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Geek Tip: Use an Old Tube Sock to Round Up Your Cords

GeekSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:04:14 -0700

I never thought of this super simple solution for an old sock, and I thought I'd heard all the cord organizing tricks out there! Courtesy of this month's issue of Real Simple, the editors suggest using an old trouser sock to wrap around cords to keep them together.

Just snip off the toe part so you have a little tube, unplug from the power strip, insert the cords, and then plug them back in.

They say trouser sock, but I keep envisioning a cute striped retro tube sock! Their tip also has them gathered from a power strip, but I could also see using them to keep cords wrapped tightly around one another when they're put away.

Deeelightul Daily Thought Wallpaper by Real Simple

GeekSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:00:42 -0700

Real Simple has some refreshingly sweet and earnest wallpapers for your desktop, each with a thought or quote to inspire you, or at least keep you going until it's time to leave. Don't worry, for those of you who were scared off by the funky iPhoneky wallpapers, these are mostly tame still-life images.

There are 19 Daily Thought wallpapers (not to be confused with Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey, although those quotes are a different kind of inspiration), so there's not quite one to switch to for every day of the year, but it's a start.

Tech Dating 101: He Acts Differently Online Than in Real Life

GeekSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:05:30 -0700

I'll admit it: technology has made the early stages of dating a lot easier. For instance, you no longer have to work up the nerve to call a guy you're into - just fire off a witty text message or IM and avoid awkward pauses on the phone altogether! It's a lot easier to type out something you might have trouble expressing in a face-to-face situation. (Exhibit A: Texts From Last Night. Do you think half of the things said via late-night text would ever see the light of day in a face-to-face or phone call situation?)

Another admission: it's a whole lot easier for me to talk to a guy online than it is in person. And if it's easier for me, I assume it's easier for a guy, too. But that creates a whole other set of issues. What happens if you connect great with someone while chatting online or via text, but there's still a ton of in-person shyness and awkwardness. It's happened to me more than once, but I was able to overcome it. To find out how, read more.

After meeting a guy and exchanging information, we started chatting online and immediately hit it off. We didn't see each other face-to-face for a week or two, and when we did we both suddenly reverted to our shy selves, never mind the amazing, insightful conversations we'd had. Thankfully, we both realized the problem and were able to overcome it. Here's how:

Stop online chatting. OK, that may be a little extreme, but at least slow it down. One of my favorite Someecards reads, "Let's temporarily avoid each other's blogs, tweets and Facebook updates so we have something to talk about on our date." This is so true! Not only is it easy to virtually stalk him, it takes all of the fun out of getting to know each other.
Talk about your online conversations. A simple, "That story about your dog that you told me online today was hilarious," worked wonders. It reminded him that I was the same girl that he happily typed to all day - and that I was paying attention.
Don't overshare just because you're online. It's much easier to divulge more personal information when there's a computer screen in front of you instead of a real person. When you're just getting to know someone, If you wouldn't say it to their face, don't type it out, either.

It's tough, but a little online distance will only make the face time you spend with your new guy even more exciting.

Do you have a Love 2.0 question you want answered? Join the Tech Dating 101 because we understand that love and dating are stressful and the Internet and social networking sites can just make things worse. You never know, your question could be featured on GeekSugar! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Geek Tip: Use BlueRetriever to Get Your Lost Mobile Back

GeekSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:04:44 -0700

I was smitten by Apple's new Find My iPhone service when it was announced at this year's WWDC, but let's get real - not everyone wants (or can) subscribe to MobileMe. So for all of you who fall into this category, there's BlueRetriever.

BlueRetriver is like an insurance policy, which gives you a way to get back your lost cell without having to do much more than sign up for a free account and downloading the BlueRetriever wallpaper. Why wallpaper you ask? Well, BlueRetriever relies on good Samaritans - the wallpaper you download has a big and obvious "Return For Reward" message displayed on your home screen (a reward in which you set up beforehand), and a code to enter on BlueRetriever.com. Whoever finds your phone enters the code online, and alerts you via email that your precious mobile was found. Once your mobile is back in your hands, your good Samaritan receives an e-card for the predetermined reward amount.

Simple, easy, and way cheaper than a monthly MobileMe subscription. To see which phones are currently supported by BlueRetriever, just read more.

Apple:

iPhone
iPhone 3G / 3GS
iPod Touch

Blackberry:

Curve
Storm
Bold
Pearl

Palm:

Google:

Shia LaBeouf Dislikes the Wii, Plays PS3 and Xbox 360

GeekSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:44:41 -0700

Turns out that Pop fave and Transformers star Shia LaBeouf is something of a console snob!

In a recent interview, Shia was asked if he'd gotten a chance to test out the Transformers game on the Wii, and he had some choice (and colorful, as per usual) words for Nintendo's console:

"I haven't been able to play the Wii game because my hand is broken. I've just been playing Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. I would imagine that the Wii experience will be like . . . I don't mess with the Wii, to be honest with you. It's kind of an amateur console. I'm not into the Wii thing."

Then, when the interviewer asks what's wrong with the Wii, LaBeouf fires:

"This is how in a simple way you can find out if it's a gamer you want to play with. Ask them if they have a Wii. If they say yes, get the f*** out of there."

Check out the rest of Shia's interview with Big Download to find out his favorite video games of all time and why he considers himself a "real" gamer.

Twitter Management Systems: Guide to the Tweet Life

GeekSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:03:26 -0700

Twitter's aim is to keep us connected in real time, but once you dive in it becomes apparent that keeping up in real time is essentially impossible. The more people you follow and tweets you track, the more tweets, links, and ground you'll have to cover. Staying on top of the action is possible with a little help from these simple downloads and specially designed search tools.

View Slideshow ›

Geek Tip: Use Q-Tips to Make Your Battery Last Longer

GeekSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:30:12 -0700

From the office of Yes, Really comes this tip for maintaining maximum cell phone and laptop battery life: Real Simple advises you to swipe a cotton swab dipped in alcohol across the battery contacts (make sure it's not dripping with alcohol, I assume).

They say this helps "maintain good battery connections and sustain the charge for a longer time."

Well, hot damn. Anyone ever heard of this? I may have to try it!

Source

Daily Tech: First Impressions of the iPhone 3.0 Beta OS

GeekSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:19:38 -0700

So far so good for the iPhone 3.0 Beta release. Notable features include speedy Spotlight, the MobileMe phone locator, and widescreen SMS.- Gizmodo
Are you still on the fence about Facebook? A woman describes her first experiences with it and how this social networking site has changed her life. - Real Simple
If you've ever had a gadget disaster - like spilling a full cup of tea on your keyboard - check out this list of 11 solutions for tech toy mishaps like this. - Switched
Who said a TV in kitchen had to be totally tacky? See some kitchens that have incorporated tech quite nicely into their decor. - Unplggd
Here's a list of 7 common items - like shredded paper - that you thought you could recycle, but can't. - Forecast Earth

NetWorks Radio Packs a Big Punch in a Tiny Package

GeekSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:35:59 -0800

Not only am I obsessed with online music sites like Pandora, but I also like to stream my favorite radio stations from various parts of the country. I feel like it gives me a real insight about what new music is out there. My computer is totally convenient, since I can do both from anywhere, but I think the NetWorks Radio is a very cool alternative . . . if you have a "few" extra hundred dollars lying around.

The NetWorks radio is tiny - only nine inches high and five inches wide - but unlike other simple iPod docks, it not only plays music from your MP3 player, but it can stream music from the Internet and even pick up AM/FM radio signals from all over the world. Plus, it can tap into your computer's music folder via a wireless signal, and play that music, too. Seriously, this thing is a music monster fit for the radio heads out there - and the $650 price tag totally reflects that. Naturally.

Geek Tip: Text Google to Find the Best Prices While Shopping!

GeekSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:21 -0700

This geek tip is coming to you courtesy of Real Simple, and without being too punny, it is real simple. I knew you could text Google for info on mostly anything, and I was really stoked when I found the Checkout SmartShop iPhone app last week.

But if you don't have an iPhone or don't want to pay $5 for the app, then RS advises you to text 466453 with the item name that you spot while out shopping (like "Joe's Jeans Muse") and then type "price" after that.

Google will then text you back with the price of that item at different stores! You won't overspend if you have tech on your side (well . . . maybe you won't).

Source