PopSugar

Geek Tip : Accessing Gmail When It Is Blocked At Work Or School

GeekSugar — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:03:54 -0800

Totally frustrated because your workplace or school has put a permanent ban on Gmail? In my opinion this is completely ridiculous. How will people access the Google tools they really need like their calendars and to-do spreadsheet lists? Nonetheless, there might be a solution. Here are some helpful hints that are worth a try.

Use different web address combos like http://mail.google.com, https://mail.google.com, http://www.gmail.com, https://www.gmail.com, http://gmail.com, https://gmail.com, or http://googlemail.com as your office might block specific URLs.

For more tips, just read more

Configure your mail program to access Gmail through POP
so that your mail program at work or school can connect to Gmail. For instructions on the Gmail site, click configure email client list.
Access Gmail through Google Desktop. By downloading the desktop, it will bypass direct links to Gmail although this method may be banned from the office as well.

Simply Fab: Band-Aid Blister Block Stick

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:44:33 -0700

Band-Aid Activ-Flex Blister Block Stick, $7, is the latest and greatest invention for blister prevention! It's the end all be all excuse for buying ridiculously expensive and uncomfortable shoes. Ahh, and this also happens to be great for your wedding day because let's face it: you can't really break in your wedding shoes without running the risk of getting them dirty!

This new product is an invisible shield that you swipe over the areas on your feet where you would normally get a blister. It actually looks kinda like a deodorant stick. The emollient coats and protects the skin from being rubbed raw by the friction of your stiff shoe. And, because it's invisible, it's safe to wear with open toe shoes and it isn't messy so it won't damage your shoes.

How-To: Block Print

CasaSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:50 -0700

Block printing is an ancient art form which begins by carving an impression of your design into wood, linoleum, or any other engravable material. Once you've made your block, you can use it to make an unlimited number of identical prints. Depending on what type of paint you use, you can use your block to print paper, wood, or even fabric. Block printing is a great way to personalize your garden-variety throw pillows, or even make custom stationery.

It can be overwhelming to learn a new craft though, especially when you're reading instructions out of a book or online. It's much easier to learn if you've seen it done firsthand. So, I was pleased to come across an instructional video on linoleum block printing at Urban Outfitters by Stephen of Etsy shop Something's Hiding in Here. To watch it, read more.

I wish I'd seen this video before I attempted to teach myself. It makes learning this craft a piece of cake! You can buy all the supplies needed for block printing, including a brayer, ink, a block, and a baron at Urban Outfitters, but they're also all readily available at your local art supply store.

Source

Yoga Block Can Be More Than Just Blocks

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I am a huge fan of using blocks when practicing yoga. They are often used by beginners and those with injuries to help them modify certain postures, but they are also used by experienced and flexible yogis as tools to get deeper into poses.

Blocks come in many shapes, sizes, and they can be made out of many different materials including cork, foam and bamboo. If you're not sure where to begin, get a 4 inch yoga block and start with that. Once you learn ways to use it, you can figure out of you need to add more blocks to your home studio.

Here's a basic list of the different kinds you can get.

Hugger Mugger Foam Wedge	1 Inch Foam Yoga Bricks
2 Inch Foam Yoga Bricks	3 inch Yoga Bricks
4 Inch Yoga Blocks	Shoulder Stand Foam Block
Hugger Mugger Cork Block	Hugger Mugger Bamboo Block

Yoga Props Explained: Blocks

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

When I walked into my first few yoga classes, I was intrigued by all the blocks neatly stacked against the wall next to the perfectly rolled-up mats. I soon came to realize that those different sized blocks had many useful purposes.

Blocks are often used by beginners and those with injuries to help them modify certain postures, but they are also used by experienced and flexible yogis as tools to get deeper into poses. I'm a huge fan of blocks, and here's why:

Blocks can be used when doing standing poses to bring the ground closer to your hands if you can't quite reach yet.
Blocks can also be used in restorative poses to support your bones and the weight of your body. Iyengar and Kripalu classes often use blocks to deeply open certain parts of the body, or for relaxation poses.

Want to see how else you can use yoga blocks? Then read more

Blocks can also make poses more comfortable, especially in seated poses. Sitting on a block will bring your hips above your knees, reducing pain if there is too much pressure on a certain muscle or joint.
Placing a block beyond your reach can help you stretch your muscles even further, increasing flexibility.
You can also use blocks to makes poses more challenging. I like to work on more advanced poses such as inversions, and the blocks help to keep my hands (my base) steady.

Source, Source, and Source

NBC's Chopping Block Gets Axed

YumSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:00:28 -0700

Only three weeks into the show, and NBC has chopped Chopping Block, its new food reality TV competition starring UK bad boy chef Marco Pierre White.

Chopping Block turned out meager viewership, drawing a mere 2.6 million viewers last week. NBC said it hopes to bring the show back at a later date - but for now it'll be replaced by reruns of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

I can't say I didn't see this news coming. Although I love Marco Pierre White (and the respectable critics who made guest appearances on his show), Chopping Block was far too mild and drama-free to survive in its competitive primetime slot.

Did this news surprise you? Are you disappointed to see Chopping Block fall by the wayside?

Source

DIY: Collage Blocks

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:45:15 -0700

While this project was identified by Martha: The Martha Stewart Show as a DIY for baby blocks, I think they'd make a cool addition to a very grown up bookshelf or fireplace mantel. You can coordinate the images and paper you select for the greatest decorative impact.

What You'll Need

3 1/4-inch square wood block
Sandpaper
Scissors
Acrylic paint
Mod Podge
Paintbrush
Decorative paper
Emery board
Letters, numbers, and embellishments
Sponge

To find out how to make it, according to Martha, read more.

Sand the wooden block with sandpaper to prepare it for painting.
Paint the block with the color you've selected. Allow to dry.
Cut 6 pieces of decorative paper to 3 1/4 inch.
Glue the paper to each side of the block using all-purpose Mod Podge. Allow the glue to dry.
Sand edges and corners of paper with an emery board.
Paste the letters, numbers, and embellishments to the block using the same technique.
Sponge the edges of the paper with paint to give it texture and an antique look.
Paint another coat of Mod Podge all over the block to seal. Allow to dry.

Need a little more help? There's also a helpful video you can check out.

Source

Block Work: Upper Back Release

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you've never stretched using a foam block, then get ready to embark on a whole new realm in the world of stretching. Blocks can be used to get you deeper into stretches than you can on your own. This upper back release is a simple and relaxing exercise that will open your chest and shoulders. If you don't have a foam block, then use a stack of small books with a hand towel over it that measures four inches wide, six inches high, and nine inches long, or a foam roller will work in a pinch.

Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Place the six-inch high block directly behind you, about five inches from your bum.
Lean back and place your hands on the block so it doesn't slide away, centering the middle of your spine on the top of the block.
Then arch all the way back, releasing your head down to the ground. Rest your hands on either side of your body.
The block should feel comfortable so if any part is digging into you, make adjustments until it feels right. Then stay here for a minute or longer, allowing gravity to draw your shoulders towards the ground, feeling an amazing opening in your chest and upper back.
Once you've had enough, press your hands into the ground and sit up.

Marco Pierre White: "You Have a Duty to Put Reality Into TV"

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:00:32 -0800

If you're a fan of reality cooking shows, you may have heard about NBC's upcoming show, Chopping Block, which airs March 11. The show stars Marco Pierre White, the UK's original bad-boy chef, who has been known to make even Gordon Ramsay cry.

When I spoke to White today, the Chopping Block host was, in stark contrast to his deviant reputation, incredibly gracious, even-keeled, and - dare I say it - sentimental. He denounced bad behavior in the kitchen and on his show ("I will not tolerate bad language or anybody raising their voice") and insisted on being called by his first name ("Marco's my name; chef's my trade"). The one negative thing he had to say, however, was about Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay's reality cooking show. Get to know the chef when you read more.

On Hell's Kitchen and host Gordon Ramsay: I've seen nothing original about Hell's Kitchen. Gordon is allowed to conduct himself as he wishes. It's quite interesting, watching someone's legacy unravel. Of course, it would be easy to swear, to shout, to suppress people, and to cut people down. Do I want my dear children seeing that? There's a very fine line between being a bully and a protector. [But], let's not forget Gordon Ramsay is a great cook.

On what sets Chopping Block apart from the rest: I will never be a performing seal. I do not perform for a camera - I am myself. If you do reality TV, then you have a duty to put reality into TV. If you don't do that, then what you're doing is questioning your integrity. The one thing we do deliver is reality. That's what reality TV should be all about.

On his contribution to the restaurant industry: I showed people what was possible. I helped people create their dreams. I remember Heston Blumenthal on his first day in the kitchen, Mario Batali on his first day in the kitchen, Gordon Ramsay, as a little boy, coming to work for me. All I did was share my dream with them. All you can do is share your story, your philosophy.

On the organic and healthy food movement: I came from the most humble side of society. They can't afford organic. If everything was organic, what would the price of bread be? Of eggs? If you're going to question farming, then question farming on every level. Let's not forget that there are a lot of people out there who have not a lot of money.

Source

Block Work: Lower Ab Exercise

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you're dealing with chronic lower-back pain, exercises like the Lower Back Release will help stretch out your spine. But you can't stop there; you also need to strengthen your core, so give this variation of Scissor Abs a try. Raising your hips up off the ground helps to protect your lower back and you just might find it more challenging, too.

Music: "Don't Wait Too Long" by Madeleine Peyroux

For detailed instructions on this exercise, just read more.

Begin lying on your back with your knees bent. Place a block underneath your sacrum at the base of your spine so your hips are lifted four inches off the ground. You can use a small stack of books if you don't have a block. The long side of the books or block should be perpendicular to your spine.
Keep your arms against the sides of your body and straighten your legs up towards the ceiling. Engage your abs and press your lower back into the block.
Keeping your core strong and abs pulled to the spine, slowly lower your right leg down until it is a few inches above the floor. Then scissor your legs by lifting your right leg up as you slowly lower your left leg down toward the floor.
Keep the movements slow and steady, moving with control. Keep your core engaged the entire time. Try not to put any weight into your palms to ensure that you're solely working your abs.
You may not feel this until you do it for a while, so repeat this move for a total of 20 to 30 times on each leg (or more if you're still not feeling it).
After you've had enough, bend your knees and lower both feet to the ground. Remove the block from under your hips and hug your knees into your chest.