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News

What Happened to Lara Logan? Horrible Attack Assault Details

February 17, 2011

What Happened to Lara Logan, lara logan Attack Assault Details — What Happened to Lara Logan?

CBS correspondent Lara Logan was assaulted and beaten in Egypt on the day Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stepped down.

Logan was covering the celebration in Tahrir Square for a 60 Minutes story on Friday February 11, when she and her team and their security were surrounded by a mob of more than 200 people.

In the midst of the celebration, she was separated from her crew and was assaulted and beaten. It took a group of women to step up and save the reporter along with the assistance of approximately 20 Egyptian soldiers.

She reconnected with the CBS team, returned to her hotel and flew back to the United States on the first flight the next morning.

Logan was in hospital recovering from her injuries and expected to leave the hospital Wednesday, February 16^th.

Logan’s assault reportedly lasted between 20 and 30 minutes.

Sources familiar with the situation told TMZ that the details of Logan’s assault are horrible but Logan is back with her family and is vowing to go back to work within weeks.

One source said Logan has an “incredibly tough constitution” and she is candidly discussing what happened to her.

As one friend said, “She is going to be OK.”

The respected and tough foreign correspondent is “unbelievably strong.”

Being a foreign journalist is a highly dangerous job but when a female journalist is raped, it is absolutely devastating.

This story has shocked many, but even more disturbing are some of the comments being made about the terrible incident. Journalist Nir Rosen resigned after making terrible comments about Logan’s assault.

We wish Logan a speedy recovery.

UPDATE:

On February 20^th, The Sunday Times reported that Logan was beaten with fists and flag poles and the mob tore Logan’s clothes off and attacked her for 30 minutes, leaving her covered in red welts.

Some of the wounds initially looked like bite marks but later proved to be from “aggressive pinching,” the Times reported, citing American sources. Logan’s team was also hurt; a security guard suffered a broken hand reportedly.

The mob shouted “Spy!” and “Israeli!” as they surrounded Logan and her colleagues at about 1 a.m., the Times said. Xenophobia may have played a role; Egypt’s state media had been telling Egyptians that foreigners were ruining the country’s reputation and that foreign journalists were actually disguised Israeli spies.

Featured

They Call Us Extreme Parents

February 15, 2011

by Alexandria Durrell

We were recently interviewed by CNN regarding our family’s practice of cosleeping. What’s cosleeping? Exactly what it sounds like: we share our sleeping space with the kids. Sometimes it’s all four of us in one bed, sometimes we split off and it’s one parent per kid. Apparently CNN had a difficult time finding families willing to discuss their sleeping arrangements on camera. Why? Because it’s a controversial topic, apparently. Health Canada advises against cosleeping with infants (instead of supporting safe cosleeping), people encourage parents to (as quickly as possible) get kids into their cribs, in their own rooms and “professional” nannies tell us we’re spoiling our children and setting ourselves up for parental failure by sharing a bed with the kids. But here’s how I see things:

Cosleeping isn’t new. Around the world, people have been cosleeping for thousands of years and in many other cultures, it’s just common practice. Though my family prescribes to many of the activities that can be lumped in with “attachment parenting”, choosing to let the kids share our bed wasn’t a conscious decision. We needed sleep, they slept better nestled in our bed… it seemed like the most obvious choice. We were never those stereotypical sleep-deprived, zombie parents of newborns. I found it very easy to breastfeed the kids without disrupting my sleep, and the babies slept soundly near us. There are, of course, safety precautions that must be in place to make this a safe option, and we obviously implemented those. And as my daughter got older, she enjoyed her snuggle time, but then at about age three, chose to have a big girl room of her own.

In the segment CNN aired, three families were shown who cosleep, and one “expert”, Dr. Shapiro. In his moment on air, he said that cosleeping with children over the age of 2 can be “psychologically damaging” because they are not being given “what they need, from the child’s perspective”. Pardon? I’d love to know Dr. Shapiro’s sources for such an outrageous claim. Is he insinuating that children in other cultures are psychologically damaged? Less confident? Less independent? My four-year-old is happy to sleep on her own, but also absolutely loves being snuggled at night. She is independent, confident, intellectually advanced…what more could I really want? It’s my experience that both our kids show great independence, confidence and we’ve had no separation anxiety issues – and I thank cosleeping for that. My personal experience directly contradicts Dr. Shapiro’s “expert” opinion.

Now, I realize that for many people the big deal-breaker with co-sleeping is that it seems like having a child in your bed limits sex. I know that’s what you’re thinking. But I have a second child, so how did that happen? I’ll address is more directly here than I did on air: we have sex in other parts of the house. There. I said it. At other times, in other places. Not everyone goes to bed, has sex, and then goes to sleep. (*gasp*, I know, scandalous, right?)

So now that you know my children are happy, independent and continue to choose to sleep snuggled up to a parent, and my husband and I still get it on, what’s the big deal? Why is this so controversial? We don’t judge parents whose kids sleep in their own cribs/beds/rooms. We don’t actually care what you do in your house. We chose what worked for our family, and we’re proud of our choices.

Our kids are little for such a short amount of time, I just can’t fathom not taking every possible chance to snuggle up to them.

There’s nothing ‘extreme’ about it.

Alexandria Durrell is a supermom to two delightful wee peeps by day (and night, who are we kidding?). She started the popular kids’ accessories company Clippo. Visit her website and follow her on Twitter.

This is Part One of a series… stay tuned for Maria Lianos’s take on co-sleeping and the benefits of co-sleeping.

Books & Music

Grammy Awards 2011: Eminem, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Esperanza Spalding Who?

February 14, 2011

Did you watch the 2011 Grammy Awards? There were a ton of performances, with a few awards handed out in between.

Lady Gaga arrived at tonight’s Grammy Awards in the wackiest “outfit” ever. No, she didn’t walk the red carpet in another meat dress. Or wrapped in bacon.

This time, she didn’t even walk the red carpet. She was carried… She showed up completely enclosed in an artificial egg and carried.

Inside the egg, Lady Gaga was wearing a black outfit and had with her an oxygen mask, air tank, and a cooling fan. It can get warm inside an egg, you know.

Gaga then performed her new single, “Born This Way”, and came out of her shell, so to speak. But her performance was a lot less tame than I expected!

A feel-good song, that many have compared to Madonna’s “Express Yourself”, this is not the Gaga that I love… the performance and song was very mainstream! THAT was shocking!

The fact that Lady Gaga was NOT shocking was shocking!

As for the awards part of the evening, there were a few upsets. BIG surprises.

Eminem didn’t win Best Album of the year, losing out to Canadian rock band Arcade Fire.

Recovery was Eminem’s highly-anticipated comeback album and he finally redeemed himself after his last two albums. His track with Rihanna “Love the Way you Lie” was a HUGE hit.

So why didn’t he win Album of the Year?

What were the Grammy voting members thinking?

Although I’m a fan of Arcade Fire, and not just because they are from Canada, I thought Eminem should have won this category. He so deserved to win! His performance at the Grammys was absolutely amazing too, rocking da house with Dr. Dre.

Another upset: Justin Bieber and Drake losing out to Esperanza Spalding.

The 26-year-old jazz bassist who snatched the Best New Artist Grammy out of the hands of Justin Bieber and Drake, has been making headlines in the jazz world since before her 2006 debut solo album.

Did you read that? 2006! It’s 2011! What makes her a “best new artist”???

Justin Bieber has been all over the place! Perhaps the Grammy voting members didn’t feel he should win a Grammy so early in his career – the 16-year-old needs to work a little harder and longer before winning that honour?

But the category is “best new artist”, not “best new performer”… and many would argue that although Bieber is a cutie patootie, he’s a better performer than an artist.

But what about Drake? He could’ve won it…

The 2011 Grammy Awards were big for the ladies — country trio Lady Antebellum took home the most awards with five, while Lady Gaga earned three. Eminem had two honors, but Alternative Rock group Arcade Fire won the coveted Album of the Year.

The Grammys ended with many scratching their heads. What do you think?

Videos of Lady Gaga and Eminem performing at the 2011 Grammys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fHYJXki4Js

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJPZeyIHoEw

Holidays

Best Valentines Day Poems

February 13, 2011

Oh Valentine, where are thou???

Here are my top picks for best Valentines Day poems:

The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of a perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough. ~George Moore

I love thee – I love thee,
‘Tis all that I can say
It is my vision in the night,
My dreaming in the day.
~Thomas Hood

Tell me how many beads there are
In a silver chain
Of evening rain,
Unravelled from the tumbling main,
And threading the eye of a yellow star: –
So many times do I love again.
~Thomas Lovell Beddoes

My heart to you is given:
Oh, do give yours to me;
We’ll lock them up together,
And throw away the key.
~Frederick Saunders

Come live with me, and be my love,
And we will some new pleasures prove
Of golden sands, and crystal brooks,
With silken lines, and silver hooks.
~John Donne

I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands.
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.
~William Butler Yeats

Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.
~William Shakespeare

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Must, bid the Morn awake!
Sad Winter now declines,
Each bird doth choose a mate;
This day’s Saint Valentine’s.
For that good bishop’s sake
Get up and let us see
What beauty it shall be
That Fortune us assigns.
~Michael Drayton

Featured

How To Keep the Passion Going… When You’re Comfortable

February 13, 2011

Date night! Ah yes, a romantic candlelit dinner followed by salsa dancing. Or perhaps you choose to snuggle up with your partner to watch the latest Will Ferrell sports comedy with a Starbucks double-shot non-fat lactaid latté.

Better yet, you drop the kids off at the grandparents for a few hours of uninterrupted passionate love-making!

Hmmm, well… after years of marriage, things become… comfortable.

Which is a nice way of saying that the thrill is long gone.

How do you keep the romance alive and kicking when your husband’s favourite hobby is to curl his legs up and hold a lighter to his ass when he farts? Not to say that it isn’t hilarious and you don’t find his silly antics amusing. But his creative gas-releasing talents can only take him so far.

Perhaps you’re not a romantic-comedy heroine either. Your husband will never let you forget that he saw everything in the hospital room and he even held your placenta in his hands for God’s sakes! I mean, if that’s not love then what the heck is?

So how can you keep the romance alive in your relationship? I asked a few Twitter moms what they do and here is what they said:

@linesbylyons says:

When my husband proposed, he asked me to be his “partner for life.”

As we navigate life’s milestones together, we maintain the romantic side of the partnership by making time to focus on each other – whether that’s snuggling on the sofa while watching television, planning a night out, or cooking a meal together. We take time during the hectic family moments to kiss, touch or hold hands, acknowledging the love and attraction that still exists.

Oh. And when he smiles, or I catch a glimpse of him, my stomach still flips like it did when we first met.

@suburbanchicmom says:

After 6 ½ years with Mr. Wonderful, it’s not easy keeping the fires burning when everyday life gets in the way. For us, keeping the romance alive means prioritizing and maintenance. We don’t do anything crazy we just make an effort and try to mix it up. There’s something to the saying “Variety is the spice of life.” Date Nights are a must. We also schedule in bits of quality time to dote on each other with massages, bubble baths etc… you get the picture. Sometimes it’s as simple as spending time cooking or exercising together. The key to keeping the romance alive is that we make each other a priority. Some may say that is selfish…I think it’s necessary for our relationship to thrive.

@Bitchy_Goddess says:

Romance? Puuulease! The romance is pretty much gone so now it’s about getting some much-desired sex. Honestly! Sex is important in a marriage. My man and I don’t get a chance to get it on often so when we do, we take total advantage. That spontaneity is what keeps our marriage exciting and passionate.

Whatever activity tickles your fancy (and your partner’s), make the time and effort – your marriage counsellor will thank you!

Books & Music

14 Best Valentine’s Day Films: What to Watch on Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2011

Written by Shannon Lintott

Nothing says date night (or, for me, love) like a good movie with your significant other. Sure, you could dress up and go for a candlelit dinner but maybe you want to just stay in and have a relaxing yet romantic evening at home.

Then again, maybe after wearing heels all night the couch is the first thing you think of when you get through the front door after what I’m sure was a fantastic dinner. Popcorn, chocolate, or maybe pizza for you stay-in love birds, and a warm body to cozy up to sounds like true love to me!

In order to celebrate this special 14th day of February, here are 14 Valentine’s Day films I think you will enjoy (in no particular order).

14 Best Valentine’s Day Films

Valentine’s Day

Okay, I know it may seem lame to watch a movie called Valentine’s Day on Valentine’s Day but it’s really not as bad as you think. I was prepared for this to be the worst movie ever only because it seems when movies are made just to gain box office glory (like a movie called Valentine’s Day that comes out on V-day) it usually means it is garbage and they just wanted some cash. This is actually a decent film. It’s about a bunch of different stories concerning different relationships and you watch how they progress during one day: February 14th. Everyone who is anyone as an actor right now is in it. It’s fun, sad, romantic, hilarious and an easy watch.

Leap Year

Sexy Irish man. That’s about all you really need to know. Honestly though, he is just that attractive. I liked his character too and Amy Adams is pretty hilarious in this movie. The story itself is nothing applause worthy but that’s okay because seeing these two together is fantastic and warms the heart. If you don’t smile like an idiot by the last scene then you probably don’t have a heart. About accidental love that you just can’t run from.

Romeo and Juliet

This movie always breaks my heart and steals my tears…in a good way. This is the ultimate love story, although tragic. I guess this is more for those wanting something a little more intense with a little action (gun fights!). Still, when those inevitable tears start flowing, you can just turn and snuggle until they stop.

Ghost

Everyone is crazy for Swayze! This is one of the all time ultimate love movies. It’s also just a really amazing movie. The story is fantastic coupled with great performances and just enough hilarity to help you through the tough times. Passion, love, murder, Whoopi…what more could you ask for on Valentine’s day?

Titanic

Three words: steamy car scene. Also, Leonardo is extra attractive in this movie. One of the best forbidden love stories next to Romeo & Juliet. Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches/poor vs. rich love tale? Also, the love in this is surrounded by all kinds of epic scenes and oh, yeah, a big ship sinks! Never let go…

Sleepless in Seattle

This movie is the definition of classic. Dreamy Tom Hanks! Who doesn’t love the Hanks? If their love doesn’t make you want to cry don’t forget about the kid without a mother. Heart breaking and then immediately heart warming. This movie really needs no explanation; it’s a win/win Valentine’s Day movie choice. Did I mention Tom Hanks?

Pretty Woman

While the actors are not my favourite, you can’t help but love these rags to riches type love stories. I think it is fading into history but this movie should not be forgotten. It’s the only time Richard Gere doesn’t have to convince you that he’s a nice guy and Julia Roberts is so fun to watch. The ‘protection’ scene, come on! Amazing.

Love Actually

This was also on my top Christmas movies list too but really it’s just an all around amazing love film. It is more about Christmas but in all honesty it is an every day kind of film. It looks at all types of relationships and characters and by the end of it your heart is over flowing with happiness and love; always a great choice when looking for romantic films. The comedy is really good too!

Say Anything

Boom box. Back seat love scene followed by “In Your Eyes”…epic! The story has its holes and over all it’s pretty random and all over the place but you cannot deny the magic in some of the scenes. John Cusack will forever be dreamy because of this movie. An easy favourite.

Reality Bites

Two very important things: Ethan Hawke and amazing early 90’s things. Sometimes you’re just meant to be with someone, even if you try to convince yourself that you don’t want to be. Ethan’s sexy singing voice and grease-ness makes you swoon. Fun, entertaining, slight teen angst but really a great love story.

10 Things I Hate About You

Fun puppy love and over all cute and hilarious, this is one of my all time favourite romantic comedies to date. Watching this movie at any time is a fantastic idea but it’s a solid choice for Valentine’s Day if you’re looking for a fun movie that will make you laugh. Also, you can enjoy how you think “Oh, I’ve been there.” over and over again.

(500) Days of Summer

It’s Joseph Gordon- Levitt central over here! If 10 Things I Hate About You isn’t enough, or not exactly what you’re going for, this movie should do it for you. It’s about getting love, losing it and moving on. A love story about love in all its wondrous and horrible forms. It’s funny but it’s also true and with a happy ending so it’s all around a great choice.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

This movie is one of my all time favourites of all movies. It always makes me feel amazing about love and life and myself. If you and some friends are celebrating by having a singles movie night this is the absolute perfect movie, either the first or the second film. It’s hilarious, true, uplifting, inspiring but also sad at times yet ultimately warms the heart. Also great to snuggle up to and examine the craziness that is love.

Ever After

Not sure what it is about this movie but it always makes me grin like an idiot. Another rags to riches/forbidden love type film that will make you “awe” during the final ‘happy ending’ scene. I like this movie because Drew Barrymore is amazing in it and Dougray Scott is a perfect match for her. Also, his dreamy self aside, the story itself is great. Who didn’t dream of being Cinderella as a girl and finding prince charming?

Editor’s Picks

The Notebook

No explanation needed.

Pride & Prejudice

No not the movie with Kiera Knightly, but rather the BBC mini-series starring Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Featured

Parents Lack Confidence in Helping Kids with Homework: Should Parents Help Kids With Homework

February 11, 2011

Do you lack confidence when helping your kids with homework?

A new survey reveals that 50 per cent of Canadian parents lack confidence in helping their children with reading, writing and math homework.

The survey was performed by Ipsos Reid Research and ABC Life Literacy Canada released the report after 1,000 Canadians were polled. Initial findings from a report released in August 2010 found that 93% of Canadians agreed that literacy skills are critical to quality of life.

“The numbers show that Canadians believe in the importance of literacy,” commented Ipsos Reid Senior Research Manager Sean Simpson.

“Despite this importance, the data reveals that many Canadians either don’t possess the literacy skills or don’t feel comfortable enough to use those skills to their fullest extent.”

Of those Canadians admitting that they did not feel confident in helping their children with these tasks, Quebec residents ranked the highest in lack of confidence at 12 per cent followed by 10 per cent for Atlantic Canada.

Kathy Buckworth, parenting expert and author of Shut Up and Eat!, doesn’t think she, as a parent, needs to be expected to have confidence about helping her own children with their homework.

“It is, after all, their homework. Certainly I help them in setting up a quiet space to work, have the right supplies available, and help to decipher questions where the need arises. But if the content they are studying is beyond my capabilities (for instance, Grade 12 Trigonometry) I direct them to get help through the school guidance and tutoring programs, or in fact have hired tutors for my children.”

Perhaps you choose to sit with your children while they are doing homework. But when it comes to correcting your children’s homework, you may want to think twice.

“I don’t correct my children’s homework – the teacher needs to know where they, and their classmates, are struggling in order to focus on that during class time,” says Buckworth.

“Also, I ask my kids every night if they have homework. If they say no, I don’t double check their bags. I’m not the one who gets in trouble for not doing it.

Homework is the first part of taking on responsibility for your own efforts, which they will need in high school, college, university, and ultimately in their jobs, and their personal life.”

Motherhood

Wordless Wednesday: Thrashers or Leafs???

February 9, 2011

Featured

The Best Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Him and Her!

February 8, 2011

What’s on your gift wish list for Valentine’s Day? Wondering what to buy your significant other?

For Her:

Go girly or go geek!

Other than the traditional roses, lingerie and jewelry, here are some gift ideas for her:

1. A day spa or an overnight spa getaway is sure to be a big hit. She will thank you many times and many ways…

2. Geeky gifts are IN so if you can splurge, got for the latest tech gadget: get her a new iPad or e-reader if you can afford it of course.

3. Low on funds? A gift certificate for a manicure and/or pedicure is always loved and appreciated.

4. A full day out of the kitchen and meals prepared by boyfriend or hubby is a way to win her over. Seriously, we all need a break from the kitchen so breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by someone else for a change, would be nice.

Don’t:

Buy her a gym membership. This will undoubtedly send the wrong message and will surely send you to the dog house.

cufflinks — Polished Silver Oval Wifi and 2GB USB Cufflinks

For Him:

Two words: Go Geek.

A gift card to your local Best Buy or Future Shop will surely make him happy.

If you want to buy him something to unwrap, here a few of the latest tech gadgets:

1. iPad Transfer: iPad fans can transfer iPad stuff to your computer. It’ss easy-to-use and it will complete your task with only a few clicks.

2. Polished Silver Oval WIFI and 2GB USB Combination Cufflinks. Yep you heard right. These cufflinks feature 2GB USB storage plus they provide a WiFi hotspot to multiple devices! You can also access media servers from the host computer. Perfect for business meetings, travel and techies everywhere.

3. The ExtremeMac InCharge Duo Charging Dock will save desk space by charging his iPad and iPhone (or two Apple phone devices) simultaneously. He will surely be a happy geek!

4. The iChair for the iPad is the perfect geeky accessory. Type, rotate and adjust for better viewing. The lightweight, durable and stylish design has a special price tag for Valentine’s Day.

Don’t:

Buy him tools… you’ll end up looking like one.

And don’t forget… lots of smooches and if you’re lucky, you’ll get lucky!

Featured

Battle Hymn of the Lager Mom: Why Chardonnay Moms Are Superior

February 7, 2011

by Kathy Buckworth

A newly released book about “Tiger Moms” is causing quite a stir in the parenting community. I’m not going to name it, because then you might buy her book instead of mine, and frankly, I think she’s doing okay. And it would just prove that HER mother was right, if she’s more successful than me.

Basically the premise of the book is that the ultimate Autocratic parenting style works best in terms of producing the most successful child. Successful in terms of progressing to higher education, ultimately leading to a better, well-paying job.

I support this. I support children getting out of the house, away to school, and making some money of their own. What I don’t support is the methods which are being recommended in order to achieve this. While Tiger Mom might try to convince you that she rules the roost and what she says goes, the fact of the matter is, if you’re spending 99% of your leisure time forcing your children to practice the violin and to do their homework for three hours a night, I’m pretty sure at this point the kids have taken over your entire life. After all, post-school time and evenings are prime Mommytime that can be spent doing many other things that would in fact enhance the lives of mothers far more than having to sit through boring violin concerts and excruciating valedictorian speeches at high school graduations in the future. (Hey, if it’s your kid up there, you really have to look like you’re listening, not like us carefree texting Moms in the back row.) I’m not sure she’s thinking things through here.
What else could we be doing? Things like, I don’t know…here’s a thought – maybe drinking some wine and HAVING A LIFE of our own.

My youngest daughter took up violin a couple of years ago. Ha! I say HA! Because the joke was totally on me. Not only did it not immediately make her more successful at school, (I’m the product of an instant gratification society, or at least the time it takes me to uncork a bottle), I had nightmares about cats being tortured on the rack, with the sound track to this provided to me by her lovely string stylings. The minute she eked out a version of Happy Birthday to her Dad, I began talking her out of playing it. This particular period of time may have unfortunately dovetailed with the enthusiastic recorder playing by her younger brother. There’s only so much a good glass of Chardonnay can do, folks.

Should kids do their homework? Absolutely. Should a parent have to monitor it for three hours a night? Absolutely not. Unless said monitoring can be done with glass, bottle, or can in hand, from across the room, or preferably, in a different room. Besides teaching children to learn independently, it just gets downright embarrassing when you can’t tell them which of the triangles is hypotenused. Being a Lager Mom takes the pressure off. If that’s what qualifies me for an Inferiority Complex, so be it. Cheers.

Kathy Buckworth is an award winning humour writer. Please remember this when you’re reading this column. Against all odds, her first child is actually attending University. Email me your thoughts Kathy@kathybuckworth.com or follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/kathybuckworth I won’t be busy forcing kids to do homework or replacing violin strings, so I’ll probably answer you.