2013-05-23T01:30:22-04:00 Maria Lianos-Carbone http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=maria-lianoscarbone Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Maria Lianos-Carbone Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2520084 2013-01-21T12:15:26-05:00 2013-03-23T05:12:01-04:00

Maria Lianos-Carbone http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-lianoscarbone/
Who is wearing what? Best dressed list and worst dressed lists will flood headlines the following mornings, people will anticipate whether a wardrobe malfunction or inappropriate moment will be caught on camera, or whether someone's speech will be either rude or boring. We'll watch closely to see which couples show up together, which don't, and whether Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will be the best looking duo yet again.

Will you watch along with millions of others, and perhaps like me, live tweet throughout the award show? Or will you turn off the television, Facebook, Twitter and read a book instead?

Why is our society today so celebrity obsessed? These actors and musicians make so much money, enough to feed a country and then they have these elaborate award shows to ultimately pat each other on the back. And we sit there, year after year, and applaud them. We watch and critique and gossip and comment on the fashion.

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Why? Why do we do this? I'm guilty of it and I bet you are too. Music and film are an art form -- we must protect and honour arts and culture. Right? Yes -- but then they wouldn't have to broadcast those award shows if it were only about the craft.

It's about the celebrity. We are a celebrity conscious culture -- some are completely obsessed. Following the lives of celebrities is a form of entertainment. We love to know what celebrities are doing, wearing, product they're using, people they're dating, and we try to find something in them that we relate to.

Having information at our fingertips at every waking moment makes it easier to always be in-the-know about our favourite personalities and their private lives, verging on the brink of stalking.

This interesting article on LiveScience.com talks about the psychology behind our celebrity fixation -- it's worth a read. Daniel Kruger, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Michigan, says:

"...Learning what high-status individuals do so you might more effectively become one... knowing what is going on with high-status individuals, you'd be better able to navigate the social scene."

So excuse me while I make a bowl of popcorn and settle down in front of my television to watch Entertainment Tonight -- I may learn a new social skill. Or just be reminded that I'm not rich.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1884501 2012-09-15T07:27:34-04:00 2012-11-15T05:12:01-05:00

Maria Lianos-Carbone http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-lianoscarbone/
Film Director Patricia Rozema recently wrote a fabulous post about what the Canadian Film industry needs.

It's wonderful to see amazing Canadian films at TIFF this year such as Anita Doron's The Lesser Blessed which represents our native community, and the wildly awkward My Awkward Sexual Adventure directed by Sean Garrity.

It's not that we don't have the talent; the Genie awards this year celebrated many amazing Canadian actors, directors, producers and writers. TIFF always represents great Canadian content, including Short Cuts Canada, the best short films from emerging and established Canadian filmmakers.

We are getting there. Just as the Canadian music industry is hugely successful and talented, our film industry is very close behind. But there needs to be more. And more money to keep talent working and staying here.

After Viggo Mortensen won the Best Supporting Actor Genie Award for David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method, he was asked what is the secret to success in the film business:

"Consistency -- and really there is a truth in that, to have a long enough career that you can show what you can do. Unfortunately there are a lot of filmmakers that show a lot of promise and then they disappear. If there is anything that I would leave a legacy for other Canadians is that you have to slug it out, every year is a struggle."

A struggle especially when Canada needs more private-equity investment, which seems to be almost non-existent.

"As a Canadian actor, I feel there a lot of people that go to the U.S. that want to make a living but they also want other opportunities and the fame. 'Making it' in Canada is when you are working consistently," says Toronto actor Nick Smyth.

"Canada is such a breeding ground for hardcore talent and a lot of that amazing talent floats down into the U.S.," adds Smyth, who moved to Toronto from Halifax for his acting career.

"Most Canadian films have never been seen because it's all about the money and advertising and marketing dollars for these films."

Alternatively, we need more feature-film funding. There are numerous funding opportunities in Canada including Telefilm Canada and The Harold Greenberg Fund. But how can filmmakers fulfill their budget needs when one problem in making films is getting enough funding?

"I don't know that you're going to," admits George Stroumboulopoulos, host of George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight on CBC.

"But we get funding. The real way is tax credits for Canadian films. There's not a lot of funding in the U.S. In the States, if you want to get a film made, you have to make it. Here in Canada, there's a whole team, there's a family. You're on your own there."

Canada offers generous and bankable tax incentives -- from two levels of government (provincial and federal) -- which both offer incentive programs for film and television production expenses.

But what about U.S. productions which film in Canada? Total Recall starring Colin Farrell and Jessica Biel was filmed at Pinewood Toronto Studios last summer, the latest film in a line of high profile productions coming from Warner Bros, NBC, Twentieth Century Fox and Dreamworks.

"It's ok to have to have the two (tax credits and U.S. productions in Canada); it creates tons of jobs," says Stroumboulopoulos. "You get a lot of experts come in and help in the community and training different people. I think it's great. Partner with others, that's the key."

As far as the amount of Canadian talent we have, it's there. We have it -- we just need to get out there a support it. We need to watch our own films and our own television productions.

"I feel like it's getting better a little bit with Jay Baruchel -- he's such a proud Canadian and he says he never left Canada," says Smyth. "Every chance that he gets to bring work here, he does. I look up to him for that."

If you're an independent filmmaker in Canada, all you need is one big break, says Stroumboulopoulos.
"If you're Quentin Tarantino, Kevin Smith, that's why you're those guys, because if you do hit, you hit that moment and the audience buys it, you're set."]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1597096 2012-06-14T12:55:16-04:00 2012-08-14T05:12:09-04:00

Maria Lianos-Carbone http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-lianoscarbone/
How much or how little does a parent actually explain to their younger kids when they're asked the more challenging questions?

After researching what the experts have to say about some of the more common questions kids ask, here are some good answers to tell your child about sexuality:

Where do babies come from?

Sooner or later, this question will pop up. How do you respond? The stork? God?
Keep you answer simple and honest -- no need to get into major details. One way is to explain is by saying, "you were made in Mommy's tummy (or uterus, to be correct) and that's where you grew until you were ready to be born."

If your child isn't satisfied with that answer, you can explain that Daddy's sperm joins Mommy's egg and then a baby begins to grow. When your child is old enough to ask for more specifics, then he/she will be ready to hear more details.

What is this called?

Most experts agree that it's best to use the correct anatomical names, not nicknames. Using the proper words will help the child learn to use the words in a direct manner, also helping children feel more comfortable talking about sexual topics without embarrassment. The correct names should be given for both male and female parts; one without the other would be unfair or could send the wrong message.

When your child asks why boys and girls are different, it's okay to simply explain that boys have penises and girls have vaginas. You can say that nature or God (depending on your beliefs) made boys and girls that way.

Point out that each and every person is unique. Susanne Ayers Denham, a developmental psychologist, says the same way you explain that Daddy's nose is smaller than Mommy's, for example, boys' private parts look different from girls'. If you keep the explanation simple, and don't act embarrassed, your child won't be either.

What are Mommy and Daddy doing?

Uh oh, you've been caught! If your child walks in on you and your spouse having sex, talk to him/her about it. Calmly ask the kids to leave the room for a moment.

First determine how much the child actually saw. If it wasn't much, you may just explain that Mommy and Daddy were kissing and hugging.

Ask them if they want to know what was happening. If they do, explain that it's natural and normal, loving and safe. Be simple and honest when explaining what sex is, says Dr. Anthony Wolf, psychologist and parenting author. You can say, "Sex is something that adults do. It's a way of making babies, and it's something that they enjoy doing."

If your child seems worried or afraid, it is important for you to explain that you were not being hurt. If they don't care to know, don't press the issue and count your lucky stars!

Read more of Maria's articles on amotherworld.com ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1331801 2012-03-10T23:53:17-05:00 2012-05-10T05:12:02-04:00

Maria Lianos-Carbone http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-lianoscarbone/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled this emerging form of drug abuse a "national epidemic." Prescription drugs are the cause of more deaths by overdose than street drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Prescription drugs are easy to obtain. Many people can practically order their prescription drug of choice online and have it delivered to their front door," says Dawn Christie, Holistic healer and celebrity interventionist.

Celebrities have friends, doctors, people who work for them who get them these drugs. Instead of being their alarm and saying NO, they fear that they themselves will lose the chance to work for these celebrities and be their friends and live in that lifestyle if they speak up or say no.

Drug overdose death rates in the U.S. have more than tripled since 1990. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that about seven million people regularly use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.

Prescription medications for pain and anxiety are particularly potent and highly addictive, and they can be lethal if combined with alcohol or other narcotics.

"Prescription drug addiction is on the rise because people are not as spiritually connected to themselves or their beliefs as they should be and thus turn to other means of suppressants to help them cope with their tumultuous lives," says Christie.

What is also alarming is that the abuse is particularly prevalent among teenagers. The CDC reports that one in five high school students school has taken a prescription drug without a doctor's prescription. Many teens are getting these drugs from friends and family because they are easy to obtain.

But the number of adults who are abusing prescription drugs is also on the rise; between 1995 and 2002, the number of substance abuse treatment admissions for people 55 and older increased by 32 percent. When you hear celebrities like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston who struggled with drug addiction in their adult years, it puts prescription drug abuse into the mainstream spotlight.

"When we see famous people with addiction problems, we have a tendency to turn their struggles and failures into our entertainment and we fail to remember that these are real people, with real feelings and real demons," says Christie.

"They need privacy and they need support just like anyone else."]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1296507 2012-02-27T18:29:10-05:00 2012-04-28T05:12:01-04:00

Maria Lianos-Carbone http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-lianoscarbone/
Now, new research finds that if mothers do the opposite of what they really want to do, whether they stay home or go back to work, the rates of depression are much higher.

When mothers were stuck doing the opposite of what they wanted, 25 per cent of them experienced clinical depression levels. Of those who were happy with their decision about working or staying home, only 14 per cent suffered from depression.

The study of 1,110 first-time mothers was conducted at Brigham Young University and published in the journal Human Relations. They women were studied at regular points postpartum, from one to 36 months.

Researchers found that 71 per cent of mothers in their sample were not doing what they really wanted to do postpartum, whether it was staying home or going back to work full or part-time. For example, many moms wanted to work part time, but could only get full-time jobs, or were unable to find a job.

This is saddening to me because most postpartum women are not happy with their circumstances when it is supposed to be a time of joy. I believe for many, part-time work is ideal, but there aren't enough part-time opportunities available, unlike in the Netherlands where part-time work is the norm.

Working mothers in the Netherlands sacrifice career opportunities for family life while working fathers also trade-off work hours because a greater contribution to family life is expected from them. Is it any surprise then that Dutch moms are happier than their counterparts in other countries around the world?
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1254021 2012-02-03T23:19:41-05:00 2013-02-14T13:05:28-05:00

Maria Lianos-Carbone http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-lianoscarbone/
Who cares, right? It's yet another marketing ploy to make us buy more stuff that we don't really need.

It's truly overrated. Mass retail merchandisers move from one holiday to the next... Over the next few days, you'll find men stalking Victoria's Secret mannequins. Women will be painting their nails red and getting "vajazzled" for the occasion, hoping for a sparkly new jewellery piece.

Did you know that roughly 180 million Valentine's Day cards will be exchanged in the U.S. alone, making V-Day the second-most popular greeting card-giving occasion? Chocolates and long-stem red roses are also typical (boring) choices.

That's what you say now... but when February 14 actually rolls around, you may end up yearning for a little romance and attention from your partner.

How can you enjoy some romance without playing into the marketing ploy?

Simple.

There are tons of ways to show your love and affection, without blowing your budget.

Sparking some romance can be simple with some simple, savvy tips:

1. Stay home.
Seriously, don't even bother going on Valentine's Day. Restaurants will be packed, service will likely be horrible. Put the kids early to bed and have a lovely date night at home. Set the mood with some dinner and drinks by candlelight. Whether you make a quick pasta dinner or order in, home is always comfy and cozy when the lights are dim and the glasses are full.

2. Go out... the following night.
If you must go out, you know that babysitters can be quite expensive to hire for a night out on the town. Instead of hiring a nanny or babysitter to watch the kids, why not swap services with your family, friends or neighbours? You can alternate date nights without having to spend a ton of cash. You wouldn't want to go out on V-day night anyway!

3. Let's get physical
If you do want to go out on V-day because what would your neighbours think?!, skip the packed restaurants and do something different and fun -- go bowling or skating. Find a rollerskating rink and remember what it was like to moonlight in seventh grade.

4. Coffee and a book
If you're not the type to get active on a date (I don't mean that kind of active), grab your loved one and head to the bookstore. Grab a couple of lattes and some biscotti, find a corner in the romance section and read each other some poetry. Find a steamy romance novel or Kama Sutra book and take it home with you to read together in bed.

5. Picnic by the fire
Plan a romantic picnic in the middle of your living room floor. Lay out a blanket, feed your partner some cheese and grapes and share a bottle of wine. Don't forget to turn on the fireplace and play some soft, sensual music... as long as it's not Michael Bolton.

6. Be cheap and be proud
Married couples don't need to worry about looking "cheap." Hey, having kids is expensive! Search the net for group-buying coupon companies that offer some great deals on entertainment experiences. You can find yourself saving up to half price on museums, wine tastings, restaurants and more. Your partner doesn't need to know.

7. Make it a family affair
Well the kids are home and no one can babysit. May as well just enjoy the evening as a family! Make a pizza together, bake some cookies, watch a family movie (you know grown-ups love Tangled, too) or play some video games, board games or dancing games like Just Dance.

8. Snuggle up on the couch
Instead of heading into a packed theatre for movie night, rent some DVDs. Whether he likes it or not, he will just have to watch The Notebook on Valentine's Day. Sorry guys! Make your own popcorn, buy some candy, dim the lights and make sure to turn your cell phones off!

The trick to a successful Valentine's Day is not about the gifts, chocolates and flowers; it's about having fun. Chances are you'll enjoy spending time with your loved one whatever you do!]]>