A Different Side Of Dannii

Since peeling back the flaps of Dannii's Dirty Box in mid 2007, I've spent a reasonable amount of time taking the piss out of our glorious icon. None of it has been mean spirited but Dannii lends herself to a certain amount of ridicule with her endless "fan releases", media scandals and busy holiday schedule. As much as I love Dannii drama (it's more addictive than heroin!), perhaps I don't write enough about the caring and giving woman who devotes much of her non-holiday time to helping AIDS and cancer charities. A perfect example is Dannii's current trek along the Great Wall to raise money for a cancer centre in Melbourne. Not only is Dannii hauling her fabulous baps across the Chinese countryside, she's allowing us to gain a wonderful insight into her heart and mind through her touching diary entries. Behind Dannii's mask of breathtaking fabulousness lies a compassionate and down to earth human being. I've lost family and friends to cancer and I just wanted to express how much I admire and respect Dannii for participating in this event. My Dirty Box colleagues feel the same way and want to convey what Dannii's charity walk means to them. Tommie previously touched on his personal connection to this topic in an earlier post.

Aside from the fact that Dannii has got off her arse and actually done something - despite risking a black eye due to the DanniiBaps bounciness, I am so proud of Dannii for taking this challenge to support such a worthy cause.

Kylie's illness will have had a devastating effect on Dannii as well - because that is what happens when a loved one gets diagnosed. Too hear someones muffled screams of pain (muffled because they are biting the pillow they have shoved their head in and run to the furthest corner of the house and locked the door so that noone else can hear) as cancer ravages their insides is not pleasant - and what makes it worse is you know you can do nothing to help stop the pain. Anyone who has a relative, a friend, a partner who has had cancer will understand how harrowing a time it was for Dannii and the rest of her family - and know why So Under Pressure is so powerful a song.

Dannii did all she could to support her sister and now by doing this walk, she can not only help many more sufferers of cancer but their families, friends and loved ones as well.

Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way or another. I'm so proud of Dannii for getting involved and taking time out from her busy schedule to participate in such an amazing fundraising event that in the end will benefit thousands of people every year.

Dannii's walk through the wilds of China is a perfect example of the fact that her heart matches, if not surpasses, the beauty for which she is so famed. Cancer is not something any of us should ever take lightly, and if caring Dannii raises even a cent towards research that could potentially save just one life, then that is a remarkable thing. What some people may not realise, Dannii's walk also serves another charitable purpose: her mere presence in that land is a beacon of light and hope to those impoverished people who are oppressed by their government. Dannii is a symbol that things can get better.

On a lighter note, it is delightful that Dannii felt the need to reveal her 'before walk' weight on her blog. Only stunning Dannii could combine the tasks of saving lives and weight loss. Fingers crossed you drop those pounds girlfriend!

Dannii's Great Wall Diary - Day 4

We start the day with a 5 hour bus journey to Dun Huang City. Our bus stops in a lay way to set up our on-the-road toilet, nicknamed, "The Throne"! We step out of the bus, the sun is blazing down heat, and my feet are a metre away from a trail of human feaces! It is explained to us by our local guide that this is normal in China. The side of the road is an open toilet. Men use the left of the highway, and women use the right. Right!

We arrived in Dun Huang and I am happy to see some colour and green. Our eyes have been starved of colour, and it feels as though we have just stepped from an old Hollywood black and white Western film in to a 3-D Bollywood film. There is a fanfare for our arrival - pretty young dancers with full performance make up, all dressed in spangly bright costumes - pink, yellow and blue.

We are served a Chinese feast for lunch. The tables are covered in plates heaving with steaming food. I eat one unidentified dish…I must be getting brave. It is like blocks of clear jelly. I am told after it has pork rind in it. For a Vegetarian of 23 years I should be close to vomiting, but I couldn't taste or smell it, so I decide it was just a noodle.

We have a gentle stroll today, an excursion to the Mogao Grottoes. These are hand dug caves in the side of a mountain with sand dunes in the distant that look so perfect my mind tells me they must be a painted backdrop at the London Opera. We visit three of the larger caves - all with Buddha paintings and statues. I am sad to say there were no photos allowed, as it is one of the most breath taking sites I have ever seen. When we step inside, it is dark and freezing cold (Ancient Air Con!). We stand at the feet of one Buddha, 113 feet high. The surrounding walls and ceilings are decorated with thousands of intricate individual drawings of Buddha that pattern around like tiles. This has been a place of contemplation for centuries. Buddhist Monks used to live here and famous artists made these Deities to inspire and span 10 Dynasties, last through wars and even a few earthquakes. I feel small, humbled and while processing why I am here, the word 'acceptance' repeats in my head.

On returning to the hotel I am moved by what I have seen and tears of sorrow stream down my face, for the ones I have lost to Cancer. Three friends - one was my best friend. We were sitting around chatting one day when she noticed she had a pain like a Kidney infection. The following day she was taken to hospital. I sat by her side for three months watching the devastation of Cancer take over. We went through the horrific diagnosis that she was not going to survive. 36 years old, my friend was never to leave that hospital. In the most serene organised way, she planned her funeral and gave family and friends specific details to take care of. All I could do was rub her feet and look into her eyes and try to be brave. Six months after her passing I find myself with all her loved ones on a beach to scatter her ashes into the sea, as requested. There is nothing that can take your breath away more than holding ashes of your dear young lost friend in your hand, and un-curling finger by finger until they float away in the tide. I was numb all over.

This was just over a year ago - and I am now here, in Central China, crying and trying to 'accept' this personal devastation. Most of the walkers on this trip have no idea what I had been through, and suspect I am walking since my experience of my sister's breast cancer. I wish that was the only reason. With one friend surviving Leukaemia, 4 surviving cancer, three friends lost to cancer and two currently being treated for cancer, the numbers are staggering.

Please please please help me raise money to find a cure for this illness that is plaguing our lives. I don't want to live with it, and I don't want to fight it - just find a cure and move forward to a time when it will no longer be a part of our world.

With love that stretches farther than the Great Wall is long
Thanks for taking this journey with me
Love and Kisses
Dannii x

WEIGH IN: 46.5

Dannii's Great Wall Diary: Day 3

Weigh In: 46.5kg

Today we trek through the Gobi Desert. The sun is hot and a cold wind whips at us from one side. Sunscreen is a must, as the rays sneak on to our skin without us feeling them; the wind has a way of gently numbing any exposed areas.

Report of the Day: The Great Wall is not so great! Well at least not this stretch, which had fallen down in many sections, and in others looked like a sand dune. I manage to climb to the top and walk like I used to as a kid along the top of a wall. I could see for miles. I felt happy and on top of the world.

There is no other way to describe today, but a long trek through the desert. The sand is as fine as dust so most walkers wear surgical masks to stop inhaling and swallowing it. We looked like a trek group that is in fancy dress code

Theme: Nurses.

Half way through the 12kms, a train track runs over the wall. It looks strong and shiny new. We check the line is free of oncoming trains and a few of us proceed to do a photo shoot lying on the track. It is just so tempting to lie across the tracks - like a kind of Vertigo. So stupid, but you just can't help yourself!



I show Olivia my Aussie Flag and we take it for a run. The surroundings are so barren and without colour, that the flag is a feast to our eyes.

Even though Olivia is sick with the flu, she takes every step with us. This wonderful lady has the strongest will power and I see her fight on, even when she is struggling.

We see just three signs of native life the whole way. A small lizard that we play with as we are so amused that anything is able to survive out here; a small animal skull, and a dead snake! This place is tough!

I have a long chat with Scott, one of our Cancer survivors. He is always at the front of the pack, so we walk and talk. A firefighter who had two brushes with Cancer.

One so strong he was administered 'fatal doses' of Chemo. He recounts his story of telling the doctors to do whatever they had to, as he had a wife and kids to look after - and he wasn't ready to go just yet! I ask if he misses his family? This big strong man made of muscle and a steel determination bursts into tears.

All I can do is hug him. "This is my first trip outside of Australia", he says, "I miss my family. My wife has been my rock and my kids gave me a reason to survive". I find out later that day when I speak to his lovely wife on the phone that she had lost her father and brother to Cancer prior to Scott's Cancer. My heart sinks - and that is why we are here. To raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

With calf muscles as tight as rocks, I hobble to bed, as another big day lies ahead

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz Good Night

Hugs and Chopsticks from China

Dannii x

PS. please sponsor our steps - whatever you can do will make a difference around the globe

For more information, you can visit www.greatwalktobeijing.com

Dannii's Diary: Day 2

First day of walking and I am faced with a vertiginous climb. Wow! Have I done my training for this – sure!!!! I wore in my trekking boots by putting them on while I typed some emails at home the night before I left Melbourne, and I did a few climbs 2 weeks ago in Los Angeles – yup...I’m nervous!

This is the mountainous part of the Great Wall, where it sits between the Black Mountains and the Qilian snow capped mountains. It is a few kilometers up to the highest Northern viewing point then a 9km descent to the Jiayuguan Pass and Fortress. As you can see we are amazed to be here and stop to capture it on loads of "happy snaps" – or breathing stops! The air is very thin and the altitude is making my heart best like a caged Tyrannosaurus.

AJ and I are comparing our "weigh ins" for the day – everyone is expecting to lose weight on this trip, but as a late comer to the event, I’m told that none of the others have so far; even with the long days of climbing, and unusual meals that are sometimes not at all appetizing. Adam has brought me up to speed with his story of being the Real Aussie GAY Cowboy, and I tell him, it doesn’t get any gayer than taking a stroll with Olivia and me singing Xanadu!

Walking through the fortress we stop for some arrow shooting – I split when I saw Johanna Griggs giving Kieren Perkins advice, as she was laughing out the side of her mouth, as I was standing right behind them. I am amazed at the amount of time Olivia manages to spend with all of sponsored walkers – she absolutely loves to see we are all okay and loves to catch up on giggles and heart felt moments. She is always there with the biggest hug.

As we are in the desert, any form of vanity has gone out the window – dust masks are needed for long treks across the desert plains – on returning to the hotel, I can report that we are covered in it, and I confess to finding dust in every orifice – and that is not a nice feeling! The water that we shower in has a brown colour, and so getting clean is done as quickly as possible.

Tip of the day: do not drink any tap water. It is wise to make sure none gets swallowed in the shower too!

Weigh in: 47.2 kilos

Pedometer says we have done 16.05 kms today!!!!! Having dodged Donkey, Lamb and something that looked like Chicken-ish, at our Mongolian Feast last night – I take my vegetarian taste buds to the buffet in the hotel and knock back some red wines with the gang.
My feet are now in my Ugg boots and I’m feeling fine! Dim Sum and hugs from Disco Dannii in China x

Dannii's Photo Album from the Herald Sun!

DanniiWalk - Update

Stunning new photos of Dannii in action have appeared!

And my favourite:

Though Dannii has yet to update her blog, she appears to have updated her outfit three times on day one alone!

DanniiWalk - Day One!

The busty beauty herself is keeping us abreast of happenings with blogs on myspace and with the Herald Sun!

Here is what the pop stunner had to say on her myspace.

Dannii with Livvii

"DANNII MINOGUE : THE GREAT WALK TO BEIJING - DAY ONE
Well...This Is It. (!) I am embarking on a life-changing journey that involves Cancer - but this is the first one I have chosen! I have had family and many friends who have survived this disease, and two dear friends that I have lost. Cancer seems to be more and more a part of everyone's life. Why? - I want to scream as loud as I can.

Everyone taking part in The Great Walk to Beijing is on a personal mission - survivors, medics and others like me who have seen in close quarters, this devastating illness.

Dannii with Adam Sutton & Olivia Newton-John

Two flights from Melbourne I end up at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Beijing. After checking in and meeting a few of the team, we hear a famous Jamaican called AJ singing in the lobby... but opera! It wasn't exactly what I was expecting to hear on my first visit to China... but it was "a yes from me" - this guy moves us with his vocal ability. I ask him if he will join us on the walk, come meet Olivia and sing for her too. Apparently the wheels are in motion for AJ to meet us on the wall - so before I have even made my first sponsored steps, I have recruited a random.

A welcome nights sleep in a bed that is like a cloud, then we are up early to depart Beijing - a city of 16 million people with smog thick enough it cuts the view of the sun.

Our first flight lands in Xian. We touch down briefly enough to reboard a flight to Jiayuguan. We are now in Western China in a desert city that seems positively deserted. After two days of non-stop travel, I am over air transport and can't wait to get my walking boots on and 'Get physical'!

Love and Dim Sum from Disco Dannii in China x

TIP OF THE DAY: carry toilet paper - you will never find that in the public toilets.

FACT OF THE DAY: 8 is a lucky number and 'Eggplant' is what they say in Chinese when they take happy snaps - like we say "cheese".

WEIGH IN: 48.5kilos."

Beyond fabulous! Make sure you sponsor Dannii and check with us at DDB for the latest updates on Dannii's travels.

Dannii's Adventure!

If you didn't know, our Dannii is in China walking despite her fabulous baps handicapping her immensely. I think I speak for everyone at Dannii's Dirty Box when I say that I fully respect and admire Dannii doing this walk! My grandmother died of cancer, so Dannii's adventure means a lot to me and is another example of Dannii's stunning $ucce$$ as a human being! Is there anything this woman won't do?

No, there really is not. All hail Dannii, Queen of all our souls!

More footage of Dannii and the Great Wall of China

This is my first post on DDB, so I'm awfully excited! YAY me! I was shocked to hear Dannii declare that she had flown into China from Melbourne. Why the fuck was I not informed she was in Melbourne? I just assumed she was still running around the streets of America flashing people!

DANNII WANTS YOUR SPONSORSHIP!

I demand everyone does as Dannii says! Sponsor her so she has more sponsorship deals than Cliff Richard. Don't let Old Cliff beat our Dannii! We need to show just how many fans she has if we all sponsor her! Even if it's like $10 it's all for a good cause!

Sponsor Dannii's baps, I mean steps!

The Grand Re-Opening Of Dannii's Box!

The time has come to gently brush the cobwebs off Dannii's Dirty Box and resume our worship of pop music's most fabulous diva! I've only been away for a little over a month but there has been no shortage of stunning developments. Dannii began April by making a spectacle of herself in America (read more here) before bravely signing on for Olivia Newton-John's charity walk along the Great Wall Of China. After returning from her Chinese odyssey Dannii will resume hosting duties for "Australia's Got Talent" and promote the local release of her fabulous "Club Disco" album (affectionately known as "Club Dildo"). The highlight of Dannii's unprecedented barrage of promotion promises to be her performance of "Xanadu" on the finale of "It Takes Two" scheduled for the 22nd of April. Expect a wave of discomania to engulf the nation! In the meantime, please check out DDB's first video extravaganza featuring exclusive, never before seen footage of Dannii in China! Many thanks to Magical Froggy for assembling this gem for me!

Before I get around to updating you all on Dannii's latest antics, I'd like to announce a major change to the blog. Namely, I've invited four new members to join Dannii's Dirty Box! I was finding it difficult to maintain two blogs (in addition to working full time and trawling the streets of Sydney for cheap thrills), so I called on some friends to share the workload. If you've been part of Dannii's online community for any length of time, chances are you'll already know my new co-authors. I'm not about to let any old riff raff inside the hallowed walls of Dannii's Box, so please rest assured that these connoisseurs know their stuff. I've included a short bio and an interview with each member. Please make them welcome!

Tommie

Dannii's biggest, and possibly only, Swedish fan. Loves vodka, sailors and the queen of Swedish pop (the legendary Bionda). Dreams of one day oiling Dannii's buns in Ibiza. The only new member not currently banned from the Dannii Board but give him time.

1. When did you become a Dannii fan?
Circa 2002 when "Put The Needle On It" leaked. I was dead-sure it was to be her first ever number one! No, seriously. But at least she charted higher than Kylie's massive flop single "Come Into My World".

2. Your favourite Dannii song?
Tough one! I'd have to say "I Begin To Wonder" to be honest. Everything was so right with that release - Dannii was robbed! I do love songs like "Attitude" for all the wrong reasons though.

3. Your favourite Dannii album?
Just her studio albums? "Neon Nights". But I probably listen to "The Hits & Beyond" more! SO. MANY. NUMBER. ONES.

4. Dannii's defining moment?
When the DWTS host in Australia mentioned all her massive number ones, of course! Take that Kylie! Lezziigate and flashing her tits in Playboy come a close second.

5. What do you love most about Dannii?
The grand delusion that comes with being a Dannii fan. The hopeless dreams as a fan that her next single is her first ever number one. The anticipation that Sony BMG will save Dannii's music career. The compulsive thoughts that the club charts do matter. And so on.

Magical Froggy

Representing the UK, Magical Froggy has worshipped the Queen of Clubs for more than a decade. Well known across the internet for his sublime and hilarious artwork, Magical Froggy (or Neptune as he is perhaps better known) is the man behind such legendary creations as the DanniiGoose and Where's Janet? as well as 95% of the artwork to feature on Dannii's Dirty Box.

1. When did you become a Dannii fan?
Although I used to watch Dannii in Home & Away (how could I forget her sunning herself on that lovely rock in the credits?!), and was aware of her early musical efforts, it wasn't until "Girl" that she truly caught my attention. I was entranced by this stunning blonde creature belting out "All I Wanna Do" on TOTP completely unaware that it was THE Dannii Minogue. I have been entranced by the more talented Minogue ever since...

2. Your favourite Dannii song?
"So Under Pressure" - the heartfelt lyrics about how Dannii felt following Kylie's cancer diagnosis are perfectly complemented in the video by bikinis and snakes.

3. Your favourite Dannii album?
"Girl" even the bad tracks are fascinating!

4. Dannii's defining moment?
Climbing out of a giant toilet on childrens' TV!

5. What you love most about Dannii?
Her determination to carry on, despite her bitch sister constantly trying to overshadow the true talent in the family.

Jay

Jay (also known as Queen Of Flops and Mr Grumpy) keeps the flame of Dannii fandom burning bright in Ireland. Renowned for his no nonsense demeanor and sharp tongue, this Dannii fan eats droids for breakfast. He was also famously accused of breaking into AATW's warehouse to steal an advance copy of "The Hits & Beyond". Jay's goal in life is to spend as much time as Dannii doing nothing.

1. When did you become a Dannii fan?
Though I knew of her due to her less $ucce$$ful sibling, it was the epic performance of "All I Wanna Do" in the ripped dress that cemented my Dannii Fandom.

2. Your favourite Dannii song?
"Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling", with "I Can't Sleep At Night" and the sublime "Am I Dreaming" close second and third.

3. Your favourite Dannii album?
"Girl" - though "The Hits & Beyond" is my favourite "Greatest Hits" album of all time.

4. Dannii's defining moment?
The classy spreads for Playboy.

5. What do you love most about Dannii?
Her dedication. To holidaying!

Natty

A long time Dannii fanatic from Melbourne, Natty fantasises about fisting Delta Goodrem and hopes to one day marry Grant Denyer. Natty has met Dannii several times and is well known and loved by anyone who has ever ventured onto a Minogue forum.

1. When did you become a Dannii fan?
I don't really remember, the first song I can remember clearly was "This is It", so I'm guessing the 15 years or so ago when that was released.

2. Your favourite Dannii song?
Nothing makes me moister than the gaytastic mardi gras anthem that is "Everlasting Night"!

3. Your favourite Dannii album?
Does "The Hits & Beyond" count? Actually I will go with "Neon Nights" because it's pure Dannii bliss.

4. Dannii's defining moment?
Being at Rod Laver Arena for the final Homecoming concert and watching Dannii upstage big sis Kylie while singing "Kids". I think I wet myself a little, seeing both girls on stage in Melbourne and being in the crowd to witness it.

5. What you love most about Dannii?
The music obviously, and she's such a hilarious and warm person in real life. It's just a shame that the record companies often seem to stuff her around so she seems like this lazy sod who can't be assed doing anything!

I'd like to thank everyone for their e-mails and comments encouraging me to start posting again. I really hope you will enjoy the new and hopefully improved Dannii's Dirty Box!