow your hosts' car, fill up the tank.
Contribute to food: assist in shopping or offer money for groceries. Or replace things like milk and toilet paper as they are used. If you have dietary restrictions, bring your own food. Do the dishes. Or take your hosts out to dinner.
Send a hand-written thank you note. It's a nice touch.

Read on for more house guest rules.