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Little Kids

TV Guide for Kids Shows: Preschoolers

September 9, 2011

Ever wonder what TV shows you should let your little ones watch? Or why they like certain ones more than others?

Of course if your child is watching, most cases so are you to some degree. You’ve probably found yourself doing a double-take sometimes because you can’t believe what you’re seeing or hearing on the tube. If you’re like us, you’ve either grown to love or truly despise certain shows and characters.

Here is our take (all in good fun!) on TV shows for young kids. Let’s call it a funny parents guide to preschool TV shows:

The Wiggles

Which Wiggle do you find to be the cutest? Since you’ll be watching this show for quite a while, you may as well have a crush on one of them. At first, it was a toss-up between Greg and Anthony but the new Wiggle Sam is definitely the cutest.

Yo Gabba Gabba

The host just makes me wanna put on a hot pink boa, platform boots and bop to techno music at a rave and dance on speakers.

Play With Me Sesame

Ernie and Bert are NOT gay.

In the Night Garden

The song lulls you into a beautiful tranquil moment, a hypnotic dreamy-like state, until you get jolted off of your couch by the strange-looking creatures. I wonder what it would be like to have one too many drinks and then watch this show…

Caillou

Thank you, Caillou, for teaching my kids the art of whining to get what they want. After my boys started to talk like Caillou, the show was immediately banned from my house.

Dora the Explorer

Dora must be on speed because the way she talks yells in that high-pitched annoying voice, can drive anyone to drink.

Go Diego Go

Your daughter will instantly develop a crush on this kid – it’s those big brown eyes and his adventurous, heroism that keeps us coming back for more. Your kids will undoubtedly want to be a veterinarian after watching an episode. And if they act up, you can always threaten to send them to the jungle.

Sponge Bob

He’s just plain creepy looking.

Max and Ruby

Why hasn’t Max clobbered Ruby yet? On the other hand, why hasn’t Ruby slapped out Max for being such a pest? We could learn a lesson about patience from dear ol’ Ruby, who is wise beyond her years.

And the question all of us parents have that has yet to be addressed – where the hell are Max and Ruby’s parents?! I guess they’re orphaned bunnies in a cruel bunny world.

Four Square

How can you not crack a smile when you see Phillipe wearing navy blue tights and NO bulge where there should be.

And when you start reciting poems and singing songs from the show, you may as well just slap yourself out.

Barnie

Would someone just kill Barnie once and for all?

This is Daniel Cook

Thank God for Emily Yeung!

Entertainment

Where to Spot Celebrities at Toronto Film Festival

September 8, 2011

by Trina Stewart

They’re baaaack! The 2011 TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival kicks off today!

Celebrities and filmmakers, production personnel and movie-goers descend upon Toronto for the next few days in a film frenzy.

If you’re vying for the opportunity to meet your favorite celebrity during a Gala Screening at Roy Thompson Hall, think again. My weekend at TIFF is rushed and planned with a wide array of events. Choosing to wait three hours at the hall’s gate for the slim opportunity of a photo op isn’t how I want to spend it. Do you?

Here are a few tips that will surely grant any star gazer a glimpse or photo op with Madonna, Clooney, Pitt or other celebs in town for the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Yorkville and Bloor are prime places to encounter an impromptu star sighting. While hanging around hotels may appear cheesy, it is the best way to get a glimpse and perhaps a picture with your fave celeb!

tiff1 — Impromptu shot of Blake Lively being interviewed by Sue Scambati, TIFF 2010

Starbucks on Yorkville is prime territory because even celebrities need their coffee fix! We met Jason Reitman twice at 2 different Starbucks in Toronto!

Last year, the Bell Lightbox also drew in numerous celebrities. I’m sure we’ll see more events this year catered to the rich and famous. Watch out for the gracious Tilda Swindon on Sunday September 11.

Keep your eyes wide open at all times. Celebrities do not look like celebrities when they are dressed down, especially women.

Look for Gala Presentations at smaller venues, like Isabel Bader Theatre. I was fortunate to meet both Jennifer Aniston (2008) and Will Ferrell (2010) at this venue.

When meeting a celebrity, be cool about it. The kinder you are, the more courteous and obliging they’ll be. Treat them like a human first. Rachelle Lefevre (2009), of Twilight, was completely disgusted when two people tried to get her autograph in the middle of Avenue Road.

The most inappropriate time to get an autograph or converse with a celebrity is in a public washroom. I literally held the door open for Emily Blunt (2009), was in the next stall to her as she had a telephone conversation, and washed my hands with her. Even an avid celebrity voyeur has more common courtesy than to ask for a photo or autograph at that time! Let her leave with some dignity in tact.

tiff2 — Second Starbucks sighting with Jason Reitman

Check out Much Music, CBC, and MTV Canada to see if they are hosting any events or having a celebrity interview. Ask for tickets. In 2009, my daughter and her friend seen Drew Barrymore, at MuchMusic. Keep an eye on their website.

Other good spots to star gaze:

Hotels: The Four Seasons (21 Avenue Rd.) is also a key location. Hang in the lobby. Stars take the short cut to reach Yorkville. You could also book yourself a table at the hotel’s “Avenue” restaurant, where I saw Kevin Spacey, Zach Galifianakis, Matt Damon and Clint Eastwood boogie to Timbaland’s The Way I Are. Hard to beat.

Restos: Starbucks on Yorkville, Buca on King W., Brassaii (461 King St. W.), Sotto Sotto (116 Avenue Rd.), Cheval, Bistro 990 and Summer’s Sweet Memories ice cream parlour on Yorkville.

If you take in all that the Toronto Film Festival has to offer and are fortunate to see a celeb or two, you’ve got it made. The Film Festival is the 2nd largest in the world, so why not embrace it and become part of it?

Trina Stewart, from Cambridge Ontario, is a successful Sales and Marketing Consultant by day, and a Canadian Lifestyle Blogger by night at http://www.lifesablog.ca.

News

Common Painkillers May Be Linked to Miscarriage, New Study

September 8, 2011

Pregnant women who take painkillers such as ibuprofen are twice as likely to suffer a miscarriage, a study claims.

Women who took painkillers such as ibuprofen just before they conceived until the 20th week of pregnancy were 2.4 times more likely to miscarry, the study stated.

The study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal involved 47,050 women aged 15 to 45.

Although there are warnings on the labels that they should not be used in pregnancy, as many as one in six expectant mothers still take them.

“We consistently saw that the risk of having a spontaneous abortion was associated with gestational use of diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib, ibuprofen and rofecoxib alone or in combination,” said Dr Anick Bérard of the University of Montreal.

“Women who were exposed to any type and dosage of non-aspirin NSAID during early pregnancy were more likely to have a spontaneous abortion.”

The study involved a group of painkillers known as Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDS, which include over-the-counter ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin is also in this category although it wasn’t included in the study.

Researchers believe taking any number of the drugs can lead to the embryo not being properly implanted in the womb meaning a woman is far more likely to suffer miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion.

Around one in eight pregnancies end in miscarriage and the majority happen in the first 12 weeks.

But doctors pointed out the risks of a woman suffering a miscarriage due to painkillers were very small. The study did not take into account other possible causes such as smoking and obesity.

parenting

Stuff My Preschooler Says: A Poet?

September 7, 2011

Shit My Preschooler Says: Why Kids are the Poets Who Don’t Know It

by Julie Green

Kids see the world with such fresh, innocent eyes. It’s no wonder that what comes out of their mouths often vacillates between sheer genius and pure comedy.

Forget P.B. Shelley; our kids are the real poets who don’t know it.

Forget Jim Carrey; our kids come out with the most cracking, side-splitting one-liners.

Their timing is impeccable, the delivery bang on, precisely because they aren’t trying to be funny. They just are.

On the wordsmith side of things, one of the best I’ve heard came from a friend of a friend of a friend. While driving past a field of sheep somewhere in Jolly Ole England, the little boy simply pointed out the window and said, “cloud dogs”. I challenge any writer worth his salt to conjure a more astute analogy.

For his part, my LGO leans more toward comedy than lyricism. On days when I haven’t quite managed to shave (I know you know what I mean), he helpfully informs me that ‘Mommy’s legs are picky’. And lately he’s started asking daddy for a beer. He’s not quite three years old. Uh, plenty of time for that, son…

He has also coined a few misnomers all his own, which have proved way too amusing for me to correct. But I suppose I will have to at some point, lest he give his unsuspecting college roommate hell for using the last of the ‘shampoop’ or for eating all of the ‘penis butter’.

Then again, maybe I’ll let it ride. I’d pay good money to see the look on his poor roomie’s face. After all, laughter’s one of the few highs in life that’s still legal.

Julie M Green (aka Little Green Mom) is a novelist and freelance writer who rants and raves about all things mommy at Little Green One. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two-year-old son, Jackson. Visit her website or follow her on Twitter.

Motherhood

When a Dream Job Doesn’t Turn Out To Be

September 7, 2011

by an Anonymous Mom

Over the last couple months, I have really begun to wonder if my job is really worth it. Am I being taken advantage of? Is this just a cruel joke being played on me?

I took this job for a few reasons. First of all it is something I am totally and completely passionate about.

Secondly, I get to use my degree. Now, seriously, not a lot of people get to say that. Not only that, I get paid to stay home with my kids. NOTE: If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

I began this job when I was very pregnant. I was so eager to do well, that I literally sat on a birth ball, in labour, answer emails. My baby was hours old, and I was researching and planning.

I was determined to make this venture work…and it was. This company is becoming an enormous success in my city, because of me. WOW…what a feeling.

While consistent back pats and praise are nice, when the pay doesn’t reflect the amount of work being done…those gestures seem useless. I am pretty much getting paid peanuts. While that is an expression, sometimes I think that if I got paid in peanuts, what I get paid in dollars, they would be worth more. Yes, it’s that bad.

What I agreed to, was based on many what ifs and red tape. Unfortunately, the red tape is so thick that I don’t think it will ever be able to be peeled away…at least not it time, for me to stop looking for another job.

I want it to work, but it’s not looking like it will. I am exhausted with thinking about the pros and cons and working my butt off to make something succeed, without me being able to personally succeed and financially thrive.

I am worth more, so I am told. I just need to actually start believing it, and do something, soon.

lifestyle

Moms Spend Many More Hours Parenting Per Year Than Dads

September 6, 2011

Nearly half (48%) of working moms say they spend more time each day parenting than on their careers, more than double that of working dads (19%), according to the “Moms Who Do More” National Report, commissioned by VTech.

Because moms are picking up so much slack at home AND at work, most moms agree “me time” is nearly extinct. Nearly 70% of working moms have an hour or less to themselves each day. And more than 20% report that they have less than fifteen minutes.

When parents were asked to add up how many hours they spend parenting each day, moms beat dads hands down.

Moms average nearly 7.5 hours per day spent on parenting tasks while dads clock an average of 4.3 hours per day.

Over a year, that difference adds up to an extra 1150 hours of parenting duty for moms! So wonder moms are generally overwhelmed!

So what can moms do to have more time for themselves?

1. Ask for help. Call a babysitter, family member or friend to take the kids off your hands for a little while. Return the favour if it’s a friend or neighbour – watch their kids for a couple of hours and then switch the next time.

2. Daddy Duty: Get daddy to watch the kids while you take an extra-long bath with a good book.

3. Girls Night Out: Plan one – you’ll thank me later.

4. Hire a cleaning lady, even twice a month, will help with the pile of household chores you have.

5. Once the kids are in bed, take that hour or two of time to do what you love – whether it’s surfing the net, or watching television or going to the gym – make sure you find the time for YOU!

Featured

Teen Talk: Back To School and Starting High School

September 6, 2011

by Dawn Lyons

While mothers are worried about buying school supplies, taking their teens for haircuts and shopping for clothes as the first day of the new school year approaches, teens have their own types of concerns. They worry about how others will perceive them and if they will fit in; this is especially true for those going to high school for the first time or starting at a different school than the one attended the previous year.

Those starting high school have a mixed sense of anticipation and concern regarding how they will fit in, whether or not they will make new friends, and just how difficult the workload may be. Eighth graders may rule the school, but they spend much of the year with anxious thoughts about graduation and selecting their first high school courses. And with only four or five years to decide what to do once they complete secondary school while also addressing concerns such as dating, family obligations and extra-curricular commitments, teens often have their focus pulled in multiple directions. Those who are moving on to post-secondary education or to a path of employment will find themselves adjusting to new environments while being eager to succeed.

During the hustle and bustle of preparation and as the new year of studies begins, there are four things mothers can do to help stay tuned-in to what their teen is experiencing.

Talk

This may seem obvious, but talking to your teen is important. It may sometimes seem that teens aren’t interested in talking to a parent and while that may be the case at times, it is important to keep the lines of communication open. Be careful not to constantly harass your teen to try to force out information about specific topics that may induce stress. Instead, create light, upbeat conversation related to your teen’s likes or dislikes, and talk to them about your own experiences, past and present. This will maintain a sense of trust and openness, and anecdotes that make your teen laugh at the silly things you did during your teen years is always a positive interaction!

Ask

Ask questions, and not just the difficult ones. Let your teen know you have a genuine interest in who they are and what they are experiencing. Ask about their favourite class or teacher to start a positive conversation, or ask if they still enjoy an extracurricular activity and the reasons for their answers. Discuss a particular movie you know they have seen or a song they particularly like. This allows you to engage with them on their level and shows you care about what is important to them.

Also, if you are facing decisions of your own, whether related to your career or family even something as simple as where to buy the groceries this week, get your teen involved by asking them to help you work through the decision making process. They will feel that you trust them enough to ask for their help and gain a sense of empowerment and accomplishment by knowing that you value their opinion.

Listen

Teens are in an awkward position of wanting to do things themselves and being not quite sure whether or not they are making the right decisions. When they feel they are being judged or preached to or told what to do, this can make things more difficult for them and make them feel they can’t express themselves to you. Sometimes it is important to let your teen know that you are there for them if they need to talk, and that you will simply listen to what they have to say and only provide input if asked. While this can be difficult, it is paramount for your teen to know they can trust you to provide what they need, and sometimes it really is just a listening ear – and if you’re lucky, a soft shoulder.

Watch

Teens often internalize their experiences and any problems they are trying to work out. They may feel embarrassed by what is going on or sense that it is their problem and therefore their job to figure it all out. Depending on the circumstances, they may be afraid of your reaction. Pay attention to your teen so you notice if they start exhibiting any unusual or different behavior that could indicate something is bothering them. Trouble sleeping, a change in appetite, talking too much or too little, a loss of interest in things they usually like or spending excessive amounts of time alone are all examples of behaviour changes that could indicate something is up and you should try investigating to see if you can help in any way.

While vital at all times during the teen years, the use of increased observation and open communication is valuable during the back-to-school period to help teens transition smoothly to new schedules, new schools and new responsibilities.

Dawn Lyons is a mother to three boys and a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about empowering teens to create their own success and also helps adults who influence youth development to have a greater understanding of teen culture. Follow her on Twitter and visit her at www.linesbylyons.com.

Entertainment

2011 TIFF Toronto International Film Festival – On a Budget!

September 6, 2011

by Trina Stewart

As the heat of summer draws to a close and the hint of fall creeps up upon us, the stars begin to shine in Toronto, Ontario. Yes, it IS the most wonderful time of the year – the fall harvest, back to school, and most importantly, the Toronto International Film Festival.

Better known as TIFF to locals, filmmakers from around the world including Hollywood’s best take over the streets of Toronto to celebrate film.

The Toronto International Film Festival is a yearly event at our place. Coming from Cambridge, Ontario, my daughter and I commit to attending three of the ten days, along with a couple of impromptu visits during the week.

However, unlike the typical TIFF attendee, we do not purchase tickets to any of the films. We simply play it by ear and if we’re fortunate to get our hands on Rush Tickets, then our job is done!

Star gazers and locals may not realize this but there is a vast array of things to do during TIFF that requires low-fee or no fee.

Bell Lightbox

This beautifully developed architecture is a celebration of movies and the festival year-round. This year Fellini: Spectacular Obsessions is the spotlight at the HSBC Gallery, for the duration of the Film Festival.

This is the new heart of the festival so there will be a lot of star gazing in this area.

Star Gazing

If you’re strolling through Yorkville and Bloor Streets in Toronto, one cannot help but notice the swarms of people surrounding the Four Seasons Hotel, and various other hotels in the area. This is where the celebrities stay and hold press conferences during their stay. While the waiting may seem tiring, you are sure to spot a celebrity or two.

Dundas Square

The schedule is not posted as of yet, however, Dundas Square generally hosts special events geared towards the Film Festival.

Queen Street

Be sure to check out all of the events at Much Music as often they will host TIFF related events. This is also another Toronto location where you may get a glimpse of a celebrity or two.

Rush Tickets

Last minute seats may open up and people in the rush line will get first crack at purchasing any seats that come available. Sales are cash only and there no guarantee anyone in the rush line will get tickets.

Keep an eye on various websites like Toronto Life and Now! Magazine for upcoming events not posted as of yet. There’s always something to do and something to see during TIFF – the challenge is keeping up with it all!

Trina Stewart, from Cambridge Ontario, is a successful Sales and Marketing Consultant by day, and a Canadian Lifestyle Blogger by night at http://www.lifesablog.ca.

parenting

Practicing Literacy is As Easy as A-B-C

September 2, 2011

by Ashley Tilley

September is all about back-to-school – time to get back into routines, make lunches and go to bed early. And since there’s so much to do and kids are still in summer mode, it’s hard to make sure the family is focusing on learning.

Learning together as a family is vital to a child’s future education. Doing family literacy activities not only helps develop children’s reading, writing and math skills, it also provides an opportunity for parents to learn something new too! Children raised in literate households are likely to enter grade one with several thousand hours of one-to-one pre-reading experience behind them.

Learning happens in many ways, especially in our day-to-day activities. In honour of September’s Life Literacy Month, ABC Life Literacy Canada offers 10 fun and easy ways to make literacy part of your family’s daily life.

1. When making your grocery list, have your child write out the items you need to buy.

2. At the store, ask your child to count out the money to make the purchase.

3. Make it a habit to always read a story together at bedtime.

4. When cooking dinner, involve your children in measuring the ingredients. This helps them understand fractions and measurements.

5. Driving is the perfect opportunity to practice literacy. Read signs, billboards and licence plates together, and show your children the proper way to read a map.

6. While on the Internet, make time to research something new that your family is interested in. Researching skills are important and help with reading and comprehension.

7. In the car, sing along to songs on the radio. Singing encourages learning patterns of words, rhymes and rhythms, and is strongly connected to language skills.

8. When playing a board game, read the instructions aloud to each other or count how many spaces to travel around the board.

9. Involve your kids when you pay bills. This will teach them strong financial skills early on in life.

10. Children follow by example, so ensure reading is part of your daily life too!

For other family literacy tips and activities, visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills. We connect and mobilize business, unions, government, communities and individuals to support lifelong learning and achieve our goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships. ABC Life Literacy Canada envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life.

Entertainment

What New TV Shows are Coming out this Fall 2011? Fall TV Preview

August 31, 2011

by Mariana Morales

It’s hard to believe that the summer’s almost over and fall is just around the corner. Back to school shopping and back to the same routine.

But don’t worry! There are lots of brand new shows coming this fall for your viewing pleasure. From thrillers, to game shows, dramas, and talk shows; whatever your tastes are, there’s probably a show for you.

Free Agents, a romantic comedy, is about finding love when the first time didn’t work out so well. Hank Azaria (plays many voices in The Simpsons), stars as a newly divorced man trying to live his life as best as he can. His co-worker starring Kathryn Hahn, is a widow of her recently deceased fiancé and drinks a little too much to handle with her situation. It’s only a matter of time before these two struggling people find each other, and face the awkwardness after. Premieres September 14 at 10:30pm on NBC.

For those of you who love the fantasy side of things, Grimm is about Detective Nick Burkhardt seeing things that are unusual like trolls and supernatural creatures. He finds out he’s a descendent of a group that stops these creatures and so his adventure sets out.

Up All Night might attract some moms and dads. The show is about

a couple and how life changes once a baby comes into their lives. Reagan Brinkley, played by Christina Applegate, is a hard-working career woman who returns to work with the support of her stay-at-home husband, Chris, who is played by Will Arnett. Watch as their lives change with the full-time job of a new baby.

Showtime has two new shows that look promising: House Of Lies and Homeland. House of Lies is a half-hour dramedy starring Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell. The show revolves around Marty (Cheadle), a very successful, cutthroat management consultant who’s willing to use any means necessary to satisfy a client’s demands.

Homeland is a psychological thriller starring Claire Danes as a CIA officer, who’s said to be “battling her own demons” while investigating the rescue of a soldier (Life’s Damian Lewis) that she believes was just a set-up connected to a terrorist plot. Homeland premieres October 2, 10pm and we have to wait for House of Lies which premieres in January.

HBO has a new series coming out starring Laura Dern called Enlightened. Blending comedy and drama, the show focuses on a self-destructive woman who has a spiritual awakening after a meltdown. Though determined to live a more enlightened existence, the former career executive finds her new lifestyle wreaks havoc both at home and at work. Premieres October 10 at 9:30pm.

Sarah Michelle Gellar is back on TV starring in Ringer on CW, which premieres September 13. In one of her multiple roles, she plays Bridget, a stripper and drug addict who strikes a deal to testify against the bad guy but ends up running. She meets up with her twin sister, Siobhan. So for Gellar – meaning Buffy fans – seeing her in not one, but two roles on the new show will definitely please.

Prime Suspect is a new show starring Maria Bello, who has big shoes to fill – Helen Mirren played the role in the U.K. between 1991 and 2006. The crime drama show has been redeveloped for American audiences by writer Alexandra Cunningham (Desperate Housewives, NYPD Blue) and director Peter Berg. Bello’s Timoney is a newly-transferred New York City homicide detective having to deal with being the new woman in a male-dominated department.

Tim Allen returns to ABC with Last Man Standing. Mike Baxter is the marketing director for an iconic outdoor sporting goods store. At home, he’s the odd man out in a home that is dominated by women — namely his wife, Vanessa (Nancy Travis) and their three daughters. After being a stay-at-home mom for years, Vanessa goes back to work which means Mike has to be more of a hands-on parenting than ever before. The show premieres October 11 at 8:00pm.

Some other new shows that look promising include Whitney, a comedy about a happy unmarried couple. The Playboy Club set in the ‘60s follows characters in a club in Chicago with entertainers, and the biggest mobsters.

Which new show are you looking forward to watching?

Mariana Morales is a full-time student at Conestoga College studying Print Journalism. She enjoys photography and is a volunteer at the Snap KW newspaper. What makes her different? She loves video games. In her spare time, she writes articles for a gaming website called Hooked Gamers. She hopes one day to work in the video game industry. Follow her on Twitter.