You can also see him on City TV/rogers Thursday April 25^th on Hannibal he has a guest starring role as CJ Lincoln a disturbed teen who is on a killing spree.

He just had his first episode of season 2 on Life With Boys air Getting off the Matt

Transporter on HBO/Showcase just aired his episode last month.

He just finished filming a lead in a short called Portrait of Ryan. A very emotional role dealing with bullying, suicide and a shooting….

http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms34.html

he is also nominated for the Mississauga arts councils Marty award for emerging artist of the year!

Is Blunt Honesty The Best Policy? Queendom.com’s Latest Research Reveals That Tact Still Rules

Queendom.com’s latest study indicates that people who self-monitor what they say and do tend to be more well-liked by others.

Montreal, Canada – May 07, 2013.  In an often in-your-face, uncensored social world, should people feel free to voice or do whatever they want? Is policing one’s words and actions social etiquette or lying? In its latest research to understand the benefits of self-monitoring, these are the questions that pioneer in online personality tests, Queendom.com, attempted to answer.

There’s something joyfully painful about watching period dramas set in the early 1900’s. People never really came out and said what they really wanted to say, and when they did, it was still done with the utmost tact possible. By comparison, peruse Twitter posts these days, and the drawing of social lines in the sand has become a thing of the past. How has this affected every day social interaction? Are people who say whatever they want glorified for their bold honesty? Not quite, according to Queendom.com’s latest research.

Assessing data from 1,665 people, Queendom’s statistics reveal that people who do not self-monitor (purposely regulate their words or actions in social situations) are slightly less popular among their social group than those who do (65 vs. 68). They are also less sensitive to social cues (68 vs. 74), have more difficulty understanding body language (59 vs. 71), and have much more trouble controlling their anger (54 vs. 77).

Queendom’s statistics also revealed that:

·        69% of low self-monitors take their anger or frustration out on others (compared to 26% of high self-monitors).

·        73% of low self-monitors do not think before they speak (compared to 2% of high self-monitors).

·        80% of low self-monitors act impulsively (compared to 3% of high self-monitors).

·        64% of low self-monitors admit that they often say things that they later regret (compared to 4% of high self-monitors).

·        66% of low self-monitors have embarrassed their family or friends in social situations (compared to 7% of high self-monitors).

·        62% of low self-monitors have been called “insensitive” (compared to 3% of high self-monitors).

·        When very angry, the top response for low self-monitors (44%) was to let their anger out (arguing, yelling) without holding anything back. The top answer for high self-monitors (53%) was to step away from the situation or person that is upsetting them, and try to put it in perspective.

·        If the situation calls for it, 94% of high self-monitors said that they would be able to be friendly with someone they dislike; only 13% of low self-monitors said they would be able to do this.

“On one side, we have a group of people who believe in telling it like it is, no holds barred, no mincing of words,” explains Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “On the other side we have a group of people who carefully regulate what they say and how they say it, and who show more restraint in their behavior.”

So is one group being honest and the other being fake? The answer lies in the data.

“People generally feel that being tactful in social situations is still the way to go,” points out Dr. Jerabek. “It’s not a matter of being fake but rather, making it a point to adapt to the social context – to empathize, to make others feel comfortable, and to create harmonious interactions. Low self-monitors are not able – or not willing – to do this.”

So how do people self-monitor without feeling like they’re being fake?

“A little bit of civility and diplomacy never killed anyone, and they make social interactions so much smoother,” says Dr. Jerabek. “You can still get your message across. You can deliver criticism. You can disagree with someone’s opinion. But you can do it without offending. The bonus is that this way, others don’t get defensive because they feel respected, and that makes a whole world of difference.”

Here’s what the researchers at Queendom.com advise:

·        Use the phrase, “I understand.” This phrase will support your goals if the tension is high and you need to find common ground to form compromises or agreements with others. You can disagree with them, and still appreciate their point of view. This is one of the tenants of good negotiation skills – show them you know where they are coming from, show them that you understand their point of view. Point out what you have in common before pressing on with your viewpoint or demands. Chances are that antagonism will be replaced with a spirit of collaboration.

·        Own your feelings. Consider the difference between “You always do things without thinking about how I will feel” vs. “I feel like my opinion doesn’t matter.” “You” phrases put the other person on the defensive. “I” phrases allow them to see things from your point of view.

·        Take a time-out. It’s important to cool down emotionally when circumstances make you feel angry, even if it’s just going outside for a few minutes of fresh air. You will be able to be more objective about the issue once you’ve calmed down and cleared your head. By taking a time-out (just like we do with children), you will avoid succumbing to the impulse to snap or lash out at others.

·        Observe human behavior. Invest a conscious effort to “read” and understand others. Pay attention to how others are reacting and what they are communicating with you. Putting in that extra effort to really listen and observe can teach you a lot about human interaction and emotions. Sensitivity to situational cues is a key element of self-monitoring. The more attentive you are to people around you, the more information you have at your disposal to guide your expressive self-presentation.

·        Consider others. In today’s world, the ability to get beyond black-and-white thinking, to be open-minded with others, to change one’s way of looking at events, and to focus on the best solution for a given situation is essential for success. Without flexibility and a willingness to consider the perspectives and feelings of others, you are creating additional, unnecessary obstacles for yourself.  To build a more flexible mindset, try doing the following:

o   Put aside your own preoccupations to consider what might be going through other people’s minds in different situations. Ask yourself how you would feel in similar circumstances. In every situation, there are several perspectives. Try to identify at least 2 or 3 different ways to look at it.

o   Put empathy in action. Get involved in helping people in some way, like volunteering. The closer you get to a situation emotionally, the more you realize the difficulties others might be facing.
Queendom’s Self-Control & Self-Monitoring Test can be found at http://www.queendom.com/tests/take_test.php?idRegTest=2815

About Queendom.com
Queendom.com is a subsidiary of PsychTests AIM Inc. Queendom.com is a site that creates an interactive venue for self-exploration with a healthy dose of fun. The site offers a full range of professional-quality, scientifically-validated psychological assessments that empower people to grow and reach their real potential through insightful feedback and detailed, custom-tailored analysis.

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Psychological and physical implications include: headaches, isolation, fear of failure, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, back pain, overeating, sexual dysfunction, depression, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, an inability to establish proper boundaries, overly critical of others, the need to be in control, and excessive guilt and shame.

In this revised and updated edition of the original, groundbreaking book Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery (HCI Books — $14.95 – March 2013), Smith describes the key differences between overt and covert perfectionism; the role early attachment, temperament, sibling relationships, and life circumstances play in developing this pattern; and how to shift toward a center of balance for a more fulfilling life.

Author Interview – Ann W. Smith:

What is perfectionism?
For some, it is just a preference for order, or a drive to be the best they can be but it is a choice. For those I write about it is a compulsive pattern of behavior and thoughts that is based on low self-esteem, repressed feelings, insecurity or shame. It is not a conscious choice and becomes a need to maintain excellence in many areas of life. It is only a problem if it has a detrimental effect on one’s quality of life or conflicts with personal values.

Are all perfectionists the same?
I see two types of perfectionists. The Overt perfectionist is easy to see, they are orderly, organized and a little uptight. They may be critical of others and hard to please. Some overt perfectionists are focused on social standards and how others should be. The Covert perfectionist does not appear perfect in many areas of life but has a mental committee of critics who pressure them to be better, very self-critical and tends to make comparisons to others and does not measure up. They are especially challenged by relationships where they do not feel adequate or good enough. Coverts tend to be more self-oriented, concerned about their own performance and less about others.

How serious is it?
Perfectionism has been linked to anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. It is also related to lower relationship satisfaction and fear of intimacy.

How does perfectionism hurt a relationship?
Perfectionists are sensitive and defensive about making mistakes or being blamed or criticized. They avoid vulnerability and openness, trying not to appear flawed or bad. Since intimacy requires openness with emotions, their relationships may be superficial and focused on “doing” things for their partner rather than just being close. Some may also appear superior, expecting things to be done a certain way to the point of demeaning a partner.

How does it affect children when a parent is a perfectionist?
The Overt perfectionist may become an enforcer or teacher rather than a loving parent. Emphasis is on doing what is right or correct rather than allowing children to learn from mistakes and develop their own identity. At times it may seem that the parent’s self-esteem is dependent on the success of the child. Some children will rebel, others will try to comply while hiding their imperfections and doubts from their parent.

How can this pattern be changed?
I see it as a 3 stage process. First they need to see and evaluate the pitfalls of it and how it began. If it is not a problem, it doesn’t need to change. If it is causing problems or is not a reflection of your values, it is important to make changes. Second is what I call “Becoming Me” where a perfectionist looks closely at who they really are – their essence. It is important to be real and slowly practice letting others see who you are. The third step is to let go of expectations and forgive oneself for past mistakes. It is a time to begin accepting yourself and others as is.

]]> http://girlworks.ca/?feed=rss2&p=6071 0 http://girlworks.ca/?p=6066 http://girlworks.ca/?p=6066#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:25:22 +0000 admin http://girlworks.ca/?p=6066

(Infographic: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130415/DC93887-INFO)

“Our research is clearly telling us that girls understand the world—they know how important it is to be financially literate in their daily lives,” said Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. “It’s also telling us that too many girls lack the confidence needed to become financially independent and responsible citizens.”

The study, Having It All: Girls and Financial Literacy, comes out at a time of continued economic uncertainty. The country’s recovery from the 2009 recession has been marked by slow economic growth and high unemployment, as well as increasing concern over the costs of a college education and the unprecedented levels of student loan indebtedness.

The study, which surveyed 1,040 girls ages 8 to 17, found that girls are averse to debt. However, in order to avoid debt, these girls say they need more education about how credit works. In fact, nearly 4 in 10 girls say they don’t know how to use a credit card, only 38 percent know what a credit score is, and just 37 percent know how credit card interest and fees work. Perhaps not surprisingly, a vast majority (90 percent) say that it is important for them to learn how to manage their money.

Despite the recession and economic uncertainty, girls are bullish about their financial futures. Some 88 percent say they are likely to make more money than their parents, and nearly all girls say it is likely that they will have jobs or careers they enjoy (98 percent), be able to provide for their families (96 percent), and own their own homes (95 percent) one day.

This generation of girls is financially empowered and independent. A great majority feels gender is no barrier to what they can accomplish financially, and they envision a future family structure where they are fully engaged in financial decision making and planning. When it comes to financial capability, 7 in 10 girls say both men and women are equally likely to be financially responsible (73 percent) or in a lot of debt (72 percent).

“Girl Scouting offers girls an opportunity to attain these skills and gain a greater understanding of the financial world in an environment that is supportive and encouraging,” says Chávez. “Our financial literacy programs give girls the skills they need to succeed in life.”

Girl Scouts offers a financial empowerment program that ensures girls have the opportunities to build their business sense and hone their financial literacy skills. Girls build on these skills as they progress through the K−12 curriculum to become knowledgeable, confident, and self-reliant participants in a global economy. Whether a girl is working to earn the Financing My Future badge or the Money Manager badge, she is developing financial savvy, business skills, and innovative thinking.

About the Girl Scout Research Institute The Girl Scout Research Institute (www.girlscouts.org/research), formed in 2000, is a vital extension of Girl Scouts of the USA’s commitment to addressing the complex and ever-changing needs of girls. Composed of a dedicated staff and advisors who are experts in child develop­ment, academia, government, business, and the not-for-profit sector, the institute conducts original research, evaluation, and outcomes-measurement studies; releases critical facts and findings; and provides resources essential for the advancement of the well-being and safety of girls living in today’s world. The GSRI also informs program, public policy, and advocacy for Girl Scouting.

About Girl Scouts Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls’ healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U or visit www.girlscouts.org.

NEW YORK CITY —March 27, 2013 — For Immediate Release — On March 25, Governor Bob McDonnell signed HB 1406, requiring all public schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia to annually provide parents of students in grades five-12 with educational information on eating disorders. Effective July 1, 2013, Virginia will be the first state to require distribution of this vital information to parents of children in this highly susceptible age range.

Commented Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), “NEDA’s Advocacy Program and our families led the way for this victory. It is a win-win for the field of eating disorders and the families in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is our hope that other states will follow this forward-thinking effort and that the legislation will serve as a model for the rest of the country. “

Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness among adolescents, have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and impact every organ system in the body.  Early detection is key in preventing these potentially life-threatening illnesses and reducing mortality.

Patroned by Delegate Richard P. “Dickie” Bell (R – Staunton), HB 1406 never received a dissenting vote in the General Assembly.  Initially passed 8-0 in the House Education Committee’s Students and Early Education subcommittee, a slightly amended version of the bill again passed unanimously out of subcommittee and went on to a 21-0 vote in the full House Education Committee.  The Virginia House of Delegates approved HB 1406 99-0 on January 31.  Referred directly by the full committee in the Senate, the Senate Education & Health Committee approved HB 1406 15-0.  On February 11, the Senate of Virginia approved HB 1406 on a unanimous 40-0 vote.

HB 1406 also requires the Virginia Departments of Education and Health to jointly develop guidelines and implement policies for providing parent education information on eating disorders. The bill, now signed into law, also requires the Departments to consult the National Eating Disorders Association, as well as medical and education specialists, about the contents of delivery of the required information.  Finally, HB 1406 also requires the Departments to jointly develop guidelines for a voluntary eating disorder screening program.  Those school boards that wish to implement an eating disorder screening program for their students will now be empowered with the tools necessary to do so.  Pursuant to HB 1406, the Departments of Education and Health must provide their guidelines to the Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction for dissemination by no later than July 1, 2013.  This ambitious deadline assures that Virginia’s public school students, and their parents, will be educated about eating disorders during the upcoming 2013 – 2014 school year.

The National Eating Disorders Association applauds the proactive approach the state of Virginia is taking, and commends their recognition of the seriousness of these illnesses.

For more information on HB 1406, visit http://leg1.state.va.us/cgibin/legp504.exe?ses=131&typ=bil&val=hb1406

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders. For more information, visit www.MyNEDA.org  

The Haunted Library – the second season of the Ruby Skye P.I. web series – also won four awards in the Interactive Narrative Drama Category: Outstanding Directing: Kelly Harms; Outstanding Lead Actress: Madison Cheeatow (Ruby Skye); Outstanding Guest Star: Geri Hall (Gifted Sarah) and Outstanding Cinematography: Alex Dacev.  Held March 28-31, 2013, theLAWebFest is the world’s oldest and largest festival devoted to web series. The Marseilles WebFest, which will be held October 11-12, 2013, is the only web series festival held in Europe and one of four web series festivals held worldwide.  Ruby Skye P.I. is produced by Story 2.OH, was created by interactive storyteller Jill Golick and is directed by Kelly Harms. Harms and Golick executive produced the series along with Steven Golick.

Ruby Skye P.I. is one of many Canadian web series to have fared well at the 2013 edition of the festival.  Vancouver’s The Last Fall of Ashes was also a Grand Prize winner.  Other Canadian series celebrated at the event were Clutch, Out With Dad, Pete Winning, Bill & Sons Towing, The Verdict, Guidestones, Prison Dancer, Verdict, The Runner, Model Mayhem and The Casting Room.

“With web series from fifteen countries represented at the festival, it so exciting to see Canadians leading this new industry,” says Golick. “The LAWebFest does a tremendous job of bringing recognition to web series creators around the world and we are delighted to be heading to Marseilles this fall!”

Ruby Skye P.I.: The Haunted Library is currently nominated for a WGC Screenwriting Award and for an Alliance for Youth Media Award of Excellence. The series is available onRubySkyePI.com, KoldCast TV, blip, YouTube and DailyMotion. The series has topped over 2 million video views and developed a large and devoted fan base.

Launched in early October 2012, Ruby Skye P.I. The Haunted Library advances the story of intrepid teen detective, Ruby Skye (Madison Cheeatow) and her small, tightly knit group of friends. A natural next step in young adult entertainment, Ruby Skye P.I. takes the girl detective genre into a new realm of problem solving as high-tech tools meet good old-fashioned sleuthing. Along the way, Ruby gets herself into plenty of hot water en route to an action packed resolution.

In addition to the over one hour’s worth of original, narrative video content, Ruby Skye P.I.: The Haunted Library includes 50 behind-the-scenes and “extra features” videos, four web sites, fourTumblr blogs, multiple social media channels, and ten interactive clues. Between episodes, viewers can study and solve the clues which Ruby finds in the story. Mystery-loving tweens and teens can also solve puzzles on the companion website ODearyPuzzles.com or  explore the “haunted” O’Deary Library to learn more about the characters, the books mentioned in the mystery and to find – or submit – book reviews, author profiles, interviews with YA authors and book cover art work.

Links:
Website – http://rubyskyepi.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/RubySkyePI
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/rubyskyepi/

Totally Amp’d (10 x six minutes) tells the story of a group of musically talented teens who are brought together to become the next big pop group. When an important music label announces a contest for an up-and-coming band to open for pop star Charlie Fever, the label’s savvy receptionist-turned-manager, Zoe (Ashley Leggat), taps five teens to form a band in order to bring home the prize, including Cristine Prosperi (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Demetrius Joyette (Wingin’ It). The first four episodes are now available at http://www.ytv.com/shows/140/totally-ampd/ with a new episode to be uploaded every Monday. The series’ companion App for iOS platforms, which features interactive Music, Movie and Design Studios along with all episodes of the series, is also available for free download in Canada via iTunes until April 7. The App will be available for $0.99 following its free download period.

Unlikely Heroes(eight x five minutes) finds techno-nerd Wes Biggs (Dylan Authors, Connor Undercover) stuck on a lame hike through the woods with best friend Felix (Alex Wall) and an assortment of random oddballs, including annoying know-it-all Ellen (Ana Golja, What’s Up Warthogs!). When the five of them stumble upon an ancient amulet that projects a holographic map, and a scary power glove unfortunately attached to a treasure-hungry park ranger (Billy MacLellan), their day takes a turn for the awesomer. Companion app Unlikely Heroes: Curse of the Crystal Cave is a transmedia puzzle-adventure game that picks up where the series leaves off, allowing the viewer to explore a secret cave with a mysterious and potentially deadly curse. They must find hidden items, solve challenging puzzles, and ultimately discover a mystical cave filled with unimaginable riches that have been lost for centuries. Curse of the Crystal Cave has been developed for iOS-enabled mobile devices and will be free to play upon its release.

Totally Amp’d is produced by Jay Bennett, Daniel Dales and Jarrett Sherman. The series is directed by Benjamin Weinstein (Life with Derek, Baxter) and written by Karen McClellan (Being Erica). All original music performed by the cast was written and composed by award-winning composer Jared Gutstadt, CEO and co-founder of Jingle Punks (The Voice). Published by XMG Studio, the Totally Amp’d App is available to U.S. and international consumers for $1.99 via iTunes. Totally Amp’d is funded with the participation of the Canada Media Fund’s Experimental Stream and the OMDC’s Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.

Unlikely Heroes is presented by Smokebomb Entertainment, a Shaftesbury company, in association with Corus Entertainment. Produced by Jay Bennett, the series is directed by Kelly Harms (Ruby Skye, P.I.) with story by Tim Burns (My Babysitter’s a Vampire) and episodes written by Burns, Graham Seater (Life with Derek) and Miles G. Smith (Almost Naked Animals, Jimmy Two-Shoes). Teresa M. Ho also serves as a producer. Unlikely Heroeshas been produced with the participation of the Independent Production Fund and made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

When Nancy Kilgore was nine years old, her eleven-year-old sister Sherry led her into the scorching midday sun, tied her to a chair, and taped her eyelids to her eyebrows with electrical tape, leaving Nancy helpless for hours to stare into a blinding blue sky. For years, Sherry physically tortured her younger sister and threatened to kill her if the cruelty was revealed. Each time Nancy walked into her own bedroom she would have to repeat self-deprecating passwords:  “I am ugly and stupid.” “I am ugly, stupid, and no one loves me.” “Please may I come in?”

Girl In The Water details the most shattering examples of sibling abuse, the untold secret in millions of homes. Each year, 19 million children are abused by their siblings and well over 80 million adults have suffered this type of abuse. With vivid imagery and heartbreaking accounts, Kilgore leads readers on a journey into the prison she was born into, where she is confronted with her childhood dreams, family bonds, coming of age in the shadow of terror and the complex after-effects of bullying and sibling abuse that followed her into adulthood. Struggling to piece together her haunted past before it consumed her, Kilgore shares her inspiring metamorphosis and victorious battle from a fragile, shattered survivor to that of an eventual speaker and activist. Girl In The Water is the story of one woman, with phoenix-like power, who came up against all odds and won. Her story will resonate with millions of adult sibling-abuse survivors who have never felt free to tell their stories . . . until now.

With a resources section and informational strategies for parents and adult survivors, Girl In The Water is a healing tool for laypeople and professionals.

Nancy Fox-Kilgore, MS received her Master’s Degree from the University of Oregon and B.A. and Teaching Credentials from the University of California/Sacramento. A frequent speaker and a university continuing education teacher, she specializes in PTSD and various forms of family abuse. She is a faculty member for GAPRA, the Global Alliance for Preventing Relational Aggression, and consults for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. She wrote Every Eighteen Seconds and The Source Book for Working with Battered Women, both of which serve as national models for battered women’s shelters, agencies, and university studies, and for continuing education certification for police officers, psychologists, and social workers. Visit her web site at: www.siblingbullies.com.

Girl In The Water: A True Story of Sibling Abuse
HCI Books
$14.95

The award’s link
http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms34.html

Austin is also nominated for the Mississauga arts councils Marty award for
emerging artist of the year