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Actresses unite for world’s animals

Neighbours actresses Pippa Black, Erin McNaught and Imogen Bailey are a few of many high-profile Australians supporting the biggest and most ambitious campaign ever to improve the lives of the world’s animals.

They are adding their name to a World Society for the Protection of Animals’ project to achieve a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations – in the same way the UN has made Declarations on human and child rights.

Erin McNaught

“ We are privileged to be a part of a world so full of amazing and beautiful creatures, yet we continue to exploit them for our own selfish wants and needs.It is our responsibility not only to protect, but to nurture animals to ensure their future.Poaching and killing animals for entertainment or so-called Medicinal Purposes has to stop! It's time to step up and be accountable for our actions. Please help put an end to Cruelty to Animals,” Erin said.

The Universal Declaration will be international recognition that animals matter, can feel pain and experience suffering. And that all of us – from individuals to governments - have a responsibility to put an end to cruelty around the world.

Imogen Bailey

“Animals cannot speak for themselves…that is why it is up to us, the ones who care, the ones who have a heart and the ones who want to 'ACT BEAUTIFUL' to be a voice for every living creature on this planet. I am an animal lover to my very core and I am passionate about animal rights. I believe every animal deserves to feel safe in their environment. I believe that animal cruelty is unacceptable and needs to be stopped now. I believe that we must do everything we can to help make the lives of all animals better and I urge you to sign WSPA's universal declaration for animal welfare. But please don't stop there, please pass on your 'beautiful act' by telling every person you know about it. Spread the word, please be a loud voice for the animals because it is not okay to hurt, abuse or let any animal suffer and its time we declare it!” Imogen Bailey said.

 Pippa Black

“I hope you’ll join me in adding your name to a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations to put a stop to animal abuse and suffering,” Pippa said.

You can add your name by taking part in the WSPA’s ‘Act Beautiful’ campaign from September 22 – October 12. During this time, simply visit any The Body Shop store or go to http://www.makeyourselfbeautiful.org.au/?CPID=9 to sign for the Declaration.

It's the day you've all been waiting for; the day when we announce the finalists for the 2008 YEN Young Women of the Year Awards - the one-of-a-kind competition that aims to support and celebrate young women who are making a difference in their chosen field.
We'll tell you the finalists right after this ad break......I kid!


Art and Design
Ainsle Asher
Beci Orpin
Mel O’Callaghan

Business
Carolyn Creswell
Kristina Karlsson
Laura Deutsche

Community Vision
Michelle Williamson
Nicole Kuepper
Tania Major


Fashion
Anna Plunkett Romance Was Born
Therese Rawsthrone
Tina Kalivas

Film, TV & Theatre
Claire Van Der Boom
Emma Booth
Maeve Dermody

Hair Design & Direction
Ali Holmes
Hayley Meares
Rebecca Woloszek

Music
Clare Bowditch
Julia Stone Angus & Julia Stone
Sarah Blasko

Photography
Gen Kay
Lisa Wiltse
Liz Ham

Sport
Emma Snowsill
Stephanie Gilmore
Stephanie Rice

Phew! There's your names, now it's time for you to get voting. The winner of each category is picked by you via the official website www.ywya.com.au. The voting period is open from today until November 3 and you the voting public have a chance to win a Toyota Yaris to spin 'round in, as well as 200 YEN prize packages that include double passes to the YEN YWYAs red carpet awards ceremony, being held at the ethereal City Recital Hall in Sydney. Get to it my friends!

If you haven't encountered the awesomeness that is Kat Dennings then I've pretty much just made your day my friend. Meet Kat, 22-year-old actress who hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and when she's not busy working on films like Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist with Michael Cera or House Bunny with Anna Faris, she's keeping you posted on her seemingly mundane life with her hilarious blog posts. Current insect invasions (I thought I was the only one who's blood is like crack for mosquitos) and her general uncleanliness make the most common features. Genius! Oh, and she also has her own Youtube show. No, it is not like Miley Cyrus' (good or bad thing?)

Yen has just announced the three gorgeous official faces of the upcoming 2008 YEN Young Woman of The Year Awards. Heading up the over 40-strong list of talented ambassadors is ** drumroll please** professional snowboarder Torah Bright, Model Miranda Kerr and actress Rose Byrne. The announcement was made on Tuesday night during a special YWYA get-together. Held at Sydney's extremely floral Gazebo Wine Garden, the event was an enchanting, conversation-filled and, umm, wine-heavy one - with Torah taking time out from her training schedule to attend and speak on why she is involved with the event. Some of the other ambasadors for the 2008 YWYA's include painter Del Kathryn Barton; Liane Rossler & Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs; fashion designers Marnie Skillings and Camilla Freeman-Topper; actress Gracie Otto and news presenter, Kathryn Robinson. For the full list check out the official YWYA site. The official launch date is September 26th when voting opens to the public - but make sure you get involved in advance by nominating your favourite young Australian woman now.

So, you’ve finished your communications degree and have no idea where to go next? If you’re a creative wondering where to start your career, or just looking for more info, you’re invited to...‘Get Rid of That Headache’ – the seminar for heads that are spinning with ideas. Come check it out and hear from some top people working in advertising, writing and public relations to discover how you can turn your creative headache into a successful career.

Guest speakers include:

Barrie Barton, Director of awesome website threethousand.com, Now Now and RightAngledPublishing

Alex Fenton, Creative Director of Fenton Stephens Advertising Agency

Susie Robinson, Director of PR Darling

When: This Friday, 22^nd August, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Where: RMIT University City Campus
124 La Trobe St (Cnr La Trobe St and Swanston St)
Bowen St (Within campus)
Building 9, Level 1, Room 24

There will be signage up to help you find your way. The seminar includes a break with coffee and tea provided. Hope to see you there, don’t forget to come up and say hi!

Hipster-come-internet-IT-girl Cory Kennedy has become the face of Sebastian International's latest styling product 'Whipped Cream'. Kennedy arrived on the scene about 2 years ago, becoming the centre of every style blogger's attention with her dishevelled look after appearing on Mark 'The Cobrasnake' Hunter's social photography website. I was quite intrigued for a while, but at the end of day what is in internet celebrity good for apart from some style inspiration? And now she has become the face of a hair product. Pardon me if I am wrong, but I do recall Miss Kennedy admitting to never even brushing her hair, let alone using styling products. So, just what is going on Sebastian, hmm? Perhaps he's using Cory's hair make over to sell his products. If so, he should have of at least used a before and after shot.

Two hunters in the US claim they've found bigfoot! Somebody call John Lithgow! The 230 kg body was discovered by two hunters in the US state of Georgia.
A press conference to be held tomorrow is to determine the authenticity of the finding. Looks like a monkey suit to me...