Girls On Film

See them walking hand in hand across the bridge at midnight
Heads turning as the lights flashing out it's so bright
Then walk right out to the fourline track
There's a camera rolling on her back, on her back
And I sense the rhythm humming in a frenzy all the way down her spine

Girls on film, girls on film, girls on film, girls on film...

Taking photographs used to be easy. All you had to do was press a button and SNAP. This would usually result in a precious moment in time being captured on film. Well, maybe it wasn't that easy.  Firstly, there was the mundane task of intricately threading the roll of film through the camera, making sure that the film wasn't exposed to the sun. Then you had to wait painstakingly for your film to develop, praying that there were at least two good shots you could use out of the entire roll!

These days with the development of the digital camera, picture taking has never been easier. But with the dawn of this new technology, civilisation has lost something far more precious: the candid photograph.

Victor Burgin summed up photography beautifully when he described it as “certain physical materials [that] are technically handled so that meanings are produced.”


In films, an image is the first thing the viewer witnesses. When the viewer sees an image, they associate reality with the image. However, images can also have a meaning. When watching the opening sequence of a film, there are many elements, in which the viewer must take in. The first images of the film give the audience clues as to what the film is about. The characters are introduced and from that point, the viewer tries to analyse where they fit in the storyline and predict their outcome. Viewers are active participants reading the film.

The same can be said for the photographs. There is not a single word of dialogue. The images tell the story. A single shot is used to implant an image into the audience’s minds, serving as visual reminder of a memory, place or time.

Which only makes the loss greater. We manipulate the ways in which we are perceived by our friends and family. We do it everyday through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. And it's as easy as uploading a photograph. We delete the shots we don't like. We pose in certain ways to capture the attention of certain individuals. We sexualise even the simplest of photograph. We have taken away the real essence of picture taking. And it all begins with our Facebook profile picture.

They say the eyes are the window to your soul, well, I say your Facebook profile picture is how you want the world to see you. Well, namely that grade 10 jerk who called you ugly or your junior high crush. Choosing a profile picture is not a task that should be taken lightly. After all, how else will people know that you've turned into a total babe or that you've been to the zoo?

So I thought I would re-create some of the photos you should NOT have as your Facebook/Twitter or any other social media profile pic. You know the ones I'm talking about. You don't?

Well then take a look at these shockers!


Sex Bomb, Sex Bomb ( The I'm Too Sexy Shot)

My apologies. I wasn't aware that you were (insert country) Next Top Model. Yeah, well Tyra didn't know either. Anyway, that's not a reason for you to plaster the newsfeed with pics of you looking like you've sucked on a lemon. And you can not possibly be that 'perfect'. Let's face it, when God was moulding you, he wasn't thinking that one day you would photoshop away all the special things that make you who you are.

But this shot is becoming more and more popular amongst the 'kids'. There are many versions of this photo. Some of the most popular photos are taken in front of a mirror. You know the one I'm talking about. I refuse to demonstrate. But think Miley. In her underwear. Yep. That's the one.

There is also the awkward lean. Again, something I refuse to do. But take a look at these girls. My biggest fear is that I end up on this website. Sadly, out of all the shots I've seen on Facebook, this shot is probably the most popular amongst young girls. And I'm talking about really young girls. Yikes! Someone needs to be having a conversation with these kids.

  I look like I belong at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Or worse - Jersey Shore!

This pose is very popular amongst the 12-15 demographic. Can a...er..20 something pull it off?

Cougar or sex kitten? Do girls actually think these poses come naturally?

Take A Picture (The Celebrity Photo Shot)

Yeah, yeah, yeah...we get it. You meet a lot of celebrities. But do you have to leave me a constant reminder that my life may not be as interesting as yours? Ok, I'm jealous. Do the world (i.e. me) a favour and upload the pics into an album titled, "I met another really cool celeb and you didn't". Then I can comment about how much I hate you and wish that I could be you! Only kidding!! 

But seriously, unless that celeb is someone I couldn't care less about (I will publish a detailed list very soon) then reserve it for an album, not your display pic!

K Rudd at the height of his fame. He looks a little flat. Hmmm...

Lover's united: The Talented Mr Grohl

Right place, Right time

Flaming hell! Everyone needs a shot with Ray Meagher!

Baby, Baby, Baby...Ohhhhhhhh....Dear (The Baby/Babies Shot)

I'm not a mother...yet, but it doesn't mean that I don't think kids are one of the most precious beings on this planet. But let's face it. Not everyone wants to be bombarded with pics of your kids. Especially not if your child is your profile picture. Could you imagine the creepiness that Facebook stalkers feel when they are looking at your profile? Your kids shouldn't be subjected to that.

Someone made the good point that if they wanted to know every little thing lil' Billy does, they would add him on Facebook. Save the updates and pics for people that really care about your child. In this day and age, do you really want random acquaintances to know every little detail about your child? I know I wouldn't that's why my babies Tinkerbell, Harley, Billie Madison and Batman only get random mentions on my page. Don't worry babies...mommy loves you!

Batman sleeping after a hard day of being a...cat?

Tinkerbell has got his mother's smile!

Thanks to Harley, I'm now a grandmother seven times over. Billie Madison is in there...somewhere!

You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby ( The I Was Cute Back Then & Nothing Has Changed Shot)

If you're dumb enough to use a picture of yourself as a child, then you're asking for the obligatory 'You were so cute back then. What happened?" comment. Most people don't care what you looked like back then. And correct me if I'm wrong, but don't people use Facebook to connect with people from the past? Namely for the reason to see what they look like now. Not back in 1875!

So if you're going to use a shot from when you were a wee pup, don't be surprised if you get de-friended. Because nobody wants to be friends with a baby!

I trace my photo-whoring back to my youth

Work Of Art (The Arty-Farty Shot)

This should have been the 'emo' shot. Emo shot? Yes, you know what I'm talking about. The black and white shot. Black fingernails...broken glass. But who am I kidding? I'm too happy to even re-create that look, so instead I present to you the artsy 'I know how to use the cool photo apps on my smartphone' shot.

Sure we know how to use them, but do we really need to use it to take a display picture? Let's face it. There is a reason that your photography skills are limited to taking half decent profile pictures and nothing more. You are NOT a photographer. Try leaving all the curves/denoise/shadow techniques to the experts!

Crazy In Love ( The I'm In A Relationship shot)

There is one shot that I refuse to put on Facebook. The 'I'm so in love with my boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband' shot. Yes, even I believe some things should be kept private.

I don't know about you, but the last thing I want to see when I log into my Facebook is pictures of you and your lover dry humping on my computer/phone screen. Yet, it never ceases to amaze me. I wasn't aware that I was friends with so many softcore porn stars.

And whilst were on the subject, enough with the 'I'm so in love' statuses. I get it! Your Facebook friends will thank you for allowing them to keep their breakfast down. Keep your declarations of love for private moments for two. 

As long as there are social networking sites that allow us to upload our most intimate snaps, then there will be countless images of us for the world to see. Only now it seems that we have the power to gain control of how we are seen to the world.

Fashion Attack

Celebrity Style Watch

Rachel Bilson mixes it up at launch in Beverly Hills

It looks like Rachel Bilson is taking style inspiration from her latest character at the launch of her new television show, Hart of Dixie in Beverly Hills.

Pairing a pretty floral Erdem blouse with bright red tapered Erdem pants, Rachel’s red carpet look could mirror that of Zoe Hart, a New York City doctor, who moves to a remote town in Alabama to practice medicine.

With the perfect mix of colour and textures, Rachel added a little of her own style to the look, by clashing her prints and adding a gorgeous pair of leopard print Louboutins to complete the edgy look. Rachel kept the accessories light, choosing a sleek black Giuseppe Zanotti clutch to compliment her trademark ombre hairstyle. Just another example of how Rachel rules the red carpet.


Gwen maxes out her latest look

Gwen Stefani usually gets it right. Think signature fire-engine red lips and soft sheer layers. She was even rocking harem pants seasons before they became cool. Yes, Ms Stefani has proven time and time again that she has the power to turn a tablecloth into an instant fashion masterpiece.

So imagine our surprise when we spotted Gwen in this interesting (to say the least) ensemble. Great pieces on their own, but put them together and you’ve got photographic evidence of Gwen at her worst! Incorporating some of her fave trends (Red lips. Check. Long flowy skirts. Check), fashion forward Gwen has taken one step backward!

Gwen is fond of teaming up sleeveless tops with monochromatic maxi skirts, but this time it just looks oh so wrong! The wrap top is beautiful, but paired with the skirt makes her look frumpy. Not even the black skirt, with its intricate embroidery detail on the hem, can save this look! It shortens her legs and detracts from her mustard hued peeptoe booties (which is by far, the most interesting part of her outfit!).

 Come on Gwen, pull it together!




New Fashion Trends
Itty bitty Denim Club





Bare legs this time of the year can only mean one thing – summer is almost here! And what better way to show off your tanned and toned limbs, then by wearing this season’s latest trend: the denim short.

Just make sure you’ve...um...armed yourself with these simple tips and soon you’ll be sporting a sure-fire hit!

It’s all about the legs:

Cover up the top half of your body if you want to rock this look. Just like the eyes or lips mantra when it comes to makeup, you should only be highlighting one part of your body. In this case, you want to focus ALL the attention onto your legs.

Belt it up:

For a more all over ‘put together’ look, wear with a belt. You can’t go wrong and it can easily take your outfit from casual to dressy.

Peasants and Plaid:

Just like pearls and lace, plaid and denim go hand in hand. And you can’t go wrong with a flowy peasant top to add balance to your outfit.

If the shorts fit:

Find the right pair of shorts for you! Not all people can pull off very short shorts, so make sure you’re wearing the right style for your body.

Katie Holmes wears her denim shorts with a white v-neck tee, a black blazer and caps off her look with a straw fedora (perfect for those balmy summer nights!).

Hilary Duff shifts the focus from her belted shorts to her very pricey accessories. Draped in a coral crepe Vanessa Bruno jacket with structured shoulders, Hilary opted to splurge on a beige quilted Chanel bag and a Hermés leather wallet. Victoria Beckham’s oval frame sunglasses in forest green and white Brian Atwood pumps finished off her look. It’s just a shame about her pockets hanging out on the outside. What a way to bring down an otherwise classy outfit!

Jessica Simpson chooses to team up her daisy dukes with a cropped blazer to elongate her shapely pins.

Don’t forget to pair your denim shorts with the appropriate footwear that suits your look. You don’t want to ruin a great outfit because of the wrong shoes!

New Style Trend


Happy feet are here again




Have you wanted to make your outfit pop by adding a hot pair of shoes to the mix, but don’t want the aches and pains of walking around in heels all day? And flats are not an option. We think we have the answer. It was only a matter of time before the fashion gods put two and two together to come up with summer’s hottest new trend to hit the catwalk: the flatform.

The flatform is a cross between a platform and a flat. With all the comfort of a flat shoe combined with the height of a platform, the flatform is the must have shoe this summer!

Ok, so it’s not totally flat, but that’s the best part. You get the lift of a platform AND you get the comfort of wearing flats all day long! Not to mention they’ll add inches to your height. Flatforms are trendy additions to your summer wardrobe and will give your outfit that extra oomph!




You can dress them up or you can dress them down. They’ll take you from day to night and you can find them in all shapes and styles.

Pair them up with summer dresses or with a cute pair of denim shorts. Jessica chose to wear her flatforms (whilst pregnant with daughter Haven!) with super long jeans. DON’T pull a Jessica! You don’t want to cover them up. The idea is you WANT to show off these babies! If you want to wear pants, make sure they are neatly hemmed.




For a look that will take you from a day shopping with friends right through to a summer beach party, pair your flatforms with a striped maxi dress and a vintage looking denim jacket. Don’t forget to treat your digits to a mani and pedi in one of summer’s hottest colours. We’re loving Slushied by OPI!





Fashion News


If the rumours are true, it won’t be long before famed US designer Marc Jacobs takes the helms of the Dior fashion house.

The Paris design house has been without a designer after sacking John Galliano, who had been charged with racially abusing people in a Paris cafe.

So the label must be relieved to be close to signing Jacobs. The designer, famous for creating shoes, handbags and clothing envied by women worldwide, has long been touted as a replacement for troubled Galliano and it looks as though things have started to come to fruition.

Jacobs has responded to the claims by saying he would take up the offer, but only if it meant he could keep his current design team (well, if it ain’t broke...)

But what does this mean for Jacobs, who is the current creative director of Louis Vuitton? Well, it looks like it will be possible for him to continue with LV even if he takes over Dior.

Can Jacobs juggle the two fashion houses without compromising their style and integrity? Only time will tell...

Tell It To The Boards

It happens every week. At exactly the same time: Friday afternoon at 12 p.m sharp. This is when their mind starts to wander. It doesn’t matter where they are or who they're with. All that concerns them is the need to find a computer.



Rain, hail or shine, that’s where they'll be. Once their mission is complete, they log onto www.abc.go.com and click on to the link that will take them to the Grey’s Anatomy home page.

They wade through all the information until they find the gold at the end of the rainbow: the message boards.



For the next hour or so, that’s where they'll be. Mind, body and soul. Nothing can keep them away. Not even the looming threat of a power failure.

You see, for the past few years (seven television seasons to be precise), they have been addicted to the television series, Grey’s Anatomy. Grey’s Anatomy (GA or Grey’s for those in the know) is an American medical drama that revolves around a group of surgical interns at Seattle Grace Hospital. The titular character is Dr Meredith Grey and the show’s title is a play on the classic medical textbook Gray’s Anatomy.



Now, not to knock Australian television programming, but when a new season of Grey’s debuts in America in mid September, the same season won’t hit our shores until late January to early February.
Asking a Grey’s fan to wait over four months to watch an episode, is like asking the entire Christian population to celebrate Christmas four months later! It’s blasphemous! 

So what do non-American fans do in that four month break? They hit the boards. Lucky for them, there is an entire army of people who give live recaps and spoilers of the episodes, so that they know what’s happening. Some might say you need to hit the boards armed with a dictionary. But I don’t know any dictionary in the English language that would help you decipher its messages.

It took me awhile to crack the lingo and I still don’t think I fully understand it. The easier ones are the conjoined couple terms. In a world of Brangelinas and Tomkats, it wasn’t too difficult  for me to decode MerDer (Meredith/Derek) , Lexzie (Alex/Izzie) and even the similar sounding couple Slexie (Sloan/Lexie) but what the hell is a Judy Doll?

I don’t always get what the fans are writing about but the writers do. And if you don’t think the writers read these boards then you’re wrong. At the end of season four, speculation ran rife that their [MerDer] happy end would be ruined. One post was titled ‘Derek will get into a car accident and be seriously hurt and Rose is pregnant’. Flash forward to the season five premiere and guess what? Derek got into a car crash and died and Rose admitted she was pregnant. The writers wrote what the fans predicted albeit it was a dream (more like nightmare) sequence for the fans.

But who are these people who spend hours slogging away on their computers and taking every opportunity they get to vent and voice their opinions, regarding one of the most successful television dramas in the world? They are a group of dedicated fans who come from all over the world and meet up in the, er, boardrooms of cyberspace, to share their love of the television show and it’s ensemble cast.

Adam/Anatomy05 (05 is for 2005, the year the show premiered), 17 from Colorado in the United States, joined the message boards a day after the season two finale, back in 2006. At the age of 14, he set up the Grey’s Anatomy fan site, All the Shades of Grey, because the season two finale moved him so much. The fan site is a combination of photos, spoilers, video footage and articles about Grey’s Anatomy.

“It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve had so many remarkable things happen because of the site,” he says. “I got to see the Season 5 premiere of Grey's about a week before it aired, which was really exciting because so much had been promised about season five. It's really neat because it provides an insight into the process of making a television series - something I one day hope to accomplish,” he says.

Adam used to write several posts on the boards until the moderators changed the format.

“I don’t write so much anymore just because ever since the change the atmosphere of the boards has changed. They [fans] are very negative. I can sometimes be a major downer. It's just hard to go on there and read all of the negativity, all of the attacks - fans are consistently attacking Shonda, the storylines... it's tiring and frustrating to read.” he adds.

Like Adam, Rachel/thereisnophantom, 20, from Sumter, South Carolina is another poster, who writes a few times a day on the Grey’s message boards. Rachel writes on the boards because she enjoys reading other people’s opinions about a show that she loves.

“I lurked for about a year, but I’ve been writing for a little over a year,” she says. “I can get vocal but I generally just state my opinion and leave it at that,” she adds. But surely she hasn’t always been happy the storylines on the show?

 When I ask Rachel what was her least favourite storyline, I’m not surprised by her answer at all.

“When Derek asked out Rose at the end of Lay your hand on me. I yelled an obscenity and threw my phone at the television. That was a one time lapse in maturity. Generally, I just ride it out,” she says.

The Rose a.k.a. plant backlash was rampant, when the shows writers decided to split up  the shows golden couple, Meredith and Derek. For a writer, the boards can also be a great reflection to fan reaction to current storylines. The failed romance between George and Izzie (Gizzie) and the ‘Dead Denny’ storyline were two controversial  topics on the board. The fan uproar split the board in two by  those that were happy with the storyline and those who weren’t.

Maria/ga_gurl124, 23 from Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the people that hated the Denny storyline, however once it finished playing out, she realised its purpose towards the greater picture.

“I’m obsessed with the show and it’s nice to know that there are other people that are just as obsessed with the show. I read fan fictions…I go on other websites to read some,” she says.

When she’s unhappy with the show, she talks to her mother who is also a fan. “If it’s really bothering me then I will vent on the boards,” she adds.

Keeley/HowCanHeBeSoBrainless, 18 from the United Kingdom cites the ‘Gizzie’ storyline as the worst ever. “I hated it . I hate watching those episodes with them all in love with each other, “ she says.

She writes on the boards’ everyday and has been doing so for the past two months. She hangs around the MerDerFightclub (a sort of club on the boards) and likes to post spoilers. “I write on them to meet new people. To be aware of the latest gossip, to be involved. Plus it’s fun and addictive,” she adds.

15 year old Helen/hme789, who lives in Hong Kong, has been writing on the boards since October 2007. She only posts if she has something important to say or a link she wants to share with her fellow boardies.

“It’s great to find so many people who love what you love and to discuss things you liked, hated, wanted or wished for. Also, spoilers make it so much more interesting,”she says. Like the other posters if she is unhappy with a storyline she lets it be known. “Post. Or reply to someone else’s post. If there’s a new storyline or a shocking twist, there’s guaranteed to be a post about it,” she adds.

Jenna/Darkandtwisty1 & tequillagirl1, 31 from Wisconsin and Tera, 24 from Buffalo, New York admit that sometimes reading the boards gets in the way of something really important, like sleep.

“[The boards have stopped me from] going to bed when I was hoping to,” Tera says. Although Tera doesn’t write on the boards, like me she is a frequent visitor. “I just read. I’m too strongly opinionated and busy to argue with anyone on the boards,” she adds. 

“I can be vocal. Vent to my boardies [if I’m unhappy with a storyline],” Jenna adds.

However, not all fans show their love in the same way. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph magazine, Aussie comedian Anthony "Lehmo" Lehmann recounted the time when a crazy fan left a special package in his mailbox. Scattered in the envelope were strands of coarse hair.

“The letter wasn’t sexual; it said something along the lines of, ‘I love your show. Let’s catch up.’ But there was all this hair loose in the envelope. I thought, this woman has been to my house, she knows where I live and now she’s putting pubic hair in my letterbox!” says Lehmann.

That sounds like someone who doesn’t have all their eggs in the basket. These guys definitely don’t fit in that category. They are the threads that hold the show together. Television shows can’t make it on their own without the fans. When I ask them if they have anything they’d like to tell Shonda Rhimes, this is what they have to say.

“I’d probably pass out…and giggle a lot. I don’t know what to say to her because I idol (sic) her so much…where do you start,” he says. Adam is not timid in his admiration for the writer, who is also behind Private Practice, the series that spawned from Grey’s Anatomy.

Keeley shares her love with Adam. Unlike Adam though, she has already told Rhimes .

“I would say what I’ve already said to her. I think she is an incredibly intelligent woman with an amazing mind. I envy her and love to be in her shoes,” Keeley says. “Try to let something good happen for once, like Meredith and Derek’s wedding,” Marie adds.

Tera and Rachel aren’t so loving but I think that has more to do with the storyline than Rhimes herself. Tera thinks that the writers have forgotten to explain several storylines to do with the timeline of the show.

“It’s my biggest problem with all the storylines that there has been no explanation. None. Just skimmed over like it wasn’t an issue.” she says. Rachel agrees and adds, “I hate the way you’re running your show. You say you’re going to give the fans what they want but you only give them a twisted version of what they ask for,” she says.

Unlike Rachel, Helen’s message is pure and simple. “You’re awesome,” she says.
As for me, I think these guys are awesome. Anybody who can care about something so passionately and is willing to share it with the world is great in my books. Well, oh look. It’s Friday. 11:55am to be exact. I’ll be back in an hour or so.

The Dodge Charger: Hollywood's All Time Leading Action Hero

She's featured in hundreds of films, TV shows and video games, often outshining her co-stars.  She does her own stunts and has developed one of the most professional attitudes in the business.



If you think I’m talking about Angelina or Gwyneth, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Give up? The she I’m talking about is the Dodge Charger.


From  the winding roads of Hazzard County and the dark alleys of New York city to speeding along the busy streets of downtown Los Angeles, the Dodge Charger has become synonymous with cool.

The brainchild of Chrysler, the Dodge Charger waited until 1966 to join the fastback craze started by the Mustang and Barracuda, but it wasn't long before it jumped in with some serious muscle that the others could only dream about.

Based on the midsize Coronet platform, the Charger added a fastback roofline, hidden headlamps and a full length tail lamp. The interior of the Charger was state of the art with four bucket seats. The rear bucket seats could even fold down to create a cargo area seven feet long. Under the hood, the Charger meant business. Standard was the 318 V8. But the 1966 Charger also saw the debut of the most famous engine in muscle car history - the 426 Hemi.

Even Austalia couldn't miss out on the chance to be a part of the Charger craze, releasing their own version, The Valiant Charger. Treasurer of the New South Wales branch of the Dodge Owners Car Club of Australia, Ron White knows all too well the allure of this magnificent beast.

"They're a security car. I've been involved [in a car accident] with two cars, that were complete write offs. Wasn't my fault and I walked out of both of them, so I think that speaks for itself as far as security goes. I've had a couple of Fords, mainly trucks and stuff, but the Dodge is the best car I've ever owned." he said.

Peter Morthen and Nick Condos have been fans of the Charger since they first saw it blazzing down the roads of  Hazzard County. Peter is the proud owner of a '71 Charger Super Bee , whilst Nick is the sole driver of a '71 Dodge Charger. Peter and Nick’s chargers are only one in a series of Chargers, that made their debut between 1966 and 1971.

"The Super Bee and R./T were both high performance cars, but the R/T was more ' the top of the line ' car. Not just the performance, it had suspension. Everything was top of the line," Peter explains.

 

"The Super Bee, when it came out, was a basic model. Had bench seats, column shift automatic, but had a 383 Magnum V8, which was a high performance engine.And it had the most important thing - stripes. You can't have a fast car without stripes." he adds.
Not a common sight in Australia, both Peter and Nick imported their cars from overseas.

"I've had it for a year and a half and I got it from Japan. It had been there for 20 years." Nick said.

Unlike Peter and Nick, Steve Trethowan's love of the Charger goes way back to his teenage years. He even had the pleasure of  learning to drive in a '70 Dodge Charger R/T.

"When I first bought the car, I used it as my everyday car. As they became rare and valuable, I ended up taking it off the road and getting a second car." he said.

Steve hopes to create another generation of Charger enthusiasts when he passes his car down to his young son, Max.

There isn't a person alive who hasn't heard of the Dodge Charger. Whether you're a car buff or as automotive illiterate as they come, you’ve got to know the Charger. Hollywood has put her on the map and made her one of the leading action heroes of all time.

A Sea Change For Your Career

If you ask an 18 year old what they'd like to do for the rest of their life, we’re pretty sure they wouldn’t be able to give you an answer. Most are unsure of which path to take, whilst others jump straight into their chosen careers. But what about the ones in between? You know, the ones that think they know what they want to do, only for them to realise later on in life that they should’ve gone down another path. Sound familiar

What you probably don’t realise is that it happens a lot more than you think. Flamboyant fashionista Vivienne Westwood, famous for introducing the fashion world to modern punk, wasn’t always found in a design studio. In fact, she started off her career in a very different type of room. The classroom. It took a decade for Ms Westwood to make the transition from primary school teacher to fashion designer. Whilst Vivienne might have been ahead of her time, nowadays mid life career changes can be exactly what you need to reinvigorate your life.

Former MP Reba Meagher was barely out of her teens when she was thrust into the political spotlight alongside ex- fiancé, controversial former Labor MP Joe Tripodi. Together they overthrew the left faction of Young Labor and secured the presidency. But after devoting more than 20 years to the party, she finally stepped down from her role as health minister in 2008, when she realised she had enough of the disloyalty, power struggles and in fighting that went hand in hand with politics.

Credit: Ben Rushton

“I think the adversarial nature of the Westminster system somewhat overshadows the intrinsic good of people, and surviving that can be really difficult,” she said. ''I suppose the public perception of politics isn't always a positive one but it was a life experience I will treasure forever. I look back on my time in politics fondly.”

Luckily for her, it wasn’t long before she found a role better suited to her - as the chief executive of the Sisters of Charity Foundation, which supports the order of nuns who came to Australia in 1838. And it looks like the decision was one that fit in with her principles.

“My values align to the sisters’ mission,” she said. The role gives her the opportunity to be a serve the community without the pressure of being in the public eye. It also gives Reba the chance to spend quality time with her son, Louie away from the spotlight. 

Someone who understands what Reba went through is best-selling author Joanne Fedler, who spent her 20s working long hours as a high profile lawyer and women’s rights activist. But after spending many years burning the candle at both ends, the native South African was physically and emotionally drained.

“It all took quite a toll on me emotionally...but I didn’t know what else I was ever going to do and couldn’t see a future beyond it,” she said. 

Well, she did have a future. After moving with her family to Australia and heeding her husband’s advice, she finally finished writing the manuscript that would kick-start her career as a writer.

"I always wondered if I hadn't left South Africa, if those events would've transpired like that ... [But I guess] whatever path you've taken just becomes the building block to wherever you're meant to go."

Whatever the reason, it seems more and more people are joining Reba and Joanne in breaking away from their everyday workplace routine and venturing out into a world where career fulfilment takes on a whole new meaning.

Would you consider changing your career later on in life? Have you changed careers? What would prompt you to change your career?

Welcome To Australia

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Flight 815, flying nonstop from Vancouver to Sydney. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Smoking is prohibited, except for the smoking section at the rear of the aircraft. Thank you for choosing Qantas Airlines. Enjoy your flight...


For any eight year old, the prospect of spending over 18 hours in any moving carrier is exhilarating. Endless hours colouring in pictures of your favourite cartoon characters. The Countless games of Go Fish and I Spy and even the odd cat nap in between the in-flight entertainment. So you could imagine the looks on their faces, when they are told that they will be flying across the world on one of the most famous airlines in the history of aviation.

But for one rambunctious child, there was something more remarkable awaiting her than a ride aboard a big, jet plane. She was going to live in a world where kangaroos, koala bears and human beings lived in unison. The outback, with its dusty red roads and undulating sand dunes, would be her backyard. Barbie lived in this magical place and soon they would get to eat shrimp together with a real life bear!

This is a shrimp. Not a prawn

Who knew Barbie was from the land down under?

Sadly, none of these dreams came to fruition. Sightings of kangaroos and koalas were limited to the bush and wildlife parks. Barbie didn’t even live here and there were no signs of bears. Anywhere! Actually, those bears turned out to be beers! That’s right. Beer was available at the drop of a hat. Not that it would do her any good. She wasn’t even allowed to drink it! So she was left with no other choice, but to settle quietly into suburban life.

Flash forward several years and two plane rides across the world later and you pretty much had the same situation, except this time that little girl was no longer an eight year old.





Road trippers pass through Lithgow, NSW

 Holidays with friends and family soon followed. Long car rides up and down the North and South coasts of Australia ferried her to the coastal communities of Huskisson and Nelson Bay.


She dipped her toes into the tranquil, aquamarine waters of Port Stephens and basked in the summer sun on many of Australia’s beautiful beaches. She sampled some of the world’s finest wines and cheeses in the scenic Hunter Valley and even ventured out to the central west of New South Wales, picking fruit in the summer and travelling to Orange in the winter to witness the first snowfall of season.





             Gerringong, NSW         Photo: Sabrina Gewargis




        Fraser Island, QLD      Photo: Sabrina Gewargis



Sydney, NSW       Photo: Sabrina Gewargis



Hunter Valley, NSW      Photo: Sabrina Gewargis



She soon discovered that Australia was filled with several picturesque destinations and it was virtually impossible to choose a favourite location. She realised that it was the people and the experiences they shared that made these places memorable.
It didn’t hurt that she also lived in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, where its, magnificent coral reefs, mighty outback and exotic rainforests were all a part of the illustrious landscape. The natural flora and fauna of this glorious land were as unique as the people who inhabited this great nation. For that reason, Australia will always be the place she calls home. And who can forget that she fell in love here. Yes, Australia is where her heart is and will always remain.

Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain speaking. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet. The time is 2:30pm. The weather looks good and we are expecting to land in Sydney on schedule. The weather in Sydney is clear and sunny, with a high of 35 degrees for this afternoon. If you look to the left of the aircraft, we should get a great view of the famous Harbour Bridge and Oprah House as we descend. Enjoy the rest of the flight and thank you for flying with us....

We Are One, But We Are Many

On the 7th of February 2009, the nation was devastated as scorching fires ripped through the Kingslake Community in Victoria. Forever known as Black Saturday, it proved to be Australia's worst bushfire disaster with the death toll reaching 173 and leaving thousands more homeless.

In true Aussie spirit, Australians dug deep, donating millions to the cause. Even the music community banded together. Sound Relief was conceived with two concerts planned simultaneously in Melbourne and Sydney. The event, the brainchild of Australia’s two biggest concert promoters Michael Chugg and Michael Gudinski, was held on the 14^th of March with all proceeds going to those affected by the Victorian bushfires and the Queensland floods.

Michael Gudinski and Michael Chugg with some of the artists lined up for Sound Relief. Photo: Sound Relief

Michael Gudinski and Michael Chugg with some of the artists lined up for Sound Relief. Photo: Sound Relief

With the likes of Coldplay, Kings of Leon and even an appearance by the legendary Midnight Oil, more than 100,000 people gathered together at the Sydney and Melbourne Cricket grounds, raising more than 8 million dollars.

Coldplay serenade Sydney. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Coldplay serenade Sydney. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

With the additional support of some big name international acts such as Barry Gibbs, Jack Johnson, Taylor Swift and local artists Jet, Eskimo Joe and Wolfmother, Sound Relief kicked off to a rapturous crowd.



Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Not even the threat of torrential rain could stop the crowd.  Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Not even the threat of torrential rain could stop the crowd.  Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Chris Martin gets close to the crowd. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Chris Martin gets close to the crowd. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Chris Martin blazes through the crowd. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Chris Martin blazes through the crowd. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Sydney fans are within arm's reach of Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Sydney fans are within arm's reach of Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Coldplay kicks off the Sydney concert. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis Coldplay kicks off the Sydney concert. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis John Farnham joined Coldplay for a heartfelt rendition of The Voice. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis John Farnham joined Coldplay for a heartfelt rendition of The Voice. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Taylor Swift unleashes her magic over Sydney. Photo: Sabrina Gewargis

Australia thought the worst was over. New emergency protocols were put into place to ensure that a disaster of that severity would never happen again. Everything was under control or so it seemed until that fateful Monday morning in early January, when Queensland residents were about to feel the full brunt of Mother Nature’s fury.

After weeks of treacherous rains and flooding, Toowoomba, a city in the South East of Queensland, was hit by an unprecedented deluge.

The tsunami-like force of the river ripped through the city. Cars and house were washed away, taking away precious memories and keepsakes, which were also swept away with the floods.

As a result of the horrifying floods, the Wivenhoe Dam, built after the 1974 floods which destroyed thousands of Brisbane homes, was over capacity by almost 200 per cent and as a result was forced to release floodwaters into the Brisbane and Ipswich regions.



The nation was once again a victim of the harsh force of Mother Nature's wrath. By now three-quarters of Queensland was declared a disaster zone. At the time of going to press, twenty lives had been lost, with a further nine still unaccounted for.







 

Amidst the stories of destruction, devastation and death were the stories of everyday heroes. Those who risked their lives to save another living being.  To Blake Rice, 10, there will never be another hero in his eyes who could ever take the place of his brother Jordan.

Jordan, 13, Blake and their mother Donna were driving through an intersection in Toowoomba, when the floodwaters began to rise at a rapid rate. When the car engine stopped, Donna rang emergency services and was told to stay put.

However, the family were forced to climb on top of the roof of their car as the floodwaters rose, almost swallowing up the car and its passengers.

Bystanders stood by and watched in vain. Donna and her boys were alone. But not for long. Builder Warren McErlean, who witnessed their plight, grabbed some rope to tie around himself and jumped in to help the family. Warren was soon joined by another rescuer, who reached Jordan first.  Jordan couldn't swim and was terrified of water. Yet, that wasn't enough to dissuade him from protecting his younger brother, Blake.

"Save my brother first."

Those were the final words uttered by Jordan Rice, before he and his mother were swept downstream by the floods. Mother and son were able to cling on to a tree, but ultimately they became casualties of the raging river.



Empathy got the better of Ray Cole, 39, after spotting a joey bobbing up and down in the river. Nearby police threatened to arrest the father of five, but that did not stop him from risking his own life to save the animal. But Cole remains adamant that saving the joey was the only thing to do. Cole said he "couldn't stand there and watch our coat of arms just drown." Ray Cole and Jordan Rice will forever be known as heroes in the eyes of countless Australians. Their heroic actions saved lives that day. Two very different tales and sadly, two very different resolutions. Queensland residents of a different variety also united to survive the deadly floodwaters. Armin Gerlach was visiting friends when he witnessed an unlikely twosome fleeing the floods.  Gerlach spotted a green frog riding on the back of a brown snake, as it swam through floodwaters. Frogs are usually part of a brown snake's diet, so it was unusual to see the snake put aside its predatorial instinct and help the frog escape the floods. The image was beamed across the nation and the world. Gerlach happened to snap a moment in time that the world might not have been able to see. It just goes to show you how fragile life is. As Queensland attempts to rebuild the homes, schools, hospitals and countless other buildings destroyed by the floods, take a moment to imagine what it would be like if you were to lose everything. Homes can be rebuilt. Schools can be rebuilt. Hospitals can be rebuilt. Now comes the time to rebuild faith in humanity. Reach into your pockets and help out those in need. Please donate all you can to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. No donation is too small. Donate and help rebuild this beautiful state.