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Kylie’s Bollywood film bombs

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Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue’s Bollywood debut, Blue, has been panned by critics, describing her “as sexy as a housewife in a kaftan”.

The film, which cost $30 million to make, opened in India on Friday and received less than stellar reviews.

The pop princess was reportedly paid $1 million to star in the film, the most expensive Bollywood film ever made.

Her inclusion in the project was intended to increase the film’s appeal to Western audiences, but according to critic Anil Verma, “She doesn’t look good or even sound good.”

In pictures: Kylie Minogue

The dance song ‘Chiggy Wiggy’ was supposed to be Kylie’s showstopper, but it seems the critics don’t agree.

“The music by A.R Rahman is strictly average; even the item song by Kylie Minogue can’t save the film from reaching its watery grave,” said critic Rajeev Masand.

Kylie’s CV is already overflowing with accomplishments —, singer, songwriter, actress, lingerie designer, perfumer, cancer survivor and entertainer; surely this one setback won’t stop the ‘singing budgie’ in her formidable tracks.

Your say: Do you think Kylie was a good choice to star in a Bollywood film? Who would you like to see in a Bollywood film? Will you go and see Blue? What do you like about Kylie?

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Make a difference: recycle!

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It doesn’t take much to make a difference to your family’s recycling habits. Chances are, you already put your old papers in the allocated bin and rinse out your used tins and put them in the recycling, but there are more ways to help the environment.

What can you recycle?

The usual recycling items include all glass jars and bottles, aluminum and steel cans, PET plastic soft-drink bottles and HDPE plastic milk and detergent bottles. You can also include paper, light cardboard, newspapers and junk mail, milk and fruit juice cartons.

But what about those items that stop being useful and can’t be put in the traditional recycling bins? Waste like old mobile phones and batteries can be damaging to the environment if left to disintegrate in land fill. So what can you do to recycle these items?

Mobile phones:

Most of us have a spare mobile phone lying discarded under the bed or in the kitchen drawer. Rather than let it build up dust, or throw it into the bin where it will end up in landfill, take it to your nearest mobile muster recycling centre. You can take your unwanted phone to your nearest drop-off point , download a mailing label or pick up an envelope from your nearest Australia Post and let Mobile Muster look after the recycling for you.

Batteries:

Another common household object that cannot be readily recycled is a battery. They contain a number of toxic elements, including nickel, alkaline, mercury and lead acid, all of which are potentially damaging to the environment if not discarded properly.

Batteries that end up in landfill leak into the ground and put animals and humans at risk. To reduce this, there are a number of things your family can do:

1. Reduce your household battery use

2. Buy rechargeable batteries, they can be used up to 1000 times, which also saves you money as well as helping the environment

As Australia doesn’t have a national recycling scheme in place yet, it is up to us to make sure these harmful products are kept out of landfill. There are a number of outlets that will take the batteries off your hands and recycle them. Batteryback is a free battery recycling program for rechargeable batteries and household single-use batteries: 1800 353 233

Reading glasses:

Approximately 30 percent of Australians use glasses to assist their sight; that’s a lot of pairs of glasses. This year, OPSM has teamed up with OneSight to encourage Australians to give away their old, unwanted pairs of glasses. There are 250 million people around the world who do not have access or cannot afford basic eye-care and, by recycling yours at an OPSM store; you’re helping to make a difference.

Your donated eyewear is cleaned, repaired and classified by prescription and then hand-delivered to disadvantaged communities through OneSight clinics in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Mexico and South Africa.

Take your unwanted glasses to your nearest OPSM store to help make a difference to those who cannot get the eye-care they need. The OneSight appeal will run until 8 November 8, 2009.

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The perfect chicken breast

Question: My cooked chicken breasts are always dry. How do I cook them so they stay moist?

Toughness and dryness is usually caused by overcooking, which happens if the temperature of the pan or oven is too hot – the outside cooks quickly to a thick, crust-like edge, while the inside takes longer to cook. Cooking chicken breast at a lower temperature can help avoid this problem.

Chicken breasts are quick thick, but they also have a thin part, so you need to cook the breast for a long time to ensure the middle is cooked. By then, the thin part of the breast is overcooked and tough. Avoid this by cutting the breast lengthways, or hitting it with a meat mallet so it is of a more even thickness throughout and is thinner, so it can be cooked for less overall time.

Testing the breast for doneness by cutting into it releases any juices trapped in the flesh that would keep it moist. Check small pieces by pressing with a pair of tongs, or your finger, they should feel springy.

Finally, chicken breast is naturally tough because it doesn’t have much fat and is also not on the bone – poultry cuts on the bone will always be more tender and juicer than those without.

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Katie Price accuses Peter Andre of having an affair

Despite moving on to a new relationship, Katie Price has spoken out about her marriage to Peter Andre saying it felt like he was married to two women.

She has blamed the breakdown of their marriage on the Australian singer’s manager Claire Powell and accused them of having an affair while she was still married to him.

Both Peter and his manager have angrily rejected the claims and say they will take legal action.

The 31-year-old model first let her feelings known on a UK chat show where she agreed with talk show host Graham Norton that men were easy and would sleep with the first woman they see. Katie then lashed out at her ex by responding with: “Yes or his manager Claire.”

Producers of the show removed some of Katie’s other controversial comments from the broadcast.

Katie has since claimed she felt as though there was a third person in their marriage.

“The trouble is, before, I felt married to two people – Pete and our management,” she told Now Magazine.

She went on to say that if there was anyone to blame for the end of their relationship part of that blame would be with Claire.

Claire has since hit, back accusing Katie of using Peter purely to gain publicity and said she would “definitely be taking it further”.

Claire once managed both Peter and Katie, but stopped managing Katie once the couple split five months ago.

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I fed dog food to my ex-girlfriend

I know that this is really pathetic but I was so angry and felt really used…

I’d been with my girlfriend for about 6 months. I was absolutely besotted with her. I have to admit in hindsight that I was obviously a rebound but at the time I didn’t see it. They say love is blind.

Anyway, while I was at her house we were making plans for when we were next going to meet up. She still lived with her mum at the time. She told me that the next day was no good as it was her mum’s birthday and they were having a family dinner – just her, her mum and her brother.

I didn’t really think much of it so we just arranged another day to meet up.

The following evening, as I wasn’t catching up with her, I decided to drive to town and meet up with some friends. When I got in my car, the battery was flat. How annoying.

I managed to jump start it but I’ve always been told that when a battery is flat you should drive the car for an hour or so to fully charge the battery.

As it was my girlfriend’s mum’s birthday I thought that it would be a great idea to drive up to her house, drop a birthday card through the letterbox then drive into town. That way the car would be running for a while and the battery would be fine by the time I got to town.

One thing about my girlfriends mother – she is an alcoholic. She was always very ‘merry’ whenever I was round. We got on really well but it was probably because she was always so accommodating and over-friendly because she was always drunk.

Well, I got to the house and ran out of the car (leaving the engine running) and popped the card though the letterbox.

Just as I had turned round to go back to the car the front door opened. My girlfriends mum shouted out to me. I went up and explained that the car was still running and that I didn’t want to interrupt her dinner and she told me not to be so silly and said she would get me a drink.

She then shouted upstairs to Sally (my girlfriend) and told her I was here. The woman was drunk again and there was no arguing.

After what seemed like rather a long time (with me still standing in the doorway keeping an eye on my car), Sally appeared and looked VERY surprised to see me.

I was explaining to her that I hadn’t intended on coming in and about the birthday card and car battery and told her that I would see her tomorrow, when I saw her ex boyfriend walking along the landing to the toilet.

I felt like I’d been stabbed in the heart. How could she do this to me??! I turned around and walked back to my car and drove off. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. I’d honestly not intended speaking to any of them and now this had happened.

My world felt like it was crushed. I drove home and sat there dazed, thinking over the events. I had lots of missed calls on my phone from Sally and I just chose to ignore them. I couldn’t deal with her right then.

After some time had passed I decided that revenge was looking rather sweet. I had no intention of being with someone who could do this to me. I eventually answered her call and asked her round for dinner.

I lived by myself so it was going to be easier ‘talking’ to her about everything at my place.

I went out to the local supermarket and bought the ingredients for my ‘cottage pie’. I bought some chicken liver wet meat dog food and a few other bits and pieces.

I cunningly made two dishes – one for myself and one for her, she didn’t see what was going on in the kitchen because I made it all before she got there. I mixed in a tin of dog food to some very cheap mince. Chopped tomatoes and onion. Made mine differently, mine was great!!

It was an awkward atmosphere from the moment she walked in but I decided we could ‘talk’ over dinner.

I proudly handed her the plate and we started eating. She pulled a bit of a face when she had her first mouthful – I simply told her I’d taken all afternoon preparing and how pleased with how it turned out I was. I think out of politeness and trying to get into my good books she carried on eating.

I then got out of her the truth – she had slept with him but was feeling really guilty and was very sorry. At this point I told her that I had no intention of getting back with her – I just got her round so I could find out the truth. I asked her to leave (after she had eaten most of her food) and that I never wanted to see her again.

Stupid? Yes. But for those few minutes of watching her trying to eat this food that was obviously tasting pretty foul I felt a lot better. Needless to say that feeling didn’t last.

I never bothered telling her about what I did. In fact I didn’t bother contacting her again after that.

I’m now in a happy relationship with a wonderful woman and I feed her only the best food around.

Picture posed by models.

Your say: Have your say about this true confession below…

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Jackman to get Oscar call back?

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Hugh Jackman hosts the 2009 Academy Awards

The Internet is rife today with rumours that The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences is “desperate” to entice Hugh Jackman to host the Oscars again in 2010.

The opening number of the 2009 ceremony showed Hollywood his versatility. He can sing, dance and act — all the while oozing charm. It’s that kind if flair that sees him leading the charge for the same spot next year.

In pictures: Hunky Hugh Jackman

The Wolverine star wowed the audience and critics alike as host of the 2009 Oscars. His efforts were impressive enough for him to win the Academy an Emmy for the role.

However, according to New York magazine, those close to Jackman are advising him to turn down the opportunity.

In pictures: Celebs who adopt

Your say: who has been your favourite Oscars host? Who would you like to see hosting it in the future? What do you think are necessary qualities in an Academy Awards host? Share your thoughts below.

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Labour of love

Caring for two disabled daughters has been a 40-year commitment for Laurette and Ian Wade. But what happens when elderly parents become too frail to look after their children? Jane Worthington investigates.

Our daughter Jane was 10 when she started stumbling and was unable to walk a straight line,” recalls Laurette Wade.

Around the same time, Fiona, who is two years older, showed similar symptoms. The family were living in Guyra, near Armidale, in rural NSW, so it took many trips to Sydney and several years until one specialist finally delivered the devastating blow that both girls were suffering from a degenerative disease called Friedreich’s ataxia.

“Deterioration of their nervous systems meant our girls would slowly lose their muscle tone, speech and vision, while diabetes and cardiac problems would also probably strike. They would both eventually be confined to wheelchairs. The average life expectancy for those with the disease is 35. There is no cure.

“Delivering this news to two little girls was the most heartbreaking thing I have ever had to do. But my girls took it in their stride. They didn’t come home and cry in their rooms for weeks. They bravely accepted their disease and continue to be the amazing, determined and inspirational people they are today.”

Today Laurette, 72, and her husband, Ian, 73, still care for Jane, now 47, and Fiona, now 49. The couple are among the one in eight carers of Australia who dedicate their lives to looking after others.

Despite Ian recently having had a stroke, he continues to help Laurette care for Jane. Laurette wakes two or three times a night to painstakingly massage hard lumps in Jane’s body, and is also responsible for delivering her daily insulin injections.

“Now we have to use hoists and lifters to transfer Jane from the bed to the toilet or into the shower or car,” says Laurette. “This means her personal care routine in the morning can take two hours – more difficult now Jane is starting to lose her speech. And after Ian’s stroke, lifting the wheelchair into the car is a huge effort, and we can’t afford a vehicle that has wheelchair access.

“Fiona’s also wheelchair-bound, but living on her own with government-funded homecare help. Still, she faces a similar future to her sister.”

Laurette remains stoic despite the cards her family has been dealt.

“We get about six weeks of respite a year, but after that, it’s pretty much 24-hour care. The Guyra and Armidale community have really been ‘the little town that could’. They raise money to pay for any equipment the girls need, and over the years many have stayed here to help.

“We also try to be as upbeat as we can … but there are moments in the middle of the night when there is nothing I can do to ease Jane’s terrible aches. As a mother, this is indescribably painful.

“My biggest fear now is that when we are too old to care for the girls, they’ll have to go to an aged nursing home. Despite their razor-sharp minds, they’d spend the rest of their young lives with people who have dementia and are twice their age.

“That is my challenge to the government: Find somewhere for our girls to live, so I can live my final decades in peace. As far as I know, there is only one dedicated young person’s permanent respite, in Brisbane. Jane and Fiona deserve to spend the rest of their days with dignity.”

To help the Wade family, donate to the Wade Equipment Appeal by calling New England Credit Union on 132 067.

See ‘Mother Love’, a play inspired by Laurette’s battle, Oct 14-24 at Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park, Melbourne. Call (03) 9699 3253 or visit www.gasworks.org.au

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Catriona’s body after baby: ‘I’m back in my jeans’

Just months after giving birth, Catriona Rowntree looks fabulous. She tells Lucie Morris-Marr how her healthy approach worked.

Getaway presenter Catriona Rowntree is one remarkably happy new mother, and not just because of her adorable newborn son sleeping in the nursery.

The 38-year-old, who gave birth to her first child, Andrew John Rowntree Pettit, on August 5, announces she can already get back into her favourite jeans.

“I never weigh myself but I have a pair of jeans I’ve worn since I was 21,” she says. “I’m not a model and I have never been stick thin, but if I can get into my jeans then everything is OK.

“And I can, so that’s great. I still have the love-child-of-Dolly-Parton boobs though, thanks to the breastfeeding,” she laughs.

The presenter, who spoke to Woman’s Day from the beautiful cottage she shares with husband James Pettit near Geelong, Victoria, says she thought she’d never regain her pre-pregnancy shape after giving birth to Andrew, who weighed a whopping 4.5kg.

“I didn’t believe for a moment I could get my figure back,” she says. “I’d love to say it was because of breastfeeding, but it’s what you do to help the breastfeeding that improves your health.”

Catriona says immediately after the birth she became “really conscious” of her diet, knowing that baby Andrew would benefit from her breast milk.

“Breastfeeding is an incredible detox, really. I have copious amounts of water, you are off alcohol, and as healthy as you can be for your child.”

Each morning, Catriona starts the day with two boiled eggs, and makes sure the rest of her meals are largely fresh vegetables and protein.

“I am absolutely ravenous, thanks to the breastfeeding. I could eat anything that’s not nailed down, so I’m conscious about what I have around me…”

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Hayley Lewis: How I won the weight war

The gold medal winner and mum of two was addicted to overeating, but she tells Jackie Brygel she’s now found her perfect weight.

Looking at a trim and super-fit Hayley Lewis now, it’s difficult to believe the swim star-turned-TV presenter has ever waged a battle of the bulge.

But the mother of two, who has just been announced as the new host of The Biggest Loser, confesses that there was a time when the prospect of donning bathers filled her with dread.

“I didn’t want to get out of bed to go training, purely because I had to put a pair of togs on,” she says.

Revealing that she gained 17kg between the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Hayley says one of the toughest challenges was dealing with the public scrutiny.

“I think that’s probably why I did overeat – that’s what I did to comfort myself,” she reflects. “But I’ve never been a naturally lean person.”

Bingeing on lollies and cakes, Hayley, 35, gained 25kg with her first child, Jacob, now 11, before reassessing her lifestyle and signing on as a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig.

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Rafter’s star Jess’ red-hot body

The star tells Clare Rigden how her stint on Dancing With the Stars jazzed up a fitness regime that’s already packed to the rafters.

It takes real guts to strip down to your bikini and dive into the freezing cold Sydney surf on a brisk morning. But Jess McNamee, who plays Sammy on Packed To The Rafters, is taking it all in her stride.

“Is this pose all right?” the gorgeous young actress asks, perching awkwardly half in and half out of the water as Woman’s Day prepares to shoot what must seem like the millionth photo for the day.

You’d forgive the 23-year-old actress for being a tad tetchy about the nippy conditions, but Jess’s down-to-earth nature and jump-right-in attitude has made her a hit with everyone – even the local lap swimmers who have stopped their lengths to take a look.

“It’s nice to come out of the studio and do things like this,” says Jess, who has happily put on her swimmers for our Summer Shape-Up special – despite the arctic water temperatures.

While lots of people sloth their way through winter, curled up on the couch in their trackies watching Dancing With The Stars, Jess was hard at work competing on the popular show. Week in, week out, as the rest of us shivered our way through cold, dark mornings, Jess was up early, getting out of bed to train hard with her dance partner Stefano Olivieri.

Two months on, all her work has certainly paid off – she looks amazing.

“Being on Dancing With The Stars has given me a new kind of fitness, in that it’s been a gradual tightening of the muscles,” says Jess…

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