My Ultimate Vow - ©Danielle Briggs October 2017

Recently there has been a lot of talk about sexual harassment, sexual abuse and sexual assault in Hollywood that has made me want to write this post.

This has been in the back of my mind for a long time. But I never thought I had a strong enough voice to reach where this is needed and as far as I wanted it to reach. Then I realised, I can’t just sit here and not say anything. There are so many women around the world who aren’t in a situation where they can due to so many reasons.

Men shouldn’t be able to get away with treating women like a piece of meat and expecting us to do what they ask and / or suggest. Or for that matter force themselves on top of us without our consent. Often these things are not reported to police or investigated because it is always he said she said situation and often not taken seriously which is wrong and no matter who or where you are it should never happen. Just recently there has been a hashtag #MeToo going around it is amazing how many women have used this and they may have and may not have done anything about it. I want to also point out that just because some women haven’t used the hash tag or told their story it doesn’t mean they don’t have one, they just don’t want to talk about or bring it up.

I will also point out that these issues are not just in the work place. Often these are in our homes as well, whether it’s family or partners or anyone else for that matter.

This issue is a global problem that continually grows and will continue to grow unless we as a whole work together and change it. The governments need to step in and takes drastic changes. This shouldn’t be growing. It shouldn’t even exist.

So today here and now I want to make the first step in changing the world and make these vows to the world and to myself.

I vow to love, respect and value myself and my body.

I vow to stay strong in my weak and bad days.

I vow to protect myself where I need to.

I vow to never give up and keep fighting on the dark days until the light days arrive.

I vow to stand up for those who can’t and make sure those voices can be heard.

I vow to respect and appreciate all body types and personalities and not bully them or hurt them. (We women are so judgmental of other women. We say so many nasty comments to each other and behind their backs, it’s really disgusting to watch and see. When men see this some of them think that’s its ok for them to do this and it’s really not!… It’s not ok to do this to anyone. I get that you might not like someone or you a jealous of that person, but at the end of the day it’s just not worth making other people feel horrible.)

I vow to love and spread love until my last breath.

I urge you all to make these vows to yourself and for those around you. I also encourage the men to join in as well and vow that you will respect all women and not abuse or assault them and treat them as equals. I also encourage you to vow that you will raise your children to know what is right and wrong and make sure they do better. By using the hashtag #MYVOW we can stand together and make the world a better place one step at a time and make the hate turn into love. Would love to see any other vows you feel that you want to make for yourself and for the world.

#MYVOW

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Casey Barnes: The Underrated Artist

Casey Barnes is a hardworking Australian singer songwriter who has been chipping away at it for years. He has co-written songs with Rick Price, wife Michelle, Michael Paynter, Michael Delorenzis and MSquared.

Born in Tasmania and now resides on the Gold Coast with his wife Michelle and two daughters Charli and Emmy. 

Casey a former Australian Idol contestant in the last series in Australia finishing in 11th place with Stan walker taking the win in 2009.

Years on from Idol  Casey has slowly paved his way into the US country charts, after his song Keep Me Coming Back being played in the Professional Bull Riders circuit. 

Casey has previously supported acts such as Lady Antebellum, Mariah Carey and Bryan Adams and soon will be performing at the Vines music festival with Billy Ray Cyrus and many more in march at Crossroads in New South Wales. Also just announced an performing artist at CMC Rocks in march 2018, which is a sell out event held in Ipswich Queensland.

Casey also works with a band called Kick that is largely used by company's for work events and or events. 

A great family man who adores his wife and kids, also great with his fan base. Always respectful and gracious when meeting them and talking to them online.

Co writing hit song Live As One with Rick Price is something everyone should hear, incredible and powerful lyrics really make you want to change your ways and be more accepting of other people. 

Casey has two current songs out right now called The Way We Rise and Keep Me Coming Back which you can purchase on most music sources including iTunes. 

In the words of Molly Meldrum do yourself a favour and checkout Casey Barnes.

Like most artists Casey will more than likely do better in the states and around the world before getting the attention he deserves in Australia.

http://www.caseybarnes.com.au/

Studio 10 is where all the fun is

© Danielle Briggs October 2017

I really enjoy studio 10 from their crazy antics to their amazing hosts and guests. You never know where the show is going to go and not even they know, some of the time. It’s the best way to start your mornings, with a great laugh, with tears (some from laughing so hard), with insightful information and fun and games. I wouldn’t have the show any other way. All of the panel and panel regular guest hosts have all got something in common they all are their own person and embrace who they are, all have their own beliefs and thoughts on subjects they are discussing sometimes ends with little fights but they make up in the ad breaks.

Let’s dissect the panel shall we. Sarah Harris the bus driver of the show, one of my favourite journalists, incredibly smart and funny and somehow has the panel in control, although at times its hard she always finds a way to get them back on the road.

Joe Hildebrand is also an incredible journalist who hits the hard topics. Not only that but he has done so many things on the show that most people wouldn’t, a nudie run, prostate exam, leg wax (have to admit that was my idea that got picked up by the show’s Executive Producer) all this live on air. Joe hits the audience with dad jokes aplenty and most of the time has us all laughing.

Jessica Rowe, now this is a woman that embraces who she is and created a website based on being a crap housewife. I have to admit I applaud her for this and I must say she is really trying to get better and I have seen the evidence in her cooking. Jess is someone that is her own person and doesn’t change for anyone and just is herself and I think more people should do that. The Jess snorts are the best as it makes you laugh even more, Jess isn’t the only one that does it and I love that she is laughing so much she loses control.

The show then has two pioneers of the Australian entertainment industry and for women in Australia. They have both inspired many women around the country to get into the industry and or just inspired them to be strong women, and they have both done that for me. We are talking about Denise Drysdale and Ita Buttrose, Denise in the entertainment industry and Ita as a journalist both have had incredible careers and share the job on the panel. I have a lot of respect for both of these ladies and the whole entire panel.

David “Robbo” Robertson the shows roaming reporter and host of the $5 quiz on the show has grown on the show through the years and has been stepping up to be on the panel occasionally and doing great. Robbo is a funny and is always amazing to watch when at home at one of the viewers houses.

Robert McKnight the Executive Producer is a character, I think he likes torturing Joe I can’t wait to see what he makes Joe do next or allows him to do next. Rob is amazing and he keeps the show running and making it exciting for the viewers, coming up with new segments and growing the show. The show is going so well channel ten extended their show by an extra hour, which is the longest running show on a weekday morning.

Entertainment gossip and news covered by the amazing Angela Bishop and Craig Bennet, Angela has been in the business for a very long time and arguably one of the best entertainment reporters in the world. Craig is full of enthusiasm and enjoyment you can’t help but smile when he is on the show.

What can you say about Jono Coleman, the advertorial presenter? Incredibly funny and random which makes the show more entertaining.

Regular show panellists, journalist Jo Casamento, Hollywood reporter Richard Reid, Carlotta, Susie Elelman, and Natarsha Belling are all fabulous to watch and bring another dynamic to the show.  Jo, Susie, Carlotta and Natarsha all fill in for the panel members. All of them bring intelligence, laughs, enthusiasm and another perspective on the topics on the show.

I am a massive fan of Jo, Richard and Carlotta, they all make me smile and brighten up my day. I love the main panel of the show but if one or more of these guys are on I am very happy.

As you can see the show is beaming with beautiful amazing light that can lift you up from a gloomy start or can make you smile more after waking from an already great morning. I wouldn’t watch anything else and I can’t think of a better way to start my day.

Jet, Star on the Rise - By Danielle Briggs

** This article will be published on a local paper very soon**

Let me introduce you all to an up and coming cricketer who has the talent, the team player instinct that any team wishes for. A heart that is filled with passion and determination and nothing but fight.

Jet Liebke is a 15 year old wicket keeper all-rounder, who like all young boys aspires to be selected in the Australian men’s cricket team and has taken the first step in accomplishing his dream by being selected in the Under 16 Australian team. Jet will take the gloves later this year and early next year. When I asked about him being selected into the team he said

“I can still remember the moment before hearing the announcement that I had been selected in the team, I had major butterflies, my palms were sweaty, and my heart was in my throat, I could hardly breathe. When they announced my name I could finally breathe again, knowing all that hard work had payed off. It will be an honour to represent Australia and it is something that I have worked hard for.”

2013 Jet just getting started

Jet with Michael Clarke

Jet with Michael in the nets

Jet Keeping

Jet Keeping

Jet started playing in late 2011 after joining St Patrick's College and has been named in Queensland under 15’s and Queensland Rookie under 16’s, Brisbane North and Metropolitan North teams. Jet was also luckily enough to be selected to attend the Michael Clarke Cricket Academy in Sydney in 2015.when I asked about going to the academy he said.

  “Getting picked in the Michael Clarke cricket academy was a dream come true for me at that time. Getting to have one on one time with Michael himself and receiving feedback throughout the week at the end of the academy. The early morning training sessions were difficult, but having gone through that I feel like  now that when I play in carnivals I find it easier to wake up to play cricket. Also another highlight of the experience of the academy I got to work with Daniel Smith and Peter Nevill on my wicket keeping which was a major highlight personally for the week”      

 It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Jet, it has taken a lot of hard work and many hours to get to this stage. With private lessons, extra training, constant work on his form in the backyard and doing throw downs at the local park. I asked Jet about his best and worst part of his career so far he said.

“The worst that has happened to me in cricket is when I first started trialing for rep teams at first I didn’t get picked, so that enabled me to work harder over that years, I then finally made that team which is where multiple teams played in a carnival, and at the end of the carnival a team was announced the winner of the state champions and a QLD side was picked.  Unfortunately I suffered an injury a week before the carnival. With a broken foot that left me in a cast and out of cricket for a few weeks. I still went down to the carnival and supported the boy’s play. Which was difficult because I was itching to play with them, I still managed to hop around and help the boys with throw downs. After the week and the team had been announced for the U12 QLD, I was happy for those boys, who made it, but I left with a sad feeling knowing that I could have been in that team.

Up until now my proudest moment would have to be being selected in the U15s QLD side, which played, late last year and I did well enough to be selected in the Australian U16s which will play later in the year and early next year I believe”                                                                                                             

We talked about who inspires him the most and who his favourite players are he said.

There is no doubt that Jet is someone to watch out for, not only is he grounded but you can tell how much passion and desire he has for the game and to play for Australia. Jet is also a team player that encourages his team mates and works with them to improve their skills. I asked jet about what he wanted to accomplish and what he believes his future in store for him, he said.

“If I make the Australian men’s team I am going to grab it with both hands knowing that I have worked my butt off and made so many sacrifices to be there. If I ever play at that level I want to know that I’ve made a difference and been successful playing the sport. But there are no guarantees in sport.”

“I believe that I can go all the way to play test cricket for Australia and hopefully be successful at it in the years to come.”

Jet currently plays for St Patrick's College in Sandgate Queensland, Sandgate – Redcliffe under 17’s Qld squad. Jet also has played in winter cricket for Valley and Albany creek hawks.

“The people who inspire me the most are players such as Brad Haddin, Adam Gilchrest, Ricky Pointing, Michael Clarke, etc., My close family and friends who are always there supporting me whether I am doing well or not.  All my coaches and new coaches, which have taught me and are still teaching me to play the game of cricket”

“There is a whole list that I could name but Adam Gilchrest, Brad Haddin, Ricky pointing, Joe root, Steve Smith, Sam Whiteman, Chris Hartley, and Michael Clarke” are some of Jets favourite players.




**Jet know goes to Nudgee Colloege**

One of my dream was to get something published and June 27th 2017 it finally happened.

My post living with a disability has been picked up by a website called The Mighty, it is a site for those with a disability. I couldn't be happier than what I am now. It has been changed a little by their editors but I'm really happy about it.

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You can check it out here: https://themighty.com/…/living-with-psoriatic-arthritis-an…/

I also have a Facebook page for Briggsy's space. Just search for @briggsysspace and like the page and share with your friends.

@Briggsysspace on twitter as well.

My mind Ponders

How do I know what the gods have in store for me?

Do I trust in the powers to be?

I have no idea what lies ahead and,

It scares me to know

What am I doing with my life?

Have I taken the wrong road

When I reached an intersection?

All I know is I seem to be lost

And I am trying to get back to a place that I know.

But if I’m trying to go back to this place

Is it like taking steps back?

Or moving forward?

I have learnt from my mistakes and those that others have made

But the question I have is will I make them again?

I know where I have come from and

I know where I have been

These experiences will help me

For the future to come.

The problem with this is

That I am still lost.

I can only go where my heart leads me

I can only be the person I am and want to be.

I am still me that’s all I can be.

The key to life is not having all the answers

But going with the flow.

Take my chances

And follow that beat of my heart

But never forget the brain

Is there really a thing called luck?

Or is life just a flip of the coin?

I can’t really tell

Or do I just take it by chance.

An open letter to the world

Ladies and Gentlemen of this world please lend me your time.

We as a world are in trouble, we need to start saving it for future generations before it is too late.

We all deserve to be treated as an equal no matter the skin colour, religion, if we are male or female, gay or straight, fat or skinny, tall or short. This shouldn’t matter because if we weren’t meant to be like this we wouldn’t have been created as we are.

We all bleed the same, grieve the same, laugh the same and breathe the same air so why can’t we all get along?

It is 2017 and yet we still don’t allow same sex marriage in a lot of countries including Australia, we still live with the type of skin colour and how they are treated, they deserve the same rights and should be treated the same by the police and in parts of the world that don’t care for these type of people. Not to mention the fact that women still don’t have equal rights all over the world, they are not allowed to have a voice or wear what they please due to the culture and beliefs. There are still issues about men getting paid more than women as well.

I am over the constant reminder that the world I knew is now going crazy. Terrorists keep trying to win but will never succeed. I do have to ask them, do you really think you will get rewarded for something so cowardly and hurtful that takes innocent lives? No god will ever rewards something so hateful and horrible.  

You see love will always win in the end so no matter what is done to us, we will always stand side by side and shower each other with love and support. So maybe it is time to rethink the attacks and join us spreading love.

Please look after this world we only have one, our animals are becoming extinct because we don’t look after our waterways, animal poaching and land clearing to make way for more homes.  People litter rubbish that pollutes our waterways.

We need to do better as a whole. This world is only on rent to us until our time comes to and end and we need to leave it in a better place for our future generations.

The world is crying right now please help save her and make her smile.

Yours truly,

A concerned member of the world.