GeekSugar

The SlouchPod Interactive Gaming Chair

GeekSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:19:23 PDT

The makers of the SlouchPod claim that this interactive chair represents the next generation in Beanbags. I was never a huge fan of beanbag chairs, but this one may be an exception as it is completely wired for gaming and entertainment purposes. The SlouchPod features a digital control panel for mp3 players, games consoles, your TV or DVD, a computer or stereo. There are also built-in speakers with a subwoofer so you feel like you are in the center of all the action.
The only major boo-hoo about this chair is its hefty $600 price tag. But then again, Lazy Boy chairs are uber expensive, and they only massage you.

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12 Clever Yet Pretty Media Storage Ideas

Sara Yoo — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:00:32 PST

Thanks to the rapid proliferation of media technology, it can feel as though new gadgets are determined to overthrow our homes. We shove them in cabinets only to find cords sprouting from every hinge; we cringe at the futuristic flat screen looming over Louis XVI chairs. Make peace with your televisions, DVRs, game systems, and DVD players with these pretty and functional storage ideas that will make them feel just as much a part of your home's decorating scheme as your entertainment center.

Source: House to Home

Beginner's Guide: How to Sit on a Stability Ball

Anna Monette Roberts — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:24:32 PST

You may think it's all fun and games sitting on a stability ball while you work, but you should implement these important guidelines to help protect yourself from accidental injury. While the stability ball has its advantages, you should avoid using one if you have an acute back injury, especially if your quadratus lumborum, the major back muscle that runs from your 12th rib to the top of your pelvis, is compromised. The ball offers no back support, forcing you to heavily depend on the QL for support. If you notice any sharp or discomforting pain, forgo the ball for an ergonomic chair.

Five Rules For Proper Stability Ball Usage:

Right size: Buy a ball that is intended for your height. Inflate the ball enough so that when you sit down, your legs create a 90 degree angle, at both the hip and knee, and your entire forearm can rest easily on your desk when typing.
Wide stance: Place your feet flat on the floor about six inches from the ball. Open your legs to about the ball's width (wider than hip distance). You'll notice that if you place your feet closer together, your hip flexors will tighten up, and that lower back pain will creep up.

See more tips.

Jennifer Aniston Talks Pregnancy and Joins Hollywood's Hottest Ladies to Turn Heads For Elle

Katie Henry — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:25:07 PDT

Jennifer Aniston's piercing blue eyes stand out on the November issue of Elle, on stands Oct. 18. Jen slipped into a sexy black tank top from Balmain, Balenciaga shorts, a Cartier necklace, and David Yurman bracelets for her cover shoot while boyfriend Justin Theroux watched her pose for photographer Alexei Hay - shop Jen's luxury look now! Inside the magazine she talks more about the rumors surrounding her personal life, including pregnancy speculation, and reveals her experience working in front of and behind the camera. Jen's not the only famous face inside the issue; she's joined by veteran actresses like Naomi Watts, Viola Davis, and Michelle Pfeiffer as well as newcomers like Elizabeth Olsen and Evan Rachel Wood - see the full spread on Elle.com. The ladies talk about what it's like working in Hollywood in addition to pinpointing the moment they all decided to become actresses. Here's more:

Jennifer on baby rumors: "But it's not what you read. There's no desperation. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I'm at peace with whatever the plan is. But will you hate me if I say I don't want to talk about my relationship?"
Jennifer on the first time she stood up to a male director: "I threw a chair at a director. It wasn't my proudest moment. He was treating a script supervisor horribly . . . When the director walked in, I threw a chair at him. I missed, of course. I was like, 'You can't speak to people like that.' I can't tolerate it."
Naomi on her breakthrough role in Mulholland Drive: "It was a game-changer, but I knew I had to be careful. You can get a lot of attention and still be gone in a flash."
Naomi on becoming an actress: "One of the things was seeing the movie Fame, as cheesy as that sounds. I was like, That looks fun! It wasn't that I wanted to be famous. I just wanted to go to acting class."
Elizabeth on taking a year off school to make her film debut: "They're all indies, so the shoots were relatively short - it was great because every single film was a genre, and the directors were so completely different. It helped me figure out what worked for me and how I would adapt. It was difficult at times - like a great year of conservatory training. It was that intense."
Elizabeth on her desire to act: "Watching old Frank Sinatra musicals when I was, like, 6. I wanted to be one of the love interests when I got older."

Should Child Beauty Pageants Be Banned Altogether?

Allure — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:30:00 PDT

We're excited to present this thought-provoking story from Allure:

Protestors of an upcoming Melbourne child beauty pageant have taken to the streets of Australia with signs reading: "Affection Not Perfection" and "Babies Not Barbies." They've asked that the government step in and apply an age restriction for the event, which will be run by the American-based Universal Royalty Beauty Pageant (of Toddlers and Tiaras fame) in July. Now those protestors have found allies in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. See what the college chair had to say about the matter when you read more.

5 At-Home Fitness Tips From the American Idol Trainer, Marco Reed

Self — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:05:47 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

If you've seen the new svelte Jennifer Hudson (that's "J-Hud" to you) in Weight Watchers commercials, you know that the transformation from "hopeful" to "diva" can be a big change. And not just from a physical standpoint.

That's why - whether readying clients for class reunions, weddings, new jobs, new chapters, or performing nightly in front of millions of viewers - frequent American Idol trainer Marco Reed's GetBeyondFit program weighs stress management and stamina as heavily as body sculpting and nutrition.

Idol top-three finalist Haley Reinhart buddies up to trainer Marco Reed.

At this time of year, after American Idol has reached its stunning conclusion, and TV audiences are readying themselves to move onto other shows like The Bachelorette, Marco Reed's job is just beginning.

After the initial hoopla has died down, the show's producers recruit this go-to trainer to ready their new pop stars - like David Cook and Adam Lambert in the past - for album releases and solo tours. (Though Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart have not trained with Reed, they have been in touch.) An avid watcher of the show, Reed confesses, "I really enjoyed Casey Abrams and Haley. However, I would love to work with Lauren once the show ends. She has a sparkle about her, and I think she would benefit from my GetBeyondFit program."

But what makes that program so unique? And how can we get on board? To find out, keep on reading!

Submit to Your Alien Overlords: Space Invaders Home Decor

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 26 May 2011 03:13:53 PDT

Being the classic video game geek that I am, you can bet I have a few Space Invaders-themed goods in my home, but there are a few I'd like to add to the collection. Take for example, the colorful chairs on the bottom left. These are still in production as prototypes, but I'm betting that geeks with some spare cash would throw down some serious dough to have one of their own. If you're looking to outfit your kitchen, there's the Space Invaders cutting board ($130) and coaster set ($60), and handmade kitchen table lampshades ($70). Bring alien life into your bedroom with the Space Invaders alarm clock ($40) and mirror set ($52), and next time you have a party, be sure to stock your freezer with the Ice Invaders ice cube trays ($8), which are both affordable and entertaining.

David Rings In 36 and Cheers On the Lakers With Justin, Pregnant January, and Best Buds Will and John

Allie Merriam — Tue, 03 May 2011 06:52:19 PDT

The Costume Institute Gala was the place to be for celebs in NYC last night, but the Lakers game in LA was also a star magnet. Superfan David Beckham assumed his usual courtside position on the evening of his 36th birthday, while Justin Timberlake sipped on a beer next to friends to watch as the hometown team took on the Dallas Mavericks during the first matchup in the Western Conference semifinals - the Texans, though, pulled off a win by just two points. Justin skipped this year's Met Ball despite actually co-chairing the event with Vogue head Anna Wintour two years ago. Mom-to-be January Jones is another who has turned out for Costume Institute Galas in the past, but she stayed put in California to spend an evening with her pal Jennifer Carpenter. There was more friend love in the air for Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, and the Step-Brothers buddies even shared a friendly kiss on the lips. Will has a few reasons to spread cheer to his nearest and dearest, with his new movie Everything Must Go receiving a warm reception during the recent Tribeca Film Festival. He's also lining up a cast for a new wedding comedy starring Kirsten Dunst and Party Down's Lizzy Caplan.

Daily Tech: Your Thoughts on Game of Thrones?

GeekSugar — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:58:22 PDT

Share your thoughts on Game of Thrones - PopCandy
Geeky illustrations tell new stories - The Mary Sue
Make your own standing desk - Unplggd
Will there be a white iPhone Nano? - CrunchGear
Chair dancing: it's a thing - Urlesque/HuffPo Comedy
Sony says 10 million credit card accounts may have been stolen - Kotaku

How to Plan a Fun DIY Fitness Getaway With Girlfriends

Heather Dale — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:00:29 PDT

Vacationing with girlfriends doesn't have to be all about boozing, suntanning, and dancing on tables (OK, I take back the last one). Because even if you're just heading out of town with a friend for a mini getaway, there are many ways to incorporate fitness into your vacation.

But what happens when you want to plan a trip with friends that's centered around healthy, delicious, food, and staying active? Here are some fun ideas that will help get your bikini-body ready for Summer, and re-connect you with the ladies you love without breaking the bank. Read on to find out what they are.