FitSugar

KettleBells: New Weight Training

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:00:00 PDT

Have you noticed a new funny/medieval looking dumbbell type of thing at the gym that looks like fun. Sounds like it could be Kettlebells...

What is a Kettlebell? Basically a Kettlebell is a rather old fashioned looking training tool that looks like a cannonball with a handle attached to it. They are designed to be swung (with a controlled motion of course), rather than lifted giving a more dynamic workout that is great for building functional strength. Kettlebelling (as some like to call it) is a great supplement to your current dumbbell/barbell lifting routine. You'll instantly feel like smashing something with it, but I recommend against it, those babies are meant for training only - It's fun and definitely adds variety to your workout.

I would recommend getting a book, dvd or finding an instructor rather than going at it alone. Especially since the multi planar movement, while great for muscle development, can lead to injuries if not done properly. A fun new group class (Kettlebells swung to music) led by fitness pro Keli Roberts, Total Body KB Blast, will be launched soon as well, so look for that as well as other Kettlebell classes at your local gym now. Really interested? You can always buy your own Kettlebell from Amazon.com

Experts Say Sexism Keeps Women Out of Military Combat Roles

Annie Scudder — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:06:25 PST

Ask GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum why women shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles, and he will give you various reasons. First off, a man's emotions. Santorum believes men will try to save their fellow female soldiers, explaining this weekend: "instead of focused on the mission, they may be more concerned about protecting someone who may be in a vulnerable position, a woman in a vulnerable position." In addition to chivalry, Rick says "You throw on top of that just simply physical strength and capabilities," and women simply can't handle the job. Fortunately, the military, which recently opened 14,000 combat jobs up to women including tank mechanic and front-line intelligence, doesn't completely agree with Rick, and experts say "sexist" attitudes are responsible for a policy against trained female soldiers serving in combat positions.

Sociologist Ryan Kelty, who specializes in studying the military, tells LiveScience that the old-fashioned belief that women must be protected is not a good enough reason to exclude women who want to and are capable of serving their country. In other words, chivalry is not a legitimate basis to deny a woman employment, especially when there is no evidence that professional and highly trained male and female soldiers are incapable of carrying out their missions. Kelty explains the military should employ gender-neutral, objective requirements. For example, a soldier should be able to carry 100 pounds for eight hours, regardless of gender.

There may be back and forth, but the truth is that women already serve in these combat roles. In Iraq and Afghanistan, 144 women have lost their lives, 60 of them in combat, while 865 have been wounded. And countries including Canada, Israel, and Australia already allow women in close-combat roles. Despite the slow evolution of American rules on women serving, it can be said that the US military doesn't have the most retro policy. In China, women recruits must display a talent like singing or dancing and Russia holds a Miss Russian Army beauty pageant.

Weekly Faves: 5 Inspiring Spaces

Elka Karl — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:00:51 PST

This week I'm feeling torn when I consider weekend plans. Should I get cozy with a book in my favorite reading chair, or choose adventure and head to a cabin in the wilderness? I don't want to choose, and neither should you. I've found some truly relaxing spaces, both adventure-inspired and staycation-inspired. Check out some favorite photos of dreamy bedrooms, ornate Russian apartments, and much more.

Meet Me in Moscow: A Russian Food Primer

Lizzie Fuhr — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:45:20 PST

Whenever you're complaining about the ferocity of Winter, just remember things are much, much colder in other parts of the world. But while Russian Winters may be brutal, they've got plenty of amazing, comforting recipes with flavors designed to take that chill out of your bones. It's time to call up your babushka, put on your copy of Doctor Zhivago, and grab a tall glass of vodka, if you see fit! It's time to get reading about the delicious dishes Russian cuisine has to offer.

Dishes:

Solyanka: The base of the spicy and sour solyanka soup consists of pickled cucumbers with brine, cabbage, mushrooms, sour cream, and dill. It's either served with meat, fish, or mushrooms.
Pirozhki : Pirozhki are small buns that are stuffed typically with a savory filling and then baked or fried. Some typical fillings include meat, onion, eggs, mashed potatoes, or cabbage.
Stroganov: Beef stroganov, or stroganoff, is cooked up in many a cafeteria today, but this recipe originated in Russia. It's typically pieces of beef served up in a sour cream-based sauce on top of egg noodles.
Blini: These thin, crepelike pancakes are enjoyed with either a savory or sweet topping. As opposed to the French crepe, blinis are made from buckwheat and are part of traditional Russian cuisine.
Borscht: Soups are a staple of a traditional Russian diet. And borscht is the czar of these soups. While it's served up cold in many restaurants in the US, traditionally borscht, primarily made of beets, is served piping hot.
Vatrushka: This traditional Russian dessert is a big ring of flaky pastry dough with cottage cheese in the center. Similar to a delicious American-style Danish, it's typically topped off with raisins or bits of fruit.

Staples:

Smetana (sour cream): Blinis are topped off with it. Soups utilize its flavor. It's even used in dessert recipes! In short, expect to find fresh and delicious sour cream accompanying just about Russian ration you eat.
Black bread: The dark, crusty, hearty rye bread is served alongside many a Russian dish.
Ikra (caviar): Briny caviar is a definite splurge in the US, but in Russia, you can find caviar far more often on a table. It's often served with blinis or atop black bread.

Did I leave anything off? Any Russian foods you love to chow down on? Add your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Flickr User Istelleinad & geishaboy500

Daily Tech: Amazon Hits the Streets

GeekSugar — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:02:18 PST

King of online retail, Amazon, is planning a brick-and-mortar store - Newser
5 ways to avoid Facebook fraud - Tecca
Air traffic may finally switch to GPS technology - SlashGear
The concept designs for a zero gravity rollercoaster includes vomit vacuums - Dvice
Deleted Facebook photos still online three years later - Ars Technica
Untouched for 15 million years, Russian scientists breached a lake under Antarctica after 20 years of work - Geekosystem

Happy Hour: Black Russian

Susannah Chen — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:02:10 PST

After enjoying a Chocolate White Russian, I couldn't help but be reminded of its predecessor. After all, the creamy cocktail is but a variation of the Black Russian, a simple yet satisfying coffee creation. Invented in the 1950s by Brussels barman Gustave Tops, the Black Russian is basic enough for even the most inexperienced bartender to whip up.

The drink's proportions are disputed - some argue the vodka-liqueur should be 1:1, while Kahlúa maintains it's 3:2 and the International Bartenders Association, 5:2 - but my vote's with Mr. Boston's recipe. Serve it at an Oscars viewing as a sultry sip while you root for Black Swan. For my favorite Black Russian, read more.

This $68,000 Speaker is Made of Diamonds and Magic

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:24:33 PST

CES is a place to find expensive gadgets and fine leather tech goods, but you may also stumble upon speakers made of diamonds and simulated wood grain products.

These $68,000 speakers were inspired by a flower in a wine bottle (you can see it now, can't you?), and were carefully crafted only after 3D mock-ups were perfected in a studio. Metal, leather, gold accents, and Russian diamonds cover the entirety of the speaker and accompanying subwoofer, while a brushed aluminum with floral accents keeps it standing upright.

You'll have to wait in line to get one of your own though, as the manufacturer, All Jack, hasn't released an availability date.

Daily Tech: Not Where, But When

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:41:43 PST

Sugar Shout Out: The Perfect New Year's Sweet Treat: Sparkling Champagne Cupcakes

Lauren Turner — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:55:24 PST

Here's Ian Somerhalder in a Sexy Russian Music Video

Becky Kirsch — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:00:29 PST

Just because The Vampire Diaries is on hiatus doesn't mean you can't get your Ian Somerhalder fix. The actor appears in this music video for Russian singer Dima Bilan's song "Blind Love," doing what he does best: smirking, smoldering, and looking generally sexy in a tuxedo. Things get a bit dramatic when he comes to fisticuffs with another dude over a girl, but it's not like we haven't seen that before. Check it out: