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Friday 28 February 2014

'Don't Be A Dickhead': John Ibrahim, Kyle Sandilands, Koby Abberton anti-violence VIDEO

Kyle Sandilands is one of several well known faces in a new campaign to stop violence on Australian streets, particularly in light of the senseless so-called 'king hits' (much better referred to as 'coward punches', because that's what they are), and zoning in on a hot spot of where this insanity happens: Sydney's Kings Cross.

The KiisFM breakfast announcer from the 'Kyle & Jackie O Show' shows his support in this anti-violence campaign, led by nightclub owner John Ibrahim, in a video titled: 'Don’t be a Dickhead.' Koby Abberton also features in the video.


He says:

“This generation is just running wild at the moment; they need a little bit of guidance,” he says in the video.
“They need to actually start policing themselves and take a little more responsibility for their actions.
“You’ve got a lot of drunken behaviour that is out-of-control; the government lockout is a good start. Self-policing is gonna be the answer, the police can’t be everywhere.”
Watch:




Charlotte Dawson Memorial: The Beresford Hotel, Sydney

It was a sombre, beautiful, at times very funny and uplifting memorial service for Charlotte Dawson in Sydney today.

Held at the The Beresford Hotel, hundreds came to pay their last respects to the TV host, model and author. Organised by longtime employer Foxtel, invited guests were mostly dressed in colourful outfits, as was the wish of organisers.


The TV star was, sadly, found dead at the age of 47 in her Woolloomooloo home last weekend.

The service was held upstairs at the Surry Hills hotel, and among the mourners were Charlotte's 'Australia's Next Top Model' co-star Alex Perry (who spoke so beautifully, passionately, and humorously at the memorial), model Megan Gale, Sarah and Lachlan Murdoch, singer Delta Goodrem, Rooster's captain Anthony Minichiello and his wife Terry Biviano, TV's Julia Morris, designer Collette Dinnigan, Rabbitohs brothers George, Tom and Sam Burgess, and Richard Wilkins (who MC'ed the memorial).

Charlotte's sisters Vicky and Robin (who had flown in from their native New Zealand for the private funeral held on Wednesday, where only a handful of family attended; Charlotte was cremated in a tangerine Alex Perry dress and RenĂ© Caovilla shoes) also spoke.

Before the service, there was much sadness yet joy amongst the crowd. Guests mingled and chatted, and it was obvious that many were either longtime industry friends, or hadn't seen each in a while, and this sad occasion brought them together. Drinks were served, white flowers and candles were everywhere, and all the wide-screen TVs around the room featured this beautiful image of Charlotte:





Post-memorial, food and drinks were served, and you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a standard Sydney event attended by media. Of course, this was vastly different.

The speeches were beautiful. Richard Wilkins introduced Charlotte's sisters. The most poignant words I recall was how they described how they dressed up baby Charlotte in a pink dress and popped her on a rug. They told how she looked like a doll. That made me cry: we are all teeny, tiny cute little babies our family fuss over at some point. I can't explain why that made me want to cry and not stop; perhaps because it tapped into the innocence of our youth, and the simplicity of life when we are quite simply, adored. And that's the sentiment Alex Perry echoes when he later speaks about Charlotte.

Vicky and Robin also recounted how desperately she missed her mother, crying inconsolably, when she started school, and she'd cry and cry, waiting for her at the school gate.

They also recounted that in Charlotte's mother's final days of battling dementia, her face would light up when her daughter visited. And she'd say: "Is that my girl?" Tears.

Throughout their speech, Charlotte's ashes were placed on stage's lectern, "so she can see everyone".

They said about their sister: "You were beautiful in body and soul. Talented, loving, funny, sarcastic, indiscreet, fun-loving, and humorous."

Alex Perry gave a wonderful speech. Admitting from the outset he'd been pondering on what to say for four days, he declared he would find it impossible to keep the speech to five minutes.

He elicited the most laughter in the room; he started the speech by telling the assembled crowd how much amusement and laughter Charlotte got from… farts.

The room was in stitches as Alex recounted all the various places Charlotte enjoyed that joke. He said they'd met in 1997 and from the outset they stuck together like "shit sticks to a bear's bum." He was the 'shit', he clarified, to much laughter. Their bond was obvious and unbreakable. There were lots of stories told.

This right here, said Alex, was Charlotte's all-time favourite video of all her YouTube funny video obsessions. She made Alex watch it 20 times:




He said about Charlotte: "There was all that incredible laughter, that glamazon that used to walk on the red carpet. It was all there, but there was a beautiful, fragile girl underneath there who just really wanted to be loved."

In light of Charlotte's constant battle with Twitter insults, Alex ended his speech by declaring he would no longer sit by and watch social media trolls have their way. "Fuck that," he said. The room erupted in applause.

Head of Foxtel, Brian Walsh, also spoke about Charlotte's supreme professionalism, once famously stepping in for the 'Australia's Next Top Model' live televised grand final at the eleventh hour, and doing a stellar job. He also talked about Charlotte's legacy.

"To talk about depression, and take away the shame. To ask the question: 'Are you okay?' To tell your loved ones that you care for them, and you'll always have their back," said Brian.

The Sunday Telegraph gossip columnist Ros Reines also spoke at the event, and told of their decades' long friendship.

It was a fitting tribute to a sparkling star. As Richard said: "Charlotte was, as we all know, one in a million. An original." And we all agreed with Richard's opening line, declaring that we all wish we weren't at this event; instead, that Charlotte would still be amongst her friends and peers and people who adored her.

Rest in peace, Charlotte.

If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Thursday 27 February 2014

The Schapelle Corby interview: 'Sunday Night'

Yes.

It's happening.

The Schapelle Corby TV interview. For the first time.

Preview here, just in from Channel Seven's 'Sunday Night', airing this interview this Sunday night, at 8pm:



Will you watch?


Wednesday 26 February 2014

'34 GIFs That Sum Up Your First Sexual Experience': Memes

Oh, I love this.

I spotted this on Buzzfeed last night and, in my sleep deprived state, LOLed far too much.


Reddit users were asked to sum up their first sexual experience with a GIF. These are their responses.

As Buzzfeed says… "magnificent."

Here is a selection. Scroll down for more…

 


For more of these utterly juvenile, fabulous memes, click here.

Monday 24 February 2014

Olay Regenerist Complexion Corrector (CC) Cream: Josie's Juice Blog Road-Test

It was a REAL pleasure to be chosen as one of two Australian bloggers to represent Olay in Australia and New Zealand to intoduce the super-fab, mini miracle worker that is the NEW Olay Regenerist Complexion Corrector (CC) Cream.

Here is my little lifesaver. No, really. It works wonders on my sleep-deprived skin. More on how she performs said miracles below (it also comes in a darker skin tone version):


Yep, Josie's Juice was one of the first people on the planet (hey, that's BIG - the planet, and this little beauty 'honour') to trial this baby, and guess what? This stuff does what it says it's going to do... and more.

Okay, here's the deal.

This is the first CC cream to blend THREE (count 'em) powerful formulas. Meet the delicious skin cocktail for your skin to drink in:

1. An energising serum: a mix of bioactive ingredients to boost skin’s own ability to protect and renew itself resulting in clinically-proven reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots

2. A sheer foundation: ultra-fine aqua-pigments correct tone and texture concerns instantly without leaving a greasy feeling

3. An SPF15 moisturiser: it hydrates to plump skin cells and quickly reduce the appearance of uneven texture and fine lines and wrinkles

Here's the bonus: the new Olay Regenerist Complexion Corrector Cream gives you younger-looking skin instantly... and over time. It makes sense: slathering on this kinda goodness to your pores makes them celebrate big-time, and skin, quite simply, looks better and better the more you use it. I italicised that for effect but also because... common sense! It helps to have a much-researched cream to pop on your skin.

Olay Regenerist CC Cream is unique, lightweight and fragrance-free, and its three-phase approach - and results - work like this:

- Immediately: it delivers a visibly more even tone and smooths and plumps up skin

- In two weeks: improves texture with lines and wrinkles visibly reduced

- In eight weeks: enhances the complexion with improved more even skin tone

Guess what? As part of my fab trial guinea-pig (in the best possible way) thing for Olay, I did... this, below.

You guys, it's a step by step guide! With a close up of my face... gah! Okay, the thatclose photography aside, I was kinda chuffed at how damn good my skin looks for someone of... 42. Yeah, man... I told you my age. Now what?





In a joint study by Olay Research Fellow, Dr Paul Matts and evolutionary biologist Dr Bernhard Fink, it was revealed that discolouration and dark spots can add 10 years to your perceived age.

Principal scientist for Olay, David Khoo explains, “Young, healthy skin isn’t just smooth and firm, it’s also even-toned and spot-free, giving rise to a luminous appearance. We wanted to create a product for women that not only immediately captures the instant BB benefits of hydration and even skin tone but also goes further to intensify results with a focus on complexion correction over time with added tone and texture benefits.”

Harnessing the power of skin’s natural glycans with an Essential Glucosamine Complex of N-Acetyl Glucosamine and Niacinamide, Olay Regenerist CC Cream improves tone and texture. N-Acetyl Glucosamine is in-vitro proven to help naturally boost skin’s own production of its most important natural glycan hydrator - Hyaluronic Acid5. When combined with Niacinamide, it works together to help reduce excess melanin production, a key cause of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation6.

Brand ambassador for Regenerist, the ever-youthful Australian actress Rebecca Gibney, says:

“When I’m working, I have to wear a lot of make-up so in my down-time I prefer to keep it minimal. However, sometimes I find it hard to create a more natural looking complexion without a little bit of foundation or concealer. When Olay brought out the all new Olay Regenerist CC Cream I couldn’t wait to try it. Now, on my days off I can achieve an amazing and even complexion in just one simple step. What’s better is that not only did I see a difference straight away, but also an improvement in my skin tone after a few weeks.”

The Olay Regenerist CC Cream is available right now in selected stores across major grocery and pharmacy retailers, for RRP $49.99.

For stockist details call 1800 028 280 or go to www.olay.com.au or www.rightolayforyou.com.au.

Olay’s Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/OlayANZ - go 'like' it.

And, I hope you 'like' this post. On Facebook, or wherever you have read it. This new Olay Regenerist Complexion Corrector (CC) Cream is real good stuff.

Sunday 23 February 2014

Charlotte Dawson: Why I Can't Forget

I can't get my mind off Charlotte Dawson.

Though I want to.

It's not that I want to stop remembering her. It's just that… thinking of her brings deep sadness in my heart.

Couldn't we save her? Couldn't someone save her?'

The headline on the cover of The Sunday Telegraph says it all, though: 'Why No One Could Save Her."

The article details the inner turmoil this woman felt, the demons swirling inside her head daily. We are all good at faking happiness and masking pain. But sadly, it looks like Charlotte was an expert at it. In the end, that horrible 'black dog' of depression, biting at her heels… well, it won.

Look. I know. I know she got into Twitter fights and some undesirable things were said. I also know this strong woman was constantly baited and forced to fend for herself, and clearly was crumbling inside. I mean, wouldn't you? The disgusting glee these trolls garnered from getting a rise out of her… this is not normal, this is not what it is to be an empathic human being. Seeing how far you can push someone; feeling joy at their pain. What the fuck, humanity?

I have been coming across so many messages on my social media feeds, and they say more about Charlotte than any article I have read.

Like this one, posted on the Facebook page of 'Mornings', the TV show on which Charlotte appeared the day before she took her own life:

Kate Kelly Dear Charlotte, you were the only judge on Next Top Model that didn't bully our daughter Charlotte. When it went to air and she saw what Alex Perry and Sarah Murdoch said behind her back she was so humiliated by the bullying comments and what her peers said about her she attempted suicide. I sat by her bedside for four weeks, she was left with kidney and liver damage. You and Josh were the only ones who treated the girls with respect and affection. You inspired our Charlotte with how you handled the bullying and trolls. She went on to recently be in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, a TV commercial and Cleo - all because she looked to you for inspiration. A light has gone out in the world. My Charlotte and I will miss your warmth in the world. I loved you on the Fashion Police with Josh, it won't be the same without you. I hope it wasn't suicide that claimed your precious life as then they have won. I wish I had now told you somehow how you changed my Charlottes' life. I had only just posted on Murdoch Research page how hypocritical some high profile can be. I wish I could have returned the favour you did for our daughter. I can't process the news that you are gone. I did meet you a couple of times and you were so warm and generous. May you find peace and happiness in the next life as you deserve. I pass on my condolences to family and friends, I know the pain of bullying and depression on your children and loved ones, no-one can ever understand the depths of despair. Rest In Peace and now your soul is free of this lifes pain. God Bless You. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


And this one, posted by actor Alex Dimitriades:

Alexander Dimitriades

Still can't believe Charlotte. Poor love. Life can be so lonely and mysterious. And people so gutless and irresponsible in their actions. She was a fucking cool cat since forever. Don't make 'em like that no more. Old school. But never too cool for school like some fakers, always gave u the time of day. Heart and humour. Your departure is devastating and a great loss to those who obviously have so many great things to say about u. May ur legacy live on sweetheart. If u could voice anything about this situation right now, u'd probably have us all in stitches! Funny fucker. Love u. And to anyone who thinks it's cool to act big and say nasty shit behind the safety of a computer screen, do us all a favour, eat a turd. Depression is a serious issue which NOBODY is immune to. I've lost family members. Shit is real. Peace.


I can ONLY imagine what her close friends are feeling, the deep pain in the pit of your stomach when you wake up and think, yep… still real. Still happened. And now I have to spend the rest of my life without you.

When my friend Anthony Del Col died suddenly last year I was beside myself with grief. I still cannot, and never will, come to terms with the death of this beautiful soul, dead at 33. His funeral… wow. The most intense experience I can recall: full of love and raw grief and such pain etched on the faces of his loved ones, and those who perhaps knew him a little less than his family and partner.

When they rolled the slide show on his life during the service, I cried. We all cried. My biggest tears came when I saw photos of him as a young boy. A beautiful, bright-eyed boy who had his life ahead of him. That could have been the child of any one of us in that church, and we knew it. Or, perhaps it even represented us as a child. I could barely breathe through my loud sobbing, so much so someone I'd never met reached out and gave me her hand. "I can see you really loved him," she said. I truly did.

It was the most perfectly put together memorial, as polished as one of his perfectly styled and pulled together parties. The fan given out at his funeral with a beautiful message inscribed on it ("Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.") is what I see every single morning as it's beside my bed.

There are no real words of comfort I or anyone can offer those who knew Charlotte Dawson. Because they know what they face: a life without a person they loved so much. Whatever you think of Charlotte, this post isn't for you anyway. This post is for those who spent Friday nights hanging with Charlotte, or having a gossip with Charlotte at one of the many events they went to together. Or those who she helped because she wanted to and because she felt she could make a difference to their lives. And that she did.

It's sad to think that, in the end, nobody could really reach Charlotte enough to make a difference to her. Tried their hearts out, they did, no doubt. But, no. Charlotte had her own plans in mind.

Rest in peace, lovely soul.




Charlotte's Law - Tougher Cyber Bullying Legislation: Petition

This just in: a new petition - via change.org - to petition tougher laws around cyber bullying, in light of the very sad and tragic death of Charlotte Dawson.

Click here is the petition to sign.

The message on the petition says:

The world lost a beautiful soul on February 22nd 2014. A soul that could light up an empty room, a soul that dreamed of the best. 
Charlotte Dawson, 47, took her own life. The circumstances surrounding her death are not yet known, however it was publicly known Charlotte had a long battle with depression and bullying.  
Charlotte fought hard for a reform into cyber bullying; she campaigned so hard for something so simple - a better world. 
In life Charlotte dreamed of eradicating negativity off social media, in death we will continue fighting for her and make her proud of our continuing battle. Charlotte's death can not be in vain. 
We ask that the Australian Government consider implementing legislation that makes cyber bullying a crime. We ask that Social Media companies take a more active role in the prevention of cyber bullying, and take more responsibility in monitoring posts of 'hate'. We ask that together we unite to change the cyber bullying platform.
There are many people who loved and admired you dearly.  You will be missed Charlotte. 
#CharlottesLaw 
- Em Mastronardi (@EmMastronardi) , Sam McCauley (@SamMcCauley) & Lara Harwood (@LaraH67). 

Mary Coustas '60 Minutes' Australia - Meet Jamie: VIDEO

Ah, watching the Mary Coustas story tonight on '60 Minutes' was pure bliss.

Seeing the joy on the faces of Mary Coustas and her husband George Betsis when their precious baby Jamie was born was nothing short of divine. Divine intervention, God, the universe… whatever you believe in, you will surely agree: it's nothing short of a miracle.

In tonight's story, Mary not only showed off for the first time her precious baby girl (my FAVE part was to see that incredible moment when a baby enters the world, and the pure joy the parents feels… it's an unparalleled elation. Oh, to see Mary breastfeeding moments after birth was a beautiful sight), she also revealed that after having to go through a selective reduction process after falling pregnant with triplets and eventually giving birth to a stillborn baby girl she named Stevie, she also went back to Greece on three occasions after Stevie.

“I still did six other attempts after Stevie to get Jamie," she says.
“That’s a lot, that’s more than most people do to get one child, the first time they do IVF.
“And yet I’m sure I’ve done over 20 IVFs. I don’t even dare to find out the amount.”
Here is part one and part two of the 60 Minutes interview. Click here for the clip.

For now… here is a photo of the delicious Jamie. Bless.
Photo: news.com.au


Saturday 22 February 2014

Charlotte Dawson dies at age 47

Charlotte Dawson - the popular TV presenter and former model - has died. She was age 47.

She is understood to have been found by a security guard in her Woolloomooloo home.

Charlotte had battled with depression for several years and has been cyberbullied since 2012.

Police have confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances in her death.

If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

Extremely sad news.

Charlotte's last Instagram photo was posted yesterday, just as she was about to go on Channel Nine's 'Mornings', with Sonia Kruger and David Campbell.

She wrote:



A prolific Twitter user, her last tweets were about the plight of Lex Oliver, which she described as "a sad joke. So preventable, I've been lobbying this for ages but a dumb telly blonde nobody listens to".

Her very last tweet 20 hours ago said: "We have the hospitals/resources & the doctors & professors willing to help. Where is the govt support?"

Dawson had also been urging her followers to send their love to Lex, the mum of five, who was about to undergo surgery.

Charlotte's close friend, fashion designer and fellow 'Australia's Next Top Model' fellow judge, Alex Perry has just posted this on Instagram:




In this clip - from October 2012 from Channel 7's 'Sunrise' - Charlotte talks about her adoption, her marriage breakdown, Twitter trolls, sexual abuse and more. It's one of the most insightful interviews I have seen on her: 


Messages of heartache and support have poured out on Twitter:

Today we lost a member of our Mornings family. Charlotte Dawson was a wonderful, vibrant and passionate woman. She will be missed enormously

I am a shocked and devastated at the news of just saw her yesterday. So tragic.

May she rest in peace. Charlotte faced so many obstacles in life, sharing her experiences to help others.

Sad, sad, sad news about the glorious Charlotte Dawson... Mental illness is a dirty, black dog and she did so much to help countless people

Read the Twitter feed of Charlotte Dawson and you'll see someone who spent a lot of time helping others.

Our sympathies today are with Charlotte Dawson's family & friends. "Everyone is devastated" said Foxtel's Brian Walsh

Totally floored by the news that Charlotte Dawson has passed away. Always enjoyed chatting to her in hallways at Channel 9. Great girl.

Here is the 60 Minutes Charlotte Dawson interview clip.

I met Charlotte briefly, just once. I was leaving an event and she was coming in. Her Amazonian frame kinda knocked me for six. She was stunning, vivacious, full of personality. We said hello. And off she went. I have seen her a million times at events over the years. You really could not ignore Charlotte Dawson. She was larger than life. And now she's gone.

RIP Charlotte.

Updated:

The most comprehensive update I have read today on Charlotte Dawson is in this article at news.com.au.

The story, by journalist Amy Harris, says:

The Kiwi-born former model is understood to have been found by a security guard in the early hours of this morning having failed to show up to a planned lunch date.

Police confirmed they were called to Wooloomooloo wharf at 11.18am and there were no suspicious circumstances to the death.

It continues:

At least one close friend contacted soon after Dawson was found dead admitted the troubled TV host and former model was in “the worst shape emotionally” they had ever seen her — and on more than one occasion had failed to meet friends at organised times in the three days leading up to her death.

It is understood it was Dawson’s failure to appear at a lunch appointment — as well as the fact her Twitter account had remained dormant for 19 hours — that alerted one friend to contact the building manager at Dawson’s apartment building early Saturday morning.
A security guard then made the discovery in Dawson’s unit, number 104, and raised the alarm, with police arriving soon after to remove the body.
God rest your soul, Charlotte.



Thursday 20 February 2014

YSL Gloss Volupté: Lloyd Simmons Interview

YSL Gloss VoluptĂ©.

It's the lip gloss that's set to change your mind about lip glosses.

Behold, the just-released campaign shot, featuring model of the moment, Lindsey Wixon sporting impossibly perfect YSL'ed lips:
And below, some close ups of of the YSL Gloss VoluptĂ©, showing the bow-shaped applicator tip... though what you can't see here is the delicious scent when you swipe the deep wash of long-lasting colour over your lips. It's just divine.



Lloyd Simmons - creative director makeup, for YSL BeautĂ© - explains the unique appeal of the YSL Gloss VoluptĂ©:


Is this the big come back for gloss?

The recent arrival of the new generation formulas is enabling gloss to regain a prominent position in the make-up world.  More sensual and more sensational than previous options, Gloss VoluptĂ© provides a new way to enjoy shiny lips with an unlimited sensation of freshness but without the inconvenience of greasiness or stickiness.’

Tell us about YSL’s new Gloss VoluptĂ©

Gloss VoluptĂ© offers women a new way to play with and wear gloss.  Incredibly thinner and lighter than any other gloss, its formula contains the essence of colour infused in an ultra – shiny, deliciously creamy texture.

You liberate women who are intimidated by colour and bored with gloss!

It’s not always easy for people to wear a glorious opium red, tuxedo black or flashy fushia on their lips.  The subtlety of Gloss VoluptĂ© ulfils womens desires to be sensual. They can play with the colours and types of shine – golden iridescent or pure. And make them their own.

What is your favourite shade

#49 Fuschia !  as it is so YSL. I also love darker colours like Smoking… its very rock 'n' roll and dramatic – but somehow subtle on the lips.

How should Gloss VoluptĂ© be applied ?
I like to apply it all over the lips – I start in the middle of the upper lip and glide our toward the edges then repeat the gesture on the lower lip.

The YSL Gloss VoluptĂ© is on counter now (from February 9, 2014) and is available at Myer, David Jones and AdoreBeauty.com.

RRP $45; stockist details, call: 1300 651 991.