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Yearly Archives: 2017

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If you're full of that classic Friday feeling, we hate to rain on your parade, but the weather for the coming weekend is set to be far from pleasant.

According to the good folk at Met Éireann, we are to expect periods of heavy rain, which will bring with them the risk of local flooding in some areas of the country.

"Warm, humid conditions expected to develop on Sunday and lasting into the early days of next week will bring spells of heavy rain and the risk of local flooding," reads the forecast on the website.

"Details uncertain at this stage but current indications suggest that Northwestern coastal areas will be worst affected."

The national forecasters issued a Status Yellow weather warning as of 1pm this afternoon, and it will remain in place until noon on Tuesday.

Well, that's just top-notch.

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So, around this time last year, I wrote a piece about the terrorist attacks in the beautiful city of Nice.

That was over 12 months ago, and since then, the world has faced quite a bit of turmoil. 

Donald Trump is president, thousands of refugees are fleeing their war-torn homes, and countless lives have been lost to terror attacks. 

Manchester suffered, what can only be described as a barbaric attack, where children were murdered by an ignorant, hate-filled suicide bomber. 

Londoners endured violent crimes by a number knife-wielding individuals, where three people lost their lives, needlessly.

And just yesterday, Barcelona was the target of yet another terror attack, when a vehicle ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians on the famous Las Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona.

Lives lost, families left heart broken – but we persevere, because we have to. 

The following is my piece from July 2016, but the message is the same as ever: 

Image result for barcelona attack

"We are constantly being told to ‘live to the fullest’ because ‘life is short.’

We hear these inspirational quotes all the time, occasionally even posting some on our social media profiles, but do we actually take the messages to heart?

What do you mean life is short? I’m invincible. Bad things never happen in my neighbourhood.

I woke up on Friday morning to discover that another tragedy had occurred at the hands of a terrorist organisation, and it dawned on me: life actually is short.

A man drove a truck through crowds of people on the promenade in Nice on Thursday night, amid a firework display and celebration, before opening fire and killing over 80 innocent people.

As a writer, I usually find myself penning articles about the Kardashians, or the latest beauty trends, but I write this now, simply as a pissed off citizen of the World. 

There was a time when wars were fought in trenches and on battle fields, by armies who were honouring their country and their people.

Now, in 2016, we see cowards, who are taking these wars to the streets of major cities. It is no longer about territory and power, it is about instilling fear.

The attack carried out on Thursday only proved that our fears have gone beyond the realm of explosives and firearms.

It is an odd feeling, walking to work on an unusually warm summer’s morning in Dublin, knowing that so many people lost their lives that night, simply walking down a street.

Does this mean all vehicles are now a potential threat? What’s next? Skateboards? Bikes?

France is one of the most beautiful nations in the world, but it has been scorned time and time again at the hands of individuals who are ripe with ignorance and hate.

This is not just a message for the people of France, and the devastation they have faced over the past 18 months. It is a message for America, Turkey, Iraq, Belgium, Syria, Afghanistan, and to all the nations in this world who have been affected by mindless terrorism.

I do not want to grow up in a world where the concept of exploration and travel frightens me, purely because of unwarranted attacks on the blameless. I want to be able to visit beautiful countries, without the worry that I may be gunned down, blown up or attacked in any way, for absolutely no reason but bad timing.

While it is near impossible to eradicate evil from our ever-changing world, we must try not fear it. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. We must listen to those over-used John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe quotes, and live our lives to the fullest.

We cannot allow fear to cripple our happiness.

Through this happiness, the evil will lose. They won’t break us. They can’t.

To those of you who fight against terrorism, whether you are a member of the armed forces, a politician or just a protestor hoping for a better world for our children, I thank you.

We must try to tackle these monsters, and fight for world that is not riddled in fear and hatred."

Listen, I know it sounds cliché, but the message is real.

Hug your loved ones, have that extra doughnut, swim in the ocean, travel the world and enjoy every single second of this life.

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Just hours after a suspected terrorist attack killed 13 people and injured up to 100 others in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona, a second suspected attack happened in Cambrils.

A number of people were injured in the incident, and now a woman has lost her life due to her critical injuries, bringing the total number of people who have lost their lives to terror attacks in the lat 24 hours to 14.

A car carrying five passengers rammed into pedestrians on a seafront strip in the popular tourist area.

All five suspects were shot dead by police at the scene. 

The suspects were thought to be wearing suicide vests at the time, which later turned out to be fake decoys. 

'The alleged terrorists were in an Audi A3 and apparently knocked down several people before coming across a police patrol and a shoot-out ensued," said a spokesman for the regional government of Catalonia according to RTÉ.

Over 100 people were injured in both attacks. 

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Thank goodness it's finally Friday, and if wrapping yourself into a duvet burrito and lolling on the couch in front of the TV is all the excitement you can bear, then you're in luck. 

Netflix have some brand new releases, so finding something to keep you entertained will be a piece of cake. 

Whether you're Netflix and chilling alone or with your bae, here are five new releases on Netflix. 

Marvel's The Defenders: Season 1

Marvel’s The Defenders follows Daredevil AKA Matt Murdock, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist AKA Danny Rand, a quartet of singular heroes with one common goal – to save New York City. This is the story of four solitary figures, burdened with their own personal challenges, who reluctantly realizer they just might be stronger when teamed together.

The action-filled drama brings the four members of the street-level hero team known as The Defenders to the screen.

What Happened to Monday?

In a not so distant future, where overpopulation and famine have forced governments to undertake a drastic "One Child Policy," seven identical sisters live a hide-and-seek existence pursued by the Child Allocation Bureau.

The Bureau, directed by the fierce Nicolette Cayman, enforces a strict family-planning agenda that the sisters outwit by taking turns assuming the identity of one person: Karen Settman. Taught by their grandfather who raised and named them – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – each can go outside once a week as their common identity, but are only free to be themselves in the prison of their own apartment.

That is until, one day, Monday does not come home.

Barbecue

A symphony of meat and fire, Barbecue shows us how an everyday ritual is shared by cultures around the world, as a way to celebrate community, friendship, and tradition.

A film told in 13 languages, from Texas to the Syrian border, from 'Shisanyama' to 'Lechon', Barbecue is a film about the simple truths in life that bring people together, and how barbecue is a path to salvation.

Banking on Bitcoin 

Not since the invention of the Internet itself has there been such a controversial technological creation as Bitcoin.

Bitcoin's early pioneers sought to blur the lines of sovereignty and the financial status quo. After years of underground development, Bitcoin grabbed the attention of a curious public – as well as the ire of the regulators the technology had subverted. Yet after landmark arrests of prominent cyber criminals, Bitcoin, which actually surged on election night, still faces its most severe adversary, the very banks it was built to destroy.

The Saint 

Master thief Simon Templar – also known as the Saint is hired by a wealthy banker to find his kidnapped daughter, not all is as it seems.

An ideal must-watch for those who love a mystery. 

 

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Long before MTV began devoting an inordinate amount of time to reality TV shows and the stars born of them, they were pretty interested in showcasing the talents of, you know, bands, singers and musicians.

One of the finest examples of this was MTV Unplugged – a much-loved show which allowed bands and artists to scale back their performances in order to give viewers an alternative perspective on their sound.

From Nirvana and Pearl Jam to Mariah Carey and Jay Z, some of the biggest names in music over the last 30 years have taken part in the series, and yet the network decided to suspend the series… until now.

That's right ladies, it's time to go retro.

According to emerging reports, the show will hit the small screen again next month, and 19-year-old Shawn Mendes will be the face of its return.

Word has yet to land as to the names which will follow in Shawn's footsteps, but we're feeling very hopeful here at SHEmazing HQ.

Ladies, this is one throwback we're fully supporting, and if you're with us you can check out Shawn's performance on September 8.

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As publications like The Economist denounce the President of the United States for his lacklustre reaction to racial tension across the United States, social media has acted as a platform for members of the public to discuss the narrative surrounding the various acts of violence being perpetrated across America.

As people from varying political backgrounds and affiliations argue back and forth over the difference between 'black pride' and 'white pride', one particular explanation has stood out among countless others, with hundreds of thousands of Twitter users sharing it online.

"A common and seemingly reasonable argument for white pride or white nationalism is "why can't I be proud of my culture?" the post began.

"Well, you can," it continued. "Always have been able to."

"We have Irish pride celebrations, we have German drinking festivals, we have Serbian food festivals. Any European culture you can of has multiple organisations in North America dedicated to taking pride in their heritage and no one gives them sh*t."

"But, you see, when you start talking "white pride", that's not a culture," the post explained. "That's a skin colour. There is no white culture, never was. There is no pan-European culture, never was. Europe is a continent, not a culture or ethnicity."

"Now, some of you are probably about to go "But wait! Black pride! How is that okay?" Well, easy. Go find a black person and ask them if their ancestors were slaves."

Reminding social media users that black people were enslaved and had their cultures taken from them, the writer says: "They can't have Liberian pride or Congolese pride, or 'insert African country' pride because they have no f*cking idea where their ancestors came from other than the broad region of West Africa."

"Meanwhile us white people can often trace our ancestors to specific cities and regions." the writer continues. "I can trace my mother's maiden name to a single f*cking village in Ireland. I know where I come from. I don't have white culture, I have Irish culture."

"So, that's why white pride makes you an asshole, but black pride actually makes sense."

The post has been shared widely across social media over the course of the last 24 hours.

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It does seem as though everywhere we look there is a new (and amazing) Disney collaboration. 

From gorgeous Minnie Mouse inspired makeup, to Beauty and the Beast Pyjamas – we are pretty much all decked out. 

Today, we give you the latest gorgeous collaboration, courtesy of the lovely people at Cath Kidston. 

The 'home of modern vintage' has joined forces with one of Disney's most iconic films, to bring us some of the loveliest pieces you've ever seen.

Handy bags, totes, cushions and mugs adorned with some well known faces are all part of the magical collection. 

From Tinkerbell and Peter Pan, to Wendy and her brothers – there is something for everyone (but we genuinely just want it all.)

There are make-up bags, rucksacks, stationery and more included in this wonderfully nostalgic collection, making it the perfect balance between rediscovering your inner child and ultimate sophistication. 

Oh, and incase you were unaware – this is not the first time Disney collaborated with Cath Kidston. 

Previously, we have seen glorious Mickey Mouse products, that included phone cases and and umbrellas (which we loved). 

They also did the CUTEST range of goodies inspired by 101 Dalmatians, that was, of course, spotty and wonderful. 

The Peter Pan collection will launch on September online21st, but we strongly recommend signing up online for updates.

Avoid disappointment and stuff. 

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There are quite a few epic events happening in Dublin this weekend. 

From movie screenings to alternative festivals, there's no way anyone can say they have nothing to do. 

5. Outdoor Movies in the Park

Outdoor Movies in the Park is back for its annual series of iconic films in Marlay Park on Saturday August 19 and Sunday August 20.

From The Jungle Book to Honey, I Shrunk The Kids to Finding Dory, we'll be seeing you there.

4. Fleetwood Mac fan?

Fans of Fleetwood Mac, look no further. 

Tribute band Mack Fleetwood will be performing in Tallaght's Civic Theatre this Saturday night in an epic auditorium gig. 

The last few tickets are available here.

3. Mean Girls at The Sugar Club

Okay, so this one isn't quite at the weekend, but this Tuesday, The Sugar Club is playing host to a pretty fetch event. 

The venue is screening the movie Mean Girls, and is pretty much making all our teenage dreams come true. Oh, the notstalgia. 

2. The Dublin Quays Festival

The Dublin Quays Festival is a new music, comedy and arts festival Incorporating music and art in venues on the banks of the River Liffey. 

Taking place in several venues including The Workman’s Club, the Sound House, the Liquor Rooms, the Grand Social, the Wiley Fox, Sin É and Baggot Hutton, the festival is playing host to a series of gigs and installations. 

 

A post shared by Level Heads (@levelheads) on

1. Feeling Groovy

Groove Festival  is back this year at Killruddery House, and promises the perfect blend of music, food, and wellness. 

Famous faces in the world of wellness, including Derval O’Rourke, Roz Purcell and Andrea Hayes will be in attendance.

There will also be performances from epic acts  like Hudson Taylor, Primal Scream and Hothouse Flowers.

 

A post shared by Groove Festival (@groovefestival) on

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Abortions will no longer be available under insurance policies for women in Texas. 

Instead, women will be forced to take out additional policies to cover their potential future abortions in cases of rape, incest or personal choice elective abortion. 

The bill, dubbed by many as the 'rape insurance' bill, was signed into law this week. 

Many people feel that due to this bill, survivors of rape will be forced to pay out more in their insurance polices, and women in general will need to insure their bodies ahead of the potential threat of rape or incest. 

'Wtf is rape insurance? They have to insure their bodies like their damn cars???? What the f***????' said one Twitter user. Others suggested that if women are forced to pay rape insurance, men should have to pay potential rapist insurance. 

Abortion is already banned from insurance policies in states such as  Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Utah, according to a report from Guttmacher.org.

'As a firm believer in Texas values I am proud to sign legislation that ensures no Texan is ever required to pay for a procedure that ends the life of an unborn child,' said Governor Abbott in a statement from the Texas Governor's Office. 

'This bill prohibits insurance providers from forcing Texas policy holders to subsidise elective abortions.'

'I am grateful to the Texas legislature for getting this bill to my desk, and working to protect innocent life this special session.'

There have already been calls to repeal the bill. 

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The writer who shadowed Donald Trump in the 1980s, and claims to have ghostwritten the President's memoir, The Art of the Deal, has expressed his thoughts on Trump's time in office.

Tony Schwartz, who spent 18 months interviewing the business tycoon in the 1980s, has said, in no uncertain terms, that he doesn't see Trump lasting until the end of this year.

With political and racial tensions growing steadily in the United States over the course of this year, Schwartz spoke out on social media, writing: "The circle is closing at blinding speed."

"Trump is going to resign and declare victory before Mueller and Congress leave him no choice," he stated.

Following Trump's feeble response to the violence exhibited by white supremacists in Virginia in recent days, the press and public wasted no time condemning the leader's wholly inadequate reaction.

Considering the turning tides, Schwartz feels that it won't be long until Trump leaves the Oval Office – a move he feels will be due to internal pressure.

"Trump's presidency is effectively over," Schwartz declared. "Would be amazed if he survives till the end of the year. More likely resigns by fall, if not sooner."

Urging the public to stand united against Trump's worrying narrative, Schwartz continued: "The end game is on: Trump goes down or we do. He will blow up the world to prove he matters. We must stand up in opposition every day."

Schwartz has been inundated with support and comments from members of the public, keen to hear more of his assessment.

"Bring on the fallout. The sooner, the better," wrote one while another added: "I don't believe the end of his presidency is near. It felt like it too many times before only to see it's survival. Too many enablers."

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Jason Derulo topped the charts with his new single Swalla, and now the RnB singer is taking his smooth vocals on tour. 

The star will be performing across the UK and Ireland, and will be doing two separate dates in the Emerald Isle.

 

A post shared by Jason (@jasonderulo) on

On March 23, the singer will perform at the SSE Arena Belfast.

Jason will then make a return to Dublin's 3Arena on March 22.

Tickets go on general sale for €50.10 from 9am on Friday, August 25 and will be available from www.ticketmaster.ie.

See you in the virtual queue!

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Love Island completely took over our TV screens and dominated the headlines this season, as the country became obsessed with the unfolding love stories of a bunch of glamorous singles.

We actually joked at the time that an Irish version was well needed, with awkward Irish singles taking over a house on the Aran Islands and trying their luck at getting the shift, and now, it's actually happening. 

Unfortunately, we wont be able to follow the unfolding drama, but if the Love Island format of finding the one tickles your fancy, then check this out. 

It might not be quite as glam, but Inis Oirr is playing host to an event for Irish-speaking singles.

Irish language group Feicim is hoping to play cupid for those with a penchant for our native tongue. 

'Have you finished watching Love Island and are you looking for your Kem or Amber?' reads the event description.

'Are you seeking love with some craic on the side? Or would you simply like to make new friends?'  

'If you are a single with a grá for Gaeilge and the craic, Sorcas an Ghrá on Inis Oírr is a weekend you won’t want to miss.'

'Come join us and fall in love with the Island, with the Gaeltacht and maybe even with each other!'

The event is running from September 15 until September 17. We wouldn't pack too many bikinis, but you might find the love of your life.

You can sign up for the event here

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