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Obama Flips Toward Center, While McCain Flops to Base

LibertySugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:00:07 -0700

If you care about flip-flops, BBC has taken its turn to put together a compilation of Obama and McCain policy U-turns. The examples indicate that McCain has, atypically, traded more moderate positions for right-wing stances favorable with his base. More traditionally, Obama has shifted center after locking in the nomination, so he can appeal to undecided moderate voters. Here are some examples:

McCain and Interrogation: McCain now supports a bill exempting the CIA from the US Army's interrogation rules.
Obama and Surveillance: In 2007 he pledged to filibuster retroactive telecom immunity; but, he recently announced that he would not oppose such bill.

For some other repositions from the BBC guide, read more.

McCain and Immigration: McCain backed Bush's plan for comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship. McCain said he now prioritizes border security, over a citizenship plan.
McCain and Guantanamo: McCain previously opposed Bush's detention policies at Gitmo. Now he says Supreme Court's decision to give prisoners access to US courts one of worst decisions in history
Obama and Campaign Finance: Although Obama says he never promised to stay in public finance system his decision to opt out has been viewed as bad faith.
Obama and Free Trade: Backing away from his anti-free-trade rhetoric, Obama now says: "Sometimes during campaigns the rhetoric gets overheated and amplified."

When does flip-flopping equal hypocrisy, and when does it signal a flexible and reasonable outlook?

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Flip Flops: Cute, But Zero Support

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

When temperatures rise, folks start sporting their favorite flip-flops. Once relegated to being just beachwear or a shower shoe, flip-flops have become a fashion mainstay - a fact that might give Anna Wintour hives. Well, it is certainly a fact many podiatrists are distressed about as well.

From the podiatrist perspective, flip-flops were designed to provide protection to the bottom of your foot when strolling poolside or dashing across hot sand in the summertime. Plus they are great for preventing athlete’s foot, which likes to camp out in communal showers.

What flip-flops don't do is provide support for your feet. They offer no arch support and generally allow the wearer's feet to become as flat as they want. This can lead to a lot of foot pain. Plus, they also provide no heel cushioning or shock absorption. Since they provide zero arch support and foot stability, sprained ankles are actually a common injury that accompanies wearing flip-flops.

Now, I am not saying you need to toss your flip-flops. I am just saying you should wear them strategically. They are not suited for long walks, but they are fine for running a quick errand. And of course I think you should wear them when showering at the gym, strolling poolside or dashing across hot sand at the beach.

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Are You Guilty of the Flip-Flop Shuffle

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

When temperatures rise, folks start sporting their favorite flip-flops. Once relegated to the role of beachwear or a shower shoe, flip-flops have become a fashion mainstay – a fact that might give Anna Wintour hives. In fact, the simple shoe gives physiologists and podiatrists more than just hives. The thong sandal has become fodder for research.

Two biomechanists from Auburn University studied the effects wearing thongs has on how people walk. They noticed two important changes: the first being a shortened stride length. Taking shorter steps translates into more wear and tear on the legs joints over time, since it takes more steps to reach any destination. Secondly, the researchers also noticed that flip-flop wearers chronically scrunch their toes to keep the thongs on their feet. This constant toe contraction turns off the ability of the toes to lift, which they should do with each step. The end effect is the "flip-flop shuffle," which is not a very efficient way to get around.

Thongs, like everything else in life, are fine in moderation and are great for walking across hot sand at the beach or showering at the gym. They just shouldn't be your main summer shoes. How often do you wear flip-flops? Tell me in the comments section below.

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DIY Dreaming: Could You Re-Create This Dog Bed Made of Old Flip-Flops?

PetSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:30:39 -0700

Regardless of how bad they are for my feet, I can't get enough of flip-flops and own more pairs than I'd care to count up. So, my flipping and flopping obsession aside, when I spotted this super-cute dog bed on TrendHunter, I saw a DIY project in the making for all my old shoes. Stay with me here . . . Since the bed's created by Australian designer Ilya Frieman, I'm not sure where (and if) you can buy this creation stateside, but it illustrates a good enough case for me to want to test it out. Not only does rubber attract and hold dog hair, it's much easier to keep clean than fabric beds. Get started on your own version by gathering up 18 flip-flops, popping out the thong part, and using an X-Acto knife to divide the flat part into fourths.

For this fancy model, the new rubbery part will eventually fit into that base for another pet-friendly hammock, but I'm betting you could (nontoxic) glue the shoe pieces together to make a rubbery, easily washed dog mat perfect for Summer. What do you think about attempting this project at home?

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Do You Love Flip Flops?

FabSugarUK — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:11 -0700

GQ writer Glenn O'Brien has this week spoken out against men in flip flops stating, "Flip-flops are for the beach or maybe for washing the car or spaniel. They are not the next big thing. They are the last sad thing on the road to stylistic surrender."

Although he is actually referring to men in flip flops I can't help but wonder what impact this has on the shoe for women. For me, it's a Summer staple mainly due to it's comfort even though I know fashion isn't about comfort (if it was we'd all wear slippers to work). I like the annoying noise it makes (unless you're trying to run down the stairs) and that it's name is an onomatopoeia but O'Brien's harsh words have made me rethink. Do you love the flip flop?

On Our Radar: Old Navy Flip Flops For a Buck!

FabSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:00:22 -0700

What can you get for a dollar these days? Not much, except for something off of the McDonald's Dollar Menu. Now add to the list Old Navy flip flops! This Saturday only, head to your local Old Navy store and get as many flip flops as your feet desire. Red, yellow, blue, green, purple - have them all for one dollar each! Don't forget, once Saturday is over, the horse carriage (aka your flip flops) turns into a pumpkin (aka are regular price again).

Flip-Flops Socks: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Are the cooler autumn temperatures keeping you from wearing your beloved flip-flops? If yes, you might want to consider slipping your feet into these Flip-flop socks ($12) by injinji.

Yep, these split toe socks were designed especially to be worn with flip-flops. The split is strategically placed to accommodate the thong – the toe kind. I am just not loving the look since I have never been a socks with sandals gal. If I were these would be the socks for me since the cut would eliminate the annoyance of wadded up fabric between the toes.

I'd love to hear what you think. Are they cool or not? If you think they are cool and want a pair – buy them from Sahalie.

$1 Flip-Flop Saturday at Old Navy!

FabSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:22 -0700

I'm letting you know this a day early so you can plan around your fabulous Saturday . . . Old Navy is having its $1 flip-flop sale for one day only. Flips are limited to five pairs per person, that is $5 dollars if you do the math. You get my point, it's Summer, go.

Portable Flip Flops

FabSugar — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 12:09:16 -0800

If you are looking for the perfect bridesmaid gift, a mani/pedi bridal shower thank you gift, or a little something special for a friend or relative who never skips their weekly salon visits, these portable flip flops make for an excellent present!

These cuties are easily transportable since they fold and fit conveniently into their matching pouch. You can buy them here for $32 just plain or you can customize the pouch for an extra $8 and/or customize the flips for an extra $4.

Fab Worthy: Heart Tie Up Flip Flops

FabSugarUK — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:00:49 -0700

These YSL heart flip flops have appeared in nearly every magazine but I still couldn't resist sharing them with you. They're so cute and surely the perfect holiday shoe? They're available in white or yellow (£105) and are made of plastic with leather straps which ties around your ankle.

They're so adorable. Definitely require a perfect pedicure as your toes would be truly exposed and probably only suitable for daytime wear. You could team them with a funky maxi dress or cropped jeans.