TresSugar

What's Mr. Best Buy Gonna Do About It?

GiggleSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 -0700

A Best Buy salesman rounds a corner and discovers three teenyboppers having a good ol' blast with the car stereo equipment on display. The girls find a tune, crank up the volume, get their bounce on, and have a party - in the middle of the aisle. Mr. Best Buy has a store to watch and customers to attend to, so what do you think is his next move? Does he (pick one): Shush them? Make them leave? Watch? Dance? Ignore them? Call security? Change the radio station? Turn up the volume? Ask for a date? Make a sales pitch? Take a wild guess.

Kid Performs His Heart Out...At Best Buy

GiggleSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:30:00 -0800

This kid is unaware that his lip-syncing performance to Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" is being filmed. I love how he starts off not really knowing the lyrics, and then kinda "breaks it down" Freddie Mercury style at the end. (Added bonus: he does it with a full mouth of metal.) Meanwhile, the mundane activity of Best Buy checkouts continues in the background. Awesome.

The Significant Objects Project, Or, How to Sell Stuff on eBay

TresSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:00:00 -0700

What makes an object significant, and possibly valuable? Some writers wagered that it's the story behind the object, and they set out to test their theory.

The Significant Objects Project pairs writers with an object and asks them to write a fictional story about it, with the belief it will then become significant to someone. Significance, in this case, means that someone would be moved to buy the object on eBay.

If you'd like to read the ~~description~~ story that accompanied the smiley face mug's auction on eBay and to find out its final price (it started at one dollar), read more.

The auction for this smiley face mug significant object started at $2 and ended at $32.08. Perhaps the price went up because of Ben Greenman's story, excerpted below?

"This object is best known from its appearance in the 1939 film No News From The Navy, a comedy starring James Wilton as a hapless midshipman who cannot set aside his seafaring ways, even when he is confined to dry land as a result of an injury. Wilton’s character (who is called, simply, “Sailor”) competes for the affection of a young woman named Evelyn (Mary Hannan) despite the opposition of her father (Gordon Howard) and a larger, determined suitor (Kenneth Lopp). The film is a second-tier comedy, but there is one classic scene. in which Sailor shaves before taking Evelyn out on a date. He is clearly accustomed to shaving aboard his ship, and as a result, he is constantly attempting to regain his balance, despite the fact the floor is level and stable. The critic Leonard Folsom has written that “The unheralded Wilton has a scene that combines the physical complexity of a Chaplin solo with close-ups of inexpressive expression that rival the finest moments of Keaton.” At the beginning of that scene, Wilton uses this smiling mug as his shaving mug, and while he sets it on the shelf above the washbasin midway through, it remains, as Folsom writes, 'an oddly compelling focus of the film so long as it is onscreen, enormous in its diminutive size, menacing in its cheer.' "

To find out how other significant objects fared on eBay, click here.

Source

Tampons and Maxi Pads: A Walk Down Memory Lane

TresSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:15:00 -0700

Whether you call it your Moon Time or the Curse, if you're a woman, you have to contend with a monthly period. Let's take a look at how advertising sold its pads and 'pons to women of yore. Whether it was through distraction (hey, look, a pretty dress!) or through the rhetoric of freedom, advertisers did their best to sell a product women have never really been thrilled to buy.

View Slideshow ›

What's the Best Explanation For Sanford's Disappearance?

TresSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:45:00 -0700

Update: During his emotional press conference, Gov. Sanford admitted to having an extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina.

I've heard of guys up and disappearing before, but the story of South Carolina governor Mark Sanford's disappearance takes it to a whole new level. This week, the governor's staff insisted that no one had heard from him since last Thursday because he was (nude?) hiking the Appalachian Trial. That story fell apart when a local newspaper found him last night at the Atlanta airport returning from Argentina, according to the governor.

On the one hand, I'm sure I'd want to just get away from the glaring public eye if I were a politician, too. But something seems fishy considering he left without telling his wife, kids, or, staff. I'm having trouble buying that he secretly went to Argentina all by himself just to relax. There are many strange details: his wife is not shy about being pissed, his cars were reportedly found at the Columbia, SC, airport and the Atlanta airport, and his staff has been lying about knowing his whereabouts.

Many theories are spinning in my head. Was the governor taking tango lessons? Dealing with an affair gone wrong? Having a nervous breakdown? Or just taking a little solo vacation . . . for a week . . . without telling anyone . . . when he's the governor of South Carolina?

While we wait for word from the governor (apparently he's having a press conference soon) let's indulge in some idle speculation. What you think best explains this strange story?

Ask a Librarian: Tomboy Has Never Been on a Date

TresSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:59:08 -0700

Conventional Wisdom is a different kind of advice column. Your questions will be answered by people from all walks of life rather than by advice experts. Today, a librarian will offer some common sense advice. You can submit questions here.
Today's Question:
After turning 23 a few weeks ago, I started to wonder what was holding me back from finding Mr. Right. It's not that I haven't been on a date for a few weeks, or that I just keep dating a string of loser guys, it's that I have never been on a date. I didn't even have dates to high school dances. I've never even been told I was pretty/cute by a guy so that may have something to do with it. At a time in life where the majority of my friends are in relationships and are getting engaged/married, I'm all alone.

I'm starting to wonder if perhaps I am too shy to find a guy to like me, or if once I get over my shyness that my tomboyish nature forces me into the "friend zone" all of the time. (I was an only child raised by her father who treated me like a son.)

I've been told that I'm funny and smart, but I think my love of sporting events and rock concerts, knowledge of cars, and love of all things nerdy scares guys away. Do you have any advice for me so I can stop being seen as the sisterly type, and start being seen as dateable? I'd really like to find a nice guy soon. Thanks a lot for your help.

- Undateable Tomboy

To read a librarian's advice, read more.

Dear Undateable Tomboy,

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “tomboy” as “a girl who behaves like a spirited or boisterous boy.” You are 23, and it’s time to start acting like a woman, not a girl. Don’t worry right now about meeting Mr. Right; you just want to meet some misters. People have told you that you are smart and funny, but guys can’t get to know the real you because they don’t see you as date material.

Let’s talk about your outward appearance, which is what attracts a man in the first place. The first thing you should do is find a good stylist and get a great haircut. Sounds superficial? Sorry, just do it. A haircut that suits you can do more than anything to improve your appearance. Next go to the makeup counter in a department store, do a mini-makeover, and buy some products. I’m talking at least a modicum of eye makeup and some lip gloss. Accent your best facial features.

Look at your wardrobe. Anything that appears oversized, place it in the back of your closet for one month. Go to the store and buy some items that are slightly trendy, and get shoes to go with the clothes. If you don’t have a clue, ask the sales people to help you; it’s fun for them. By the way, I am a feminist who does not buy into the “beauty myth,” but consider this an experiment. (Do you want a date or not?) There is strength in looking your best, and it will give you the confidence boost that you need more than anything else. And smile, a friendly welcoming smile. That is the most attractive thing you can put on your face.

Be up front and tell your friends you are ready to meet some men. Be persistent, remind them - and, that goes for your male friends. Ask them if they know anybody to fix you up with. It might even put the idea into the head of one of your old buddies to ask you out. What about you suggesting a casual movie date to a new acquaintance, someone you meet at a party or work?

You like sports. Join a coed softball, volleyball, or kickball team. There is a lot of camaraderie on these teams, more men than women, and they tend to socialize after the games or on the weekends. Please do not wear baggy sweats.

And no more excuses about how an interest in cars and sports scares away guys. In reality, many men would love to share their interests with their girlfriends. That would definitely be a value added that you would bring to the relationship.

You sound like a very lovely young woman who does not deserve to be lonely. You will find someone who will be thrilled to have you in his life and in his arms. The challenge is to have men notice you, so that they can get to know the real you. As a librarian, I can attest that people do judge a book by its cover. I remind you that you are very young, and have plenty of time. So while you are waiting for your dating life to kick in, go to the library, check out a copy of Emma or Something Blue, make a cup of tea, and curl up on the couch.

Source

More Is Less? How the Kindle Will Change the Way We Read

TresSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:00:00 -0700

I know the Kindle is really what you're all after in our amazing TrèsSugar giveaway, so it seems like the perfect time to read into how the gadget will change the way we read.

Book publishers, tattered and tired after years of fighting the Internet, are perched on an opportunity to sell books like never before. Will we read them? Not sure. But we're certainly going to buy them!

The Kindle is a portable bookstore that's already capitalizing on impulse buyers. Want to try a little Proust? Just read the first few pages of Swann's Way and you'll get every madeleine reference you'll ever need to know.

Of course, you'll have to pay for that madeleine, as pauper publishers are eager for your coins. But who would pay for a few lines? Ha! You will, my dear reader; we all will. The Wall Street Journal has laid out a semidystopian vision of how the future will be written. To find out, read more.

Imagine being able to create a library of every book you've ever read in a matter of clicks, and then search it with keywords. This will be indispensable for research and terrible for bookshelves.
Readers online will call out passages, much like they already do, and Google will rank pages and paragraphs, allowing the most popular to rise to the top. A well-linked quote will drive sales far more than an NPR interview.

Confused by a paragraph, chapter, book? You'll instantly be able to connect to other readers debating its meaning. It will be like a global book club that's always reading what you want.
Writing for Google is where it starts to get scary. Authors and publishers will consider how individual pages and chapters will rank in search results and write accordingly. Best case? Some tagging and strategically placed words and paragraphs. Worst? Whole books written for search engines.
A la carte pricing will be on the menu. Nonfiction books may be broken into sections and sold. Fiction? Expect to see a return of the cliffhanger, and novels sold in chapters.

It's easy to say this will never happen, but it already is. Kindle's current incarnation has a Web browser tucked in a folder called "experimental projects," and Amazon has an iPhone app that's ready to jump-start the future. Will you be reading?

Source

6 Reasons a Condom Might Break

DearSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Male condoms are one of the best forms of birth control out there because they're cheap, you can buy them anywhere, they prevent pregnancy, and they also prevent the spread of STIs, but they only work if they don't break! Below are six reasons why a condom might rip, so keep them in mind the next time you're getting busy.

The condom is past its prime. Condom wrappers have an expiration date on them, so be sure to take note.
Storage issues. Heat damages latex condoms, so they shouldn't be kept in a hot place such as a glove compartment or a wallet. Keep them in your medicine cabinet or nightstand instead.
Lack of lubrication. If there is friction while having sex, especially anal sex, not only will it cause pain and irritation to your privates, but the condom can break. So be sure to use lubricated condoms or use extra lube if you need to.

To hear the other three reasons read more.

You're using the wrong lubricant. If you're using latex condoms, oil-based lubricants can weaken the rubber and cause a tear, so use only water-based lubes.
The condom doesn't fit. If the condom is too small or too large, it can rip, so experiment with different sized condoms to get a snug fit - not too tight and not too loose.
The woman is tight. Some women's vaginal muscles are naturally tight, so to help prevent condom breakage, lubrication (and a lot of it) is a must.

Source

Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged Sales Surge as Economy Falls

CitizenSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:33:18 -0700

Last year dates were getting kicked to the curb for putting Ayn Rand books on their shelves and online profiles, yet this year her most popular book, Atlas Shrugged, has been flying off store shelves and onto Amazon's best-seller list. Today it's perched at no. 50. Not bad for 51-year-old book.

Why so popular again? The sci-fi tale of economic Armageddon has been looking more like science than fiction to die-hard libertarians, who value individualism, self-interest, and laissez-faire capitalism. Depending on your Ayn Rand feelings (and, trust me, people have them), you can blame or thank the economy, President Obama, and the government bailout. It's gotten to the point where book sales peak on days of major government interventions, like the bank-buying spree and stimulus passing.

But as The Economist points out, there's nothing new in the book's sales history: Whenever the government intervenes, Atlas Shrugged's sales rise. Even if the reason is as simple and modern as a poorly named Facegroup called Read the News Today? It’s Like Atlas Shrugged Is Happening in Real Life today.

Supermercado de Wal-Mart Coming to Texas and Arizona

CitizenSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:30:30 -0700

Bienvenido a Wal-Mart!

Retail giant Wal-Mart will soon open Hispanic-focused grocery stores in Texas and Arizona. The staff will be bilingual and the stores will feature tortilla bakeries, a larger selection of Spanish-language music and DVDs, and a wide assortment of Hispanic food.

Companies can't help but pounce on the potential in the Hispanic market. In addition to Wal-Mart's supermercado plans, Home Depot and Best Buy have launched Spanish-language websites.

Are you happy a huge retailer can adapt to a specific market, or would you rather see local stores appeal to the local tastes?

Source