With FIVE GRAMMY AWARDS and a rocking Grammy performance under her belt (albeit via satellite), does 2008 herald the return of Amy Winehouse?

This music devotee hopes so, because despite her recent troubles, Amy Winehouse deserves to be more than a the equivalent of a tabloid car crash. With her unique fusion of soul, jazz and hip-hop, Amy has a voice that begs attention with its emotional depth and range.

From the silky, elegant tones of You Know I’m No Good to the gutteral rawness of Rehab, Amy Winehouse has created a musical masterpiece with her album, Back to Black. Add to that her signature style - a tattooed, Cleopatra version of Betty Boop - and a feisty demeanor reminiscent of Janis Joplin, and you have a truly unique musician.

I first fell in love with Amy Winehouse’s music a year ago, and since then it has been depressing to see the media go from celebrating her distinctive music to salivating over her spiraling drug problem and seeming lack of dignity. As I pointed out in my Britney Spears article, there are many problems with this kind of celebrity media obsession, but the tragedy with Amy is she is now more known for her self-destructive behavior than her music. My guess is a lot of people who see Amy in the tabloids have no idea who she is. They only know the sad spectacle her life has become.

Let’s not forget Amy Winehouse is more than a quick headline or a shocking photograph. She’s a person with all the fears and anxieties the rest of us have, plus a crazy new level of fame that no one trained her how to deal with. Intensely creative people are often prone to addictions, depression and needy behavior. She’s hardly the first, and she won’t be the last.

Sometimes in life we get lost. We don’t trust our innate sense of what we need, and we lean on the wrong people who are themselves incapable of leading us back to our true path. Amy Winehouse and her incarcerated dead-beat husband are a perfect example of this kind of unhealthy co-dependency.

Luckily for Amy, and all of us who have ever lost our way in life, EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY. Every day we get to choose how to define ourselves, and falling down in life is nothing to be ashamed of. We all fall down and behave in ways we later regret. This is how we learn who we are and what life is all about.

Only, some of us have our demons aired to the entire world and are subjected to ridicule. Not only does this create the illusion that a single event or mistake defines a person, but it destroys an already fragile person’s sense of self.

I hope 2008 is the year of Amy Winehouse, the Comeback Queen. I hope these Grammy wins convince her that she deserves saving. Everybody does.

In a world full of MTV plastic pretty girls and big bad Hip-Hop dudes, we need the originality of Amy Winehouse. If you have no idea who Amy is beyond the world of tabloid trash, then check out You Know I’m No Good. Pure genius.
Photo provided by vulnerableeyes

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If you have ever so much as glanced through this blog, you will know I am all for the empowerment of women. With this in mind, Hillary Clinton should be my obvious choice for the next US presidency, but in reality it’s not that simple. I am a human being before I am a woman, and as a human being I believe that the world cannot afford another wily politician in the White House.

Whether we like it or not, the President of the United States of America is the most powerful leader in the world. His/her decisions and policies have an enormous impact on world peace, environmental progress, and the global economy. Here in Australia, our government has had a very long and dependent relationship with the USA, which means a change in the presidency has a trickle down effect which can have a very real and negative impact on the lives of ordinary Australians. Just ask the Australian troops sent to Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Kuwait .

In many ways the world is at the mercy of the United States, and this means it matters to all of us who sits in the Oval Office. After the chaos and war mongering of the Bush years, the world needs new hope, integrity, inclusiveness, peace. It needs the quiet confidence and vision of Barack Obama. Sorry Hillary, you’re just too polished and false.

Of course, this is all irrelevant because I don’t get to vote in the US elections, and either Clinton or Obama still has to beat a Republican in the final race. But, I’m going to be optimistic here and assume a Democrat is going to be the next President of the United States, and that Democrat should be Barack Obama. In a world on the edge, where everything is spin and too little is being done to lead us into a new day, a visionary leader is what we need. A leader with conviction, someone who actually cares and doesn’t just mouth the right words.

That’s why I wish I could vote for Barack Obama as President. That’s why YOU should vote for Barack Obama. Vote for someone who believes in a better, fairer America. A better, fairer world. Just once. Just once.

And for those who want real convincing, check out this great article by Caroline Kennedy, A President Like My Father. She says all that needs to be said.

Kelly

Photo provided by gabriel_michael

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photo by grinder10

Australia awoke this morning to the news that one of its most talented sons, Academy Award nominated actor, Heath Ledger, was dead at the age of 28.

In our country, there are only a handful of international stars. People who have crossed the world to make their mark in the golden mecca that is Hollywood. These Australians are trail blazers for those with big dreams. Our Nic (Kidman), Naomi (Watts), Russ (Crowe), Cate (Blanchett) and Heath are put on a precarious pedestal where everything they say is news and their every move is dogged by the local paparazzi.

So when someone like Heath Ledger dies, Australia goes into shock. His fame is enough for even our Prime Minister to offer his condolences. We are treated to endless updates on the circumstances of his death and for many there is a sense that this is not real. How can a man who achieved a phenomenal level of success, who was still so young and full of promise, be gone?

For me, the day started like any other. I woke up, fed my son, debated what to have for breakfast and then turned on the computer to find that the world had changed while I slept. An actor I truly admired, a fellow Australian, a man almost a decade younger than myself, had died. It was one of those moments when I am reminded that life can be painfully brief. Today, you’re drinking coffee and wondering what to do on the weekend. Tomorrow, it’s all over and there will be no more weekends. That’s life. Unpredictable. Unfair. Apt to be extinguished swiftly and without warning.

Contrary to my headline, Heath Ledger was not a “Movie Star”. He was not a public party animal or a gossip column joke. He was an actor’s actor. A private man who struggled with his fame, was uncomfortable on red carpets and surly in interviews. But most of all, he was a rare talent. An untrained actor who made bold choices and showed glimpses of greatness. A unique individual lost too soon.

These are just some of the reasons I was a fan, and have been since Heath’s break out performance in the Australian gangster film, Two Hands. Even though he was still a teenager at the time, it was obvious that this guy had it all, including that elusive X Factor. He had an intensity that leaped from the screen and would soon see him hand picked by Hollywood heavyweight, Mel Gibson, for his film, The Patriot.

The media are having a field day with this tragic story. It’s a better ending than they could ever ask for. Youth, beauty, talent, drugs, and a mysterious death. It is a cruel irony that a man who loathed the spotlight, who worked so hard to be a serious actor, could become in death the one thing he never wanted to be. A salacious tale. Another celebrity felled by drugs. His talent and his dedication to his craft forgotten. It will be the ultimate tragedy if that is how he is remembered.

It’s enough to make me avoid the news. I want to see tributes, a celebration of an extraordinary life. Not the continued speculation on how and why he died. To me, it really doesn’t matter. A young man is gone. Performances that I loved in films like Brokeback Mountain and Candy will never be repeated. A daughter will never know her father.

For all the fans, I say let us remember Heath Ledger as he would have wanted. An everyday Aussie bloke, a gifted actor, a loving father, a man living his dream.

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I’ll let you know up front, today I’m going to rant. Why?

Because I opened up MSN Messenger this morning and what was the first news item headlining MSN Today? Britney Bloody Spears.

Now, I have nothing against Britney and the rest of her lip syncing, scantily clad peers, but there is something seriously wrong with the world when the most prolific news story day in and day out is the slow and cringe worthy demise of a fading pop star.

Let’s be honest, Britney hasn’t been known for her music in years. Not unless you count her stumbling performance at the MTV awards last September. Most of 2007 saw her hit the news stands for her lack of knickers, bad mothering skills, driving mishaps, custody battles and possible substance abuse problems. Are these acts titilating? Sure, but they’re hardly worthy of lead headlines.

I’m not saying I don’t understand why this woman is constant news. I do. Every move she makes begs for attention - it’s as if she only feels she exists if someone is there to photograph her. And this constant exposure to every facet of her life makes the rest of us feel like we have a vested interest in watching her train wreck of a life. But this is an illusion. We do not know Britney Spears. We are not her friends. Indeed, we are part of her problem, she’s just too fucked up to see it.

When we participate in the paparazzi circus by buying the magazines that print the invasive photos and scandalous articles, when we watch and provide ratings to her every struggle, we feed the monster that is eating this woman’s dignity. The problem of course is human nature. Most of us find it hard to look away when the mighty fall. A little piece of us - not the loving, empathetic part, maybe not even the conscious part - feels intrigued, and maybe even a little happy that someone who has so much could screw up her life so spectacularly. And not just her life, but her children’s as well.

I don’t live in the USA, but can all problem parents in custody disputes get a new court date every few weeks? I think not. I am sure many mothers and fathers who have had their visitation stripped go months waiting for a chance to plead their case again. But not Britney Spears. She’s there at least once or twice a month, in between clubbing, shopping, having sex with the paparazzi and running red lights. And they say justice is blind…

Now, I know I’m not saying anything new here, and I really don’t mean to sound sanctimonious because I can be a gossip glutton as much as the next shopper in the supermarket queue, but it’s time this stopped. IT IS TIME THE WORLD LOOKED AWAY FROM BRITNEY SPEARS.

Following the self destruction of a vulnerable, possibly mentally ill, young woman is not news. It’s just sad, and it diminishes all of us. It doesn’t matter that Britney courts the attention, hungers for it even, this is part of her sickness. I don’t know whether she’s bi-polar or pathologically narcissistic, but Britney Spears needs professional help. And that help is unlikely to be sought until she hits rock bottom, because as long as her every move is in the spotlight and she is the object of sniggering jokes, she won’t get it.

Take away her kids, take away her audience, take away her special treatment. Shock her like you do an out-of-control child. Let’s just get out of the way so the real people in her life - her family, her friends - can take care of her. Britney Spears doesn’t need us. We are nobody.

photo by CDs single

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photo by PAKlSTAN
Unless you’ve been living under a rock this past fortnight, you’ll know that the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated by a reported Al Kaeda suicide bomber on Thursday, 27 December 2007. If you’re not overly political and live in a western country, then there’s a good chance this news does not mean anything to you. Pakistan is very far away, maybe you know almost nothing about it, or maybe your only thoughts of Pakistan are of it being a country full of “crazy Muslims” and potential terrorists.

Whether you agree with any of these sentiments, it doesn’t change the fact that the assassination of Benzir Bhutto is something we should all care about. This was a woman who deserves to be remembered, and not just by her countrymen. A woman whose courage, determination and passion should be celebrated. So, here’s why I’m toasting the life of the great Benazir Bhutto. May she rest in peace.

• She was the first female to ever be ELECTED as leader of a Muslim nation. Any Muslim nation. Considering the place women generally hold in this faith, this is an amazing achievement

• She was democratically elected to this office not once, but TWICE

• Despite the fact that she had been run out of her country and was living comfortably in exile, AND she knew her life would be targeted if she ran for office again, Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan in 2007 and positioned herself as the candidate to beat in the coming election. She kept up her political rallies and refused to hide away from the people who loved her and turned out in thousands to welcome her home. Unfortunately, this was also what killed her: she was shot in the head as she stood up to wave to her adoring crowds from her bullet proof car

• She was a symbol. A symbol for hope for many of the people of Pakistan, including the poor and Pakistani women, who believed she was the key to their gaining equal rights in a country where honor killings are still rampant

• Despite being imprisoned and fearing for her own life and that of her family, Benazir Bhutto fought to save her persecuted father, ex-Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, from the gallows before his eventual execution by Pakistan’s military dictatorship in 1979. She then vowed to continue his legacy and became the leader of his Pakistan People’s Party

• And in a world struggling to keep the forces of fundamentalism at bay, Benazir Bhutto should be honored as a woman who truly believed in a free and democratic Pakistan. A woman who never gave up the hope that she could recapture her country from the Muslim extremists who have dogged Pakistan for so long

Benazir Bhutto was a woman with vision, a sense of purpose. A purpose, which even when attacked, she would not desert. Benazir Bhutto knew her persistence and single minded focus could end her life one day, but this did not stop her. That takes courage. Courage of conviction and self, and that is something we should all commend.

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First let me apologise for my lack of posting. I’ve just finished the second draft of my novel and was feeling a bit burnt out so decided I needed to take a bit of a break. This has involved much lounging around on the sofa with Janet Evanovich (well not Janet herself, but with her last book in the fabulous Stephanie Plum series) intermingled with the usual Christmas socialising. It’s been very relaxing, but ’tis the time to get back to business so here I am.

All this Christmas shopping, parties and drinks have made me realise that while this is a wonderful time to go out and catch up with your friends and generally spread good cheer, Christmas is also the time when our roads become death traps and the less desirable members of our species lurk around waiting to prey on unsuspecting revelers. With that in mind I’ve collated a few TIPS to KEEP YOU SAFE in the silly season.

• Don’t drink and drive. Even if it’s two blocks, or the streets are empty and it’s late and you’re tired. Leave the car at home. Deny yourself any temptation
• Don’t drink so much you leave yourself vulnerable. We all know a few drinks can make us do things we normally wouldnt, but it can also make us the target of sleaze bags who we are too inebriated to handle. Alternate water with alcohol and go out within a group where possible. And watch out for your fellow sisters
• Carry a small handbag and hold it close to your body to discourage bag snatchers. Leave most, if not all, of the credit cards at home, and only take as much money as you WANT to spend
• Lock your car doors while driving at night
• Get taxis when you can, and avoid waiting in vacant bus stations or on train platforms. On the train always sit near the guard and don’t kid yourself that it’s safe to walk home in the dark
• Don’t get into arguments with drunks. Walk away. Always
• Don’t shag anyone at your work Christmas party. Especially not your boss, and especially not your married boss. It’s the surest way to kiss your job and/or career reputation goodbye
• Do not accept drinks from strange men and do not leave you drink alone with anyone you do not know VERY well. Rohypnol dissolves easily into your drink and will make you an easy target for a would be rapist. And remember, strangers are not the only men to be careful of. Many women are assaulted by people they know or trust because of a vague association
• Only take you party drugs in safe surroundings with friends and do not under any circumstances take ICE or GHB. You’ll only end up locked up in the mental ward or the morgue
• Lock your doors even when you’re at home, and especially when you go for a shower or bath
• Always park near an entrance to the mall or shops. Don’t put yourself in a position where you may come out late from shopping to an empty car park and have to walk for ages to get to your vehicle
• And I know it sounds like a boogeyman story, but it does pay to always check the back seat of your car

Now, let me finish by saying I don’t wish to come across as a negative worry wart. Generally I have always been one of the more risk taking females around. But Christmas does become one big party for some of us and in this kind of break from our normal routine we can get lazy about taking the intuitive precautions we take at other times of the year. Christmas is special and should be all fun and games, so guarantee yourself a great festive season and stay safe.

photo by givepeasachance

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Idealism seems out of fashion in today’s world. In countries everywhere there is war, fear and the grabbing pressures of capitalism out of control. We are probably more frightened and tense today than we have ever been in history. Particularly if you consider how much of our fear is based on “maybes”. Things that may happen. We may have a terrorist attack. Our Islamic citizens may turn on us. If we don’t have a deregulated workplace, we may be more open to economic recession. It’s all fear. Paralysing, unproductive fear. Where is the hope in this kind of thinking?

Here in Australia we are counting down to an election. It hasn’t been called yet, but everyone knows it’s coming, and most likely by the end of the year. I’m going to be open and say that I want the Australian Labor Party to win this election. In fact, I am desperate for labor to win this election.

Our current Prime Minister, the un -honorable John Howard has had 10 years to leave his mark on our country and I fear that it will take at least another 10 years to undo the damage he has wrought. From his anti-Republican agenda which confused the population into vetoing a referendum which would give us an Australian Head of State (a radical suggestion I know…) to his demonising of desperate refugees and subsequent locking them up for years on end, roasting away in scorching desert ovens… I mean prisons. Outright lies about Iraq, even after looking the other way while The Australian Wheat Board bribed the murderous Saddam Hussein for his business. This government has been at an all time moral low for some time. Somehow John Howard has managed to slide through three elections, but I’m praying this will be his last.

More than my dislike of John Howard, I want a new government because I want to have HOPE again. I want to believe that someone is going to rule our country with an agenda for change. An agenda that comes from their belief in what Australia needs. To be honest, I think most leaders would be jaded after 10 years in power. It’s too long. No one should stay in government that long. Australian people take note. No human being will give you his best for 10 years, and that is what we deserve in government. The best.

So, I’m putting my vote behind Kevin Rudd, and hoping that a poor Qld farm boy who talks of equality, a greener future, more funding for education and the traditional Australian ideal of a “fair go” actually believes it and will make us believe it again.

I say be idealistic. Have a picture in your head of the country you want to live in. Be passionate about our children deserving a better future, a secure future. Don’t listen to people who tell you all politicans are the same. They are not. Because people are not the same. Let us demand a leader for our nation, not a media savvy politician who has proven time and time again that he does not care what is best for us, he only cares what is best for the corporations that donate to him.

Have you heard that song by PINK, Dear Mr President? It is the most heartfelt acoustic song I have heard in years. That is a woman who believes, who is not ashamed to be idealistic. We can have jobs and still take care of our less fortunate citizens. We can help others while still helping ourself. Good economic management and ethics and integrity are not mutually exclusive. Make sure you tell John Howard that at the next election.

photo by spike55151

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