Baring all

A wonderful article by Kira Cochrane in The Guardian looks at how even the highest paid, successful and talented female stars in Hollywood like Nicole Kidman, Kiera Knightley and Scarlett Johansson take their clothes off for high-profile magazines like GQ, Vanity Fair and Esquire. Is that the price they must pay for publicity? Cochrane wonders if that is what it takes for the women to remain stars, even though they have careers that most actors would kill for. It sure doesn't guarantee positive PR, as is evident from the recent controversy about Knightley's slim figure. So why is baring flesh for magazines and advertisements the only sure-fire route to success?

Paying tribute

Jane Tomlinson was a true hero, an inspiration for millions of people around the world. She fiercely fought cancer for 17 years, battling back the disease for seven years when she was given just six months to live. She never gave up, holding out hope not just for herself, her family and friends but also for other sufferers of terminal illnesses and their loved ones. She ran several marathans, participated in some of the toughest triathalons and cycled across Europe and America to raise £1.75 million for charity. She did it all, often despite chemotherapy, so that, in her own words, in future people wouldn't have to hear a doctor tell them that they have only six months to live. She received an honorary degree and PhD, an MBE, CBE and many other awards. Sportsmen and women, royalty and even politicans admired and respected her. She acheived all this by being honest, courageous, strong, and determined. All she wanted was to be with her family and watch her children grow up. That is why she received worldwide publicity which helped her raise funds for charity. She wanted to make life better for cancer sufferers, and so others responded to her calls for help. She will be deeply missed. Her life was a ray of hope.