BuzzSugar

"Heroes" Writers Are Letting Us Help

BuzzSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:50:00 PDT

A while back, I told you "Heroes" fans about one of the newest super people, Hana, known as "Wireless" for her ability to intercept digital information. By going to the Primatech website and filling out a "job application," I opted to receive text messages from Hana in which she conveys "secret" information about the Company. Thus, while we are piecing together the mysteries of the show, so is Hana - and she's providing us with clues to boot.

Today, I received an email saying Hana will need my help next Monday, April 9. That day, according to a new NBC press release, Hana will send viewers directions about how to help her, and the fans' actions will somehow influence the next episode of "Heroes":

Starting April 9th, Hana ... will enlist fans to help with her plans to thwart Linderman's plots. The top-secret online activity will actually interact with the on-air story and will pay off in the Monday, April 23rd episode, when "Heroes" returns to the NBC lineup.

How cool is this? If you're a die-hard fan of the show and haven't yet signed up to receive the "top-secret" notices, you should do so now! What if something you write to Hana ends up on the show? Let's discuss when you

read more This kind of interactivity isn't completely new - the Hanso Foundation website from "Lost," for example, led fans to new clues. (And, by the way, the site has been updated to include some new, eerie information.) Yet the idea of influencing the actual content on "Heroes" is taking it a new level. What do you think about this interactive project? Source

Our "Roadway to My Heart" Downloadable Valentine Is Perfect For School!

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:32:24 PST

Who needs hearts, kisses, and all that pink? If your home is filled with lil ones who'd rather play with cars, trucks, and things that go than add some glitter to a valentine he'll hand out at school, we've got just the card for you! We were challenged by the editors at Martha Stewart's Living in the Family Room blog to create a boy-friendly valentine that would get tots excited about more than the candy associated with Feb. 14.

The result: "Roadway to My Heart," an interactive card that combines a downloadable valentine and Matchbox cars.

Keep reading for the free download and step-by-step instructions for creating the card at home.

Earn More Money By Changing Up Your Office Space

LearnVest — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:15:07 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Most of us spend about 40 hours per week at work - in other words, the majority of our waking hours.

And nearly all of those hours are spent sitting at our desks. It’s a definite problem - and not just because we’re missing happy hour or quality couch time at home.

There’s no shortage of discouraging research pointing out the evils of a sedentary lifestyle and claiming that sitting will actually shorten our lives.

But, conversely, making a few tweaks to the way you sit - and the space you sit in - all day has been proven to make you a happier, healthier worker, busy earning your killer salary.

And, scientists say, the happier you are, the more you tend to earn.

In an effort to make the time spent at our desks as productive (and as profitable) as possible, we’ve combed the research for the easiest, most effective tips to soothe your mind and body when trapped in a cubicle . . . or corner office.

Just follow these four steps.

1. Make It Comfy

When we say “comfy,” we mean “ergonomic.” It’s an unfriendly word for a friendly concept: basically it means “intended to provide optimum comfort and to avoid stress or injury.” Friendly, right? Besides, an awkward workspace can lead to major health issues, including disorders in your joints or tendons, so a little tweaking of your cubicle can go a long way for your well-being. Line up your body correctly by following these two principles:

Your feet should be flat on the floor and your elbows should be even with your desk. This can be achieved either through adjustable chairs or - if chairs are a hot commodity at your office - a combination of step stools and pillows.

Read on for more tips.

The FunPod: Kid-Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Kate Stahl — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:33:32 PST

I love that my 10-month-old loves watching me in the kitchen. From her highchair, she will happily stuff her face with puffs and blueberries while I chop, mix, prep, and even empty the dishwasher. I've never considered that she might soon need a more interactive kitchen experience, but after seeing The FunPod from Luca & Company, I'm reconsidering. The unique kid product, developed by a mom from England, keeps your child in a safe spot - away from electrical and hot appliances - while you go about your kitchen business, but it also allows them to easily see what you're doing and even help. The pod is adjustable, with five settings to keep it at chest level for 12-month-olds to 5-year-olds.

The FunPod isn't cheap (buy it through BabyEarth for $190), but it's won multiple awards and has a loyal following. So would you invest in a FunPod for your lil one? Weigh in below.

Madonna's Super Bowl Halftime Show: Touchdown or Letdown?

Shannon Vestal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:30:00 PST

The Giants may have won the big game, but the verdict on Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show is still out. The Material Girl took to the field in a Viking-like headdress and costume to revisit some of her biggest hits, like "Vogue" and "Music," while interacting with some impressive Cirque du Soleil performers, LMFAO, and Cee Lo Green. The set was a mix of old and new, since she topped it off with new single "Give Me All Your Luvin'" alongside Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. I thought it was a fun enough show for fans of Madonna, but I was hoping for something a little more explosive - after all, this woman has never been afraid to take risks. It just felt a little safe to me, and I would have liked to have heard some more classic Madonna hits. But I'd love to hear your thoughts; were you feeling the halftime show or not?

How to Select the Perfect Oyster Assortment

Sara Yoo — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:26:19 PST

It's well-known lore that oysters can really titillate the palate (among other things), so I consulted Parke Ulrich, executive chef at Waterbar Restaurant in San Francisco, for tips on crafting the perfect oyster plate at home. Constructing a carefully curated selection of oysters is a bit of an art, much like creating a cheese plate. According to Chef Ulrich, oysters "have a great sense of place. They may be the same species but taste different depending on where they are actually grown." Since selecting an assortment of oysters can be intimidating (after all, various oysters get their flavors from tidal changes, minerality, water temperature, and other factors!), I asked Ulrich for a few pointers.

Map out your choices. Oyster characteristics - liquidy, chewy, briny, earthy - often depend upon the oyster's origin. For example, "Tomales Bays [oysters native to the San Francisco Bay Area] are briny and sweet because they are influenced by the cold water and fresh water in this area," Ulrich points out. To represent this pearl of the sea's vast variety of flavors, choose a geographically diverse assortment. Not only will you create a satisfying plate, but you'll have fun guessing each oyster's home!
Span the flavor spectrum. Briny oysters tend to be "cleaner tasting and have less of an aftertaste," Ulrich explains. The more earthy and complex the oyster, the more it lingers on your palate, an attribute that's better for the more advanced oyster eater. At your local market, keep an eye out for Ulrich's faves - Preston Points (from Tomales Bay in Northern California), Nootka Sounds (from British Columbia), and Wellfleet (from Cape Cod) - and opt for more obscure varieties that you're not apt to find at other restaurants.

For the rest of his tips, read on.

The Pros and Cons of Office Romance

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:15:37 PST

Dating a co-worker can be a thrilling and wonderful thing - that is until the relationship falters. Here are seven pros and cons of dating (and breaking up with) a co-worker so you know what to expect before you decide to get involved.

Pro: Forbidden love can be hot and passionate.
Con: You might have to keep your relationship a secret from co-workers. If the office does find out, it can quickly turn into a awkward situation, and if you do eventually break up, it can become even more unpleasant and humiliating.

Pro: You have an insider's understanding of their work ethic and how they communicate with others. You can talk openly and honestly about current projects or co-workers.
Con: You might not agree with their business decisions or attitude towards co-workers.

Pro: You have the rare opportunity to see each other when you are the most energetic, motivated, and sharp.
Con: If you get in a fight or break up, you'll have to conceal your personal feelings toward one another at the office.

Read on for more pros and cons.

Video of the Day: Beware the Facebook Police

Kelly Schwarze — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:05:50 PST

There's no way around it, Facebook Timeline is here. And as Jimmy Kimmel says, "You will like it." Don't want to take the time to update your new profile page? Expect a visit from the Facebook Police to force the social interaction out of you, as seen in a dramatic reenactment from Kimmel's late night show.

Lotty Dotty Interactive Paper Doll Shirts: Ga Ga or Gag?

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:36:19 PST

Telling your tot to "stop fidgeting with her clothes" takes on a whole new meaning these days. Paper dolls have moved off the table and onto the computer, so why shouldn't they jump to your lil one's shirts as well? Paris-based Lotty Dotty's doll shirts ($45) are just the thing for budding fashionistas who can't get enough of designing.

The interactive t-shirts allow kids to pick one of five "girls" to be silk-screened onto organic shirts. Clad in a Velcro bathing suit, the girls can then be dressed up in the included signature tutu dress and an accessory of their choosing. Additional dresses, outfits, and accessories ($12 - $30) can be purchased separately, allowing for multiple outfit changes throughout the day. The children's shirts - ranging from sizes suitable for kids three and up - are also available in adult versions. Would you buy one for your kid?

Geeks We Love: Susan Orlean Shares Her Tech Secrets

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:34:14 PST

As a New Yorker staff writer, author of nonfiction books on subjects ranging from Rin Tin Tin to orchids, and woman with an all-around awesome job, Susan Orlean spends a lot of time alone writing from home on her latest reporting venture. So when she wanted to find all the camaraderie of an office no matter where her travels took her, guess where she turned for comfort . . . Twitter.

In an event at this year's Macworld in San Francisco, Susan explained that Twitter changed the way she worked, thanks to conversations with strangers, and helped to solidify her place with the geeks. Here's more of what we learned from our favorite tech-obsessed writer, including how to work efficiently with technology and deal when a loved one won't convert to your favorite gadget brand.

Keep the analog - Though Susan was speaking from her perspective as a writer, her tip to always keep a little part of your work in the offline, analog world can apply to so many other fields. It's a reminder to rely on our wits in the face of fast information. Don't Google every question that pops up, go out into the real world and discover the answer for yourself.
Don't skip the human part - Twitter serves as a natural extension of friendships, but it certainly doesn't replace the subtle nuances that occur in face-to-face interaction. Keep your curiosity (and relationships!) intact by picking up the phone or meeting for a coffee chat.
Download Evernote! - When asked about her favorite app, Susan emphatically responded, "Evernote." Its functionality across desktop, browser, phone, and tablet platforms lets you stay productive from anywhere and never forget the digital content that matters.
A united tech household is key - As someone that's "hopelessly obsessed with new gadgets," Susan understandably is an Apple evangelist, a brand known for its enthusiastic early adopters. The new products and industrial design beauty only goes so far, though, when half of the house is living in a different world - a PC world. After coping with a home office filled with piles of cords and multiple printers for the different operating systems, Susan half-jokingly finally convinced her husband to switch to Apple products when she simply stopped packing the bulky cords for his PC. Now they live in OS harmony.

Are you someone like Susan who has found a way to make social networks help you develop relationships and achieve work goals, rather than let them distract?