TresSugar

Have You Ever Had to Use Self-Defense?

TresSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I have to admit that I've never taken the time to enroll in a serious self-defense course. Luckily, I've never been in a situation requiring it (knock on wood!), but I think it's about time I sign up!

Yesterday I posted a comical vintage ad for a book on secret self-dense tips. It got me thinking: how many of you have taken a self-defense course and had the unfortunate opportunity to test it out?

Flashback: Self-Defense Made Easy

TresSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

This book promised to make self-defense so easy that you could do it with a smile, while standing on one toe no less! Now that she knows the secrets to self-defense, half-pint can show the big bad wolf who's boss.

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Self-Defense Video or Comedy Routine?

GiggleSugar — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:00:00 -0700

As soon as I try to focus on a self-defense technique I could actually learn from, these dorks do something weird that makes me laugh. So I guess my answer to the question above it. . .comedy routine.

Are Taser Parties Too Much?

DearSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:00:02 -0700

As women, it's important that we think about safety, particularly those of us who live in cities. A lot of women I know carry pepper spray in their purses, while others go so far as to take self-defense classes. But I was a little shocked when I heard about Shieldher, a company offering "Taser parties" - sort of like Tupperware parties, except at these home gatherings, women learn about and shop for Taser-brand stun guns.

Founded by an Arizona entrepreneur named Dana Shafman, Shieldher sells Taser C2 models ($350 each), which are not considered firearms but which are prohibited for citizen use in many states. The Tasers use laser pointers to aim and can stop an attacker from up to 15 feet away. For details on the Taser parties, read more

Though the company mostly sells Tasers - some complete with leopard-print cases! - on its website, it has also started offering Taser parties in certain US cities, and by the end of 2008, Shieldher wants to have parties being thrown in more than 30 states. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no alcohol is served at the parties!

Would you attend a Taser party? Do you own a Taser or some other kind of self-defense tool?

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FemDefence Against Rape

DearSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:00:00 -0800

Okay ladies, I just found something that I have to share with you. Let me first say that as women, it's incredibly important to do everything we can to keep ourselves safe. Some women carry mace, others a cell phone, and some women I know are even learning Kung Fu. Here's another idea for self-defense: It's called FemDefence.

This “product" (which is presently just an idea) is a kind of protection for women against sexual assault. It's similar to a tampon in that the user inserts it into her vagina, but it has a sharp pin on one end, which has a penetrating effect on a perpetrator’s penis in the event of a rape. The construction is such that the pin cannot injure the woman wearing it.

Whoa. When I first saw it, I thought it was something you kept in your purse - not in you! What do you guys think? Would you put this inside yourself if it meant you'd be more safe, or do you think this product is going too far?

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Don't Light Up Around Gramps

GiggleSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:00:00 -0700

Don't watch the golfer in the foreground, watch the scene happening behind him. An elderly man is enjoying his day in the sun while watching the golfers play around him, when some punk decides to take a smoke break right next to him. In the name of self-defense, the elderly gentleman does what any polite, respectable, decent person would do- Go, Go, Gadget Walking Stick!

Jim Carrey Teaches Women's Self-Defense

GiggleSugar — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:07:30 -0800

I'm officially coming out as a Jim Carrey fan. I love this guy. Here, he teaches a women's self defense class and can barely take care of himself...

"Men's Rights" Groups Say Feminist Society Oppresses Men

TresSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0800

We've all heard of women's rights activists, but are you familiar with men's rights activists? MRAs are men who believe that the emancipation of women and the emergence of feminism has led to the oppression of men. (Because, you know, it can't be a win-win proposition!)

Double X provided an extensive exploration of a movement that is trying to appear more mainstream. Here are some MRA claims:

False domestic abuse allegations are rampant.
A feminist-run court system wrongly separates innocent fathers from children.
Battered-women shelters scam taxpayers by transferring federal money to feminists.
Domestic violence laws help mail-order brides fraudulently get green cards.
Men are unrecognized victims of domestic violence themselves.

According to Double X, there's evidence that MRAs have greatly exaggerated many of their concerns about custody and domestic violence. For example, abuse accusations don't automatically win custody for mothers, and often incidents these men count as violence against men are really cases of self-defense. If you think this form of activism sounds too out there to be taken seriously, know that MRAs have had some very real influence. In 2008, they claimed responsibility for helping block the passage of four domestic violence bills.

What do you make of MRAs?

Fun Ways to Get Together With the Girls

DearSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Sometimes it seems like we spend so much time focusing on new ways to go on a date or enjoy time with our guy that we forget there's an entire world of ideas for spending time with just our girlfriends. So in support of hanging with your ladies, I've come up with some ideas to make for a memorable time. But feel free to weigh in with other ideas of your own!

Host a good old-fashioned cocktail party with a signature drink and appetizers. Spice it up by asking your friends to each bring their favorite dessert. When you're not munching on finger foods, you can indulge your sweet tooth.
Get active. Slip on your tennis shoes and hit the courts, or pick a safe trail in your town and go for a hike. If guys can have pick-up football games, why can't girls have impromptu sunset strolls?
Take turns giving dinner parties and trading recipes. It's a fun way to bond and learn something new!

To see my other ideas, just read more.

Since most of us are trying to save money or can't take a few days off work for a vacation whenever we feel like it, try saving up to splurge on a cabin or house by the beach for a weekend together. It's a great way to actually relax for a while.
Try something completely out of your element! You can take a group self-defense class or sailing lessons. Exploring something new together is a great way to bond with your girls!
Throw an in-home dance party. You don't need a DJ or a full bar, just an iPod and your favorite bottle of wine. There's nothing like getting completely silly with your friends when there's no one around to watch!

And don't forget the Sex and the City night fall-back plan when all else fails. All it takes is a couple hours of good girl talk and a few hearty laughs to create the perfect get-together with your friends!

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Texas Man Cleared of Shooting Burglars - Victory For Justice?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:15:19 -0700

It's a big day for guns in the news: new Georgia laws go into effect allowing residents to carry concealed weapons into parks, restaurants, and onto public transportation, and in Florida, employees and customers will now be able to conceal firearms on private property if locked in a car. Then there's this story: Joe Horn, a 62-year-old Texan has been cleared by a grand jury yesterday after he fatally shot two men he suspected of burglarizing his next-door neighbor's home.

Horn's case has sparked controversy between those who think he acted illegally and recklessly, and those who praise his swift action. Horn's attorney says, "he wasn't acting like a vigilante. He didn't want to do it," and that he's not a "wild cowboy" who shot unprovoked after he saw the two suspected burglars carrying bags out of windows of his vacationing neighbor's home. His lawyer says Horn was a scared man who was trying to defend his neighbor's home when the burglars came onto his property and threatened him, "He was scared. He was in fear of his life."

The details of the night are recorded in a 911 call, where a dispatcher urges Horn, "Don't go outside the house. You're going to get yourself shot if you go outside that house with a gun. I don't care what you think." Horn responded, "You want to make a bet? I'm going to kill them." Both suspects were shot in the back with a 12-gauge shotgun. After the incident, he called back saying, "I had no choice. They came in the front yard with me, man. I had no choice. Get somebody over here quick."

The case illuminates part of the complicated relationship between guns and crime - in this instance, was the jury correct in letting him go? Was Horn acting in self-defense?

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