FitSugar

For Profit Libraries: Help or Hindrance?

SavvySugar — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:45:21 PDT

Savvy readers love local libraries, but what if that library went private? This is the reality that several public libraries in cities of California, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas are facing because of the latest takeover by L.S.S.I., a private company. CEO Frank Pezzanite said the majority of libraries were "atrocious," because the high level of job security makes librarians complacent. If the library runs like a company, their workers will have to be efficient or face the axe, just like a typical employee, Frank said. This move may seem drastic to people, but it has come about due to the financial struggles that libraries are facing. How do you feel about public libraries being run by private companies - is this a good or bad move?

Destress On Your Big Day: Yoga for Weddings

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:00:00 PST

For all you bride-to be's out there, I just came upon this great website called Yoga For Weddings. Basically, it's a service that offers private yoga classes for brides, grooms, and their families, focusing on de-stressing and making strong connections.

Real teachers will come to you, and give classes for the months leading up to your wedding, such as a Bride Class, Groom Class, Bride & Groom Class, Parent Class, In-Law Class, Bachelorette/Bachelor Party Class (definitely not your traditional party), Bridal Party Class, Sibling Class, Groom & Dad Class, Bride & Mom Class, Bride & Sibling Class, Groom & Mom Class, or Family Combo Class.

They offer private classes for the day or week of your wedding, and classes for after the wedding, like for your Anniversary (aww).

I love this idea. Currently, they have teachers based in New York, London, Seattle, and Miami, but they'll work with you through their network of yoga instructors, depending on where you need them. Just e-mail or call Yoga For Weddings - schedule one class or a class package, and they'll come to you, offering you peace and relaxation on your special day.

Announcing the 2012 Grammy Award Winners

Shannon Vestal — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:24:48 PST

The mood of the Grammy Awards was a bit somber this year in the wake of Whitney Houston's shocking death, but the show went on, and the statues were all handed out to the winners. Adele owned the night, picking up multiple awards, including those for record of the year, album of the year, and song of the year.

Plenty of other folks received Grammys too, including Kanye West, The Foo Fighters, and Taylor Swift, so to see the full list of winners, just keep reading.

President Obama Shares a Spotify Mixtape

Kelly Schwarze — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:21:35 PST

Tech-savvy President Obama is known for his proficiency in navigating the world of social networks. Both the White House and president have been on Twitter for years. He recently joined Instagram (@barackobama) and held a post-State of the Union Hangout on Google+. The president's latest tech move is for the musically-minded; he (well, his reelection staff) released a 2012 campaign Spotify playlist.

The 28-song digital mixtape is a combination of staff choices and a few of the commander in chief's personal favorites. With songs from Arcade Fire, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, and U2 among others, it's a playlist with a message of how the staff wants to look at the election season. After the president's soulful rendition of Al Green, it's likely "Let's Stay Together" was one of his selections.

Long Hair: It's Not Just For Teenagers

BellaSugar — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:55:14 PST

Yes, older women can have long hair - Stylelist
18 beauty myths way too many people believe - Real Simple
Models are unionizing. In other news, protests are about to get uber fashionable - Styleite
Soon, we'll all be buying our makeup from the backseats of cabs - Beauty High
Surprisingly great makeup combinations - Glo
Spring's big fashionista thing? Cookie Monster hair - Beautylish
MAC is doing nails at Fashion Week - Refinery 29

Hang Out With the President Next Week on Google+

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:22:13 PST

Last night President Obama shared his State of the Union address and is now giving the American public their chance to chime in by taking questions on Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m. EST in the first ever White House Google+ Hangout.

Through Jan. 28 at midnight EST, submit your own questions on the state of the nation to the White House YouTube page and vote on those you find most important for the president to answer. Several people who submit questions will be selected to join the video Hangout and interact with the president live. Since only 10 attendees are able to participate directly in the Hangout, the rest of us will just be watching the 45-minute live video feed of the president discussing the top-rated questions from the public.

The official Google+ White House page is the president's latest push in an integrated social media presence as his staffers also recently set up an Instagram account (@barackobama) in preparation for the 2012 campaign.

Source: The White House Flickr

Celeb Style: Gabrielle Union

Chi Diem Chau — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 07:36:24 PDT

Gabrielle Union looked sweet and chic at the Nintendo 3DS launch in Hollywood. Taking a cue from Spring's crochet and lace trend, the actress paired a textural shift dress by Sea along with a Theory camel leather blazer ($745). Off-white sandals, drop earrings, and a decadent oversized python satchel ($3,190) complete her inspiring ensemble - click our similar and exact picks above to get the same look! Also, don't forget to check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

One-On-One With Christina Hendricks and Gabrielle Union Backstage at Carolina Herrera

FabTV — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:01:36 PST

We caught up with Mad Men star Christina Hendricks and actress Gabrielle Union backstage at Carolina Herrera's Fall 2011 runway show to get the inside scoop on their favorite pieces from the collection, why they love Carolina Herrera's effortless chic aesthetic, and what they were wearing to attend the event in style. Watch it now!

Michelle Obama, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Gabrielle Giffords Witness the State of the Union

Annie Scudder — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:44:24 PST

The first lady beamed in blue tonight during the State of the Union address. The president laid out his accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year to Congressional leaders and other VIPs, setting the stage for his reelection campaign. Michelle will be one of his strongest supporters in the political battle, but tonight she was joined by people most Americans, regardless of politics, can respect. Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs and an education activist, sat right above Michelle in her box. The president mentioned Laurene's husband in the speech, saying: "We should support everyone who’s willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs."

Other symbolically important figures included everyday single mom Jackie Bray, who sat to the first lady's right. The president called out Jackie by name in his speech, saying "Jackie Bray is a single mom from North Carolina who was laid off from her job as a mechanic. Then Siemens opened a gas turbine factory in Charlotte, and formed a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College. The company helped the college design courses in laser and robotics training. It paid Jackie's tuition, then hired her to help operate their plant. I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as Jackie did."

Before the big speech, Obama shared a moment with another inspiring woman, Gabrielle Giffords. The Arizona Congresswoman, who was shot last year, just stepped down to focus on her recovery this week. Gabby and President Obama shed a warm embrace before he spoke. See pictures from the State of the Union address now.

Bachelor Ben Attends Sundance, We Say Good Luck to Gabby, and Aussies Celebrate Australia Day

Tara Sharp — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:00:23 PST

It was a week of celebrations and congrats, as China welcomed in the Year of the Dragon, Oscar nominations were announced, the land Down Under celebrated Australia Day, Hasty Pudding crowned its Woman of the Year, and Hollywood's finest hit Sundance and the Producers Guild Awards. It was also a busy week in the world of politics, with Obama's State of the Union speech, Gabby Giffords's last day in Congress, and the continued race between the Republican presidential candidates. See what you might have missed these past seven days in our week in pictures!