TresSugar

Happy Fourth of July!

GiggleSugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:00:00 -0700

GiggleSugar wishes you a happy, safe, and fun Fourth of July! If you get bored and wanna look at cute animal videos or exclusively cute cat videos, just click on those links and have fun!

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Sudanese Woman Who Wore Pants Challenges Punishment

TresSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:00:07 -0700

Flogging women for wearing unacceptable clothes? What century are we in again?

Lubna Ahmed Hussein, a Sudanese journalist who also works in the media department of the UN Mission in Sudan, was arrested along with 13 other women at a popular cafe for wearing "indecent clothes."

Was she going commando in a miniskirt? Was her muffin top hanging over lowrise jeans? Nope. She was wearing "trousers" and now faces flogging - 40 lashes. She and two other women asked for a lawyer. The other women (some non-Muslim) weren't so lucky: they received 10 lashes and a fine.

Arrested July 3 and now standing trial (in the same trousers that got her arrested!), Lubna claims she did nothing wrong under the strict Sharia or Islamic religious law, which has been in place in Sudan since 1989. She has immunity due to her association with the UN, but Lubna has decided to waive this in order to challenge the law.

"I want to change this law," Lubna told the BBC, "because hitting is not human, and also it does not match with Sharia law." Court has been adjourned until August 4 so that she can quit her UN job.

Oh Snap! Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

TresSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:51 -0700

Talk about getting inside a woman's head. As a sippy-cup-clutching toddler looks on, Aaron Weisinger, 26, proposes to his girlfriend Erica Breder inside the Statue of Liberty's crown. Though the rest of the monument reopened in 2004, July 4 was the first time since Sept. 11 that a select number of tourists could ascend to the very top. To see if she said yes, and to see more photos from the holiday weekend, click on the gallery below.

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Odd Disappearance of Afghanistan's Only Female Olympian

CitizenSugar — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:34:19 -0700

Time magazine this week has a feature on the bizarre story of the mysterious disappearance of Afghanistan's only female, Olympics-bound runner. The 19-year-old Afghan middle distance runner, Mehbooba Andyar, went missing in Italy last week while on her way to the Olympics in China. Friends and co-athletes have not seen her since July 4, when she left her training facility in Formia, Italy.

Police are not ruling out any possibilities, although her missing bags and passport do indicate that she may have left on her own. Some believe she's seeking asylum in Europe over fear of Muslim extremists in her homeland where she faced constant rumors of prostitution and repeated threats of violence.

In a recent interview, Andyar said, "I'm the model for my country, being a woman in a typical Muslim nation. I'm very proud to say that I will be participating in the Olympic Games. By virtue of these opportunities, many women from my country are participating in many sports, and this will help to develop a better managed country."

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Schwarzenegger Says "No Fireworks" for 4th, Fires Rage On

CitizenSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:00:22 -0700

With more than 1,400 fires engulfing the forests of California, President George W. Bush has designated areas from Nevada to the Pacific Ocean an official federal disaster area, allowing FEMA to dispatch equipment and financial relief to the counties that have been devastated by the blazes. So far more than 17,000 firefighters from more than 35 states are currently battling the fires with nearly 1,200 fire engines and 85 helicopters.

Given the unprecedented amount of fires raging throughout the state, the air in Northern California has been reduced to an unhealthy smog of ash causing the cancellation of athletic activities and other outdoor events. Some regions are registering the worst air quality on record with smoke from the fires ascending to the ground levels like a fog. Air quality departments are concerned about small-particle pollution in which tiny particles can penetrate the immunity system and burrow deep into the lungs and blood stream. Health officials have reported an increase in eye and throat irritation and have warned that the poor air can cause asthma attacks and bronchitis.

The raging fires are putting a damper on Independence Day celebrations as well. To see how, read more.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a bid to help firefighters has requested that residents do not purchase or use fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Said the Governor: “I know that the people that are selling all this stuff are going to go crazy now when I say this, but don’t buy fireworks.” This request has sparked its own controversy from groups and charities that rely on sales of fireworks to keep their organizations running. A high school coach said: “We can make $3,000, $4,000, up to $5,000 a year. It’s a huge chunk of change for us.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) foreshadowed a season of blazes saying, "It is hot, and the state is tinder-dry. This will be a long fire season."

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Bush, Reid Drilling Each Other Over Oil, McCain Turns Green

CitizenSugar — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:00:18 -0700

Ah, the search for energy that doesn't come from a Red Bull. . . . When President Bush broached the subject of nixing the ban on offshore drilling this week, the idea fueled a whole gusher of tension. Here's where it stands today:

President Bush called out Democrats for parking in the way of energy relief (via drilling) in his radio address this morning. Bush said:

One major deposit in the Rocky Mountain West alone would equal current annual oil imports for more than 100 years. Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress are standing in the way of further development. I ask them to reconsider their positions. If congressional leaders leave for the Fourth of July recess without taking action, they will need to explain why $4-a-gallon gasoline is not enough incentive for them to act.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says that Bush's claims of stonewalling are crude and baseless - if the president wants drilling, he doesn't even need Congress. To see why, read more.

Reid says,

What the president is doing is unfair to the American people to indicate, 'We will let Congress do something about it.' He has the authority to do it himself. This is typical Bush White House politics. It's Orwellian. He has the power, with the signing of a pen, to release more options for offshore drilling - he has the power to do this.

Is it an energetic fight between Republicans and Democrats? For his part, John McCain announced a goal of creating 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030 this week, and the Times pointed out McCain's willingness to "break completely" from previous energy policies. To enhance his planet-saving cred, McCain released a powerfully pro-earth ad this week.

Is McCain the energetic answer to calls for, "Reform. Prosperity. Peace?" Who's on the right side of this oil-fueled debate?

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The How-To Lounge: Planning a Pool Party

DearSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Since the 4th of July is right around the corner, it's time to start planning for your pool party! To help you be the hostess with the mostess, check out some fun party planning tips that is a sure fire way to have a hit of a party.

Click here to read more

Take the weather into consideration. If it is going to be incredibly warm, think about starting the party towards the end of the day after the peak sun hours
Make sure to have plenty of bottled water. Drinking alcohol in the sun can dehydrate you, quickly, so make sure your guests stay hydrated
Avoid glass at all costs, especially if children will be attending your party. Opt for plastic or paper glasses, plates, and utensils. Be sure to have a few large trash cans by the food and drinks so your back yard doesn't get too trashed
Arrange some snacks for grazing on a table close to were your serving beverages, even if you are serving a meal later in the day. The sun has been known to make people hungry, especially if they are drinking on an empty stomach
Be sure to have a variety of beverages available - some alcoholic, some non-alcoholic. I suggest making a speciality drink, something fruity and summery like a mojito or a margarita that you can make in a big batch
Arrange some summer flowers on the tables surrounding the pool. Peonies, sunflowers, roses, etc. are some colorful, seasonal options
Make sure to have plenty of towels for your guests. It's a good idea to have an array of sunscreens as well, even some extra hats so your guests don't get a sunburn
A party isn't a party without music! Make sure it accents conversation, not overwhelms everyone
If you need some good food and drink idea's, consult my friend Party Sugar's guide to help plan a perfect 4th of July 4th of July party!

Have fun and remember, alcohol and water doesn't mix well, so be safe!

Would You Be a Patriotic Bride?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

I hear picking a dress is a kind of big part of the whole wedding phenomenon - and hey, the 4^th of July is coming up. . . . I'll cut to the chase. Would you be a patriotic bride and don a flag gown like this? A wedding is a kind of pledge, after all!

If the dress is more. . . overt than you'd wear, how about keeping a flash of old glory under your dress, garter style?

View 5 Photos ›

For all of our network wedding coverage, be sure to check out I Do Sugar!

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Would You Buy a House With Your Boyfriend?

DearSugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Okay, here's the situation. You've been dating this guy for 5 years, and you talk about getting married all the time. You live together. You bought furniture together. You even have a dog together. He spends 4th of July with your family every summer in Vermont. He talks about how many kids you're going to have down the road (he's even picked out names). You know he's the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, but the thing is; he just hasn't popped the question yet. You act like you're married, but the fact still remains that you're not.

The lease on your apartment is running out in 6 months, and he's said, "Why don't we get a house together?" Of course, you've always imagined that you'd have a house with him someday, but would you buy one if you weren't married or even engaged yet? Do you feel that there's a certain order in which you do things - i.e., the house coming after the wedding? What do you think?

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GiggleSugar Reader Spotlight: Rubialala

GiggleSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:45:00 -0700

Witty, wise, and well-rounded, Rubialala sounds like one sweet person! I love to see her cute avatar pop up in our comments section and welcomed the opportunity to get to know her better. I think you'll like her, too, and make sure you look at her pictures in the gallery after the interview.

GS: What is your motto?
RL: I don’t have a motto, but I looked some up online and if I did have one, it would probably be one of these: "The problem with instant gratification is that it takes too long" and "I try to keep an open mind, but not so open my brains fall out."

GS: Where are you from?
RL: I have lived in Stockton, CA for 15 years. We tried to escape to Michigan last year, but we didn’t put our house up for sale in time before the dive in the market. The summers are too hot and the winters aren’t cold enough. One day we’ll live in the snow.

GS: What do you do?
RL: I am a mommy to the CUTEST 4 year old boy and the wife to a wonderful man. During the week, though, from 8-5, I'm an Administrative Assistant. I work for *the* major developer in the area, specifically in property management (commercial, retail, mixed use). However, the company does a variety of other things, including build master planned communities.

GS: How would you describe your sense of humor?
RL: Sarcastic and silly.

GS: What's your favorite GiggleSugar post?
RL: I love animal humor, especially cat humor, so I can read/see/watch all of the cat posts/pictures/videos over and over again and never get tired of it! (GS: I love to hear that GS's cat-centricty isn't alienating everyone!)

GS: Who is the cutest funny man and funny woman?
RL: Jim Carrey is a hottie, but only more recently. I wasn’t into his Pet Detective look. Sarah Silverman, she is a classic beauty.

GS: Who are your favorite male and female comedians?
RL: For male comedians, Robin Williams. He has the most incredible comic mind ever. Seriously. I love watching him on "Inside the Actors Studio" and on talk shows like Letterman. The way he just creates and becomes these characters and embraces them so fully is fascinating. For female comedians, Kathy Griffin. I love how she is totally honest and doesn’t care what others think of her.

GS: What's your favorite comedy of all time?
RL:A tie between 40 Year Old Virgin and Old School.
"You know how I know you’re gay? You like Coldplay.”
“True love is hard to find, sometimes you think you have true love and then you catch the early flight home from San Diego and a couple of nude people jump out of your bathroom blindfolded like a g**damn magic show ready to double team your girlfriend…”
You just can’t beat that kind of humor!!!

GS: If your life were a comedy, what would it be?
RL:I thought it might be a romantic comedy because I’m such a sucker for romance. But I think I really identify with Christmas Vacation. My family and my husband’s family are filled with characters and holiday gatherings can be very humorous.

GS: Do you look like someone famous?
RL: You tell me! I have been told Jenna Elfman and one time Kat Foster but I think it was more the personality of her character on ‘Til Death.

Rubialala free for all: You know, I just like to be silly and have fun. Laughing is too much fun to not do it every day.

I was raised to believe that I was part of this perfect family with no problems. Obviously, that was not true and it was very disabling to realize that as an adult. I want to teach my son to embrace what being a human is really about – change, dysfunction, imperfection. And I plan on teaching by example! And by accepting him for exactly who he is, not trying to get him to believe he is something he’s not. (GS: That's such a great parenting philosophy! Right on!)

I love to surprise people by telling them how long I have been married (8 years in July - we’ve been together for 10 years), and also telling them that I have a 4 year old son. The usual reaction is that I couldn’t possibly be old enough for all of that. Which I just love to hear!

GS: Thanks Rubialala!

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(Rubialala and her cute son, RL and her main men, RL and cutie play bumper cars, Jim Carrey, Sarah Silverman, Robin Williams, Kathy Griffin)

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