GeekSugar

Man Trapped in Elevator Video Becomes an Internet Hit: But Why?

GeekSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:30:11 -0700

I'm sure you've probably seen this video already, since it's been spreading on the Internet like a wildfire, but if you haven't, here's some background info to bring you up to speed. On Friday October 15, 1999, Nicholas White went outside for a cigarette break while working in New York's McGraw-Hill building (it was 11pm on a Friday). On his way back, the elevator stopped, and he was trapped for 41 hours.

The surveillance camera footage of those horrifying two days has just surfaced on the Internet and it has already been viewed 1.3 million times on YouTube. The video shows White panicking, pacing, trying to sleep and pry the doors apart. According to The New Yorker, who ran an entire article about the ordeal, White said that he feels as though people are so captivated by the video because they wonder what they would have done if it happened to them. I have to admit, after watching the video last week, I think about it every time I step foot in an elevator, even though I'm constantly armed with my cell phone. It also stirs up alot of emotions inside me, including frustration, sadness and hope for White. Why do you think people are so obsessed with this video?

To see the three minute time-lapse video, read more

The Elevator Lifts Your Laptop To A Whole New Level

GeekSugar — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:02:07 -0800

Do you find yourself constantly hunching over while staring at your laptop? Check out the new Elevator by Griffin, which raises your laptop to a safer and comfortable viewing level. The Elevator fits all laptops, keeps them securely in place and prevents your notebook from overheating! Griffin also explains how Healthy Computing recommends positioning the top of your screen level with your eyes and sitting at least an arm’s length distance from the screen. If you have an external keyboard, the Elevator will make this possible. Is it true? No more neck and back pain? This is great, but I'm just wondering if my co-workers will think I'm still chic with this on my desk.
You can get a Griffin Elevator for $40.

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A DVD Turns a Drab TV Screen Into a Fab Light Installation

GeekSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:33:33 -0700

I still get a kick out of those virtual flames fireplace DVDs, so when I saw the Colorlight DVD on Chip Chick I instantly thought - how great for a dinner/cocktail party! Once you pop in the DVD (which costs $25), eight different colors will slowly rotate and set the mood for your little soiree (or romantic nightcap). I've been in elevators (London), airports (Frankfurt), and in airplanes (Virgin America) that have all used this color rotation technique to enhance moods, so put it to use in your living room, and you may get rave reviews!

How to Look and Feel Good Behind a Camera

GeekSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:00:22 -0700

Looking good in front of the camera is an ongoing battle for most of us, but being behind the camera can be just as nerve wracking. If you don't follow someone around with a camera everyday - like cough cough Spencer Pratt - you might want to brush up on a few tips that will make your photo subjects look better and make you a more confident photographer.

Think about lighting and angles - If your subject is on the larger side do not take his or her picture from a low angle. This will only make them look bigger. Try to elevate your position and have your subject point their chin up toward you.

For additional tips, read more.

Twist and shout! - Have your subject twist sideways with their feet (if standing), or twist their legs (if sitting).
Take night photos - Experiment with your camera's ISO, Exposure and Aperture settings to take great night photos without your tripod.
Think about your setting - Birthdays, parties and events are prime photo opportunities because they offer the chance to take great action and group shots. Don't forget the money shots - like the birthday boy or girl blowing out candles or opening presents.
Don't be afraid to be creative - Photos of people spinning, running, jumping and dancing are always more exciting than the usual still photos. Getting good movement shots is usually easier than you think - it's just about timing.

Of course, once you've taken your pics, don't forget to make the best of your collection by sharing them with friends!

Pacific Coast News

Space Invader Rings: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:03 -0800

It seems like 2007 was the year of Space Invader sundries. From pillows, doormats and sweaters to these Space Invader Rings from the Toy Me Milano collection.

I happen to love the rings because they elevate video game love to a whole new level - they are unique, artistic and, if you ask me, completely geek chic. What do you think?

How To Make Your Photo Subjects Look Thin

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 03:30:36 -0700

We all know the camera adds 10 pounds and while there are special, slimming cameras you can use to help battle the bulge, there are also some simple tips you can use to make sure your subjects are happy with the way they look on film.

Sublime Light features some great tips for keeping your friends feeling slim and trim. It's important to remember that lighting can be your best friend and worst enemy when it comes to photography, but it can't always be controlled. Some items you can control are:

Get up high - Elevate your position. Try standing on a chair or stool when you take the picture. Your subject will need to look up at you slightly, and in doing so will be stretching out the extra chin a bit, making it disappear behind the real chin. If your subject is on the larger side do not take his or her picture from a low angle.
Twist the body - Have your subject twist sideways with their feet (if standing), or twist their legs (if sitting).
Use the right lens - Be very careful with those wide angle lenses. They can be fun sometimes, but can really pack on the pounds.

For more suggestions, check out the Sublime Light guide.
Source

Vintage Geek: First Cell Commercial Ever

GeekSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:00:45 -0700

Remember 1988, that simple time when there were no cell phone or iPod commercials and the only iPhone on the market was a clunky cord phone? Well, the era of pay phones and pen pals came to a close in 1989, when the first ever cell phone commercial aired, launching what was sure to be decades of 30-second signal strength battles.

Notice how Centel plays the "can you hear me now?" game with elevator music, off roading and a giant phone the size of my hair straightener. It's truly magical.

Have you seen a great technology commercial or run across funny gadgets while traveling? Share your photos, news, reviews and tips with me and I'll feature my favorites on the homepage. To learn how to post your finds to the Geeky Things I Love, read more

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 Geeky Things I Love
Click "Create and Share!" on the left hand side
Choose "Blog"
Give your photo a Title
Leave the category as "general"
Change the channel to "technology and gadgets"
Add keyword(s) (for example mine for this post was "museum, Lego")
Click on the "Add Image" link below the "body" box
A popup window will happen - click on "Browse" to find your image on your computer
Once you have the image chosen, click "Submit"
The popup will show you your image, choose size: "normal" - if you want, you can give it a title (which will show up as a caption)
Click "Insert" and the popup will go away
Your "body" box will now have some text in it. Leave it as is. If you want to add some text before the picture telling me why you love the download, do it before the code that has appeared.
Click Submit

So join the Geeky Things I Love and start sharing your finds. They might end up on the geeksugar homepage!

Mini Cooper Limo With Pool Trumps Talking Billboards

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:00:30 -0700

I've been in hybrid car mode since Earth Day was last weekend, but this luxurious (and hilarious!) Mini Cooper Limo With Pool has elevated my mini coop love to an all time high.

As you know, earlier this year Mini makers launched a new ad campaign with special billboards controlled by Radio Frequency Identification in their cars. The ads display personalized messages to Mini drivers as they go by so you can program it to say "Hey geeksugar, don't forget the soy milk" or "Happy Birthday George Clooney."

According to Born Rich, this more recent mini expansion is even more exciting. The 19.6 foot long Mini Cooper S limo (called the Mini XXL) can fit two people in its back seat whirlpool. It has a detachable sunroof can be covered and it comes equipped with a retractable flat screen TV, a DVD player, CD and radio, air conditioning, full black leather and a telephone in the rear so that passengers can communicate with the driver.

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Trend: Pay For A Powernap In The YeloChair

GeekSugar — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 07:43:55 -0700

A new kind of spa, which offers a sleep therapy system of 20 to 40 minutes is targeting those of us that are easily tired by the "pressures of modern life." That phrase usually points to the internet-addicted, sit-at-your-desk- all-day masses, so I can only assume they want us to join them in their new concept in wellness.

Yelo is an upscale New York spa that offers body treatments designed to heal and alleviate specific conditions or ailments so that you can emerge balanced and energized. The concept airs on the techie side because the treatment takes place in a Yelocab, a "patented treatment cabin" and on a YeloChair, a custom-designed luxury chair that's thickly-cushioned and surrounded by LED lights and special angle settings. The chair reclines deeply to keep your legs elevated above your heart, so that your pulse slows down. Apparently, this prompts a feeling of weightlessness, which encourages full relaxation and sleep within minutes. Inside the YeloCab you get purified air, chromatherapy, aromatherapy, a diverse music selection and of course the technologically-advanced, luxurious YeloChair to help you get your nap on.

When your reflexology or nap treatment is over you are "gradually awakened by a sunrise, simulated by soft LED lights." Naps alone cost $12 (for 20-minutes) to $24 (for 40 minutes), while the full 60 minutes of Yelo Reflexology costs $100. For a close look at the chair and cabin, read more

According to the Yelo website, the nap program is so popular they now offer memberships. I'm all for making mid-day naps popular, but I can't help thinking paying someone to let you sleep in their special chair seems a bit unnatural. Then again, no one can deny the effectiveness of a power nap.

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