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Would You Like to Live in a Converted Cathedral?

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

In past two years or so, I've written about several churches, cathedrals, and chapels converted into homes and, in one case, a bookstore - see here, here, and here. In each case, the architectural transformation was flawless. I just spotted another holy conversion, and although I am disappointed with the décor, I am now convinced that it is my destiny to live in a converted place of worship. You can't find arched windows, stained glass, and "cathedral" ceilings like that any where else. There's actually a former Gothic church up for sale here in San Francisco, and as soon as I collect $9.95 million in indulgences, it'll be mine!
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How to: Convert Files From the Web With Media Converter

GeekSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:33:55 -0700

Have you ever wanted to convert the audio track of your favorite YouTube video into an MP3 so you could play it on your iPod? Media Converter offers a free conversion service that's easy on newbies, but expert enough for pros.

You convert video directly from portals like YouTube or Metacafe or upload from a file on your computer. Once you've chosen the file, Media Converter offers a simple wizard that lets you select what type of file you'd like to convert to, such as MP3, MP4, or even doc and PDF. Click a few times and the site does all the magic. So now you can listen to mashups of Christian Bale's Terminator set rant while running on the treadmill.

Geek Tip: Use Google To Convert Currencies

GeekSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:00:40 -0700

Have you ever found yourself shopping on a British website and realized you have no idea how much $10,000 euros is in American dollars, or if staying in a Japanese hotel for 800 yen a night is a great deal or savings wrecker?

If you ever find yourself in a currency converting pinch and you don't have a special widget, heed this advice: Open up Google, type in the word "convert" followed by whatever confusing currency amount you need translated and the type of currency you would like it converted into. For example, my search "convert ¥99,750 to US dollars" brought back the result ¥ 99750 = 819.84525 U.S. dollars. I know now that the idea of buying a Titanium iPod Nano Case is out of my price range and preposterous.

If you are away from your computer, you may be able to text message Google for quick info. You should be able to send a text message to 466453 (which spells out 'GOOGLE' on most devices) and they'll text message you back with the results. Unfortunately, Google Mobile SMS is only supported with certain carriers in different countries. Check to see if your carrier supports Google Mobile SMS.

Do you know a great shortcut or tip you think geeksugar readers should know? Share it in our 'How To' Help - Guide To All Things Geeky group, 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 'How To' Help - Guide To All Things Geeky
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 photo was "Geek tip")
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 think this person is geeky, do it before the code that has appeared.
Click Submit

So join the 'How To' Help - Guide To All Things Geeky and start sharing your favorite tips! Your tricks just might end up on the Geeksugar homepage!

Steal of the Day: PBteen Convertible Couch

CasaSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:15:24 -0700

I wouldn't normally recommend a futon-esque furnishing, but the PBteen Convertible Couch ($799, reduced from $899) is actually quite handsome. Its midcentury lines and button tufting give it a mature look — a significant departure from what the words "convertible couch" bring to mind. But, it's true, it does convert to a full-size bed in a couple of clicks. If you're a midcentury modern fan, and you can work with the coffee or shoreline-stripe color options, this one might be for you. And if you're working on decorating your studio, it's an ideal space saver.

Coveted Crib: A Converted Church in London

CasaSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:45:40 -0700

I've shown you several converted churches in the past, and they always seem to be a hit. So, when I came across a church that was converted to a home in Kensal Green, London, I couldn't help but share it with you. This beauty features large floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding a huge open space, a large fireplace, a gorgeous courtyard garden, a balcony overlooking the main space, and best of all, great light! I'd have to say it's a more desirable pad than most of the coveted celebrity cribs in London. To take a tour, check out this slideshow. Source

View Slideshow ›

Cool Idea: A Converted Train Car

CasaSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:29 -0700

I never thought I'd want to live in an old boxcar, until I saw this cheerful cafe built into a converted train on Treehugger. Located in Deptford, London, the pop-up shop is selling sustainably farmed coffee while the nearby train station, originally built in 1836, is being renovated.

I'm surprised how sunny and spacious the space is. It makes me want to park an old train car outside my house and use it as a guest quarters. With so many old railway cars around, I wonder why more people don't do this. What do you think of the idea?

Source

Nice and New: West Elm Convertible Sofa

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:00:39 -0700

For those of you wondering how to decorate a studio, or just living in a small space, I've always emphasized that dual-purpose furniture is key. A pull-out sofa will accommodate overnight guests and serve as seating during the day. At 66" wide, the West Elm Convertible Sofa ($799) is a great size for a studio. It will fit two people comfortably in front of a coffee table (or storage ottomans!) and unfolds to be used as a bed when needed. It's only available in two colors — light camel or pumice —. But, I think the colors are pretty versatile, especially if you personalize the sofa with your own accent pillows and a throw.

Convert a Lot: Beats That Move You

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

We all march to the beat of our own drummers, and the same goes for running or any version of cardio. Matching the beat of your music to your exercise pace is an excellent way to pump up your workout. With the help of Convert a Lot, you can do just that.

Play your favorite workout tune and tap your keyboard or mouse in time to the beat (your wrist will get a workout too). The site displays the beats per minute real time. For cardio workouts your best bet is to find songs between 120 and a 150 beats per minute. I think designing playlists for all kinds of workouts, be they runs or StepMill climbs, is a great way to motivate yourself. First, you create the playlist, and then you just have to test it by going to the gym. So let's face the music and run.

Source

Stork Craft Recalls 2.1 Million Cribs in Largest Crib Recall Ever

babysugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:37:40 -0800

A couple of years ago, it seemed like toy recalls were being announced daily for choking or lead poisoning hazards. This holiday season, parents are being hit with major baby gear recalls. First Maclaren issued a voluntary notification that its hinges could hurt small fingers if a child's hands were holding on to the sides of a stroller during the opening or closing of it. Today, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is issuing another statement regarding faulty baby equipment.

Canadian crib maker Stork Craft is set to recall more than 2.1 million drop-side cribs. If the drop-side becomes broken or detaches, it can cause children to fall out of the crib or suffocate. In a statement issued by CPSC and Health Canada:

The CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side.

Major retailers in the United States and Canada sold the recalled cribs including BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.

For more information on the recall, visit the CPSC site.

What's the Diff: Omega-3s vs. Omega-6s

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:10 -0800

Omegas are all the buzz right now, and it seems like everywhere you turn, new foods are being enhanced with this essential fatty acid, or labeled as an excellent source. What people don't know is that there are different types of omegas, and eating too much of one kind can actually be harmful to your body.

Omega-3s are found in flax seeds, walnuts, cod liver oil, and fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, albacore tuna, and salmon. Fish are the best sources because they are high in two particular fatty acids that are crucial to good health, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Then there are omega-6s. These fats are found in eggs, nuts, chicken, and vegetable oils such as corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower oil. Omega-6s are high in LA (linoleic acid), which is converted by the body into GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), and then further broken down to AA (arachidonic acid).

Do you know which type of omega fatty acid we should be eating more of? To find out, keep reading