TresSugar

5 Geeky Boy Scout Badges

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 03:12:45 PDT

Yesterday, the Boy Scouts of America announced a new badge: robotics! Scouts must learn the fundamentals of programming a robot, how they move, and build one of their own (among other things) in order to earn this badge. While this could be the most adorably geeky badge ever, there are others that rank high in the "nerd" category as well. See what they are in this slideshow!

Teen Scouts Learn to Fight Terrorists and Illegal Immigrants

TresSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:30:00 PDT

When I was a Girl Scout, we spent most of our time working on badges, preparing for camping trips, or selling delicious cookies. Well you can forget all that. Today's girls (and boys) involved in the Explorers program, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America, learn how to combat terrorists, illegal immigrants, and border violence. Since 9/11, Homeland Security has worked closely with the program, with the hope of creating more agents.

Cathy Noriego, a 16-year-old participant, told the New York Times that the guns attracted her to the program. During exercises, the group uses compressed-air guns that fire plastic bullets - but they also fire the real stuff at the range. Cathy said of the guns, "I like the sound they make. It gets me excited."

I feel uneasy about training kids as young as 14 to become armed border patrolmen and women or anti-terrorist vigilantes. The potential for extreme nationalism - brought on by teaching children that non-Americans are a threat - also worries me.

Do you think the Explorers program offers valuable life lessons about leadership and discipline, or does the program perpetuate a culture of violence?

Source

Front Page: Tornado Kills Boy Scouts, US Releases Tape of Strike, Toddlers Starve in Indonesia

CitizenSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:54:17 PDT

Tornado Kills Boy Scouts: Four people were killed and 48 injured after a tornado tore through a Boy Scout camp in western Iowa last night. The victims included three 13-year-old scouts and one 14-year-old scout according to an executive with the Mid America Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The scouts at the devastated camp, aged 13 to 18 were participating in a leadership training course at the camp and "were some of the top scouts in the area,” according to a Homeland Security spokeswoman. Tornadoes also touched down in Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska last night, killing another two in Kansas.

US Releases Tape of Strike: The US military has released the tape of the attack on the Pakistan border that killed 11 Pakistani soldiers and led officials to describe it as a "cowardly" act. The footage released by the Pentagon shows black-and-white aerial footage with narration describing the video. The narrator repeatedly notes that there are no military structures or outposts within the impact area. A Pentagon spokesman yesterday said they had "every indication we have at this point is that this was, indeed, a legitimate strike in defense of our forces after they came under attack."
Toddlers Starve in Indonesia: At least 21 toddlers have died of malnutrition in Indonesia in recent months as a food shortage threatens the lives of thousands more. The shortage brought on by floods and drought has led to an additional 116 youngsters being admitted to hospitals in critical condition, according to the head of the local health department. He said, "we urgently need medicine and nutritional foods to save the children. We are racing against time because they need nutritious food within 30 days if we want to save their lives."

Kidmazing: Boy Scout Returns Wallet

babysugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:29 PDT

Part of the Boy Scout oath is "to help other people at all times" and their slogan is "do a good turn daily."

According to the La Crosse Tribune, eleven–year–old Boy Scout J.R. Bouterse is certainly living up to the group's moral standards.

To see what the boy did,

read more. After finding a wallet with $800 cash in it, the youngster told an adult. To reward him for his commendable actions, the Michigan State Police threw a pizza party for the boy and his entire troop. And, the owner of the wallet showed up to thank the lad in person. It's good to know that kids like J.R. are out there to keep the good karma going. In this day and age, do you think he is the norm or the exception? Source

Stock Up: 5 Snacks to Pack For Holiday Shopping and Travel

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:55:01 PST

You don't have to be a Boy Scout to be prepared. Whether simply stocking a bag for a trip to the grocery store, or packing for a cross-country flight, moms know a thing or two about preparing for the unexpected. And while mama's regular stash of goodies can tame a fussy and hungry tot on a good day, when airport delays and holiday shopping crowds are on the agenda, it's a good time to step it up a notch. Check out five snack-time picks that do more than occupy lil ones during the holiday madness!

Clif Mojo Dipped Bars ($15 for 12): Chocolate-covered peanuts? Yes, please! Available in a variety of flavor combinations, Clif's Mojo line of bars combine the sweet and salty by mixing fruits, nuts, and pretzels and then dipping them in sweet vanilla or chocolate. The kids will never know it isn't a candy bar!
Happy Baby Happy Munchies ($3): Happy Baby's allergy-free sticks are perfectly sized for toddler hands. Made with whole grain corn and packed with choline (to help with brain development), the snacks keep sodium to a minimum so your tot won't be begging for drinks as you try to pass through the airport security line!
Funky Monkey Snacks ($12 for 12): All-natural, freeze-dried fruit may sound boring, but with Funky Monkey's fun flavors (like Jivealime, a pineapple and lime combo), kids will love testing them out. Best of all, their satisfying crunch will have lil ones thinking they're eating chips!
That's It bars ($20 for 12): Made from just fruit, these bars are perfect pick-me-ups during a long day. They're nut-free, GMO-free, and just plain good!
Revolution Foods Fruit Shredz ($4): Think of these as the modern-day interpretation of the Fun Fruit. Made without high fructose corn syrup and glycerin, they're healthy, tasty, and unbelievably kid-friendly!

How-To: Prepare For the Worst Monthly

SavvySugar — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:05:05 PST

No one likes a Debbie Downer, but these are trying times, and you need a financial backup plan. Whether you feel a strong sense of job security or have a million bucks in the bank, it's crucial that you embrace the motto of the Boy Scouts ("Be Prepared!") so you don't end up in a serious financial and personal conundrum should you draw a short stick. The calendar changes so quickly it's easy to forget your egg's nest and backup scheme amid the momentum, but follow these basic steps and suggestions to keep yourself on track.

Lil Links: Make Pumpkin Seed Brittle This Halloween

LilSugar — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:26:17 PDT

Another yummy use for pumpkin seeds: make brittle - The Stir
DIY: give an African-American Barbie doll natural hair! - Yahoo Shine
Look who's not pregnant: targets of the celeb rumor mill - Daily Beast
Found! Suri Cruise's sweet panda pal - Celebrity Baby Blog
US health officials back HPV vaccine for boys - Health
Celeb parents share their Halloween plans - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Transgender child turned away from the Girl Scouts - Parenting
Alicia Silverstone is potty training her 5-month-old - Momformation
A toddler saves her mom with a cell phone - Babble
Toys "R" Us offers new perks with its loyalty program - Child Mode

Source: Flickr User Dana Moos

Link Time - Sitcoms That Were Good For Women

TresSugar — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:35:00 PDT

10 sitcoms that actually moved women forward - Flavorwire
Why do we always want the men we can't have? - YourTango
Army considers ban on French manicures, ponytails, and earrings - The Frisky
What do you do if you have a low libido? - CollegeCandy
How I coped with losing all of my hair at 21 - Huffington Post
Get the dish on Prince Harry's sexy California nights - The Daily Beast
What do you think of Beyoncé's new music video for Party? - theBERRY
The abortion rights map of the world - GOOD
Sexy male librarian eye candy: it's about time! - Em & Lo
Transgender boy allowed to join Girl Scouts - Nerve

What to Tivo: Friday

BuzzSugar — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:59:00 PDT

8:00 Last Man Standing (repeat)
8:30 Modern Family (repeat)
9:00 Suburgatory (repeat)
10:00 20/20 (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live (repeat)

8:00 A Gifted Man (new)
9:00 CSI: NY (new)
10:00 Blue Bloods (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guest Artie Lange)
12:37 The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guest Liza Minnelli and Adam Pally)

8:00 Kitchen Nightmares (new)
9:00 Fringe (new)

8:00 The Office (repeat)
8:30 Parks and Recreation (repeat)
9:00 Dateline NBC (new)
11:35 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guest Terry Bradshaw and Rowan Atkinson)
12:35 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guest Matthew Broderick and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino)

8:00 Nikita (new)
9:00 Supernatural (new)