FitSugar

10 Reasons Barack Obama Is the First Cool President

TresSugar — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:00:30 PDT

Regardless of what they think about his policies, a lot of Americans agree that President Obama might be the nation's first hip president. While some think his style is elusive and hard to define, I've narrowed down 10 things that make Barack Obama cooler than other commanders in chief.

Here's my list:

He's addicted to tech: He refused to give up his BlackBerry becoming the first emailing president.
He's not self-conscious: While he's sort of a goofy dancer, Barack sure looked cool when he came out grooving on Ellen's show.
He inspires teen slang: At one Albany, NY high school teens respond to a sneeze with "Barack you." (Barack does mean blessed.)
He's not uptight: The White House work day starts at 9 a.m. and it's not necessary to wear a jacket in the oval office.
He's married to Michelle: Nothing makes you more cool than having an inspiring partner by your side.

To see the rest,

COOL News! Food Labeling Law Goes Into Effect

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:00 PDT

Do you know where your avocado is from? That question is easier to answer now as the new food labeling law goes into effect this week. The so-called COOL law (country of origin label) requires producers of fresh meats, many fruits and vegetables, and assorted other products to state clearly on packages where the food originates.

As part of the Obama administration's efforts to improve food safety, labels on meat products will even state where the animal was born, raised, and slaughtered. However, the law doesn't apply to many foods that are considered "processed," including roasted nuts, bacon, breaded chicken, and bags of veggies containing more than one variety.

Still, the COOL indicator will help us know if produce hails from a place where food safety has come into question, such as when we were told to avoid hot peppers from Mexico and certain states' tomatoes amid last year's salmonella outbreaks. I hope it's just the first step in revamping our faulty food-safety system. Are you looking forward to seeing the new labels?

Source

Produce and Meat's COOL Move

YumSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:00:29 PDT

America is moving one more step closer to awareness of where its food comes from.

The US Department of Agriculture has mandated that all produce as well as meat, fish, and poultry sold in US retail stores will be required to have country of origin labels (COOL) beginning next Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Aside from knowing more about your food's origins, the COOL new system (pun intended) could be helpful in situations such as this year's widespread salmonella outbreak. Since the outbreak was traced to Mexico, if you purchased jalapeno or serrano peppers from, say, California, you could be assured that your produce wasn't from the contaminated source.

For years, COOL has been applied to canned or boxed foods packaged overseas, but this will be the first time the rule is required for fresh foods. There are exceptions, however: meat and fish sold in small butcheries or fish markets; salad bars or packaged mixed fruit and vegetable salads; bacon, ham, and smoked salmon; frozen vegetables; domestically canned vegetables; cooked shrimp; and roasted peanuts. What do you think of this move? Are you glad to learn more about where your food comes from?

Source

Cool or NOT Cool?

FitSugar — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:30:00 PDT

I recently took a trip to Canada to see the Body Worlds exhibit (a MUST see by the way), and happened to notice that they have these really bold messages on their cigarette packs. I've never seen anything like them! They're really graphic warnings meant to discourage people from smoking, and get this - they're government-funded!

These warnings aren't just on one brand of cigarettes - they're on EVERY brand. The government is hoping to encourage smokers to quit smoking. Here are some of the warnings:

Over the Counter Alli: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 04:00:00 PDT

Do you guys remember me telling you about Alli the first OTC Diet pill approved by the FDA? The one that causes anal leakage? Remember?

Personally, I was hoping it would never really happen, but it has been announced the pills will go on sale on June 15th, 2007 at drugstores nationwide. I am curious if I am the only one that thinks the FDA should focus a little more on tainted foods hitting shelves in grocery stores than giving us another reason not to exercise and eat healthy. Oh wait; Alli claims that it’s only for you if you can commit to eating more sensibly and getting more physically active. Why can't we commit to doing that without anal leakage? Maybe I am a cynic, but what do you guys think about it?

Cool Vaporizers Are Not Hot, But They Are Cool

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 03:30:00 PST

Unfortunately, we are right in the middle of cold season and at this point, we're desperately looking for anything that will help ease a nasty cold.

Increasing the air moisture is a common way to help you (or your child) feel better when congested -- The added moisture in the air can relieve symptoms such as sore throat and congestion. A cool mist vaporizer or humidifier is preferred over a warm mist one because of the risk of your child (or someone else's child) getting accidentally burned by the outflow of hot steam.

The problem is that a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier gets dirty faster because the heat (in a hot vaporizer) kills mold and germs gathering in the vaporizer. To avoid this, clean your cool mist vaporizer frequently (at least once a week) to deter growth of bacteria and other pathogens.

Fit's Tip: I like Vicks Natural Mist Humidifier ($32.84) because it is quiet and has a wicking filter with built-in bactericide, which helps ward off germs. Buy one on Walmart.com.

Cool Capture: Sailing, Contemplating, Thankful

GeekSugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:06:33 PST

This image was submitted to our Cool Capture group by Asm7367.

Have you been testing out your photography skills and have a snapshot you want to share? Submit your pics to our Cool Capture group or on Instagram by tagging them with #CoolCapture. Your pics might be featured on the GeekSugar homepage!

Cool Capture: Snow

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:10:44 PST

Obsessed with mobile photography? Submit your pics to our Cool Capture group or to Instagram by tagging them with #CoolCapture. Your pics might be featured on the GeekSugar homepage! We found a lot of snow flurries hitting the #CoolCapture tag this week - do you have any to share?

Source: Instagram user bunniexoxo

Look of the Day: Monochromatic Glam

FabSugar — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:00:15 PST

While it's quite a tricky trend, we think Fab reader Sorelle in Style rocked a fierce gorilla-sleeve look flawlessly. She paired the plush jacket with neutral layers, which in turn, created a super chic downtown-cool effect. Underneath she sported a half-tucked white blouse with high-waisted black jeans. Her pair of low-top Converse and Alexander Wang studded saddlebag kept the ensemble low-key and luxe. It's a classic look with edgy accents - a stylish balance we love seeing.

Congrats Sorelle in Style!

Everyone else, submit your looks, and we might just feature you on FabSugar!

Get Great Benefits by Taking on One of These 11 Part-Time Jobs

LearnVest — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:15:46 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

“Underemployment” is a term that, compared to “unemployment,” more fully captures the lack of job opportunities.

The underemployed includes the unemployed as well as those employed part-time but wanting full-time work.

According to a recent poll, underemployment is currently at 18.1 percent. That’s down from 18.3 percent the month prior, and 19 percent a year ago. While these numbers are still high, there are opportunities to work part-time. You won’t make as much money as you would with a full-time job, but with many part-time positions, you’ll not only earn a salary but also score some great perks.

Related: the 10 Fastest-Growing Jobs

We’ve put together a list of 11 big-name companies that provide big benefits to its part-time workers. Whether they're offering free merchandise, health insurance benefits, or tuition aid, these employers certainly make it worth your while to work, even if you’re only putting in 20 hours a week.

Whole Foods

After part-timers have worked 400 hours, they get health, dental, and vision plans, as well as 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, and a 20 percent employee discount. After working 6,000 hours, employees are offered stock options.

Target

Work at Target as few as two and a half days a week for six months, and you can become eligible for Target’s health care coverage. Employees also get access to other health benefits like free flu vaccinations, a 24-hour nurse hotline, and discounts for Weight Watchers.

Read on for more.