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Dear Poll: Do You Respond Well to Tough Love?

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:30:00 -0700

I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of tough love. Being direct reduces the chance of misunderstandings, and when trying to get a point across, why waste time beating around the bush? Some people, however, don't do well with that kind of forthrightness. Do you respond well to tough love?

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Think You're Tough Enough For the Tough Guy Challenge?

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:00:00 -0800

The day before the 43rd Super Bowl, the 24th annual Tough Guy Competition took place on an old horse farm just outside Birmingham, UK. On the last day of January, 3,000 contestants raced through 21 treacherous obstacles on a course eight "country miles" in length. The course is full of many tunnels, steep descents, barbed wire crawls, muddy swims, and of course trekking through fire.

The race is a fundraising event for the Mr. Mouse Farm for Unfortunates, which is home to hundreds of retired horses and provides job opportunities for young offenders. The race took place two days before snow storms crippled London, so the temperature was cold; over 600 contestants were treated for hypothermia. While the broken/dislocated bone count is only in the dozens, one contestant did break his neck, but there were no fatalities. James Appleton, a 28-year-old Cambridge student, won the race billed as "the safest most dangerous taste of physical and mental endurance pain in the world."

Interested in proving your mettle? You can compete in the Nettle Warrior event slated for July 26, or the next Tough Guy race in 2010. If you sign up early, the entrance fee is only 80 pounds. Personally, I would start training now. Be sure to check out the gallery of obstacles.

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Olympus Tough 8000 Dares You to Abuse It

GeekSugar — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:50 -0800

Although I was smitten by the bright and rugged Olympus Stylus 790 SW I was still afraid that I would drop it on a recent skiing trip, and shatter it to pieces. That or end up cracking the screen while hiking in the sierras. Either way, I was still gingerly handling this baby like it was made of glass.

Certainly, I'm sure I'd feel that way about any gadget, but the newest edition to the Olympus family wants you to know it can take a beating.

The 12 megapixel Olympus Tough 8000 has a name that says it all - tough. Waterproof up to 33 feet (hello scuba diving!), freezeproof up to 14 degrees, and crushproof up to 220 pounds, this is the true take-anywhere-cause-it-still-fits-in-your-pocket digital camera. Plus, you can drop this baby all day long, and it won't break, since it has a 6.6 foot drop threshold. If you want a camera that is going to stand the test of time, this is the one. Don't get me wrong, it's an investment at $400 dollars, but it's sure to be worth it.

Come PetMarking With Me: Tough Toys For Crazy Chompers

PetSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:30:01 -0700

North's not the only pooch who has a birthday coming up – lil Brando the Basset Hound will be turning one on June 23! Not only did this pooch have trouble with separation anxiety, he's quite the tough chewer. Since even the Tuffies are no match for his mighty jaws, can we help out Phasekitty on a bookmarking mission in time for her pup's first birthday celebration?

All you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers out there, please suggest the best toys for tough chewers and come PetMarking with me, by bookmarking your finds on TeamSugar. Don't forget to tag your finds as "Tough Chewers." I'll do a recap next week of our finds.

Geeksugar has written a helpful explanation of how to bookmark . . . or, in our case, PetMark! Happy hunting!

Don't know where to start? To see some of my favorite online stores, read more.

The Sophisticated Cat

Trixie+Peanut

Wag Stores

Tough Question No. 3: When Are You Getting Engaged?

DearSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:30:00 -0800

If you're dating and you have a job, don't think that you're exempt from the line of questioning at Thanksgiving - getting engaged is of course the next one! Some women enjoy just dating their significant other, but if you're actually waiting for a ring yourself, this question could hit a nerve. To see my suggestions on how to answer tough question number three, just read more.

If you're simply not ready to take that next step in your relationship, tell whoever is asking that you're just enjoying being together for now. Reiterate that you're not in a rush to get hitched and hopefully they'll back off.
Blame your youth. Tell them you feel too young and don't feel the need to be married just yet.
If you are ready for an engagement yourself, take a cheeky approach and say something like, "I've been asking myself the same question" or "I'm not sure, but if you find out when, let me know!" If you take the pressure off with humor, it'll make talking about it a lot easier.

If you're in a similar boat this year, tell us, how do you plan on answering this tough question?

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Steve Wood: Douchebag of the Day

GiggleSugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Meet Steve Wood from VH1's groan-inducing new reality show Tough Love. He describes himself as a "master matchmaker" and says that you need him; I figure women need this guy like they need a hole in their heads. Describing single women with contempt as "desperate, delusional, and baby hungry," you'd have to be clinically insane to take this douche's advice. I'm pretty sick of this, "Hey, stupid woman, I'm going to insult you while pretending it's for your own good" trend in self-help. It's straight-up hatred, women. Don't take the bait! I bet he works in tandem with Mystery from The Pickup Artist who gives advice to players on how to play these women. Hint #1: Insult her - they like that!

Mission Completed: Tough Toys For Crazy Chompers

PetSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:15 -0700

Last week I asked all you savvy shoppers and Internet researchers to come PetMarking with me on a tough toy challenge to help find a way to make Brando happy on his birthday morning . . . and Phasekitty happy by not having the toy completely destroyed by afternoon. I especially love this Hurley ($8.95) bookmarked by ILovePugs – it's a bone, a stick, and a ball all in one!

Check out the rest of your great finds below.

Be Prepared to Answer Those Tough Questions Tomorrow!

DearSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

If there's a chance you'll be put on the spot tomorrow at your Thanksgiving dinner, make sure you're prepared to answer those tough questions your bold relatives just love to ask. I hope this helps! Source

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Tough Question No. 5: Have You Lost/Gained Some Weight?

DearSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Weight is one of those topics that makes almost everyone feel uncomfortable. Calling out a person's weight gain or loss not only puts them on the spot, but it can easily do a number on their self-esteem. If Thanksgiving is the holiday that brings your family together, chances are you'll be seeing some relatives you haven't seen for a while, so if they comment on your weight, here are some ways to hold your own.

To see my responses for tough question number five, read more.

Looks are an easy thing to zero in on if you haven't seen someone in a long time, and most people tend to comment on weight. If it's not something you want to discuss, acknowledge their comments and quickly move the conversation along.
Weight fluctuation has a lot to do with diet and exercise, but personal issues can be another trigger. If someone comments on your noticeable weight loss, be short and say something like, "Yes, I guess I have lost a few pounds. It's been a very stressful Fall but I'm really looking forward to a great Thanksgiving dinner!" If you leave it at that, they shouldn't fish for any more details.
If you've admittedly gained a few pounds - 'tis the season! - and a relative approaches you about it, address it in a cheeky manner. Say something like, "Yes, I've been slacking a little, but now there's just more of me to love!" or "I'm embracing the holidays, Aunt Jessie - by Easter I'll be as slender as can be!"
If you've struggled with your weight, but you're finally where you want to be, take the compliments you're given this Thanksgiving. If you've worked hard to get back into your skinny jeans, be proud of yourself; reaching your goal weight is no small feat!

Have any of you had to face weight questions like this? If so, how did you handle it?

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Tough Question No. 4: When Are You Going to Start a Family?

DearSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Is it just me or do most parents crave grandchildren? If you're married or at a point in your life where a baby makes sense, chances are your family will start prying this Thanksgiving. Having kids is a very personal decision, but loved ones certainly know how to lay on the pressure, so check out my tips on how to answer tough question number four! Click here to read more.

If you're not ready to be with child, the state of our economy is a great excuse. Tell your inquisitive family members that you're waiting until things get more stable before trying.
If kids are in your future, reassure them that you're going to start a family eventually, but you want to enjoy the freedom of being childless for a little longer - they've got to understand that!
If you're actively trying but have yet to conceive, don't let them in on your secret because they'll just continue to ask the same question until they get the answer they're looking for. Dodge it completely and tell them you're thinking about trying in the next year - that will buy you some time.
If you're newly pregnant but not ready to tell anyone yet, get ready to deliver an Oscar-worthy performance!

For those of you who've had to answer this question before, what route worked best for you?

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