Casey Anthony may soon sell her story
Morning team Mamamia. It was a terribly sad weekend in all ways. Terror attacks in Norway, the death of a drug addicted singer and a bullet train crash in China. Not to mention the ongoing famine in the Horn of Africa. Catch up on some of what you missed right here.
1. Norwegian gunman and bomber admits responsibility for 92 deaths
The 32-year-old man arrested following the deadliest attacks in Norway since World War II has admitted responsibility for his attacks, apparently admitting they were cruel but that he had to go through with them. And as the Prime Minister, whose office was targeted in the Oslo bombing, and members of the Norwegian royal family met with the families of the victims it emerged the police took so long to respond because they had trouble finding a boat and their helicopter wasn’t on standby. It was 90 minutes after the gunman opened fire on the island holding the youth retreat before police made it ashore. Meanwhile, the suspects diary reveals him as an Islamophobic anti-Marxist Nazi. He said he would be revealed as the most shocking Nazi since World War II. The diary also indicated he had been planning the attacks since at least 2009.
2. Cadel Evans becomes first Australian to win the Tour de France
He couldn’t be challenged in the final stage and cyclist Cadel Evans knew it. The yellow jersey was his. Cadel rode down the Champs Elysee with a glass of champagne in hand and Australia’s newest national sporting star. Evans said the win was a culmination of years of trying. He had been runner-up twice before but, as they say, victory itself is sweetest. The Prime Minister,while congratulating Evans, had to play down talks of a public holiday for the sport obsessed. No deal.
3. Amy Winehouse died from a drug overdose: reports.
The death of the 27-year-old soul singer is still being investigated by police, but some are reporting the star suffered from a drug overdose or bad ecstasy pill. Others reported yesterday the star suffered a seizure brought on by heavy drinking, not drug use. Tributes have poured in from around the world. Friend of the singer Russel Brand, a former addict himself, wrote a moving tribute to the star. He wrote:
“Now Amy Winehouse is dead, like many others whose unnecessary deaths have been retrospectively romanticised, at 27 years old. Whether this tragedy was preventable or not is now irrelevant. It is not preventable today. We have lost a beautiful and talented woman to this disease. Not all addicts have Amy’s incredible talent. Or Kurt’s or Jimi’s or Janis’s, some people just get the affliction. All we can do is adapt the way we view this condition, not as a crime or a romantic affectation but as a disease that will kill.”
4. Bosses who demand medical certificate for one sick day are wasting time.
Steve Hambleton, the new boss of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called on the Federal Government to put a stop to unreasonable bosses demanding medical certificates for one day’s sick leave. He said it was idiotic and was wasting doctors’ time. Requests for doctor’s certificates have more than doubled in the past decade, equating to about an extra 1.5 million visits just to get a signed form.
5. Asylum seeker cuts throat, others hunger strike at detention centre
Two men have cut themselves, one in the throat and another on his arm, in protests at the Scherger Detention Centre near Weipa in far north Queensland. They are among 60-80 asylum seekers who are on a hunger strike, protesting long processing times at the centre. Some have been locked up for almost 2 years. A spokesperson for the department said the injuries were ‘minor’.
6. Bidding has begun for the first Casey Anthony interview
And it will probably make the woman, acquitted of murdering her young daughter Caylee, a millionaire. Mega networks NBC, ABC and CBS are all vying for the first interview. They say they don’t pay for interviews, but they do pay big bucks for licensing deals on photos and visuals. The going price at the moment seems to be $1 million.
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Comments
181 Comments so far
Come on guys! The whole point about today’s media is that there’s room for everything. Sure it only lasts 5 mins before we move on but still.. Our tiny minds can cope with Norway Amy and Cadel – no need to declare a hierarchy. When I watch sport, which I love to do, I can’t get over the brilliance of humankind.. for the sheer ingenuity of constructing these contests which test skills, character, teamsmanship and perseverance while providing spectators with so much drama and excitement. I guess you just have to ‘get it’. Love Cadel, love Amy, horrified for Oslo.
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Cadel Evans has illustrated stamina, strength, determination and willingness to succeed, focus. His physical and mental strength is truly inspirational.
Mia quotes “I don’t get it- its only a bike ride” on the Today Show. These incredible human beings bike ride the mountainous landscape of France for 3 weeks straight. Its not just “a bike ride.” Do your research before you make ignorant comments.
“If it was about shoes I would get it.” Shame on you Mia. Honestly. Get out of your superficial world and try stop being one dimensional. Your comments were an embarrassment.
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And your comments are just lovely!
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What Russell Brand said about addiction is beautifully compassionate. I wish more people had his understanding of how addiction works.
I always hated the way the media ridiculed Amy Winehouse.
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I just wanted to add something to what has been a highly eventful day on Mamamia. I asked my 11 year old, very sporty, daughter today about what they talked about at school in the playground……did they talk about Cadel Evans victory? Nope. Amy Whinehouse? Nope. She told me “we talked about all those poor people who were killed in Norway and why guns are bad. Except for country people who need them. But mostly about how sad the whole of Norway must be feeling”
There you go. From the mouths of babes, at least they cut through all the media thrown at them over the weekend and got to the heart of it.
I’m a little proud of my chicky and her friends:)
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I love when kids show compassion like that. Even if they don’t fully understand the situation, they’re so good at getting to the heart of it – ‘how sad the whole of Norway must be feeling.’ Beautiful.
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you should be proud of your daughter, but proud of yourself too.. you raised her!
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Why are comments now closed in the Cadel Evans story? I disagree Mia, I think he is a hero… Do you know his work behind the Amy Gillett foundation? His work behind Tibet and his sponsor ship of children? His involvement with Ian Thorpes fountain for youth foundation helping children over come literacy problems in the NT? 83 hours he sat on his bike in the worlds toughest test of human endurance. Definitely a hero in my eyes.
As for the public holiday idea, not saying I want one but why do we have one in Victoria for a horse race?? Something to think about….
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The comments are closed because after 1300 comments I think most things have been said and the post was becoming a bit of a troll haven. We hope you understand
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Rick, what about the western derby?
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Oh, do tell? I don’t even know what that is!
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ooh Rick! you just made my heart flutter as a non-afl watching west australian surrounded by footy tragics!
the western derby is when an afl game is played between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers….. it was played over the weekend, and does my heart glad to know that it isn’t after all, the biggest news in the world….Now if someone would just tell everyone I know, and work with…..
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As ashamasha said it was a football game between the 2 wa footy teams. Really important game. Eagles won by 1 point (65:64). It split the state apart, and I’m not even into the footy that much, it was such a brilliant game. Just remember WA too!
*my name isn’t showing up but it’s the same Katie as above
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Australia put Cadel Evans on the front page because he is Australian and his victory is historic for Australia.
I don’t think being happy about Cadel Evans makes you one dimensional. I am ecstatic that he won. I thought he put in an amazing effort. I am sad and horrified by the events in Norway and upset about what is going on in Africa.
One doesn’t cancel out the other.
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Russell (Brand) is spelt with two L’s.
Just a heads up
And not a heads up in the “seriously? Poignant” fashion… just a friendly call to attention
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Sham shame shame, Mia!! What is it with this constant knocking of ‘heroes’ when they are sporting heroes???? Ok if like some ‘football’ heroes they go off and drink too much and make a fool of themselves, yes for that anybody can be critical. But Cadel Evans’s victory in the TDF isn’t just another great Aussie victory in an elite sport overseas – although that’s still pretty good in my opinion – it is quite literally an insoiration to hundreds, NO thousands of Australian – not just the ‘younger set’ – to aspire to do great things against the odds, it doesn’t have to be in a sporting arena. In any area where any individual believes they can achieve a goal that may take many years to do so but can be inspired by the Cadel Evans’s of the world, then I say “go for it!!!” And by the way ms mia you arer wronf to say we – Australians – only adulate or applaud a great victory or achievment when it is a sporting victory – just plain wrong. Look back over the last ten years and see how many great Aussie scientists or environmentalists etc… have been applauded or given very high praise for their achievements. Like for example the doctor who made a breakthrough in the cervical cancer vaccine Dr Ian Frazer, just to mention one, and there are so many others… Oh but if its a “sporting success” its too much….. Take a closer look mia next time before being so falsely critical about the achievements of a “Cadel Evans”. There is much more to a person like that than you give credit, or are prepared to anyway….. very disappointing…….. but you can make amends if you wish to…. if you can be so humble?? aplogise on air – TV…. I won’t be holding my breath…..
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Shoot!! I think Karl used Mia to start a new Australian sport – shoot down all Australians who say they don’t understand sports “hero” worship. How very unsportsmanlike of these sporty people not to allow anyone to say they don’t understand it. Get some perspective.
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yes ,fully agree, the interview showed karl up as a bully, because someone dared not to agree with him. And I thought Cadel’s achievement was fantastic, the tour de france is a punishing gruelling race and i will always admire that sort of PERSONAL effort but that is what it is, a personal dream and accomplishment and yeah definitely not public holiday worthy. So Mia I would like to add my support to your comments and maybe it will help to negate all the negative comments.
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Any death is a tragedy. I didn’t realise that it was a competition these days…
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The Norway mass murderer also was a climate change denialist, and specifically mentions Lord Monckton in his ‘manifesto’.
Far from ‘The Greens’ being a potential terrorist threat (or a threat to our way of life), once again we see the Right killing innocents at the call of media clowns like Lord Monckton.
Chris Monckton, of course, did not make that call, just heavily suggests it in his speeches.
You know if there was a version of Alan Jones in Norway, Anders Behring Breivik would be listening to him. Let’s hope an Australian climate denier doesn’t take Alan’s advice to put the PM in a bag, take her out to sea and drown her seriously. Or kill children.
Anders Behring Breivik is the first climate change denialist mass murderer.
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Oh Idle…you are being provocative with your last sentence!!!!
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I don’t know what you mean.
But I do know you either love Australia or you listen to Alan Jones.
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This made me laugh so much that the kids asked why. Thank you!
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I’ll bet that you also believe the song “Puff, The Magic Dragon” is about smoking marijuana.
Dad, I generally find your comments interesting and thought provoking…but honestly ! This Norwegian nutjob killed people because of Lord Monckton ? The worlds first climate change denier mass murderer ? Are you sure that he wasn’t a lefthanded, vegetarian Methodist lay preacher as well ?
You need to put a bit more spin into your generalisation to win us all over.
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To be fair, he also blames multiculturalism, Islam, feminism and the EU.
But I understand, Bradley. People throw the label “Eco-terrorist” at Greenpeace even though they’ve never actually hurt ot killed anyone (whipper-snipper crops!!! ECO-TERRORISTS!!!), but when a guy specifically references Monckton in his why-I-killed-92-innocent-people-manifesto – Monckton, who is currently touring and telling every one we must investigate, capture and punish and MAKE THEM PAY those who believe man made climate change is a real possibility – the right get off Scott-free?
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How about this line: You can’t call for a people’s revolt then claim innocence when a person revolts.
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God I loathe Alan Jones. That is all.
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You had to add “Poignant.” to the photograph caption? Seriously? Just in case we didn’t get it?
I don’t mind a bit of commentary with my news, but that just makes me think you reckon we’re all so dumb that you need to tell us when news is sad, happy or otherwise.
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Reckon you might be reading a bit too much into that there. Whoa.
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You had to add “Whoa” to that sentence? Seriously? Just in case we didn’t get it?
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I think the snarkometer has gone through the roof this morning
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The stars are certainly out of alignment today…Some thing crazy is happening…
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he he he funny!
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I think we should be able to celebrate Cadel Evans’ amazing win, see him as a hero and feel proud that he is Australian as well as be horrified by the events that unfolded in Norway as well as feel the sadness of Amy Whinehouse’s tragic death as well as have an opinion about sick certificates for one day’s sick leave as well as ponder, discuss and debate the solution to the asylum seeker issues. All in one day. Without each event relating to the other. And without verbally abusing or being upset by someone who sees it differently.
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No sorry. It is nothing less than heartless, to plaster front pages and all news headlines with a champion bike rider, when milllions are on the verge of starvation in Africa.
It’s so wrong to have turn the pages to look for the stories that are the most important on the world scale. Apart from us here in Australia, who else has put Cadel Evans on the front page and first up on news bulletins- no-one of course. I bet world headlines are reserved with the horror of Norway, the tragedy of Africa and other more humane stories.
Put in to perspective, we are being ridiculous about our sporting champs.
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No need to apologise to disagree. To disagree is not offensive. My point was that Mia shouldn’t be copping such harsh verbal abuse and be called names because she feels that sports people should not be called heroes. On the flipside, I do not agree that those feeling happy and excited about Cadel winning the tour is heartless. I don’t think it reflects on how they feel about other current issues. People can feel happy about one thing and sadness, outrage, horror about other things happening in the world. It is nice to have some happy amongst the horror and grief.
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There is a picture going around of Breivik holding a gun. Does anyone else think this looks a bit photoshopped? The ‘Norway Marxist’ Badge seems too crisp, his body seems a bit different to his head, he seems not to be looking correctly at his target.
I know shooting is a very popular sport in Norway so maybe it is a real picture. Thoughts?
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got to agree with your today statement. Most sports people do what they do for their own self aggrandizement. Admiratation for human achievment is one thing but the worship we show these people is difficult to comprehend and the same for many entertainers, i just don’t get the cult of the star
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Mia is right on with her observations on the way we hero-worship people who want to ride, jump, walk, run, faster, higher, further. Just imagine how the people who are grieving this morning because someone died of cancer, a heart attack, sids or any other disease- think how they must be feeling. Illnesses, that with more money and people power, could be cured. All that money that goes into sponsoring all sorts of events just like the tour de France and the prize money- imagine if it was used to help find cures instead.
Just imagine.
Imagine directing all that acclaim to scientists who devote their time and resources to develop these cures- imagine.
The reality is that they don’t have near enough corporate funding and recognition for their important work.
Yet today our journalists are hailing Cadel Evans’ win as heroic. He is a champion no doubt- but nothing he did was heroic. Heroism is reserved for those who do brave things for others- it really is a misuse of the word for successful athletes. The same thing for movie stars that are called legends- a powerful word misused for people who role paly for a living. My kids do it for free by the way. And just by the way SCOTT, you don’t have to have a ‘thing’ against men to have a thing against Carl Stefanovic. It’s obvious that his fantasy is to be a regarded journalist- he is just plain awful as a reporter. This morning is not the first time I have found his method of interviewing to be hard to watch- I’m being kind.
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“All that money that goes into sponsoring all sorts of events just like the tour de France and the prize money- imagine if it was used to help find cures instead.”
If we take away sporting events can you imagine how many people will be out of a job? Sports also bring money into economies. They show other countries what ours is like. Imagine if we didnt get the Olympics?? That was amazing for our country. It brought us prestige around the world, gave others a better understanding of Australia (not just the crocodile dundee image) and created a lot of jobs and money.
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Yes, agree with you. Sport does also contribute to helping to find cures. Haven’t we seen footballers and referees and cricketers all sporting pink shirts and socks lately to promote the awareness of breast cancer and in turn this is generating donations for the funding of a cure?
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It is great for stress relief too. Such a healthy interest to have.
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Medi are you sure you are not Mia responding in this manner? Granted Karl is not what you call a stellar jornalist but at least he CAN look at things from both sides and at times offer a balanced opinion. Unlike Princess Mia who fails dutifully in her research and demeans men and sport, even Australia at as many opportunities as present themselves.
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Thanks for the compliment but no. Karl Stefanovic’s method of looking at things from both sides is more like how much sensationalism can he stir up. I have horrible memories of him interviewing Germaine Greer after Steve Irwin had died. Someone else in the UK had interviewed her and illicited predictably controversial responses. Karl jumped on the band wagon a couple of days later and tried to get the same sensationalist response. He didn’t fool me- why on earth would you interview Germaine Greer about Steve Irwin anyway? It’s a stretch to credit Karl’s interview as researched and covering both sides- he has no historical credibility as a journo and today was a fine example of that. Mia did a stellar job putting forward a valid point of view.
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I wonder how much all those doctor’s certificate appointments cost medicare?
The thing is, if someone is sick it’s important to stay home to prevent spreading it around work. If it’s just a head cold we all know to rest and stay hydrated, there’s no need to see the doctor.
Once someone goes beyond their annual sick leave quota only then employers should be able to demand a medical certificate.
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Could not agree more – as a nation our priorities are so far out of whack. Sportspeople are hero-worshipped and we don’t particulary care about anything that matters. After what went on in the world this past weekend how could the leading story everywhere be a bike race? Sports people do what they do because they love it – it’s purely selfish. Good on them if someone pays them to do it. But it’s not about making a difference or saving lifes or even leaving the world better than you found it. Who cares?
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Nicely said.
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Who doesn’t care about anything that matters? Those who loved seeing Cadel Evens win? Really? And for many, sport makes a difference to many lives. It is healthy. It should be promoted. It encourages others to get out there and exercise…maybe that does save lives, illnesses, obesity, dr visits, hospital stays…???
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Mia, I’ve often thought you are way out of line with some of your comments but in this instance you have gone too far. Cadel’s achievement is truly wonderful for himself, his family, his friends and us, his fellow Australians. Yes, sometimes we do place a little too much importance on sport. Personally, I believe there is way too much money being earned by professional sports identities – especially football. However, frankly, the more we can get our kids out in the fresh air and away from technology including Facebook, the better. I can only see a positive in his win. He has encouraged a resurgence in cycling and what a fabulous way to exercise. Before you put your foot in your mouth – yet again – did you stop to think for one minute that if even only one child asks for pocket money to save for a bike instead of perhaps going down that other terrifying path of asking for pocket money to buy drugs, then the media exposure currently being given to Cadel is a blessing. And as many of my fellow MamaMians have expressed, he is a hero – a sporting hero. This does not demean in any way, any of our other fellow Australians who deserve the title of “Hero”. Our emergency services personnel are heroes, our thousands of volunteers are heroes, people like Dr Charlie Teo and Dr Gordeon Fulder are heroes. Many of our media personalities are also heroes. One of my best friends is, in my opinion, one of my heroes because of the work she does with the War Crimes Tribunal at the UN. Isn’t it better to replay the absolute joy on Cadel’s face for a few days than being constantly confronted with images of bloodied bodies in Norway, coffins of our servicemen killed in Afghanistan being unloaded, the daily drive-by shootings happening in suburbs all over Australia, crimes against children. This type of media coverage is constantly in our face. Please let us share and promote Cadel’s joy and achievement. Honestly, Mia I was pretty shocked and gutted following your appearance on the Today show this morning. What were you thinking?
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All those people you listed as heroes- are heroes because of what they do for others- no sports person falls into that category. The nature of sport is selfish- kick, ride, run, higher, further, faster. Champions yes, heroes-no.
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Hi Medi, I think the point I was trying to get across and obviously didn’t, was that we all have heroes in our lives and heroes come in different guises. It’s fine if other people don’t see him as a “hero” but there will be a lot of kids out there who do. Those same kids will go on to do great things and not necessarily in the sporting arena, because they had Cadel Evans as their “Hero” aka “inspiration” aka “champion”.
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Were you really gutted or is that an exaggeration? I was gutted when I saw the starving people in the horn of Africa.
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Dear Mia, regarding your comments on the Today show this morning how RIGHT you are! Why do we celebrate a man who has made history, who has completed and won the most toughest endurance event on the planet? We must all be mad to support a man who lives in Europe for his PROFESSION but wholeheartedly identifies himself as being Australian? When there are so many other depressing and upsetting news stories why have a little ray of sunshine for just one day.. it is sheer MADNESS!
Especially when there are so many other interesting stories and opinions on your website about women who don’t shave their armpits, jealously over friends pregnancies, and other countless stories too banal to mention.
My father-in-law is a dentist and has completed volunteer work in countless indigenous communties and he does not care one little bit that Cadel is in the news, in fact he feels he deserves it and is celebrating along with the rest of Australia.
So before you start speaking on the behalf of carers, volunteers and the like maybe ask them their opinion on Cadel and sport… you’d be surprised!
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I remember a *big* ray of sunshine I wanted to read about last year – the world’s Nobel peace prize winner, the Philosopher Liu Xiaobo and his struggles for fundamental human rights in China. Yet I had to trawl through page after page of banal *heroic* sports stories (the Commonwealth Games was on) to find the *tiny* section well back in the world news about him and his deeds and contributions to society.
I bet if you went out and polled the average Australian *most* could probably name you up to 50 sports stars off the top of their head – I guarantee *most* could not name the *one* Australian woman who has ever won a Nobel Prize for Science.
It’s not that athletes can’t be inspirational – it’s that we hear NONSTOP about them and all their amazing feats and how amazing they are and what an inspiration they are – almost to the exclusion of other people making interesting and worthy contributions. Let’s celebrate sports people but how about a little balance.
I find people’s flashmob mentality and reaction to this issue a little frightening. The fervour and vitriol against anyone who doesn’t share it doesn’t look like inspiration- it makes them seem possessed! When I’m inspired by someone I think is admirable I use that inspiration to quietly find momentum to achieve something. I don’t really care if someone disagrees.
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Hey Mia, I was shopping at Macarthur Square this weekend and saw these giant posters with you on it – I was completely spun out and so stoked that you are going to be visiting my ‘hood. I feel like all the high profile sydney-siders (or all the sydney-city folk, actually) forget about us at the end of the train line – it feels great to know that someone remembers we exist!
So thank you for hosting your forum in my backyard
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Viva le tour! Cadel deserves his 24 hours of media saturation! You missed the point on this one, Mia!
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The beautiful face of evil. Did you notice that the killer has almost saintly face features (western standards)? He did not kill himself following his killing spree – he is going to be around for a while. I just hope media does not turn him into sort of dark-side celebrity.
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I think Cadel’s achievement is bloody tremendous.
Mia, why do you have to dig your heels in every time the nation gets excited about a wonderful sporting achievement? I get your points about there being many people out there whose work/efforts go unrecognised, but why do you always have to bring this up to bring down a sporting win? It baffles me. By all means, tell us your views on why it is important that successes from all fields of work should be celebrated, but please also stop putting down sporting achievements that mean so much to many people. What is wrong with Australia being (generally) enthused by sport?
The word hero probably does get used a tad too much in the sporting arena. But many words get used too much in contexts that don’t really befit them. And in many people’s eyes, Cadel would most definitely be a hero. Unless we walk in someone else’s shoes and live and breathe their personal world, the rest of society does not have a right to dispute who they consider a hero in they own eyes. Also, ‘hero’ has a few different meanings, the word doesn’t just refer to a man dying for his country.
I’m sure I am not alone in thinking that the weekend news was nothing short of horrific and so I was more than happy to see Cadel’s win as front page news – it’s not like it’s going to remain there for days and weeks like the Norway news will. It’s not like the country has forgotten about what tragic events happened, we have just taken a momentary pause to celebrate something.
Well done Cadel, I’m more than happy to see you enjoy a terrific success.
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Did Cadel Evans save anyone’s life – no! Did he brighten someone’s day and make the world a happier place – definitely for some! Better than having to kill 93 people to make the news! All those who can’t see this remarkable achievement for what it is and seek to criticise this story making headlines, really should give this gruelling race a go themselves and maybe then will have some understanding of what anyone would have to go through to achieve such a thing.
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I am disappointed to read/hear/watch the sympathy for Amy Winehouse’s death in a MamaMia post as a big tragedy and see Mia on TV this morning playing down the achievements of Cadel Evans winning tour de france – seems some weird recognition of achievement when a drug addicted singer/celebrity is given more feeling than the amazing perseverance and success of Cadel.
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Cadel Evans didn’t die. I think you might be comparing apples and oranges there …
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I guess we will have to agree to disagree, I think its sad that death seems to warrant a different set of considerations for someones contribution/s to life!
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I’m with you Mia, more time has been spent on air talking about Cadel than what’s happened in Norway, or the fact that insurgents in Afghanistan hung a 8 year old boy and so on. Cadel is sports news not news, same as rugby players. I appreciate the hard work and training but . . . .
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I agree with Steve Hambleton – needing a medical cert for one day is a waste of doctors time and money. Even if employers capped the amount of one-off days you could have before needing a certificate – say 5 a year to pluck a figure out of no-where – surely that would make a difference?
My partner’s employer accepts stat decs as well and that seems a better, more flexible arrangement.
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My partner’s employer asks for a sick certificate on Monday or Friday, and if you go over your annual sick allowance. Some countries allow chemists to write a certificate too.
Stat dec isn’t a bad idea either!
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Hi Mia and everyone
Firstly I didn’t see the segment so please excuse me if I get any of the inferences wrong as I’m hearing about it second hand, but there are a few points I wanted to make.
Firstly, it’s been a bloody horrible weekend of news. The tragedy in Norway is one of the most upsetting things I’ve heard about for quite some time. Not only was it a huge number of people murdered, but they were young. Not only were they young, but they were on a political youth camp – ie, young people who care about the world, who want to make a difference. All death is a tragedy, but this one stings. It hurts.
People keep telling me they expected Amy Winehouse’s death, but does that make it any less tragic? An incredibly talented young woman with troubles galore on a path of self destruction she couldn’t help but go down. Believe me, NO ONE chooses a life of drug addiction. I should know, someone close to me battles the demons.
So with two awful pieces of news (and please, let’s not forget all the other tragedies right now) one shining light in the news bulletin was Cadel Evans, the first Australian in Le Tour’s history, winning the Tour de France.
I’m a big, big fan of the Tour, and even wrote a blog piece the other day about how relaxing and lovely I find it – the cyclists, the scenery, the commentators – it’s truly my favourite sporting event to watch on television. I think Cadel is a hero yes….but he’s a hero in the eyes of cyclists and cyclist fans, because what he did was an amazing achievement. The Tour is known to be the most grueling, intense, and incredibly difficult fitness endurance a cyclist can hope to enter. It’s a feat to just get through the race, let alone to win.
So I think as always there’s a balance that needs to be made. He doesn’t need to be a hero, but he should be recognised for his efforts. And it doesn’t make Norway any less tragic to do so.
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Really well said.
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You’re a poster girl for being able to disagree without the abuse. Lovely!
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Thanks Rick – I was actually asked in an interview if I could ‘respectfully disagree’ with someone so if I’m asked again I am going to point them to your comment with a ’nuff said’
xx
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Amy Winehouses death seems less tragic because it was not much of a surprise. As Russell Brand brand said in his article about her, when your friend is an addict you are always just waiting for the call. Her life for the last 10 years has been one big tragedy.
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Cadel has a very deep social conscience (Tibet is but on example) and loathes the limelight. The funny thing about Mia’s comments are that Cadel would probably be in the one per cent of Australians who agreed with some of her sentiments.
Except for the one about Switzerland which was just plain wrong and also silly – living in Barwon Heads all year would make the commute to work a bit tough for a Euro pro cyclist.
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I agree with Mia, the heading of HERO can be used in the wrong context. A HERO is someone who gives up his life for another or his country. A sportsman can be idealized by others for his achievements and encourage younger or those who have the ability to achieve to their best that they can be. I think it is great for Cadel to achieve what he has and it is his choice to follow that dream. One other point I’m not sure of was he riding for an Australia or American team?
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Actually, ‘hero’ can also be definied as ‘a man who is idealised for possessing superior qualities in any field’ – which Cadel Evens definitely has
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In a world obsessed with celebrity, when only a few months ago our news papers and Mia’s website was filled with stories of Royal weddings, and more recently, regular news updates of what Kate Middleton is wearing in Canada, It seems just plain mean to single out Cadel’s achievement (after coming so close twice) to make a point about sports people.
I am not a sports fan, I know little about Cadel Evans but last night I sat my 4 and 6 year old children down and explained to them what the Tour de France was and that a man who grew up in a in Australia has won. Why? Because I want my children to realise they can do anything they dream of and achieve anything they put their mind to and if they have a passion – to follow it. It’s not about teaching them that Cadel is so great as opposed to the numerous Doctors, Scientists, Teachers etc that achieve amazing things every day. It’s about teaching them to follow their dreams and with hard work and dedication they can achieve anything.
Our world is made up of all sorts of amazing people, some save lives or help others every day without any desire for recognition. Others like Cadel, have a talent, a drive and a passion for something that may seem self indulgent – sport, art, music, performing, fashion designing, movie making, even cooking (look at the way Chef’s are earning celebrity status). To be one of the best in the world at any of these things is an amazing achievement and should be celebrated and the world would be a boring place with out these people and their achievements. Cadel may not save lives but is Mia aware of the enormous amounts of money he raises for charity. The comments about him not living in Australia are ridiculous. He wouldn’t have the career he has if he still lived in Australian and he returns home often. As for the other news on the weekend, yes some terrible things have happened over the week end but we definitely need some good with the bad. If all we do is focus on the bad in this world it makes life seem pretty miserable.
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Very well said, and I too, was thinking of the royal wedding etc and the hoo had that created (rightly so I might add) but wondering why a terrific sports achievement has to be down-played so much on this website.
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Well said:) what Cadel has done does make him heroic in the eyes if many and his triumph shouldn’t be lessenned purely because there is such human tragedy occurring in the world and the media has a warped focus. If he doesn’t live in Aust, like many athletes, it’s mire to do with the need for constant competition, distance etc. No one calls Thorpie unaustraliam yet he lives and trains overseas. Mia, you missed the boat on this one sorry:(
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Well said Lily, I agree. I’m not a huge fan of cycling but my husband is and I have watched Cadel’s battle to win the Tour over the last few years. It was an awesome, and very brave achievement and definitely one to be celebrated (although a public holiday would be completely over the top and inappropriate, too).
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So well said, why single out Cadel’s achievement when this site happily sings the praises of actors, actresses, models, designers, authors, so on and so on…
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This website and indeed most woman’s magazines are built on the celebration of celebrities. Cadel is a celebrity with a moving human story of overcoming adversity in his personal life to pursue his dream. Mia I think you are being way too harsh on Cadel. Why dont you try removing celebrities from this site and see if you can maintain public interest and continue to make a living. Fame is attractive and it sells – it appeals to our aspirations.
We all find some form of inspiration in those who achieve what we can not. Perhaps hero is an overstatment but seeing Australians punch above their weight on the international stage is something to be proud of. In this world of doom and gloom we need these stories of personal achievement to remind us that we can achieve our dreams.
Let’s not be mean spirited.
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Mia I would prefer to have CE on the front page of a newspaper rather than Amy winehouse. Both are talented people but AW threw away her career. CE on the other hand has persevered through heartache and shows young kids to stay clean and keep trying as you CAN make your dreams come true. Isn’t it refreshing not to see a sportsman tangled up in a sex or drugs scandal!!!
Anything that gets children active is gold in my book.
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Yes, yay for Cadel. Years of hard work and dedication have paid off, he’s a good role model and if he inspires others that’s fantastic.
But.
On Saturday I went to a Blood Donor function at NSW Parliament House. There were no TV cameras, not even any politicians. But there were people there who had spent years regularly trekking off to the Blood Bank – people who had given hundreds of donations. There was one man who had been on the Rh program since 1967, and had given 854 donations. They said he had saved the lives of 2.5 million babies.
Sporting achievements are great. But there are other achievements as well. And maybe we’re a bit too free with the word “hero”.
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Wow, THAT (the blood donor man) is inspiring!! I may show this to my partner – he hates needles and has only donated once (when I was pregnant and couldn’t), this might make him see the bigger potential of such an easy thing to do to help someone
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What the hell happened to the “dinner party” rules. How about attempting to express our opinions without getting nasty?
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I haven’t seen the interview with Mia on the Today show – any chance of uploading the link?
I’m a journalist and until 12 hours ago, I had never heard of Cadel Evans. Call me ignorant or whatever you like, but my priorities are with the terrible events in Norway.
Having been a long time supporter of Mia and familiar with her general stances on topics, I would have definitely guessed that she would share a similar opinion. So don’t criticise her for expressing what I believe is a very valid opinion, and certainly don’t come on her website and insult her. If you don’t like it, then stop reading.
Personally, I never have a problem with the articles published on Mamamia. What I do have a problem with, however, is that most people who comment on here generally have their heads so far up their own arses that they are unwilling to listen to an opinion that differs from their own.
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So it is ok to criticize someone unjustly – what people object to is not her sporting celebrity comments, but her uninformed personal attack on the values of Cadel – but not ok to challenge such a misguided view. The obvious irony being that he would probably agree with her on the ott coverage of his success. Time for her to take a look in the mirror. How would her celebrity so called journalism stack up against the low key contribution that Cadel makes to improvement to so many lives and communities in remote impoverished parts of the world. I would think he has saved far more lives than she ever will.
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Just watched Mia’s performance on the Today show website (because I slept in again!) and I really don’t understand what all the hype is about. I completely agree with you, Mia. We give sports stars way too much attention, most of the time they don’t even deserve it!
I agree good on him for winning, that’s great for him, but all you have to do is look at these news bites to see that there are things going on in the world that are much bigger than him.
Perhaps people only like to focus on the positive pieces of news, I don’t know, but the tragedies deserve attention, too. How are we supposed to process these events and deal with the fallouts if they are ignored?
As for Casey Anthony, if she becomes a millionaire I hope she donates it all to charity. Getting rich off your daughter’s murder? That’s disgusting.
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not sure if Casey Anthony is a murderer or not. She’s been found not gulity, only she will really know if she did it.
My question to you is how do you expect her to get another job. SHe’s been crucified by mass media all over the world. How is she expected to make money…
the girls that were captured and held hostage in basements have both released books, why not? What else are they supposed to do and I think some people would be very interested in their story.
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I suppose you’re right. Something about her whole case makes me extremely uncomfortable, so i guess im a little biased. I would be interested to know why she failed to report her daughter missing for 30 days though. I think theres a difference between anthony and the captured girls. They were the victims, she was the number 1 suspect.
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Oops, that was me, my bad. Was replying on my phone
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The girls who were captured and held in basements are not making profit off of their crime – yes, she was acquitted, but it’s hardly appropriate for her to make money off of something so tragic.
I do agree with your point about ongoing career prospects though – once all the hype has died down it will be interesting to see where / if she gets employed.
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That’s the point Ash, she didnt commit a crime as she was found not guilty… but according to press and most of the population she is guilty. Only she will ever know the truth, but the justice system is there for a reason. Society needs to take it for what it is.
Dont forget The parents of JOn Benet Ramsay were also the prime suspects, this was through incompentence of the local police officers who failed to investigate properly. Only after DNA evidence cleared the Ramsays (8 years later) did people realise they didnt do it. The mother died of ovarian cancer… How shocking is it for parents to be accused of murder…
And can we forget the couple who’s two boys died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their own home. They were prime suspects.
And the Chamberlien case when the public didn’t believe the mother. It’s shocking. And she went to JAIL! God bless DNA evidence!
And the guy who was executed in Texas… he was convicted in 1999 or something when Bush was in power. The prosecutions case was suspicious and the defence requested a DNA test. But it was expensive back then, and Bush said no. And he got executed. Only last year did they find out that he was innocent and wasnt at the scene of the crime. Shocking.
If Casey was innocent, she could also be classed a victim.. thats my point. we cant take everything at face value which is what the media reports in. Only the investigators know the true facts, the media just takes snippets…
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Let’s not forget that she was convicted of several counts of lying to police. Doesn’t exactly paint her as an innocent victim does it? I agree that she will most likely find it incredibly hard to find a job, but she was also supposed to be getting a new identity or something. I’m standing by the fact that it would be inappropriate for Casey Anthony to make money out of her daughter’s tragic murder.
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Rossco, ” she didnt commit a crime as she was found not guilty…”.
Hate to tell you this, but being found not guilty is not the same as being innocent. If you had followed this story from the beginning you would know that Casey is guilty as sin, they just couldn’t prove it in a court of law. If she lived here, I don’t think she would be able to sell her story under our profit from crime laws as she was found guilty of lying to the police.
If you are interested in the facts of this case, like I was when it first happened, you can actually watch and read transcripts of her police interviews, and her mother’s. She is guilty guilty guilty.
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Yes we are all entitled to our opinion. But in that very same vein Cadel Evans is entitled to be lauded for his achievement. Why can this not stand equally alongside the other news? I’m not a sporting fan in any way, shape or form but I’m not a fan of mass murderers either. Both deserve to be reported and as a journalist Mia Freedman should be giving them equal coverage. Not telling us that one is more newsworthy than the other.
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Cadel Evans won the Tour de France, but he wasn’t representing Australia. He was representing himself and his team, which I believe is based in Switzerland. I wonder if they’re calling for a public holiday in Zurich?
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Lleyton Hewitt is based in the Bahamas. Karrie Webb lives in Florida. Mark Webber Is in the UK. I’m pretty sure you’ll find many of our Aussie sports people don’t actually reside in Australia full time.
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For sure. And when they win Wimbledon or The Masters, or the Monaco Grand Prix, it’s not ‘for Australia’. Davis Cup is an exception ( there’s no money in it ). These are professional, individual sports. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sports fan and I believe their dedication entitles them to every cent they earn. And the athletes themselves are (mostly) very humble. It’s the media who ignore them until they’re winning then suddenly elevate them to god-like beings that bug me.
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they live over there to train and be closer to their teams and staff. you couldnt train for the tdf in australia, not enough mountains.
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They can live wherever they like, for whatever reason – tax, terrain … Just making the point professional athletes don’t do what they do, ‘for Australia.’ They do it for themselves, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
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Do you think the public holiday thing was raised to stop talking about the carbon tax for a while?
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are we blaming gillard for that now?!
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From my point of view, the Tour is just another race, but I know how important is for someone into cycling so I’ll respect all the fuss around it and support My Boy as much as I can.
Quote – Chiara Evans, Wife
Enough said.
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Awwww how sweet!
It goes to show you how even though you may not be interested in something if its important to the person you love it becomes important to you. No matter what we decide to do we all need the love and support of our familes.
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Absolutely! She sounds so sensible, she’s probably what’s kept him sane all these years. I heard a snippet of an interview with his lovely mum, too – a reminder that behind most great sportsmen and women are a dedicated team.
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Jesus Christ people what is wrong with you?
Mia is entitled to her opinion, as are YOU, as am I.
Opinions make the world go round. Having a hissy fit because someone’s opinion differs to yours puts us back to Neanderthal times.
I haven’t seen the Today show, but I really don’t care. Mia is entitled to her opinion.
End of story.
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The TODAY show kind of went like this…
Segment A: Karl get’s everyone to stand up as they replay Tina Arena singing the national anthem at Cadel’s award ceremony…great singing, but everyone standing up in the studio was a complete wank-fest. Karl was in his element, god love him! Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
A few segments later, Mia comes on…”Karl, I really don’t care”…Karl looks like he’s about to cry, like the Mummy’s boy he is…takes mock offence (mostly)…Mia, seeing this, keeps picking at the scab…you know, the usual hard-hitting current affairs we see on this segment…
Next thing…the Twitterverse, she goes crazy!
Look…it was a bit of silly TV…Karl and Mia knew exactly what they were doing…and LOOK! We’re all talking about it now…good on ‘em…it’s what they’re paid to do…it was actually a lot of fun to watch, and I think there was a bit of “role-playing” from both of them…which doesn’t mean they don’t believe what they were saying…
Bottom line…Karl and Mia are both entitled to their views…I kind of agree with both of them…Cadel’s win was a great achievement and deserving of praise…but we do focus way too much on sporting achievements in Australia…and we should celebrate ordinary people doing amazing things as well…things that help the community…
So, as far as I’m concerned, anyone who sacks someone for not having a medical certificate today is a Bum!
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I was wondering what all the fuss was about. Thanks for the summary.
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You win the internet for referencing both Fawlty Towers and Hawkey in that post and quite frankly I would much rather read your blow by blow than have to watch that drivel.
Well done.
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This is hilarious.
Cadel Evans is probobly a nice chap, he can clearly pedal very fast and has a commitment to his bike.
However, a hero?
People are getting Terribly Upset about it all.
When your kids have finished playing Cadel games, tell them about some real heroes.
Fred Hollows he did some amazing things. Emma Haswell in Tasmania looks after animals that have endured cruelty.
There are various amazing people who have set up schools and animal sanctuaries in poor, scary countries. Amazing surgeons who go to developing countries to fix birth trauma related fistulas.
Hell, anyone who donated time or money to the birth kit featured on Mamamia a few weeks ago, is a bit of a hero too!
So there you go, plenty of people out there to teach your kids about!
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Good on you Mia, we need more people like you in the media to start getting more of balance. Sports, particularly mens sports get top billing over important news. Those who are arguing the point are usually men like Karl who just do not get it. Whether it be the events or Norway or other worthy news. Some Australians do amazing things like our scientists, social workers, nurses and people in our commmunities. These are the heros and they never get the publicity male sporting people get.
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I want to say that while I applaud Karl’s passion, I heartily agree with Mia’s comments that far too much attention is paid to sport in Australia. If I hear the moronic ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi’ one more time I will bash someone over the head. How embarrassing that this is the ‘anthem’ that we choose to chant in celebration. The US has ‘God bless America’, France has ‘Liberte, egalite Fraternite and we have …’oi oi oi’. Tres BOGAN!!
Science and the arts are severely underfunded in Australia, and the amount of money spent on sport is obscene. It has been reported that it costs $40 million for every Olympic gold medal we have won in the last 20 years. Elite sports people attend the Australian Institute of Sport but unlike every other student in Australia don’t have to pay back their fees. Yet they are the ones who will go on to win thousands, even millions of dollars in prizes, and get millions of dollars in sponsorship. Why can’t we honour and glorify others who achieve in more meaningful fields: sports stars are doing it – ultimately – for their own gratification?? The unsung heroes are those who work for others.
Fantastic achievement Cadel..I’ve been up watching the tour for the last 3 nights. It is a wonderful moment for him and for Australian sport. BUT Go Mia!! Good on you for pointing out that there are other things going on in the world, and for pricking the balloon of self congratulation and fawning glorification that is bathing Australia today.
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Tres bogan?
Please, you can have a different opinion but that’s just very arrogant.
Tres arrogant.
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“Tres bogan”??????????
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I’m completely with you Mia. Good on Cadel for achieving a lifelong goal. But as you rightly said, he chooses to live in Switzerland and he was riding as part of a US team. He has his own motivations which should be commended but he should not be hailed as a ‘hero’. Also people claiming victory from his home town are a joke. He has achieved greatness by leaving that small town, not by being born there…
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Cadel actually splits his time between overseas and Aus.
We holiday in the town he partially lives in (in Vic) and we have seen him plenty of times.
I am not sure which town you mean is claiming his victory because he was born there? But he was born in Katherine NT and lives part time in Barwon Heads VIC.
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I do not understand how you can make judgements on a man that you freely admit knowing nothing about. Cadel shares his time between Australia and Switzerland as Australia only has 1 Cycling race per year, wheras in Europe they are more common. Yes it’s a tradgedy what happened in Norway and those people deserve to be recognised, but so does Cadel. My family and I have watched Cadel since he debuted in the tour and have felt his highs and lows.
If you did your research on Cadel, you would find he is a VERY humble man who does not go looking for glory and fame. He rides because he loves to. Is he a hero? I have no clue but I do know he is an inspiration and I stood with pride at 2am this morning and cried while Tina sang our anthem………..nearly 100 years of the tour and that was the first time the national anthem of Australia was ever played………..I am so proud that this humble man is Australian!!!
Perhaps next time you may wish to research your facts before you make a fool of yourself even more.
P.S Amy Winehouse’s death is NOT a tradgedy…………its a case of a pathetic person who used drugs and alcohol to excess, and if she wasn’t famous no one would give a rats ass
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A friend of mine used to be a professional cyclist, she had to leave Australia and join and American team so she could be paid. It was the only was she could achieve her goal.
You can’t work a full time job and be a full time pro cyclist. She went to 2 Olympics .
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But didn’t Russel Brands letter put Winehouses death into a different perspective?
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Perhaps you should do some research on Cadel and cycling before you make sweeping generalisations about the man and the sport on channel 9. We probably dont need a national holiday for the Tour de France win but we do need to celebrate achievements like this especially when the world has had such a terrible weekend.
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Addiction is a disease, and unfortunately Amy Winehouse was unable to be cured. So yes, it is a tragedy. I’m sure if you knew someone who battled with addiction you wouldn’t be so quick to judge. Think of her family. She was still a person.
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tradgedy is babies dying of sids, children being shot to death, children starving…….list is endless………..amy dying……………….no tradgedy just another idiot who had the whole world at her feet and abused it
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Agree to disagree then. I think any young loss is tragic.
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I agree with you on amy winehouse. Someone who had the money and resources to beat her demons just threw it away.
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o·pin·ion
a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.
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Yell for cadel!!! So glad we had some good news this weekend he should be applauded for his achievement both for himself and his country. I would rather read good than bad, all day today and yesterday stories of murder and death. Australians doing well should be celebrated especially with all the terrible news at the moment.
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