Television as a Babysitter is Not Always Bad

By Tina Todorovich Toler

Before I had children, I always knew I would never use the television as a babysitter. My children were going to be raised by me and I would not lower my standards and stick my child in front of a television so I could have a few moments of time. This was an utterly non-negotiable.

When I mentioned my thoughts to my friends who had children, they looked at me with disbelief. They did not understand how strong my conviction on this subject was. Maybe they had times they felt they needed the time, but I knew I would be different. Popping a child down in front of a children’s show, without sitting with them and discussing it, was along the lines of abuse as far as I was concerned.

My first year or so, I followed this rule. My oldest daughter was a joy and was very easy to care for. She stayed out of trouble, well mostly, and I loved spending the time with her. I did not work so I had time to do my work with her walking behind me chattering away. All was well.

Then, when she was eighteen months, I found myself pregnant with my second child. The pregnancy was nothing like my first. I stayed sick constantly and could not get enough sleep. The first months were torture for me. Emily was awake early, and although she took regular naps, it wasn’t enough rest for me.

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10 Life Lessons Learned from Movies

By Maryanne Curran

Everyday, millions of people sit in darkened theaters watching great movies. Movies entertain us or make us laugh or cry. With sensational special effects, riveting musical scores, and charismatic actors, quite simply, movies are cinematic magic.

On very rare occasions, movies inspire us with their poignant delivery of simple lines of dialog. Phrases that become part of our culture. Words that grab our hearts and minds. Sentences that give us hope and comfort.

Clever words spoken by Tom Hanks, Ellen Degeneres, or Will Smith in a movie are not magic bullets. But in their own way, they provide valuable life lessons.

“Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” (“Forrest Gump”) Simple words uttered by a simple man – but true nonetheless. Everyday, you make dozens of choices. Some choices are sweet – while others are crunchy. But that’s what is so great about life. It’s an adventure filled with peaks and valleys. There are no guarantees that everything in your life will be as sweet as a box of chocolates – but won’t it be delicious sampling what’s in your box.

“Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.” (“Finding Nemo”) When the stress of juggling job, family, and your life is overwhelming, it’s best not to think about the number of demands on your time. Take a deep breath and just keep swimming. Your brain can only process so many tasks at one time. Take one thing at a time and you’ll get through it.

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MAREE MCRAE: It hasn’t been a breeze

Meet Maree McRae- singer, songwriter, and best of all, a loving mother.

After working as lead singer and multi-instrumentalist for one of the Rocky Mountain region’s most sought after acts Cadillac Ranch, Maree McRae took a solo creative venture and released her successful debut project “I Won’t Settle for Less.” The album gave her the recognition she deserved as a remarkable singer/songwriter and her debut album quickly made its mark on the reputable National Gavin’s Top 40 Americana Radio Chart, gaining her acclaim and top awards as an insightful and melodic artist. Due to all of her newfound success, McRae was approached with an offer to go on the road and tour. It was then that she had to make a big career decision.

After many heart wrenching years of continual infections, McRae’s son Stephen was diagnosed with CVID. CVID is a disease that affects the immune system, making it hard for one’s body to fight off infections. McRae was faced with the harsh reality that she could not leave her son, nor could she bring him on the road with her when he was ill. She knew in her heart that she needed to take a break from her music career to stay home with her son. Although after all the recognition she had received, it was a tough decision to make, McRae says now, she does not regret it one bit. Going through the illness together with her son has only strengthened their bond. Her son’s illness has put life into perspective for her and she is able to enjoy every moment she has with her friends, family, and her music.

What’s great is that after some time, McRae was able to get back in the studio, to work on her highly anticipated sophomore release, “Urgency,” after multi-platinum producer, Wyatt Easterling (head of A&R for Atlantic Records) heard McRae’s new writing, and offered her the opportunity to record in Nashville with triple Grammy award-winning engineer, Mark Capps. Her new album’s 12 original tracks maintain the truthful resonance that echoes a variety of styles from Americana/Folk Pop to Adult Contemporary. McRae self-composed all tracks, and the album is filled with her trademark, memorable melodies and lyrics from the soul.
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Latino Hunk - Luis Arrieta

Often compared to Shia LeBeouf here in the US, Latino heartthrob Luis Arrieta has been carving his way through the heart of the Mexican entertainment industry with leading roles in top Mexican films over the past five years.

With four films to be released in 2009, including “Love Equation,” “Paradas Continuas,” “Borderline” and 20th Century Fox’s highly anticipated film “Dragonball Evolution,” Luis Arrieta is set to become the next Mexican star to capture the hearts of audiences across the US. In “Dragonball Evolution,” Luis plays Weaver, a nerdy guy who knows all the answers.

In addition to his US release of Dragonball Evolution, Luis is busy filming the Disney film “Sin Ella” for Latin America in which he plays the lead character of “Andi.” Luis is diverse and multitalented in not only acting, but in writing and producing as well. He is currently working on making his writing and producing debut in his film, “Antes Del Invierno,” which is set for pre-production in late 2009.
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3 Questions for “Hollywood” Hamilton

Move over Ryan Seacrest; Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton’s taking over. For the past 30 years, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton has been one of the most recognizable names in radio from coast-to-coast. He has hosted shows at Z-100 and KTU in New York, and KIIS FM in Los Angeles, while establishing a legion of fans and admirers within the music industry, leading all his shows to top ratings in a relatively short amount of time.

Today, Sean hosts three radio shows; Hollywood Hamilton’s Weekend Top 30, which is listened to by whopping 5.7 million people every weekend in over 200 cities throughout America and around the world; REMIX Top40, a nightclub radio dance show that airs on Friday and Saturday nights in some of the hottest party cities: Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, and Miami; and 104.3 MYfm, which is exclusive to those living in Los Angeles, airing on weekdays from 3-7 p.m. Impressively, Sean is Clear Channel’s only (music) talent to be heard on both coasts during the afternoon drive.

One would think that hosting three radio shows would take up all of one’s time, but not Sean. On his off time away from the radio industry, Sean’s production company Mischief Media Entertainment has directed and produced television projects. He was also the mind behind the original “Lovelines,” which launched into the extremely popular radio show that evolved into a 15 year syndicated success as well an MTV show starring Adam Carolla and Dr. Drew. In addition, Sean has done some time acting as spokesman/spokesmodel for many of today’s most successful products including Sprint “Muziq” Phone, Drakkar Cologne, Doritos Chips, M&Ms, Levis, Diet Pepsi and Bank of America. He is currently in production and co-starring in a new film called “Hyenas.” This film is scheduled for release in late 2009 and is an Entertainment LAB production.

We got to ask this radio legend what he thinks about… what else? Women stuff!
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Joe Manganiello: All Man

Tall, dark and handsome are three words that best describe heartthrob actor Joe Manganiello. Not surprisingly, many of Joe’s characters have been the good-looking, chick magnets. Best known as Sophia Bush’s main interest, “Owen,” on “One Tree Hill,” Joe also played Linda Cardellini’s love interest, “Officer Litchman” on E.R. for several seasons and recurred as Tori Spelling’s boyfriend on So NoTORIous.
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Meet Mo Lewit, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Best known for starring in the new Lifetime reality competition TV series “Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist,” Chicago born celebrity makeup artist Maura ‘Mo’ Lewit has worked with numerous well known names including the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, Rachel McAdams (”The Notebook”) and Omorosa Manigault-Stallworth (Donald Trump’s NBC show “The Apprentice and Norma Strait for the Country Music Awards. Her regular clientele include actress Jennifer Tilly and author Lucie Venture.

Since “Blush” has aired, Mo has had brides call into her salon, the prestigious Bellagio Salon in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, and request her for their special wedding day. Working at Bellagio Salon has given Mo plenty of opportunities to work with many celebrities, as well as countless special events. Aside from her position as senior makeup artist at Bellagio Salon, Mo is also the head makeup artist for the Las Vegas-based cable television show “In My Corner” starring Rasheeda Ali.
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A Glimpse Inside Alexis Raben’s World

Actress Alexis Raben has a presence that matches her appearance; alluring. A Russian native, Alexis discovered her creative spirit first through filmmaking. Realizing that her skills in directing actors were somewhat lacking, she decided to try acting, believing that it would be best way to learn how to direct and actor.

Alexis used off-Broadway stages to perfect her craft. When she landed a role in the 2007 film The Invasion, her film career took off. It opened doors for additional acting opportunities including the 2008 UK indie film Outlanders and her most recent project, 2009’s Miss March.
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