TresSugar

Front Page: Rice Signs Missile Deal, Taliban Assaults US Base, Sudan's President Denies Genocide

CitizenSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:57:25 -0700

Rice Signs Missile Deal:
Against strong opposition from Russia, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed an agreement with Poland to locate a missile defense base on Polish territory. The Kremlin called the act "hostile" though US officials say the defense system is aimed at threats from countries like Iran and will not target Russia. Rice says, “Missile defense, of course, is aimed at no one. It is in our defense that we do this.”

Taliban Assaults US Base:
Taliban insurgents, in the most serious attack in six years, perpetrated a coordinated assault on one of the largest US military bases in Afghanistan. At least 10 suicide bombers and another 100 insurgents killed 10 elite French paratroopers. It was the single deadliest loss for foreign troops since the Taliban was removed from power in 2001.

Sudan's President Denies Genocide:
Sudan's president denied that his regime is responsible for carrying out genocide in the Darfur region. The Hague indicted Omar al-Bashir last month on genocide charges, but he says the numbers are exaggerated, "genocide like the International Criminal Court claims is nonexistent." The prosecution said the militia directed by al-Bashir's government killed 300,000 ethnic Africans and displaced 2.5 million.

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Front Page: Assault at Chinese Border, Rescue on K2, Pakistan Army Kills 94 Militants

CitizenSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:57:52 -0700

Assault at Chinese Border:
An attack on a border post has left 16 policemen dead in China. The border with the Muslim region of Xinjiang (near Tajikistan) was breached by two attackers who drove up in a garbage truck, threw two grenades, and then moved in to attack with knives. The area is home to Uighur separatists, who human rights groups say are oppressed by Beijing.

Rescue on K2:
Pakistani helicopters have rescued two members of a K2 climbing group that lost 11 members over the weekend after an avalanche swept away their fixed rope, leaving the climbers to freeze to death. Bad weather has prevented efforts to rescue one Italian climber still stranded. K2 is thought to be the most dangerous mountain to climb.

Pakistan Army Kills 94 Militants:
During fighting in northwestern Pakistan, the army has killed 94 Taliban militants and lost 14 soldiers in fighting. It's thought that 25 civilians and eight policemen have also been killed in a flare up of violence burst in the past week. The former tourist area has a fragile peace deal between the government and militants, and the violence has led the military to say, "the operation will continue till the objective of clearing the area of militants is achieved."

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Front Page: Election Riot in Mongolia, Bulldozer Attack, India's Truck Drivers Strike

CitizenSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:56:28 -0700

Election Riot in Mongolia:
In Mongolia's capital, protesters rioted over alleged election fraud destroying the ruling party's headquarters, dampening hopes for a stable government, and resulting in five deaths. President Nambariin Enkhbayar declared a four-day state of emergency late last night after the fire was set at the headquarters. The emergency announcement is the first in Mongolia's history, and allows security forces to use tear gas and rubber bullets to break up demonstrations. About 220 civilians and 108 servicemen have been injured in the clashes, with another 700 protesters detained.

Bulldozer Attack:
A Palestinian smashed a bulldozer into a bus and several cars this morning in Jerusalem, killing three people before being killed himself. The rampage left dozens injured in the city center before a police officer engaged the driver, struggling with him in the cab of the vehicle, and shooting him dead. One witness said of the attack, "I saw [the bulldozer driver] crashing cars and going into the bus... He wanted to kill as many as he could."
India's Truck Drivers Strike:
India's truck drivers are striking, keeping nearly four million trucks off the roads to protest against rising fuel costs. The Indian government has cut subsidies due to rising global prices of crude oil and passed the increase on to drivers. Oil prices have risen by 40 percent since the beginning of the year. The strike is likely to push up the prices of food and other necessities. One trucker said, "we are already running under huge losses. The cost of diesel is so high that we have nothing left to live on."

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Militia in Zimbabwe Attacks, Turns Election Violence Into Terror

CitizenSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:00:22 -0700

The pending presidential run-off in Zimbabwe has made the terrible journey from suspiciously unfair to savage. People are being mutilated and burned alive. Current president Robert Mugabe's militia forces arrived at the house of opposition (MDC) leader Patson Chipiro last Friday. Finding his wife home, the men brutalized her body, locked her in her hut, and threw a fire-bomb through the window.

When Chipiro arrived home, he found his three brick huts engulfed in flames and couldn't find his wife of 29 years anywhere. He said, “I was trying to put the fire out. I thought my wife was hiding in the bushes.” The his four-year-old nephew broke the news. “He ran to me. He said, ‘Auntie has been beaten and they threw her in the fire’.”

Yesterday, Chipiro's wife died, her charred limbs frozen outstretched so the coffin wouldn't close. When Chipiro tried to report the crime, he was first given a form that purposely left our the cause of death - had an officer not intervened, he would have been left voiceless. His wife's attackers came from a nearby ruling party (Zanu-PF) militia camp. Chipiro says, “these youths are taught cruelty. They get used to murdering. They enjoy murdering. They are doing it for money.”

He's scared the attackers will come back for him. Seventy local MDC supporters are camped out in front of his home for protection, and he remains resolute despite these crushing odds. “I am very frightened,” he said. “They want to kill me. But I have no alternative. My presence here as a leader is very important. If I leave, everyone else will leave. I intend to fight the battle, from here.”

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The How-To Lounge: Coping With a Panic Attack

DearSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Earlier this week I brought up anxiety disorders and noted their major symptoms. One of the most life-altering one on the list is panic attacks, which many of you deal with or have in the past. A panic attack can be a terrible ordeal and is not just limited to people with anxiety disorders. Once you've had one, it's likely you'll forever dread another, but it’s better to learn how to cope with them than fear another attack. To see my tips, just read more.

Try to stop it before it even starts. If you feel your stress level flare and your heart start to work overtime, take five or ten minutes to clear your head.
Remind yourself that you are safe. Your mind is playing a trick on your body by convincing it that there’s something to be fearful of, so you have to talk your body out of it.
Realize that it will pass. A panic attack has the tendency to feel unending, but in reality, they usually last only a few minutes. No matter how scared you might feel, don't let yourself forget that those feelings will soon disappear.
One of the most distinct sensations a panic attack causes is a sudden loss of control. As this sensation washes over you, ground yourself by reaching out and touching the things around you. It sounds strange but using the sensations of touch can help bring you out of your head.
Fear of embarrassing yourself in an episode can often make one worse, so if you’re in a public situation, remove yourself. Go somewhere quiet where you can catch your breath without worry of being noticed. That said don’t be afraid to tell someone what’s going on with you. Sometimes being around another person can be a comfort.
Finally, focus on your breathing. Panicked breathing typically takes place in the chest, so move it to your stomach. Place your hand on your stomach and consciously take deep breaths in until your belly is extended. Exhale slowly and repeat.

Panic attacks are terrifying but the more you learn to get through them, the easier they will be to manage.

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Mess With Oscar's Appetite, Pay the Consequences

GiggleSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Oscar here is hungry, so he's planned to tip-toe over and steal himself a nibble or two of cat food. But his owner is onto him and she ain't having it. She interjects his first attempt and spoils his second maneuver, so Oscar's gonna do what Oscar has to do to eat in peace. And it ain't pretty.

Say What? Megan Fox Talks Girl-on-Girl Hatred

TresSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:59 -0800

"The problem is, if they think you’re attractive, you’re either stupid or a whore or a dumb whore. The instinct among girls is to attack the jugular.”

- Megan Fox tries to explain why she's not too popular with the ladies. The actress, who is on the cover of this weekend's New York Times Magazine, is having a hard time gaining traction with a female audience.

Are You Feeling Anxious?

DearSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Everyone feels nervous or anxious at some point in her life. We all have experienced butterflies in our stomach right before an interview, or jitters when we're about to meet someone new or go to the doctor. It's totally normal to have worried or uneasy feelings when it comes to unknown situations like these, but what if your feelings are more severe?

For some people, feelings of anxiety are both physical and emotional. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) is a very common form of anxiety. Meeting new people, being in a crowd, having a first date - these types of experiences can make someone with this disorder clam up completely, feel scared, sweat, tremble, get nauseous, have chest tightness, or have difficulty speaking. These feelings are so intense that someone with Social Anxiety would rather stay home than go out.

And then there are some people that may experience anxiety for no reason. This is called Panic Disorder. They could be sitting on the couch watching TV, and all of a sudden their heart starts pounding, their stomach starts turning, and they start sweating. Some people who experience these anxiety attacks will have a hard time seeing straight or they'll get a massive headache, some even think they are having a heart attack.

Social Anxiety and Panic Disorder are only two types of Anxiety Disorders. Obsessive-Compulsive, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Generalized Anxiety Disorders also involve feeling worried or nervous. Anxiety can be hereditary, so if someone in your family suffers from it, you could too.

What can you do if you are experiencing anxiety? To find out read more

Seeing a therapist helps tremendously, and there are many who specialize in anxiety. Talking about your feelings can help you recognize what your triggers may be and how to avoid them.
Many people who have anxiety also take medication (either daily or on an as-needed basis) to prevent having panic attacks.
You can also join a support group and talk to others who have anxiety. They may be able to share ways they deal with their symptoms.
Meditation or yoga might also help to calm your nerves, and reduce stress, which could be a trigger. Learning deep breathing techniques could help stop a panic attack if you feel it coming on.
Talking to your close friends and family about your anxiety can also help. That way if you start feeling nervous, or have physical symptoms, they'll understand and can be sympathetic.
Surrounding yourself with people you love and trust should also make you feel more at ease

Anxiety can make you feel out of control, or it can prevent you from doing normal day-to-day things. If these symptoms sound familiar, I would definitely talk to someone about it so you can start feeling like yourself again.

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Someone Cared! Woman Called 911 in Richmond Rape Case

TresSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:22:01 -0800

Margarita Vargas, an 18-year-old woman from Richmond, CA (and a graduate of Richmond High) was the lone person who called 911 on the night a teenager was gang raped outside her high school while a homecoming party was still going on. It's alleged that at least 20 people watched and did nothing. Vargas says that her brother-in-law came home and told her he'd seen a woman being raped; it was Vargas who insisted they call the police.

It might seem pretty sad that we're applauding Vargas for doing what people should do, as she said, "without thinking twice," but you'd be surprised how often people are apathetic. So many people are saying, "What do you expect of Richmond?" but I can say, as someone who was grabbed on the streets of San Francisco in broad daylight and ignored when I asked for help - apathy happens everywhere, in all communities. (Just read about the bystander effect.)

Many years ago, I was walking down a busy street in a popular business district in a "good neighborhood" and a man grabbed me inappropriately. I had just bought coffee, so instinctively, I poured it in his face and grabbed onto him, hoping to get him arrested. As I grappled with him, trying to make eye contact with people walking by, riding by on their bikes, driving by, and yelling, "Someone help! This man attacked me!" no one did anything. Eventually, I couldn't hold the man any longer, and he got away, perhaps to assault someone else later. Helping out is rarer than you think, so kudos to Margarita, who even walked over to the school to make sure the police had arrived.

Front Page: Yankees Win Its 27th World Series

TresSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:57 -0800

Fans celebrated after the Yankees won their 27th World Series last night, beating the Phillies seven to three in game six. - New York Post
The UN is relocating 600 of its staff members in Afghanistan after the workers there suffered an attack by the Taliban. - AP
Rihanna told Diane Sawyer that it was a mistake to go back to Chris Brown after he beat her. - PopSugar
Glenn Beck might save the publishing industry, as he carves out on-air time to interview authors of thrillers. - New York Times
A sex tape allegedly prompted dethroned Miss California Carrie Prejean to settle a lawsuit against pageant officials. - CNN
Kidnap victim Jaycee Dugard, now reunited with her family, may have Stockholm syndrome. - SF Gate