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,

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

Kate Middleton Cuddles With Lupo While Camping With the Scouts

Lauren Turner — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:15:16 PDT

Kate Middleton got casual in Paige jeans for a camping trip near Anglesey, North Wales last week. The excursion was part of her volunteer work with the Scout Association, which is just one organization that she chose to support in her role as Duchess of Cambridge. Kate also holds honorary positions with Action on Addiction, the National Portrait Gallery, the East Anglia's Children's Hospices, and The Art Room.

In addition to the company of the Boy Scout group, Kate had her dog Lupo along for the fun and even carried a package of Pringles! She and Prince William adopted the cocker spaniel earlier this year and have been spotted out with him multiple times. Kate and William left their pup behind for a special appearance this week, though, when they attended an event at Claridge's with the Thirty Club. Kate wore a white Roland Mouret gown and glittery Jimmy Choos for the event and will be back in the spotlight on Friday at a gala honoring the Olympics Team Great Britain and Paralympics Great Britain.

Glee-ful Highlights From Episode "Choke"

Shannon Vestal — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:34:07 PDT

With graduation looming for the Glee kids, a few of the characters have to do some prep for their futures this week. For Rachel and Kurt, it's their NYADA auditions, and for Puck, it's passing a test so he can graduate. While the kids get ready for their various challenges, Coach Beiste faces one of her own when we learn a revelation about her home life.

I should have known from the title that this episode would have someone failing, but I didn't expect it to have a disappointing ending for nearly every character who's highlighted. Let's go over all the bummers from "Choke" after the jump.

Lil Links: Tips For Not Becoming "That" Facebook Friend

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 05:32:38 PDT

Ten surefire ways to be that obnoxious Facebook friend - The Stir
Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are expecting a baby - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Melissa Joan Hart is expecting baby number three - Celebrity Baby Blog
Maternity stores that do more than just sell clothes - FitPregnancy
Fifteen superfoods all toddlers need - Parenting
The best eco-friendly baby gear - The Bump
Should these in-vitro twins be US citizens? - The BabyCenter Blog
Police handcuff a toddler for throwing a tantrum? - Yahoo! Shine
A boy raises $10,000 with his lemonade stand - Circle of Moms
Nanny secrets from around the world - LearnVest
Help with common homework questions - Real Simple
Would you let your son join the Boy Scouts if he wanted to? - HuffPost Parents

9 of the Most Hilarious Interview Mistakes

Emily Co — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:30:17 PST

Some of the common mistakes candidates make in their interviews include answering calls, texting, being disengaged, and dressing inappropriately, according to a CareerBuilder survey. But there are the outliers who commit the rare interview mistakes you've probably never heard of (and hopefully won't ever make). Here are a few cited by hiring managers who took the poll:

Bringing a “how to interview” book to the interview.
Asking, "What company is this again?”
Putting the interviewer on hold during a phone interview. After she switched the call back to the interviewer, she said she set up a date for Friday.
Wearing a Boy Scout uniform to the interview and never disclosing the reason for donning it.
Showing up to the interview 10 minutes late, then talking about promptness as one of her strengths.
On his drive to the interview, the candidate cut off and flipped his middle finger at the driver, who turned out to be the interviewer.
Referring to himself in the third person.
Taking off his shoes while the interview was going on.
Asking for a sip of the interviewer's coffee.

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.