Need a Laugh? Here's Anne Hathaway's Rap

Ever since she did The Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway has been unable to do any wrong in my eyes. I think she's a great role model, beautiful, smart, funny and talented but also appears for all intents and purposes to be down to earth. That said, even if I didn't think all of those things, I would still have to share this video as it is just so darn hilarious.

Here it is, Anne Hathaway 'in the style of Lil Wayne' rapping on Carson. Enjoy!

The Kardashians are Taking Over my Blog

Regular readers will remember that some time ago I wrote a short piece about the Kardashian sisters as they were releasing a new 'tell all' book. You can read the post here.  I wrote about whether in fact they really had anything left to 'tell' and also the immense popularity of these three ladies.

It seems I really had no idea how popular they really are. I am shocked to find nearly one year later this post is still coming up each week as the most popular post on my blog and this week the top five Google searches that brought people to my page is the kardashian sisters, kardashians, the kardashians, the kardasians (for those who can't spell) and kardashian book.

I can't decide if it is a good thing or a bad thing (I am also not immune to the irony that this post is probably just going to increase my 'Kardashian' rankings), but whichever way the dice rolls I am still puzzled. Is there anyone out there that can illuminate me what is so darn amazing about the Kardashians that they are able to take over my blog with one post?

I Have a Secret

I have a job that could be described as cool.  I interviewed Joel Madden from Good Charlotte just before his wedding to Nicole Richie, I spoke to Matt Damon about hanging out with 'Angie and Brad', I've directed fashion shoots, I get to see all the movies before they hit the cinemas and I get sent free products from brands like Mac and Napoleon Perdis.

But the terrible truth is I am actually a nerd. I was in my element on the weekend at Perth's Supanova pop culture expo, which I dragged my long-suffering husband along to. I was so excited to see Amy Acker (Angel), Julie White (Transformers), Sean Maher (Firefly), Corin Nemec (SG-1 & Parker Lewis Can't Lose) and David Nykl (Atlantis). I didn't do anything as horrible as queue up for autographs or photos with the stars, but I was sufficiently creepy to go and stare at them while other people forked out their cash.

This year though, I have to admit I was really all about the villains and I was really there to see Tom Felton (Harry Potter's Draco Malfoy) and James Marsters (Spike from Buffy). I went to Q&A seminars with both these stars and laughed as James challenged the audience to embarrass him - and boy did they try - and sympathised with Tom as he blushed while turning down a marriage proposal from a want-to-be teen bride.

Before you ask - no I didn't get dressed up, but I thought you might enjoy a few snaps of people who did.

Did you head down to Supanova and if so what did you think? Or if you've got a secret passion, here's your chance to share - that's what the anonymous posting option is for!

A Wonderful Day

How often have you had a really fantastic day? A day that genuinely makes you feel happy, content, challenged and inspired? I was lucky enough to have had one of those yesterday.

It started out with an early morning gym workout with the sensational Sean from Atlas Performance before gussying myself up to head over to UWA for the Perth Writers Festival. Although I had a frustrating 20 minutes trying to locate the box office to pick up my tickets for the publishing workshop, I then had the chance to chill out in the UWA club and chat with some other fascinating people attending the event including the lovely Sarah from the fantastic blog Ah, the Possibilities!

I found the publishing seminar I attended, aptly named The A-Z of Getting Published, a real eye-opener about the book publishing industry. Having worked in magazines and newspapers (and a few years as a record label manager) I have plenty of experience with magazine, newspaper and music publishing and although I have edited and published a few books for employers and clients - this is an industry segment I knew much less about.

The event was MC'd by Angela Meyer, a literary blogger for Crikey, and included a range of high profile speakers including publishers Meredith Curnow from Random House, Mandy Brett from Text Publishing and Clive Newman from Fremantle Press. We also got to hear from writer and manuscript assessor John Harman and and one of Australia's highest profile literary agents Lyn Tranter as well as writers, other publishers and lovely Scribe publicist Emma Morris.

There were so many amazing knowledge bombs they dropped on us throughout the course of the day, that I think this will call for another post in the next few days (so keep your eye out for that). Some statistics definitely reinforced the difficulty of becoming a published novelist, but the day also showcased the passion and enthusiasm people in the publishing industry have for what they do. If you get a chance to check out any of the other events over the long weekend for the Perth Writers Festival, I definitely recommend it.

If this workshop didn't make the day fantastic enough, I was then lucky enough to head straight from the event to pick up my husband and head down to Sandalford Winery to see Michael Buble live in concert. The tickets were a gift from my wonderful husband as nearly one year ago Michael's The Best is Yet to Come was our first dance together as husband and wife. Although this song didn't get a look in, the night was sensational.

We couldn't have asked for a better night, beautifully warm, a great vibe, some incredible support acts, good food and of course cheese and wine. Delicious!

Michael was highly entertaining all but breaking into a stand up comedy routine after his first song. He chatted to the crowd at length, shared some personal stories, introduced us to every member of his band in detail and even threw in some really out of the box numbers - even Michael Jackson got a look in.

I have to admit I fell asleep in the car before we even made it out of the car park, but what a day!

Dates confirmed for Zac

We mentioned a while ago that Zac Efron will be heading to Australia to promote his new dramatic film Charlie St. Cloud. I promised then I’d keep you all apprised for when and where he will be appearing.

I can confirm on Sunday September 19 Zac will walk the red carpet along Church Street, Westfield Parramatta, before the premiere screening of Charlie St. Cloud at Event Cinemas.


If like me, you’re not based in Sydney you can check it out streamed live online at thedirt.com.au  and Facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU.

Nichole Richie talks about her new book

How did I not know Nichole Richie was an author? Apparently a previous book was a best-seller and she has now released a new book called Priceless. I knew about her family, her design label and half a dozen things I probably absolutely did not need to know, but didn't know about this.

So what is her book about? It's a 'fiction' book that follows tall, blond and willowy twenty-two-year-old Charlotte Williams who seems to have everything going for her – she’s rich and gorgeous, a talented singer, and has just returned to her Park Avenue penthouse after a year studying in Paris. But since her mother’s tragic death years ago, her father, an extremely successful financier, has been her only family –
and if she’s being honest, her only true friend.

Some life imitating art here? Get Nichole's take on her new book with this interview with her. What do you think? Is this a book you will want to read? It goes on sale October 1 and will be $19.99.

Zac Efron is coming to Australia

OMG – Zac Efron is coming to Australia. Is it wrong for a grown woman to have a little-bittie crush on Zac Efron (and why do I keep using his full name)?

I think it’s all part of a new syndrome which I will call they-are-so-good-looking-but-are-so-young-itis and it is sweeping Hollywood these days. Taylor Lautner or Daniel Radcliffe fall into this category as well, they are international stars and good looking to boot but it’s just a little bit wrong because they are well – so young.

Even though Zac Efron (there it is again) is now 22 in his earlier movies he was still a teenager so it still seems a bit wrong somehow.

Anyway I digress. The big news is he will be heading to Australia next month. Although there are no plans for Zac to head west, he will walk the red carpet and attend the Australian premiere of his new movie Charlie St. Cloud on Sunday 19th September in Sydney. Further details and location yet to be announced - so don't rush out and buy a plane ticket just yet.

Charlie St. Cloud is a big step for Zac as it is the first time he won't be featuring in a 'teen' style movie. This time he has a dramatic role playing Charlie a young man struggling with life after surviving a tragic accident. It releases to Australia cinemas on September 23.

Your chance to walk the red carpet

I love movies and I love celebrities, so no great surprise that I intent to almost obsessively enter a new competition that gives me a chance to meet celebrities on the red carpet!

If like me, the idea of walking the red carpet at a film premiere is your idea of heaven on earth, then make sure you buy a Events Cinemas movie ticket online or via your mobile before September 30. Seven people who do this will have the chance to win one of the below celebrity experiences.

What makes them even better? Most of them include a holiday and some even include shopping – be still my beating heart…

• The Other Guys – walk the red carpet at the Australian premiere on the Gold Coast and meet the film’s two stars Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg. All inclusive of flights & accommodation
• Tomorrow When The War Began – attend the NZ premiere, walk the red carpet and get a meet & greet with the cast. All inclusive of flights & accommodation
• Cats & Dogs The Revenge of Kitty Galore – VIP family trip to Warner Bros Movie World. All inclusive of flights, accommodation & limo transfers for Movie World
• The Last Airbender – Trip to Vietnam to explore where the film was shot together with exclusive earth, fire, wind & water themed experiences. All inclusive of flights &, accommodation
• Charlie St. Cloud – Walk the red carpet at the Australian premiere in Sydney and meet the film’s star Zac Efron. All inclusive of flights and accommodation
• Wall Street Money Never Sleeps - Walk the red carpet at the London premiere and meet & greet with the film’s stars. All inclusive of flights, accommodation, limo transfers & a $1000 wardrobe spend for the premiere
• Legends of The Guardian The Owls of Ga’Hoole – Family behind the scenes tour of animation studio and home of the film’s creators, Animal Logic. All inclusive of flights & accommodation

Me? I am gunning for The Other Guys and Wall Street Money Never Sleeps. the first for the celebs and the second for the trip to London and the shopping.

Celebrating 100 posts of WA Style

Although this is technically the 101st post, I wanted to take this moment to celebrate reaching this pivotal first milestone. I hope you have been enjoying WA Style and will keep sticking with us for the next 100 posts and beyond. If you like the site, I hope you will show your support by becoming a follower by clicking on the icon on the right hand side of the page and by commenting on the articles. Don't forget to tell all your friends about us as well!

Rhino horn: part 2

Apparently Elle Macpherson has now come out and said her comments about consuming rhino horn was just 'banter'. I should have known because advocating the use of a product involving the cruel slaughter of endangered creatures is thigh-slapping funny. In case you missed it, that's sarcasm people!

Elle has confirmed she does not use rhino horn and has stated that she does not believe in promoting the use of products derived from endangered animals. Read more here.

What do you guys think? Should we give her the benefit of the doubt?

Shame on you Elle Macpherson!

It's not very often I get my rant on, but this is going to be one of those times. I just heard on the news that Elle Macpherson confessed in an interview with The Times Online that she uses powdered rhino horn. Yes, you read that right powdered rhino horn.

For a woman who has a reputation for being forward thinking and something of an environmental support, that is a shocking claim. Not only is the trade of rhino products illegal around the world, it is morally reprehensible to support the slaughter of an endangered animal.

I can just imagine women around the world are going to be googling like mad to find out how they can lay their hands on this product so they too can achieve - The Body.

Read more about it here.  If it is true, what health benefits could Elle be getting (and scientifically no benefits have ever been proven) that would make it worth such an enormous moral price?

I do know next time I am shopping for underwear, I won't be buying anything from Elle's range - just in case. Don't stay silent on this topic, I'd like to know what our Perth readers think.

Food and wine and cooking, oh my!

If you love great food and good wine (and really who doesn’t) make sure you check out the Good, Food & Wine Show on at the Perth Convention Centre this weekend.

This is the event’s third year and there are heaps of things to do, see, buy and most importantly taste! I will be there on Sunday myself with a glass of cab sav in hand as I work my way around the 150 stalls.

And if you’re a celebrity stalker like me, you can watch live cooking demonstrations from a virtual plethora of celebrity TV chefs (if a group of crows is a murder, what’s a group of chefs a coronary?). George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran, Manu Feildel, Dominique Rizzo and Tobie Puttock will all make appearances, which should excite even the most jaded reality-show lover.

It’s open Friday from 10am to 4.30pm and again for an After Dark session from 6pm-9.30pm. Or check it out Saturday between 10-6pm or Sunday 10-5pm. Adult tickets are $30, kids (6-16) $22. Children younger than five are free.

Make sure you wear your stretchy pants!

Declare your support, Edward or Jacob?

I figured since most of Australia was in the mood to declare support for either K-Rudd or Julia Gillard this was a great opportunity to get our readers to declare their support on the other most hotly contested rivaly at the moment - are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

I am a huge Twilight fan and I like to think I have a special place in my heart for both men (the bad boy and the best friend) but I think my preference is slightly skewed by the fact it seems a bit wrong for a 30 year old woman to declare her undying love for Jacob. Taylor Lautner (the muscle-bound Adonis who plays Jacob) is actually only 18, which means when the last movie was filmed he was only 17. Hmmm.

So tell us what you think - are you Team Jacob or Team Edward and why and if you are ready to declare your preference in public - you can't go past one of these Lola&Bailey tote bags proclaiming your preference. $49 from www.lolaandbailey.com

Girl-crush

I think I have a girl-crush on Jessica Alba. I realised this when I saw an ad for a new product that features Ms Alba and felt overwhelmingly this was a product I had to have. Or perhaps I should have realised that by the fact I have every DVD of every TV show and film she's ever been in (except Sin City, because I don't do gory/scary).

Is there someone you have a girl-crush on? Or perhaps someone whose endorsement makes you want to rush straight out and buy that hair straightener/foundation/pair of pants you didn't even know you needed?

P.S. Kudos to Jessica for wearing her wedding rings on even in an ad campaign.

Robin Hood on the red carpet

Although Robin Hood and his merry men are normally more at home in the depths of the forrest than the red carpet, there is no doubt the stars of the film know how to rock the paparazzi. Check out these pics from Robin Hood's photo call and red carpet premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. How fantastic is Cate’s frock?

Are you a celebrity stalker?

I use the word stalker quite loosely here (really I do) but I sometimes wonder if living in the media-soaked environment we do that living in WA - a state completely berefit of local celebrities of any kind - when we leave our sheltered home we turn into feindish celebrity stalkers. Or maybe that's just me. Please tell me I am not alone?

I recently returned from a trip to New York and now I intend to shamelessly name drop all the celebrities I had the pleasure to stalk see from a safe and respectful distance. The first and definitely the best on my list was Scarlett Johansson. I had the great pleasure of seeing Scarlett Jo and Liev Schreiber in their final Broadway preformance of A View From The Bridge. This show was absolutely fantastic. It was also an experience in itself to hang around at the 'stage door' outside the cinema for the celebrities to emerge.