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Diplomacy 2.0? State Department Turns to Online Groups

LibertySugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:30:06 -0800

What do Google, MTV, Facebook, Howcast, and the US State Department all have in common? They're joining forces to fight terrorism, political oppression, and crime. Inspired by a Colombian Facebook movement against FARC rebels, the US government wants to take advantage of online youth groups that promote stability, human rights, and democracy.

In early December, organizations fighting oppression and violence in places like Burma, Egypt, Uganda, Darfur, India, South Africa, Britain, South Africa, and Turkey will meet in New York City to get the Alliance of Youth Movements up and running. The US State Department has donated $50,000 to sponsor delegate travel. Observers from Iraq and Afghanistan will attend, and participants from Cuba will participate remotely.

While they're taking a break from discussing how to build online youth movements, they'll listen to guest speakers, including Whoopi Goldberg. MTV and Howcast will stream the event live. Are you happy to see the US State Department support international movements, started in the private sector, that favor US policy?

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Internal Report: Liberals Need Not Apply to Justice Department

LibertySugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:43 -0700

A new report reveals that the US Justice Department denied employment to new lawyers based on liberal resume buzzwords, information making it more likely that Bush's legacy will include the politicalization of federal prosecution.

The Justice Department's inspector general reports that many well qualified candidates were rejected from the elite recruitment program for perceived liberal bias, and such rejection “constituted misconduct and also violated the department’s policies and civil service law that prohibit discrimination in hiring based on political or ideological affiliations.” The hiring practice took place under both Attorney General John Ashcroft, and AG Roberto Gonzales.

So which resume items signaled a leftist agenda? To find out, read more.

Words like "social justice," or "environmental" proved problematic, along with membership in organizations like Greenpeace, American Constitution Society, or the Poverty and Race Research Action Council, reports the New York Times. Instead, those with Republican credentials got the interviews and internships.

The investigation regarding the firing of nine US attorneys in 2006 is still underway. Are you looking forward to that outcome? What should citizens do with this information?

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US Department of the Interior: Sex, Drugs, and Oil

LibertySugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

The Interior Department, which controls oil and gas collected from US taxpayer-owned coastal waters, has been plagued with shocking ethical abuses, according to a government investigation. Violations range from giving contracts to a retired employee instead of allowing for competitive bidding to substance abuse and promiscuity.

The report states that officials “frequently consumed alcohol at (oil) industry functions, used cocaine and marijuana, and had sexual relationships with oil and gas company representatives.” Officials also allegedly accepted gifts from energy companies that exceed ethics rules, such as golf, meals and drinks, and tickets to a Toby Keith concert. In addition, oil companies were allowed to purchase oil and gas at a lowered price, after they had won contracts.

The alleged ethics mayhem took place in the Mineral Management Service (MMS) and Royalty In Kind Programs. The MMS brings in $10 billion for the federal government each year. It's the second biggest revenue maker after taxes. To find out what the investigation recommends now, read more.

The investigation strongly recommends that the Bush Administration either fire those who accepted gifts, or ban them from certain positions. Many have been transferred to other government jobs. The high-ranking officials retired during the investigation. Thus they could only face consequences if the Justice Department pursued suggested charges, which it has declined to do.

Since the department in charge of taxpayer oil seems to be a free for all, do you think we should hold off putting more oil and money in their hands through increased offshore drilling, or is this just the immoral and illegal behavior by a few bad apples?

Source

Have You Gone Solar?

GeekSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:04:06 -0700

It's hip to be green these days - not only to save the environment, but to save a few bucks while you're at it. Late last week, the Department of Energy made $535 million dollars available to a solar startup in order to stimulate the green tech industry, which will eventually mean more solar options for consumers.

Although investing in solar products can mean an investment in the short term, they can save big bucks for the long haul. Just consider how much you'll save on gas with an electric car - the same principal applies to solar energy as well.

My favorite solar gadget has to be the Solio charger ($80), which charges my gadgets on the go without using any electricity. It's totally handy and packs away easily in my bag. Hey, even the President has one! Have you gone solar yet?

The Departed Is A Must See

PopSugar — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:05:23 -0700

The Departed is opening this weekend, and is already being called one of the year's best movies. We were lucky enough to catch a sneak peek this week and couldn't agree more! The movie stars Leo, Jack Nicholson, Marky Mark, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin and one of our favorites, Matt Damon. The word Oscar has been mentioned a lot already and it's only October. With a cast like that, we knew it was going to be fabulous!

The film directed by Martin Scorsese revolves around a powerful Irish-American Mafia boss (Nicholson) in Boston who places one of his brightest into the Boston Police Dept. undercover. Meanwhile, a young cop is given a similar task to run with the Mafia and bring them down. The violence was a bit too much to take at times, but who really cares when Matt and Leo are the main characters. There is never a slow moment in the film which promises to keep you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. All in all there is something for everyone and you won't be disappointed, especially given the big twist at the end! It's one of those movies you can't stop thinking about even days later. Oh and did we mention Leo and Matt were in it? This movie is definitely the one to check out this weekend.

And because all the men looked so cute at The Departed premiere, here they are one more time. Just read more

View 8 Photos ›

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Get Oscar Fit (and Tough): The Departed

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:09:15 -0800

Apparently the Sugar girls are not the only ones totally obsessed with the Oscars...

I recently came across this great old fashioned, street style workout based on the Oscar nominated movie The Departed from Gregory Joujon-Roche who thinks that being mob fighting ready (like Leo's character) is more about the brute strength that comes from growing up on the tough streets (not from a fancy gym).

"Want to pretend you're gearing up to fight the mob? Shake up your regular fitness routine by giving these moves a try. (Note: This workout is intended for people who regularly strength train. If you're a true couch potato, start slowly and work your way up to this challenge.)

On the first day, work on sheer strength with bench presses, straight bar curls and military presses. Don't worry about counting set and reps. The goal is to go heavy and feel the power.

On the second day, tone and condition with rear dips off the end of your bed or coffee table -- dozens of them -- to blast your triceps and upper back. Then do old-fashioned sit-ups and pull-ups -- as many as you can, and then a few more.

Repeat this cycle over the next two days, and then rest on the fifth day."

Now say it with me: Arggggggghhhhhh! Too Demi Moore, GI Man-ish for you? Check out this less intense workout based on last year's Best Picture winner, Crash.

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The Departed Gets Banned in China

PopSugar — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:50:55 -0800

Leo looks absolutely yummy at the Tokyo premiere of The Departed. While the film will no doubt do well in Japan, another country is banning it all together. China Film group, China's state-run film importer has deemed the Hollywood hit unsuitable for Chinese audiences, but didn't give a reason why. We aren't too worried though, the film seems to be doing just fine everywhere else.

For more pics of Leo and Marty at the premiere just read more

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Soothing Stretches to Ease Digestion

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:00:58 -0800

With Thanksgiving coming up, I'm sure many of you are looking forward to chowing down on some delicious foods. Most of us end up eating way more than usual, and since many of the dishes may be richer or sweeter than you're used to, it can cause some major discomfort in the tummy department. Here are some gentle stretches you can do to ease digestion.

Don't see your favorite yoga pose here? Then write about it in our Yoga Stretch and Tell group. I am sure all of our digestive systems could benefit from a wide variety of stretches.

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"Frequently Asked," Eh?

GiggleSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

There are a lot of precocious teenagers running around Georgia.

Thanks, College Humor and Source!

Do You Shop in Store Departments Other Than the Women's?

FabSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:22:22 -0700

The Olsens do!

Source