What style means to me…

When I grow up I want to be… stylish? Most young girls’ aspirations revolve around popularity, potential superstardom and fairytale endings with their prince charming. Mine were a tad more tangible. I wanted to be a writer, so I made myself a writer. I wanted to have curly hair, so I teased, tamed and tormented my waves into pre-Raphaelite glory. I wanted a style all my own…

…so this is me. Today. Lamé purple leggings. A pink tutu. A cropped tee over a black body. A satin pink bow decorating auburn curls. And my prized pair of purple DMs.

Another idealistic ‘80s fanatic you might think. But my style is about more than what I wear.

Style pieces itself together gradually, garnering elements from one ensemble or another, fads, fashions and phases. And though it may not be discernable as one stumbles through puberty and teen angst, a style all your own is being woven into the fabric of your being.

I have been channelling Eighties chic for years, through a vestige of big hair, leggings, and brightly coloured ensembles constructed in a bid to emulate my ‘80s icons. Born in 1985, my style inspiration derives from the quirky individuality of Molly Ringwald, Madonna and Mary Stuart Masterson.

As children, my brother and I would play dress-up, raiding the “fancy dress” hamper stored in the bottom of my mother’s closet. The floral leggings and oversized sweatshirts we donned were remnants of a fashion age that would shape the woman I grew up to be. I must have intrinsically known that I was a born devotee to the era of excess, as many items found their way into my wardrobe and stayed there, resisting the many desperate ‘clear-out’ attempts by my mother.

I spent my early teen years trawling through markets for vintage finds and reworking garments to achieve my longed-for ‘80s look. So much so that one Christmas evening, I abandoned the traditional movie and mellowing to create my own adaptation of a Katherine Hamnett slogan tee.

The ‘80s was defined by a generation of young men and women attempting to discover who they were and express their individuality. More than that, though, the big, bold ‘80s silhouette was a nod to tough times gone by and a means of armour with which to face the world. Having always been naturally drawn to excessorising myself with ‘80s trends, I grew to understand that my clothes served to simultaneously convey who I was while shielding me from the painful and difficult events in my life.

From my parents’ divorce in the early nineties and my father’s subsequent exodus to New Zealand, to the passing of my beloved Grandfather last year, I have modelled my wardrobe around my feelings. I surround myself with clothes and accessories that evoke a time I recall mainly via family photos and home videos, but one that fills me with happiness.

From a young age I developed a self-reliance and control that enabled me to deal with the loss, the hurt and the utter chaos that other people create. I realised I was the only person I could rely on. I wanted to be sure of who I was and what I was going to do with my life. My fashion sense and personal style derived from wanting to look different from everyone else. I wanted a style of my own. I didn’t want my fashion choices to be dictated by the fluctuating and fickle trends barometer.

Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Fashions evolve as we do, and so too our style punctuates each stage of our journey through life. Once we recognise this fact, we stop surrendering to passing trends and learn about who we are.

It is easy to mistake style as only belonging to the striking glamazons who stalk the runways at fashion shows and the girls we know, who seem to have everything. They appear to conjure this flair as though out of thin air, while we trip over countless fashion faux pas in an effort to achieve it.

At times, growing up, I felt I lacked this quintessential element of sophistication that was their key to success. I observed my peers’ effortless style, presumably thanks to wealthy parents, and I yearned for the insider knowledge that would instil me with that same “je ne sais quoi”.

Living vicariously through the fashions exhibited on cult shows including Sex and the City and Gossip Girl you can lose sight of your own style and look to adopt something else. I considered imitating the polished elegance of a Charlotte York or a Blair Waldorf, but ultimately I knew that wasn’t really me.

The high street continues to celebrate the 1980s revival and I have plundered my bank account to indulge my obsession, forgoing reason in a mad panic to buy before the retailers refresh their stock with the next fashion phase.

Yves Saint Laurent said: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” My style equates to my history, the richness of it embedded in every memory, every event I have experienced and every moment yet to come. It is what makes me who I am. And to me, that is what style is supposed to be: a window through which the outside world can look in and see ‘the real me’.

What's in a name

Carrie Bradshaw (nee Preston) is my screen-soulmate...



"You are a real girl about town. You love the city you live in and are always hanging out at the coolest joints. Most importantly you love your clothes – you dare to be different and are always sporting the latest trends before any of your friends. Although finding the right man is important, your friends always take first priority."
[Heart radio quiz result]

The number of SATC quizzes I take to discover my SATC soulmate and the answer is always Carrie!! My friends may think I rigged it because I covet Carrie's wardrobe, lifestyle and washboard stomach but honestly there are inescapable similarities...

We share the following: naturally curly hair; a career in writing (and journalism), a creativity which leads naturally on to how we express ourselves in life and in fashion; we dare to be different - I choose my clothes on the basis that I think they're gorgeous and fundamentally I want them to demonstrate my individuality to the world and the way I feel on any one day; our lifestyles - although I haven't yet acquired the 'walk-in-closet' I too live beyond my means believing truly that fashion does feed me more than food; like Carrie I too have my select group of very close friends with whom I share a sisterly bond (one of whom is distinctly like Miranda...) and I have found and married my very own Mr Big (though without the emotionally fraught preamble!!).

A final point:
Since her marriage to John James Preston, Carrie maintains her individuality and her name (Carrie Bradshaw). I have been faced with the dilemma of what to do about changing my name in the light of my recent marriage and have reached a compromise; in order to satisfy my husband's desire for me to take his name I have done this in an official capacity (passport, driving licence etc) however, as a writer I am able to retain my maiden name in all my by-lines and future works. In this way, I have achieved a happy balance between my married self and myself!!

Sparkle all the way...

Sex and the City 2



What a fantastic follow-up to movie number one!!! The fabulous foursome are back (and then some)!! Beautiful clothes, beautiful men and beautiful shoes!!!! Liza Minelli officiating a "gay wedding" [quoting Mr Big], Carrie in a tux, Samantha back to her maneating form, Charlotte having a case of the Jude Laws and Miranda looking hot hot hot...



The sequel to Sex and the City: The Movie is better than I could have dared to imagine!! It radiates with glamour and luxury, vibrant colour, brilliant comedy and of course, sparkle!! Mr Big and Carrie are stumbling their way through 'the terrible twos' trying to avoid falling into the rut of being "Mr & Mrs Married", Carrie wants the zsa zsa zu to remain at its height but there's a couch in the way... Charlotte is also feeling her way blindly through the terrible twos as the family she always dreamt of becomes rather overwhelming and she realises it's not possible to do it all - but she does have a wonderful (if bra-less) young nanny to help her out... Miranda has recaptured her relationship with hubby Steve but must recapture what she once loved about law and the fun person she used to be... and Samantha, well, she's back!! Using every herbal (and nutritional) tactic to stay young despite her 52 years, she's the same Samantha we all know and love taking her pick of the gorgeous straight men available - and in one instance even getting arrested for it!! She undoubtedly puts the 'sex' in Sex and the City 2!!!! It's just fabulous...



I love the eighties snapshots at the start of the movie also as Carrie recounts how she remembers each of her best friends when they first met...







...and of course when she herself first arrived in New York City in 1986...



I have seen it twice so far since it was released last Friday... the first time on Friday with my hubby at a special VIP screening at The Tricycle Cinema in Kilburn followed by a Q&A with Kim Cattrall (aka Samantha Jones) - see pics:



It was quite incredible to see her right there sitting just millimetres away from me (I was in the front row, of course!!)



And I asked my question - I asked how the women, particularly 'Samantha' had dealt with the middle-eastern restrictions imposed on women in Abu Dabi (actual filming location was Morocco because Abu Dabi actually wouldn't allow them to film the movie there, wanted numerous changes to the script and even wanted to remove the word 'Sex' from the title). She said she 'Kim' found it interesting to experience such a different culture and commented on the fact that so many Americans don't even have passports or travel anywhere outside of the United States.



I went again last night to a Cocktails and Cupcakes gala evening with my girlfriend Ariella... Standing outside the cinema drinking and catching up and admiring our pink iced cupcakes the two of us were approached by a guy - straight and a fan of SATC - who proceeded to direct all his conversation towards me despite my frequent mentioning of my husband. It was only when said husband showed up en route from the station that the guy instantly redirected his attention to Ariella and then made a swift departure into the cinema!!! Hilarious!! Anyway, needless to say it was equally fabulous the second time around - cannot wait for the DVD!!!!

Sparkle sparkle sparkle...

Sex and the City 2: The London Premiere

So yes, after days of tormenting myself as to whether or not I should brave the crowds and join them in trying to catch a glimpse of the famous foursome at last night's Leicester Square premiere - I went, I saw, I conquered.



Arriving at the Odeon amidst the beginnings of the Thursday evening rush hour I headed down to the square to see screens and gates and trailers and glitter enclosing the otherwise tourist-filled Leicester Square.



Taking up my position by the gates to settle in and await the arrival of the SATC cast I watched as more and more people flooded in from seemingly every corner...



An odd gentleman to my left decided to voice his very strange opinion as to why the crowd was mostly female, saying he knew that one of the stars is gay and therefore all or most of the spectators were there because we all had a major crush on her... hmmm, I told him he didn't understand the appeal of Sex and the City and that it was actually the kind of cult following that had nothing whatsoever to do with lesbian love... "The fashion!" I tried explaining to him - but to no avail. He was adamant, and he told me "I know, I've done my reading" - okay... Not content with leaving it at that, he arrived at my side again to declare that he was unequivocally NOT interested in men. "That's good to know", I told him. Thankfully he finally melted away into the crowd and I was joined by some normal people.



However, the weirdness was not over... Two... creatures arrived at the gate moments later. One was dressed in a blue tutu and looked like something Sesame Street had thrown up, with too much make-up and not enough brain capacity to function. Her companion was even worse, wearing a mismatched ensemble topped off with a headband out of which protruded a pair of furry balls and hugging a framed picture of... Bruce Forsyth!!



The movie's soundtrack was being played over the tannoy so that all of Leicester Square could enjoy the lyrics of "Single Ladies" (not so wonderfully covered my Liza Minelli in the movie), Alicia Keys' "New York" and more, including the lilting sound of the Middle-East. "Well that's all wrong! What's that?" says Blue Tutu - "It's Moroccan" I supply helpfully. "Wha?!" (Blue Tutu), "Moroccan..." I reply. "And why's tha?" (Blue Tutu). "Ummm, because they film part of the movie in Morocco...". Seriously, these freaks are probably not even aware of what movie is even on - and Bruce Forsyth certainly aint gonna be making an appearance!!!



I spend the rest of the wait trying to ignore them and get chatting to my new "normal" friends as we trade SATC stories and wait for Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda!!! Gok Wan appears at the top of the stairs flanked by Jenny something (can't be bothered to be interested in who she actually is) and riles up the crowd by telling us that from his vantage point he can see the limos arriving...



We watch as the first of the Z-list arrives, fake-tanned and heavily made up, sporting what they believe to be the height of sophisticated fashion. They're followed by TV actors and actresses; a few of the lesser well-known cast members blend into the arrivals and drift into the cinema unnoticed while all eyes are turned toward the stairs as we hear Gok interviewing (apparently the object of all our affection!!) Cynthia Nixon. She appears soon after and descends the stairs quickly in a 'blink or you'd miss her' swathe of cobalt blue fabric and strawberry blonde waves.



Next up is the gorgeous Kim Cattrall, who seems as excited to see us as we are to see her!! Channelling old school hollywood glamour with blonde waves a la Marilyn Monroe she waves enthusiastically as a series of flashbulbs go off and the air is filled with arms and cameras!! Closely following behind is the diminuitive Kristin Davis looking exactly like her on-screen counterpart Charlotte with her hair long and loose and wearing an exquisite sparkly gold number. She too waves energetically and flashes her mega-watt smile at the crowd. She looks like a doll, a really beautiful doll!!



Chris Noth, aka Mr Big is the next to walk the red carpet, looking insanely handsome and tall (unlike most film stars). And then... the undoubted star of the show herself... Sarah Jessica Parker appears at the top of the stairs and the crowd goes wild!!! She's wearing a fuzzy-looking black fascinator in her tradition of wearing a large headpiece to the London premiere (thereby blocking the view of whomever sits behind her) and looks absolutely breathtaking!!



I am finally seeing SJP in the flesh!!! And then it's over and they've disappeared inside the cinema to be served canapes, be shmoozed by those lucky enough to have received a pink envelope inviting them to this most illustrious soiree and enjoy the London debut screening of Sex and the City 2!!!!



My turn tonight - dragging Lee to the Tricycle Cinema in Kilburn for pre-film cocktails, followed by the movie and then a VIP experience like no other, a Q&A with none other than Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall)!!! And I'm sitting front row...

Das and Lee's Big Fat Israeli Wedding...

Two and a half years of planning, two flats in Kilburn and two hundred copies of Brides magazine later... I'm married!!



Our Big Fat Israeli Wedding almost became our 'Little Meagre English Excuse for a Wedding' in the wake of the legendary ash cloud, but good fortune prevailed and with less than a week to go and of the evening of our final dance lesson, Lord Adonis announced the reopening of London airspace!! (Huge sigh of relief)

I was actually more excited about my leg wax than the wedding at one point, knowing at least that the former would definitely be taking place. And luckily both had a smooth outcome!!

We flew out with ElAl (amid high security - armed policemen, sniffer dogs, 20 thousand security questions, my Mum getting reprimanded by staff and having her bag searched in the process... the usual)... and arrived at Ben Gurion airport in the early hours of Thursday 29 April. Mum and Lee's best man, Paul, together with the dress and the luggage bundled into our friend Jeremy's car and headed out for breakfast and a leisurely journey north, while Lee, my brother and I took the train to Akko to meet with our rabbi and my Dad.

I went from sleep to wakefulness constantly during the hour and a half journey as we passed the beautiful Israeli landscape...

We arrived at Akko and were greeted by my Dad!!! And, almost thinking the rabbi had forgotten our meeting, ran into him as we went to leave our bags in the car. The four of us headed over to the nearest coffee shop for beverages and briefing of how the ceremony was to play out. Duly satisfied all round we took our leave and drove the 40 minutes north to the Kibbutz.

That Thursday was the longest Thursday I have ever experienced... I didn't sleep (though I was undoubtedly exhausted) but spent the entire day meeting various people from the videographer to the lovely lady making my cake!! I joined my family at the park where the reception was to take place and assisted my cousins and uncle in hanging up the multi-coloured bulbs which would light up the place on the night. By now evening, Lee, my Dad and I made the trip again to Akko to collect Lee's mum and brother. And on our return to the Kibbutz, having walked Lee's Mum to her room, we then waited up for the arrival of my bridesmaids... it was past midnight when they finally drove in...

Friday morning at 11 we were in Hatzor, a local town, where I was to receive my make-up trial accompanied by my loyal bridesmaids and brother. Looking a bit like Dana International, albeit beautifully done, I decided that I would stick to DIY on the day... and with that we went to find something to eat at the falafel bar. My Dad collected us and took us home via Rosh Pinah where we admired the mall and window-shopped. Back on the Kibbutz we prepared for the evening's event... The Friday Night Dinner and The Big Quiz.

Additional guests were shuttled over in a minibus and we prepared for the evening's entertainment... dinner was gorgeous, a traditional Friday night affair with roast chicken, roast potatoes, veggies and lots of wine!! My Mum made a little speech and told of how she had first come to the Kibbutz and met my Dad, Lee thanked everyone for coming and my oldest friend, Adam Pike made a lovely speech about his own experiences with the kibbutz and how our friendship came about... Dinner over (though yummy cakes and coffee were in constant supply) Lee divided everyone into teams and the quiz commenced with Lee as quiz master and me as his not so silent assistant!! Everyone participated with full gusto though the men were less than thrilled with my Sex and the City bonus round!! All in all the evening was a rousing success and everyone was bonded and the ice was broken.

Saturday morning I was awakened by Alicia Keyes' 'New York' as my godmother was ringing my cell to alert me of her arrival and need to have the gate opened at the Kibbutz entrance. I directed her to my room which I was sharing with my bridesmaids and then clad in my pyjamas and trailing my suitcase we made our way over to the guest house and my bridal suite. Unable to track down my aunt whom Bev (the godmother) was sharing with we settled instead for breakfast. People started to emerge and I showered and changed for brunch as more guests arrived. After brunch people divided into groups. Our friends stayed together and while a group of the boys went off to play football in the baking sun, the rest of us relaxed with refreshments and banter outside the guest rooms.

The hotel guests staying outside the Kibbutz went back to the hotel to change and prepare for the evening activities a little later on.

The boys headed into Rosh Pinah for dinner and a knees up in Lee's honour while the girls communed by the pool on the Kibbutz. Clad in our bathing suits we were taken into the specially heated pool where we engaged in a number of hilarious (involving rubber tubes), relaxing and female-bonding exercises!! Relaxed and showered we made our way over to my cousin's room where she had laid on wine, cheese, crackers, olives and grapes and we spent the remainder of the evening recounting stories about me and in general while I got progressively pissed on three cups of wine!! My brother arrived at one point and we cajoled him into giving us a performance of Billie Jean!! It was a fabulous night!!

My cousin stayed the night with me... at 3am Lee called to say they were unable to get a taxi back to the Kibbutz and if they weren't able to find one within 5 minutes they were walking back. Hmmm... not a sensible idea given that it's not a short walk and most of it is on highways at night...at 5am he called again to say they had walked past the road to the Kibbutz and were continuing on to the hotel but were rather lost and could someone come and get them... Uh, no!!! My sleepy and very gracious cousin then got on the phone and directed them to the hotel at which they arrived half and hour later...

The following morning I awoke early and left my poor cousin asleep to go and sit outside where I found my future Mother-in-law enjoying her morning cigarette. We chatted for a while and then my auntie emerged and offered to get me breakfast. Part way during our lovely breakfast, at which by now we were joined by my Mum, brother and a small group of close friends, it started to rain. Starting gradually and becoming significantly more pronounced we leapt to the nearest shelter - ending up in doorways or pinned up against the wall!! It was hilarious!! And apparently, it is good luck to have rain on the day of your wedding, it is meant to symbolise that you will be fertile!!

Dry and dressed for company we later enjoyed a rain-free lunch...

Following this I retired to my room accompanied by my auntie and cousin and to the sound of Barbra Streisand's Yentl soundtrack I proceeded to get ready. I flooded the bathroom floor - as showers in most accommodation on the Kibbutz do not have sufficient design to prevent the water from escaping - and had to lay down most of the towels at my disposal on the floor! I scrunch-dried my hair, did my make-up and applied my corset and knickers. Bev came in and advised me to pat some talc under my breasts to prevent me from sweating and slowly slowly I got myself into my wedding apparel. My auntie helped me on with my shoes, which we cleverly left until after the dress was on!! And soon I was ready for a pre-photo shoot.

Together with my bridal party and immediate family we had some pictures taken before making our way over to the wedding area for the signing of the Ktuba. This was one of the most beautiful experiences of the whole wedding as we sat beneath the awnings of a tree and heard the rabbi recite the meaning behind the entire wedding contract surrounded by our loved ones as I held my Dad's hand. Lee told me I looked beautiful and I responded with how gorgeous he looked!!

We then made our way over to the Chupa, the bridesmaids, brothers and best men first, then the witnesses and lastly (but not least) my parents and I. Lee met me before the Chupa and we did the bedecking procedure (it is customary in Jewish marital proceedings for the groom to check that the bride is his intended before the ceremony following ancient bible tradition).

The Chupa then began with me walking the customary 7 times around Lee while everyone counted!! It was the most beautiful setting with the sunset falling on the heights of the Hula Valley behind us and the most magical experience I have ever encountered.

Immediately after Lee had stamped on the glass and everyone came up in droves to wish us mazel tov, the Israeli dancing began. During the Hora (traditional dance where the bride and groom are hoisted onto chairs and are joined by a white cloth), I of course plummeted off the chair!! Thankfully I was buffeted by my dress!! The atmosphere was electric and everyone was dancing and singing.

Everyone then gradually made their way over to the reception for a buffet dinner of schwarma, mezze, pitta bread, beer and wine... The dancing continued before the eating finally began and then Lee and I performed our first dance to Peggy Lee's Fever (which we had had choreographed for us). Then we did our speeches followed by my Mum, my brother and his mini tribute to Michael Jackson, my Savta (grandma), my cousins, the best men - Lee's brother Jay, who everyone thinks should be a stand-up comic, and Paul who entertained us with a fabulous ode to Justin Timberlake's incredible dance moves!! And some beautiful words from both. Then Raffi, the MC and one of my Dad's oldest friends, spoke on his behalf... it was very moving.

Then the party began - the music was pumping, the alcohol was flowing and so was the conversation.

Part way during the evening and after the traditional cutting of the cake, (a three-tiered chocolate fudge creation with white icing and yellow rose adornments and topped with figures of Mickey and Minnie Mouse) - our friends and us divvied it up and got stuck into the best wedding cake I have ever tasted!!!!! It was A-MA-ZING!!!! We continued to party and towards the end of the night, our friends and family gathered round us as we slow-danced. Then we all sang the Hatikva (Israeli national anthem) together before partying for a while longer... I ended up finally succumbing to the many folds of material in my dress and falling down, landing on my back on the dancefloor, at which point my MoH said, 'Das, you're not supposed to be on your back for at least another half an hour' and one of Lee's friends offered me the breath of life!!!

I later tossed my beautiful bouquet, which was caught by my cousin and met with rapturous applause!!

Most people eventually returned to the bus a little later, full of joy and thank you's for a fabulous night (even if I do say so myself!!), while a few of us returned to the bridal suite to carry on the party - accompanied by the cake, of course!! We discovered an ant-infestation in the kitchenette but my cousin came to the rescue and mopped them away - thank g-d!! We all sat and chatted about the wedding until the early hours and then Lee and I were left alone...

In the morning I had breakfast with my new husband and then we took the cake (very heavy - I ended up carrying it as Lee had to back to the room, and believe me it was like a tonne!!) over to my Savta's house where we were met by our nearest and dearest wanting to wish us farewell. We were then transported to Sde Dov airport in Tel Aviv by my wonderful friend Jeremy where we caught an afternoon flight to Eilat for our mini-moon.

It was wonderful, we stayed in an incredible hotel called the Agamim in an 'on-the-water' room - meaning we had personal access to the pool!! We ate, relaxed, swam, visited the dolphin reef, participated in water sports, and visited the marine park during our three-day break and of course, consummated our marriage (more than once!!)

Overall, a once in a lifetime experience and one that I will never ever forget!! And now we are looking forward to our honeymoon in New Zealand at the end of the year, as Mr and Mrs Hine!!! xxx

...last night

So last night we had problems with our neighbour who is routinely prone to throwing herself late-night raves at immensely high volume... at 11pm last night and with the torturous sounds of satanist rock pumping through the walls I leapt out of bed and armed with the heaviest thing I could lay my hands on at short notice, went and smashed on her door... however, my weapon of choice was not particularly sustainable in the event of being thrown against noisy-neighbours' door and our money jar into which we have been pouring our pennies into for months was suddenly strewn across our front hall and some had managed to burrow under noisy-neighbour's door... oh crap!! My furious (now) husband rushed out to my panicked pleas for help and assisted me in picking up the coins and notes amidst the shattered pieces of pottery. Hearing a break in the music I then slammed on noisy-neighbours' door realising I needed to retrieve the money from beneath her door!!! Luckily she opened and slightly bemused at the sight of me in my neglige in the corridor and even more bemused at the heap of cash on her doorstep she shrugged the whole episode off as something weird and typical of me!! Hmmmm...

The music did not stop but the husband and I had a chuckle at the turn of events and eventually fell asleep...

Once upon a time...

When I was a little girl, I believed that all girls grew up to be princesses and all boys grew up to be princes. Of course, I am reminded that this is an idealistic fantasy on a daily basis, thanks to the men who push me aside to get onto the tube, men who leer at me as I walk past them on the street and men who allow alcohol to excuse their filthy language and aggressive behaviour. I apologise if I sound like a total prude, but I admit, I long for the days when ladies were ladies and gentlemen were gentlemen.



I would settle for not having to worry about wearing clothes that accentuate certain assets which invite unwelcome comments and attention from menacing male passers-by... and yes, if I were to get transported back through time I think I would choose the period circa Jane Austen. Although, that too comes with its negative trappings, like limited freedom over choice and lifestyle.

The dilemma we ladies face is this. We demand equality with our male counterparts, fighting for our rights to work, vote and education, however we wind up with men feeling threatened by our new-found power (both at home and in the workplace) and a belief on their part that we should still remain in our proper place, ideally second to them. And it seems as though their behaviour towards us confirms this attitude as they attempt to relegate us to sub-status by objectifying us, threatening us and ignoring us.

I am not going to generalise and apply this litany to ALL men; there are a vast majority who do not come under this bracket. However, we are still plagued by the remainder on an almost daily basis.

And we must acknowledge that there are members of the female race who have fallen on the wrong side of the equality track. The younger generations are less inclined to hold the values of eras gone by so bombarded are they by visions of contemporary culture. Men and women today hold more regard for material things than they do for human life. I honestly believe that if you asked a teenager what they would save first in a fire, they would immediately say: their iPod!

You may be thinking I am an old fuddy-duddy trapped in the body of a young 20-something woman, but these are my core values - I would rather spend the evening talking and eating with my significant other than stare mindlessly at a TV (though of course, there are times I will do that). But my point is, we must acknowledge what is important within the context of the technological and material age we live in. People should have respect for each other on a very fundamental level (i.e. not charging onto a train before other people have alighted)... so that we can perhaps look forward to living happily ever after?!