Blog Archives

Death Mask by Kathryn Fox – Book Review

Posted on March 25, 2011
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Although I was fully aware of the sensitive theme behind Kathryn Fox’s “Death Mask” it hadn’t prepared me for the jaw dropping impact it would have on me within 10 pages. Despite it’s despicability I hadn’t truly grasped the brutality of gang rape – were you aware that rape remains one of the most under reported violent crimes today?

The beginning left me breathless in its evocative delivery – a blushing new bride is brutally and savagely attacked while on her honeymoon. She returns, unaware of what’s happened and discovers she has contracted multiple sexually transmitted diseases. A virgin, Hannah had saved herself for her husband and the discovery of the diseases has left her in shock and uncertainty. It sets the tone for the rest of the book and to be honest, it doesn’t let up from beginning to end.

This scenario lays down a solid foundation that is, to be frank, unshakable. The narrative is fluid and incredibly powerful and left me reeling and breathless on numerous occasions. Despite “Death Mask” being a work of fiction, there is no doubt that scenes similar to the ones found in the book are very real to hundreds and thousands of innocent victims in today’s society. Kathryn Fox, a medical practitioner with a special interest in forensic medicine, gives voice to these acts of cowardice, selfishness and dare I say weakness.

“When the victim of a violent gang rape accuses five premier sportsmen of being her attackers, she has no idea that her suffering has only just begun.

It’s a scandal that rocks a nation of sports fans.

But, in spite of a huge amount of evidence, no one seems to believe the girl.

So when Dr Anya Crichton, with her forensic and sexual assault expertise, is …

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My Story:Dannii Minogue – Book Review

Posted on November 17, 2010
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Although no stranger to the spotlight, Danni Minogue’s big break in the UK came via the highly popular X Factor, joining a judging panel that included Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne. Her assured performance throughout the series in 2007, despite the backroom antagonism, confirmed her place on Saturday night television and she became a household name in her own right. She will forever be known as Kylie’s little sister, there’s no getting away from that, but through sheer determination, intelligence and an unwavering confidence in front of the camera, Dannii Minogue had arrived.

Having spent a considerable amount of time in Australia, I have to confess I do have a soft spot for Ms Minogue and along with Simon Cowell; I look forward to her comments every Saturday night. So when Dannii:My Story landed on my desk earlier this week I jumped at the chance to delve deeper and discover the truth behind the headlines, her relationship with her sister and “that” infamous spat with Sharon Osbourne.

So where do I begin? The autobiography is an enlightening read, the narrative flows well and the story is very well told – a real page turner. The overriding feeling I had when I finished reading the book was one of satisfaction and a desire to spend time with the real Dannii – not the character portrayed so often by the media. I felt as if I came away knowing a little more about “the other Minogue” and how down to earth she came across. Not really a surprise to me, I never thought she was your stereotypical diva – she has more going for her than that. Available at Amazon Now

She charts her rise to fame, her music career, how she juggled her schoolwork, the Johnny Young …

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Beneath Hill 60 by Will Davies – Book Review

Posted on September 26, 2010
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On the 7th June, 1917 nineteen massive mines erupted beneath the Messines Ridge, smashing open the German frontline. It was the largest man-made explosion in history, ten thousand German soldiers died.

“Beneath Hill 60” is a poignant reminder of how brutal, horrific and primitive conditions were on the front during World War one. Written by historian Will Davies, the book pulls no punches and vividly relates the dangers of tunnelling metres from enemy lines.

Captain Oliver Woodward, a member of the Australian Imperial Force and No 1 Company of the newly formed Mining Battalion is a key figure in this true story but the book offers so much more.

Davies would have been forgiven in concentrating solely on Woodward’s part in the capture of Hill 60 beneath the Messines Ridge but he does a remarkable job in recounting the background history to the skirmishes and tunnelling.

The use of tunnellers in the military had a long history even though it had been for decades neglected.  The main purpose was to build hospitals, underground storage and billets and if designed and built correctly with a constant supply of water and food the military could hold out against the enemy almost indefinitely.

Not only were tunnels designed to store and protect but they also allowed a way to attack fortifications by digging below a structure. However the introduction of gunpowder in the mid-13th century rendered tunnelling an obsolete skill.

Following savage attacks from German tunnellers killing thousands of soldiers and a distinct lack of technical ability from the British to retaliate Field Marshal Lord Kitchener called upon the services of Conservative MP John Norton-Griffiths. Three months after his initial request, Griffiths and his “moles” began digging their way towards the German front heralding a new professionalism to the …

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Australian Gold see yellow, then red, then the All Blacks

Posted on July 31, 2010
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Australia 28-49 New Zealand

Australia 28 (14)

Tries: Mitchell, Ashley-Cooper, Elsom Cons: Giteau (2) Pens: Giteau (3)

New Zealand 49 (32)

Tries: Carter, Muliaina (2), McCaw, Jane, Rokocoko, Flynn Cons: Carter (4) Pens: Carter (2)

New Zealand crushed Australia earlier today in Melbourne, despite a spirited fight back, thanks to ill-discipline by a number of players but most notably Drew Mitchell. The Australian was sent off for slapping the ball away while the Conrad Smith (New Zealand) was attempting a quick lineout.

The referee has warned both captains about slowing down quick play from a restart but it appeared that Australia failed to heed his warning. Yellow cards and sin bins seem to be the flavour of the tri-nations tournament so far with South Africa the main contributors to the tally. I’m not sure why the officials are hell bent on reporting every little tackle (or so it appears) but maybe they get paid per sin bin given with extra bucks for placing a player on report!

Don’t get me wrong Bakkies Botha totally deserved his 9 week ban; he was plain stupid head butting Cowan in the first game of the tri-nations. It seems to have set a president and the games are now full of players taking 10 minute breaks during the games.

Are the referees too sensitive? The tri-nations isn’t a series for the weak hearted. Seconds before sending Mitchell off Joubert  was heard to tell Wallabies’ skipper Rocky Elsom “I’m not responsible for how this affects the game because I warned you…”

Despite taking an early lead, New Zealand hit back with four tries before half time securing a bonus point. The win is New Zealand’s record eighth in a row against Australia (12 consecutive Tests) and means they are certain to retain the Bledisloe …

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Perfection – Guy Sebastian

Posted on July 25, 2010
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Way back in 2003 when I was in Melbourne having fun and playing tennis I, like milions of Australians, watched Guy Sebastian win the very first Australian Idol. I didn’t want to get caught up in the hype, I should have been watching neighbours, but I did. Despite his woolly afro hair (I wasn’t a fan!) at the time, I remember buying his first album “Just As I am” and was immediately hooked.

“She’s beautiful, flawlessly divine”

Guy has released five studio albums, the last in 2009 called “Like it like that” which happens to be the first single to be released from the album. The track hit number one in Australia going 3 times platinum in the process. His second single which featured American Idol star Jordin Sparks only reached number seven. Despite his appearance on Hey Hey It’s Saturday his third single unfortunately reached 51 in the Australian charts failing to go Platinum.

When he showed up for the Adelaide auditions in 2003 he sang Stevie Wonder’s Ribbon in the Sky. The formalities over and despite joking about his hair, the judges were mesmerised from the moment he started singing the song. Little did we know then that he would turn into the great singer he is today. He has always had talent, that much is obvious, but to make it in the business it helps to have an adoring public willing to buy your music. Without that you have nothing. Fortunately for Guy he had a following keen to soak up almost everything he offered.

There are two stand out tracks on the album for me, “Magic” and “Perfection” (lyrics below) and it’s the latter that really struck a chord with me. Despite its cheesy lyrics the song is heartfelt and until its …

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Fresh campaigns for Schapelle Corby Clemency

Posted on July 7, 2010
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SOUTH-WEST Aboriginal identity Len Clarke has written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard urging her to make a fresh approach to Indonesia to send convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby home from the Balinese prison where she has been languishing for six years. Original Article by Ken Collins

He is also prepared to write to the Indonesian Government pleading for clemency.

Mr Clarke, who heads the Framlingham – based Kikkabush Aboriginal Community, wrote to former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono after the Australian woman’s arrest in October 2004, believing she has been treated unfairly.

“I would have been one of the first Australian citizens to write to Indonesia on the Corby case,” Mr Clarke told The Standard yesterday.

“My letter then was referred to the Australian embassy and I was told she would be dealt with by Indonesian law.

“Now I believe it is time again for the community to join a campaign to press for her release from the Bali prison.

“Reports show she is not well and I have a gut feeling she could die within six months if nothing is done for her.

“I feel she has been hard done-by.

“Give her a fair go and bring her back home to Australia.”

Mr Clarke said many people in the Aboriginal community were concerned about Ms Corby and how she had been treated.

In his letter to Ms Gillard he said “we wish you to note our ongoing support for Ms Corby”.

When The Standard contacted the prime minster’s office yesterday it was told the matter was being handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A spokesman for the department said the government would support any application for clemency, but “the decision on whether to grant clemency or not is for the President of Indonesia”.

“For the Government …

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Biggest Loser Australia

Posted on March 15, 2010
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Although an old series, I am watching Season 2 as if I’ve never seen it – not hard as I missed it first time round so all the events are new and fresh to me. I can’t believe how frustrated two of the contestants make me feel – Courtney and Munnalita! They are seriously deluded and although I love a fighter and a competitor I can’t stand back stabbing and bitching and these two have both in abundance!! …. and then some!!!

I don’t want to use the “hate” word because I don’t know them and I don’t hate anyone – I may dislike someone but it would be unfair to label them both without knowing them – that said the editing and the scheming have not helped themselves and I can’t see them ever turning public opinion around.

Munnalita appears to have several screws loose and is walking a psychological tight-rope. Shescares me – her eyes look as if they are about to pop out of their sockets and that voice -grrrrrr ! She reminds me of Kylie Mole – remember her? Although Kylie Mole had an endearing quality about her character! Munnalita may lose the weight and look ok but her personality will never match her new body.

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Anzac Day – Lest We Forget

Posted on April 25, 2009
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Poppies

Anzac Day, a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, commemorates the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 of the two countries’ fighting men, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, during World War I.

This was the war that was impossible to win and marked the end of Australia’s age of innocence as Australians and New Zealanders alike witnessed and heard reports of the distant booming guns and the cries of the dying.

All in all, in the Gallipoli Campaign which ultimately ended in defeat, more than 8700 Australians and between 2400 and 2721 New Zealanders were killed. In relation to the two countries’ population at the time, this was a massive loss of lives — a sacrifice remembered deeply on Anzac Day.

The first official dawn service was held at the Sydney Cenotaph in 1927. Dawn services were originally very simple and followed the operational ritual; in many cases they were restricted to veterans only. The daytime ceremony was for families and other well-wishers and the dawn service was for returned soldiers to remember and reflect among the comrades with whom they shared a special bond.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

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CBS’s Harper’s Island – my premiere thoughts

Posted on April 10, 2009
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I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from CBS’s new thriller series Harper’s Island. The promotions were plentiful and showed a great deal of promise – but would the series premier live up to the hype? I think it did, in fact it excelled my expectations and I for one can’t wait to see what and who happens next!

HARPER’S ISLAND is about a group of family and friends who travel to a secluded island off the coast of Seattle for a destination wedding. This island is famous for a streak of unsolved murders from seven years ago. Although they’ve come to laugh and to love, what they don’t know is they’ve also come… to die. As the wedding festivities begin, friendships are tested and secrets exposed as a murderer claims victims, one by one, transforming the wedding week of fun and celebration into a terrifying struggle for survival.

For the record, I did not see the first murder coming. Ok I had an idea that given the fact it was dark and the cameras were lurking in the woods something would happen but the victim? Last person I thought of!! This series has potential!!

In every episode, someone is killed and every person is a suspect, from the wedding party to the island locals. By the end of the 13 episodes, all questions will be answered, the killer will be revealed and only a few will survive.

The premiere opens with what can only be described as a gruesome murder – a terrible way to die – not that there is ever a good way to be killed but the first one is particularly horrifying! All I’ll say is boat, prop and scuba tank – ouch!!!!

Featuring a stellar and rather familiar cast, Harper’s Island appears to be …

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Jade Goody, reality TV star has died

Posted on March 22, 2009
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Reality TV star Jade Goody has died at the age of 27, her spokesman Max Clifford has confirmed.

She died at home with her family in Upshire, Essex, overnight on Saturday after a high-profile battle with cervical cancer.

Goody was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 but it spread to her liver, groin and bowel and she was told it was terminal in February.

Her mother Jackiey Budden said: “My beautiful daughter is at peace.”  Obituary

Goody shot to fame after being a contestant in the third series of Big Brother in 2002 and was taking part in a version of the show in India when she was told of her illness. Full Story here

The harsh reality of her death comes on the very day that she would have been fighting so hard to see, Mother’s Day. Jade was without question a mother first and a star second. She loved her kids and would have so loved to have spent a final day at home with them. It wasn’t to be.

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Matt Laffan, an Australian inspiration 1970 – 2009

Posted on March 10, 2009
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Way back in 2001, Australian Story aired a special programme about Matt Laffan and his fight for a normal life, to play rugby and to dance. Just over a week ago, Matt Laffan lost his battle and died in Sydney, the city he loved.

Born in 1970, Matt was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder and was only given a short time to live, they didn’t think he would last a week such was his overwhelming odds against survival.

I had never heard of Matt Laffan until two days ago when Australian Story aired an updated programme to pay their respects to Matt on his passing on the 1st March 2009. For those interested the programme will be repeated on Saturday 14th March. It may also get a repeat showing on ABC2 on Tuesday. So please if you haven’t seen the episode, I highly recommend it.

Matt came across as a cheeky larakin with a mind as big as New South Wales and a heart to match. He loved flirting with the ladies although he claimed he never saw that he was a charmer and a good flirt – I’m sure he knew what he was doing but would rather not say!

Matt Laffan

“I have never taken to the Rugby paddock, but the game is in my blood. My old man has coached Rugby all my 37 years and thus it has been with me forever. And with it have come experiences and friendships and lessons learned that have assisted to shape me into the evolving man I am.”

For someone like me who never knew him; the best compliment I could give would be that I wish I had met him – a very inspiring character who would certainly not be short of a word or two! If …

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South Africa favourites to level series

Posted on March 3, 2009
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With the second Test match starting in Kingsmead, Durban this Friday Australia has its hands full according the latest odds across the board. Betfair have South Africa at 2/1 to win with Australia at 13/5 and the draw an outside chance at 6/4.

Despite the predicted second Test win for South Africa, Australia are clear favourites to take the series with odds of 4/5. South Africa is a distant 9/2 with a healthy offer of 11/4 for the draw.

I was quite surprised when I noticed this earlier today especially given the fact that Australia won the first Test in Johannesburg by 162 runs. In a shortened series anything could happen I guess and one thing is for sure – the Boks will be up for revenge after the bowlers failed to take advantage of the visitors in the first innings.

Following on from the terrible atrocities in Lahore today, it will be interesting to see how the players will handle the attack on the Sri Lankan team. Although none of the players sustained any critical injuries others within the party have perished and it is truly a dark day for cricket and Pakistan.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting had this to say in response to the gun attack in Pakistan:

“On behalf of the Australian cricket team I would like to express our deepest condolences to those who have been affected by the tragic events in Pakistan this morning. An act of violence like this is a terrible thing and when it involves those who are part of our cricketing family, players the world over are affected.

The wider cricketing community has been shocked by what has occurred and our thoughts and full support is with those involved.

We have spoken with members of the

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Matt Hayden and Layne Beachley’s Beach cricket

Posted on March 1, 2009
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They’re skilled, smart, sassy and with the help of the Layne Beachley Aim For The Stars Foundation, a new breed of female sports heroes will have their names on the lips of the nation this season. In a show of camaraderie for women in sport, Australia’s top female cricket and surfing champions battled it out in a beach cricket match to celebrate the ICC Women’s World Cup which kicks off in March as well as surfing’s ASP Women’s World Tour at the LG Mobile Roxy Pro, at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast this weekend.

The event was designed to celebrate up-and-coming Australian female sports stars and inspire girls and women across the country to dream and achieve. Teams included representatives from the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars and the ASP Women’s World Tour with world surfing veteran Matt Hoy as umpire.

Promoting women in sport and supporting the dreams of Australian girls is a cause close to the heart of seven time ASP Women’s World Champion Layne Beachley. In 2003, Beachley established the Aim for the Stars Foundation, “encompassing academic, sport, cultural and community pursuits, my foundation offers ambitious and dedicated females an opportunity to receive financial and moral support to help them achieve their goals,” said Beachley, ” it is important that women sports support one another and what better way than to play some beach cricket, look out Southern Stars!”

Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars Cricketers

  • Matthew Hayden
  • Ellyse Perry
  • Alex Blackwell
  • Delissa Kimmince
  • Sarah Andrews

ASP Women’s World Tour Surfers

  • Layne Beachley
  • Steph Gilmore
  • Jessi Miley-Dyer
  • Sally Fitzgibbons
  • Sam Cornish

Delissa Kimmince, Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars cricketer and Female Development Officer at Queensland Cricket knows first-hand how inspiration and determination can see young women achieve great things.

“I grew up in a country town near Brisbane and at 12 …

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North shines bright to lead Australia fight back

Posted on February 27, 2009
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Despite losing two very quick wickets on day one of the first Test at the New Wanderers Ground yesterday, Australia somehow dug deep and recovered to post a very respectable 466 all out.

Ponting (83) and Clarke(68) led the way yesterday with half centuries and it was left to Haddin and debutant Marcus North to continue the fight back today. North outlasted the more experienced wicket keeper (63) to put on a huge partnership with number nine Mitchell Johnson.

North continued to play positively and carried on the Australian tradition of trusting the tail – a trust that has been bountiful in recent times with Australia batting to number 10 comfortably. He marked his debut game with a wonderful 117 before he was stumped by Mark Boucher for 117.

Johnson then decided to hit out and within an over had despatched the spinner (Harris) for 26 off one over, an over that included three sixes.

Unfortunately for the number nine, the final two batsmen couldn’t stay in long enough to see Johnson reach his maiden Test century as he remained four runs short at 96 not out at the innings close. It really was a shame he didn’t reach the magical three figures, despite an unconventional batting style he certainly deserved to mark the innings with a century.

North became the 18th Australian to hit a century on debut. In reply South Africa lost two early wickets namely Smith (0) and Amla (1). The home team currently stand on 3 for 85 with a long way to go in this Test match.

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