Issues news

The world can't get enough of watching a dozen beauty queens battle it out behind the lens and on the catwalk. Australia’s Next Top Model reported its highest ratings since the reality TV show started in 2004, with the bitchketeers sparking interest on many a blog. And who can get enough of Tyra’s crazy antics and America’s Next Top Model’s bizarre photo shoots? Britain may have been the laughing stock of the popular franchise, but redemption might not be far off. The BBC is about to launch a new six part series on from July 1. The show encompasses all the usual aspects of the format it is based off – contestants all live in the same house (drama ensues of course when girls are expected to share bedrooms and bathrooms), receive fashion advice from industry experts and win a photo shoot in a popular women’s magazine. But this time, the girls all share a common trait, which may or may not be their down fall. The eight contestants from the UK, the US and the Netherlands are all disabled. Debbie Van der Putten has a severed arm, the result of a bus crash in France. Kellie Moody, a MAC makeup artist, is deaf. Jessica Kellgren-Hayes suffers from a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder, which means a tiny amount of strain can result in paralysis. This means she has to use a wheelchair most of the time. 'There's nothing about the job I can't do,' she told The Daily Mail. 'In fact, there is so much sitting around waiting for shoots to be set up that, in a sense, I think I'm ideally suited to it as I need to sit down a lot. And at 5ft 9in, I'm tall enough, too.” The show’s creators say they hope to challenge the prejudices against the disabled and the concept of beauty whilst raising awareness. But contestant Kelly Moody says she doesn’t if she has a future in the modeling industry. 'People have told me I should carry on modeling, but I don't really think it's a career for me. And yes, that is partly to do with my disability.'
So Yenites – ratings driven gimmick or fashion with a cause?

 

With the price of pretty much everything continually on the ascent, winter - with it's doctors bills, home heating expenses etc - presents a hard time for most people, let alone those already struggling on an extremely low income. Each year the Auckland City Mission conducts it's winter appeal in the aim of raising funds for the services it provides over the cold season and In 2008 they've teamed up with antipodean auction site Trade Me and a bunch of well-known Kiwis to offer some pretty special deals to you and I. Trade Me is currently auctioning off a Huffer clothing pack; a game of golf with a local celebrity; a television co-hosting job; a backstage pass to New Zealand Fashion Week and heaps more - all in aid of the City Mission. Uber designer Karen Walker has also come to the table and is offering one philanthropic bidder a piece KW jewellery inspired by and named after them. Not only will the winner keep the original but the piece will go on to become part of Walker's range. Bids are open to Australians so dig deep and come away with something truly special.

Remember that intense new RSPCA ad that premiered in Australia not too long ago? Well, there was a reason why domestic abuse was linked with animal abuse; did you know that nearly 57% of Domestic Abuse victims and their children delay escaping their situation to seek help, for fear that their pets will be harmed or killed? Any reason for staying in an abusive relationship is a shit one and that's why the RSPCA has set up "Safe Beds For Pets"; a program that allows victims of domestic violence to keep their pets somewhere safe while they seek help. To keep this service up, the RSPCA needs to raise over $150,000 and to achieve this the Sydney branch is holding the "Paws for Celebration Ball" on Friday, July 19. As well as a floor show featuring the cream of Australia's musical theatre crowd, the night will also offer fine dining, drinkies, auctions, plenty of surprises as well as a 100% tax deduction. Tix are $210 or $2000 for a table of ten, so get your colleagues together for a bit of group bonding and a good night in aid of a great cause. Email here for more info.

Turn on the sun every night with the light generated from a solar powered Sun jar. Sun jars collect solar energy through the day via a highly efficient solar cell, rechargeable battery, and low energy LED lamps. The mason jars are 100% water tight and the light sensor is automatically activated when night falls; so there’s no power switch required. Originally designed by Tobias Wong; however for anyone game to try a DIY version on the cheap go to http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-Sun-Jar/

In news women have known for many, heartbreak marked, centuries, scientists have this week discovered that bad boys really do get the girl. Apologies to all you nice guys out there but two separate US studies have found that men who exhibit "antisocial" personality traits can also lay claim to increased action in the bedroom (or stolen car). Known as "dark triad" behavior these devilish traits  include impulsiveness, narcissism, thrill-seeking and deceitfulness.  As one of the doctors behind the study explains "It is universal across cultures for high dark triad scorers to be more active in short-term mating". And this next quote gives us the source of this increased activity; "They are more likely to try and poach other people's partners for a brief affair." So there you go boys, in terms of Molly Ringwald's body of work; less duckie, more John Bender.

Have you ever watched that local behind-the-scenes show Fire 000? It follows NSW fire brigades as they fight fires, attend natural disasters and rescue cats and of the growing "Real life Heroes" reality show genre (Bondi Rescue/ Search and Rescue/ Border Control) Fire 000 is probably my favourite. I'm quite happy to view it from the couch but if If you prefer your flame fighting action a little more 3D then you'll be pleased to hear that for the first time in two years, the New South Wales Fire Brigade is seeking new, male and female, recruits. The NSWFB is encouraging people from all walks of life and experiences to apply for full-time positions. Obviously a certain level of fitness and strength is a must but a bit of lateral thinking and the ability to pick up skills quickly wouldn't go astray either. Applications close June 27 so if your still holding on to that childhood dream (and maybe that ride-on fire truck) then now is the time to act! Click here more info.

4real is a television series which sees prolific music producer Sol Guy take artists like Joaquin Pheonix, Eva Mendes and MIA to areas of the world where young leaders are, often under extreme circumstances, working for change on some of the most pressing issues of our times. The latest installment of this great series is 4Real Kibera; Kibera being the capital of Kenya and the largest slum in Africa. In late 2008 Raila Odinga became Prime Minister in a power share deal with President Mwai Kibaki; the fallout of the election saw political violence that left 1200 dead, 300,000 displaced and the city of Kibera in tatters. Although things seem to have settled now, Kenya is still a struggling country. This Wednesday, QLD artist network, Bandwagon, is presenting the Australian launch of 4Real Kibera. Head down to oxford Arts from 8pm for screenings of 4REAL episodes as well as an exhibition from 20 of Australia's most respected underground artists. Entry is by donation or $10 after 9pm.