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Monday 31 August 2015

Taylor Swift - 'Wildest Dreams' VIDEO + PHOTOS

The new Taylor Swift video just made its debut at the VMAs.

It's the clip for 'Wildest Dreams' - and it stars the vey delicious Scott Eastwood (yep, actor and son of Clint):









VMAs 2015: Red Carpet PHOTOS

You know it's all about the fashion at the Video Music Awards, aka the VMAs.

Okay, yeah - and the music too!

Here are some of the most talked about red carpet photos (all photos Getty images; Miley Cyrus is hosting the event, currently underway in the US - HERE IS THE DIRECT LINK TO WATCH THE SHOW LIVE).


















Wayne Dyer Dies Age 75

In shock news just in, Dr Wayne Dyer has died.



Dyer has been dubbed 'the father of motivation'. And - he is father to eight children.


This message has just been posted on Facebook:

Wayne has left his body, passing away through the night. He always said he couldn't wait for this next adventure to begin and had no fear of dying. Our hearts are broken, but we smile to think of how much our scurvy elephant will enjoy the other side.
We Love You Forever Dad/Wayne
The Dyer Family

UPDATED:

Dr Wayne Dyer's publisher Hay House has just posted:


It is with a very heavy heart that I let you all know that Dr Wayne Dyer passed away last night in Maui. Here is the post from his Facebook Page from his faamily - Reid
Wayne has left his body, passing away through the night. He always said he couldn't wait for this next adventure to begin and had no fear of dying. Our hearts are broken, but we smile to think of how much our scurvy elephant will enjoy the other side.
We Love You Forever Dad/Wayne
The Dyer Family

Here is the just-in tweet from Ellen DeGeneres:







This is a YouTube video compile of his talks:



Here is another motivational speech:


He says: "My name is Wayne Dyer, and I'm 73 years old, and I have sex almost every day..."


(But watch the video for his punchline...)


He will be hugely missed:





Saturday 29 August 2015

Justin Bieber - 'What Do You Mean?' Lyric VIDEO

This just in.

The new Justin Bieber video has 'dropped' for his new single 'What Do You Mean?' and is trending like mad over on Twitter, so I feel it's my duty to show it to you here. Share away!







'PeaceNic': Homicide Victims Support Group 'Unite Against Violence' Event, 2015

Following on from the book launch this week of the 'Doujon's Heart' book (see the coverage here), and the incredibly emotional '60 Minutes' Australia' interview (see that interview here), the annual 'Unite Against Violence' walk will be held, to honour and take a stand for all victims of homicide.

While in previous years the event included a walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, this year the event moves to Parramatta Park.

Read about last year's event here.

Here is more about this year's event - it's happening TOMORROW!

Homicide Victims Support Group (Australia) Inc. are inviting your support for this community awareness initiative.

They are hosting a picnic at Parramatta Park on Sunday 30 August 2015.
  
The picnic which they have called 'PeaceNIC' - is an inaugural event (different name this year, but same cause) and promises to be a wonderful day for all participants with free entertainment and activities. Food, drinks and goodies will be available, too.

One of the biggest highlights of the day is the annual 'Ride for Justice', organised by Channel 9’s Simon Bouda. Riders are exclusively members of The NSW Emergency Services, riding in support of HVSG. Seeing the whole fleet of bikes revving it up for good is quite a sight. You can check out their whole route here.

And read more about the incredible Ride For Justice here.

And read more about the focus of this year's event in The Blacktown Advocate here. (Photo credit: Blacktown Advocate):



Kathryn Szyszka (sister of the late Anita Cobby), Simon Bouda, and HVSG executive director Martha Jabour

This is a day for Homicide Victims Support Group members and the community to acknowledge all homicide victims and their families. We aim to create awareness that any type of violence can lead to death. 

Homicide Victims Support Group members are forced to find a way to survive not only the death of their loved one but also the horrific, enduring and unrecognised aspects of this such as the court processes, the media coverage and day to day living. 

The HVSG was set up in June 1993 by the parents of Anita Cobby and Ebony Simpson to offer counselling and support to families and friends of homicide victims. 

Says Chantelle PirottaTrauma and Bereavement Counsellor for the organisation:

"We are seeking your support and involvement with promoting our event and the existence of the group to the wider community. The stark reality is that murder does not discriminate. In New South Wales one murder is committed every three days. Currently there is over three thousand and seven hundred families in the group and that number sadly continues to grow."

More info about the day:

- Jumping castle

- Entertainment by Sydney Youth Jazz
- Activities and games
- Facepainting

All of the above is FREE!
There will be food and goodies available for a gold coin donation. A cake stall, sausage sizzle, popcorn, fairy floss, slushies, tea, coffee, food and drink. YES! Yum (gosh, I love kids' party food).
You are welcome to bring your picnic essentials; rug, chairs, hat, sunscreen, bicycles and helmets (a bike riding track is on the park grounds)
The day is for Homicide Victims Support Group members and the community to acknowledge all homicide victims. Together, we can all create awareness that ANY type of violence can lead to death.

HVSG members are forced to live with the reality of the devastating and horrific ramifications of violence.
You will find PeaceNic at Pavilion Flat Parramatta Park - A short walk from Parramatta train station and bus terminal. Ticketed parking is available within the park and surrounding streets.
The organisers want to thank Rotary Club of Wetherill Park, Rotary Club of Blacktown and Lady of Fatima, Lend a Hand Committee and Simon Bouda for their support.
Here are some photos from past events:






Thursday 27 August 2015

'Doujon's Heart' Book Launch: Zammit and Gribilas Families: PHOTOS

What a day it was today.

The launch of the long-awaited book 'Doujon's Heart', the story of Doujon Zammit, his life and tragic death, and the far reaching and life altering impact his decision to one day donate his organs should the need arise (that decision was verbalised during a family conversation around the dinner table, before his trip overseas), and how that would change the course of many lives - forever.

The book is very much also the story of Kosta Gribilas, the man who received Doujon's heart in a heart transplant operation half a world away in Greece, the same country where Doujon met his tragic fate.


It's also the story of the incredible friendship forged between two families, joined by tragedy, and forever linked by the chain of events, a story many around the world now know.


And: it's the story of unspeakable sadness, experienced again when Kosta and his wife Poppy lost their beloved baby daughter Konstantina Angelique.


The authors Greg Callaghan and Ian Cuthbertson have captured the stories of all these incredible people, and the collision of events which led to a lifelong bond.


The book is out August 31, and can be pre-ordered now.


The event: a beautiful event held at NSW Parliament House, officially launched by the Hon. Jillian Skinner, MP NSW Minister for Health, introduced by Dr Alan Amodeo, Director of Transplant Australia, with authors Greg Callaghan and Ian Cuthbertson expressing their gratitude working on this immense and emotional project, and Dr Elena Cavazzoni, NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service's state medical director, who gave some sobering stats on organ donation (see clip below), and what it all truly means, beyond the actual organ donation.

And then: Rosemarie spoke her beautiful heartfelt words, knowing what a journey it has been, and honouring her family and her 'earth angels', Oliver spoke off the cuff and we shed tears alongside him, and then some concise and emotional words from Kosta, with wife Poppy by his side. Allen and Unwin publisher Jane Palfreyman also spoke about how this story came to life in book format, and the audience all agreed with the authors' sentiments: how can you not love these beautiful people?

Here are some snaps and pics from the day (there are probably far too many of me and the families, more than I'd usually post in an event wrap up, but I was so happy for all involved today, and thought I'd also share some of my snaps, too):



Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit, just after the book is officially launched 
Kosta Gribilas signing books, alongside his wife Poppy, below




Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit, and Poppy and Kosta Gribilas
Rosemarie and Oliver Zammit signing books side by side, just as they everything in life
Zeake Zammit and Josie 
Oliver Zammit signing books


  










Oliver Zammit and Josie


Here is some footage from the day (originally taken on my Instagram page @josiegags - hence the reason they are all (bar one) 15 seconds long:


















Wednesday 26 August 2015

'Endless Love': 1981 Tribute, Starring Brooke Shields: VIDEO

I just watched the 2014 version of the classic movie 'Endless Love' and it was not a patch n the original 1981 version, directed by Franco Zeffirelli (even though it was deemed not hugely successful). Here is the original movie poster:



Have you watched remakes that left you disappointed?

In my YouTube search I found this clip, below. Someone is a dedicated fan!

The only clip that is missing (one of my fave parts!) is when the 'David' character lights a ciggie, and strides to his love's house... to proceed to burn it down.

Says the YouTubers description:

At the height of her popularity just after "The Blue Lagoon", Brooke Shields starred in "Endless Love", an adaptation of Scott Spencer's best selling novel of the same name. Directed by Franco Zefferelli ("Romeo & Juliet"), the film was poised to be a huge success. Unfortunately it was only moderately successful and remains unreleased on DVD in the U.S.. The story of a 17 year old man (Martin Hewitt) in love with a 15 year old (Brook Shields) is quite powerful and though many who loved the book did not like this film version, everyone else (sans critics) love it! The theme song from the film sung by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross was (and still is), one of the biggest hits ever produced. Tom Cruise, James Spader & Ian Ziering all made their major motion picture debuts in the film as well (and all 3 can be seen in this tribute). I hope you enjoy it!



Highlight in this video: the singer Jamie Bernstein who plays Susan, and sings the classic 'Endless Love'.

Of course, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross sang their version, which was used for the soundtrack. That too is so beautiful. Very much a classic.

Jamie's version is so moving. According to the ol' internet, it's the only movie role she has had in her career according to imdb.com. Daughter of the famous composer/conductor, Leonard Bernstein, she is flawless in her rendition.

Here are some vintage interviews with Brooke and co:



Jessica Rowe: 'Is This My Beautiful Life?' - 'Studio 10' VIDEO

Did you watch this, this morning?

Jessica Rowe is completely frank on 'Studio 10' (the TV show she is on daily), about the past few pivotal years of her life, which she details in great length in her new book, 'Is This My Beautiful Life.'










Lui Magazine: Candice Swanepoel + Joan Smalls: PHOTOS

The latest edition of Lui Magazine is out, and it's supermodel heaven.

Watch (click on the text in the Instagram link below):




And the pics: