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Yearly Archives: 2017

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If you're the decisive and, dare we say it, controlling type, then it's highly unlikely you would leave the fate of your body in the hands of a vending machine.

But that's exactly what some customers of Elm Street Tattoo have been doing in recent weeks.

The Texas-based tattoo parlour has made an effort to assist the less decisive among us by providing customers with the opportunity to have their tattoo chosen for them… with the twist of a gumball machine handle.

So, how does it work exactly?

Well, the customer opts to hand over €100 in return for a shiny penny which they then place in the gumball machine which is filled with an array of traditional tattoo designs.

 

Here we go

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If you really can't stand the idea of being inked with the design the gumball machine chose for you, then you can pay €20 for another twist of the handle.

And obviously you're under no obligation to get inked, but you aren't entitled to a refund after twisting that handle.

The concept seems to be going down a storm with customers so far, with one writing: "When you get talked into getting a spontaneous tattoo. Thanks again to @jacobyoungtattoo for this cool ass random piece. This was a great experience."

Would you be brave enough to try it?

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Let's be real; we're not exactly strangers to rain in this country, but the idea of battling through a wet and windy week in the middle of August doesn't exactly fill us with joy.

And according to the good folk over at Met Éireann, that's exactly what we're in for this week.

"Brighter, showery conditions will extend into western areas this afternoon and evening, but rain will persist for much of the day in eastern and southern counties, with a risk of thundery downpours there," reads their official website.

Tomorrow, we should expect scattered showers while Wednesday will be wet and windy, with "rain becoming widespread during the morning with some heavy bursts, accompanied by fresh and gusty southerly winds, strong to near gale near coasts."

Thursday will be brighter than the previous days but equally as wet, with the forecast reading: "The showers will tend to be more frequent later in the day, and may merge to longer spells of rain during the evening."

So, what's the overview for the coming week, in simplest terms? 

Well, apparently 'the week ahead will be unsettled, with an Atlantic regime dominating. Mobile Atlantic conditions are expected to continue to dominate, with temperatures likely to remain slightly below the seasonal average'.

And we're off to look up some flights…

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Police in England have accused Uber of not reporting an incident in which a driver sexually assaulted a passenger, thus allowing the attacker to strike again.

The news comes after it was revealed the firm had failed to report 48 serious crimes.

Inspector Neil Billany of the Metropolitan Police's taxi and private hire team, wrote a letter to the company suggesting it put its reputation over concerns for public safety.

In the letter, he accused Uber of “allowing situations to develop that clearly affect the safety and security of the public' by keeping drivers' crimes from police — including at least six sexual assaults on passengers.”

It's reported that in at least one of these cases, the private transportation company continued to employ the driver, who was then found to have carried out another serious sexual assault on a second female passenger.

Mr Billany continued: "Had Uber notified police after the first offence, it would be right to assume the second would have been prevented."

“The victims complained to Uber and were left 'strongly under the impression' it would tell police, but it did not do so.”

He also explained how the failure to report public order cases meant it was too late to prosecute the offenders.

The letter also made suggestions that Uber was choosing which incidents to report to the authorities based on what was "less damaging to reputation over serious offences".

In reponse, a spokesperson for Uber assured customers it reports all incidents to Transport for London (TfL).

“We were surprised by this letter as in no way does it reflect the good working relationship we have with the police.”

“We advise people to report serious incidents to the police and support any subsequent investigations, but respect the rights of individuals to decide whether or not to make such reports.”

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Thought your alcopop days were behind you? Think again.

One clever little Irish ice-cream shop is taking customers back to the days of their misspent youths with its latest flavour innovation, and honestly, our mouths are watering.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us introduce you – blue WKD ice-cream.

Yep. Lick Gelato in Newcastle, Co. Down, have created a range of 'adult' flavours, including blue WKD, prosecco with strawberry and Jagermeister with Red Bull.

Although this stuff looks like the type of thing that would be served at a child's birthday party, you do need to be over 18 to get your hands on some.

Simon Welby, the mastermind behind the incredible invention, told Planet Radio that they first started to experiemnt with alcoholic flavours when catering for private events.

"The idea first started off with a prosecco and strawberry flavour for the likes of weddings and special occasions, and it led from there really," he said.

"We had a request for the WKD and gave it a go, and the response has been staggering."

"Each serving is approx equivalent of a tin of bass shandy you would buy in the shop."

This isn't the first time Lick Gelato have been praised for their innovative flavours, in fact, just last month the shop scooped the prize for best newcomer at the 2017 Ice Cream Awards.

Road trip to Down anyone?

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Rumour has it, Leonardo Di Caprio was given his name after his mother felt him kick for the first time while standing in front of a portrait of Leonardo DaVinci at a gallery in Florence.

And now, some 43 years later, the actor will finally get to play his namesake in an upcoming film about the famous artist.

After an ferocious bidding war, Paramount have won the rights to Walter Isaacson's book about the painter, which is due to be released on October 17, 2017.

It's believed Leonardo DiCaprio will produce, as well star in the film, under the Appian Way banner with president of production, Jennifer Davisson.

The author, a former Time magazine editor, has previously written biographies for great minds such as Albert Einstein, Henry Kissinger, Steve Jobs and Benjamin Franklin.

This will not be the first time on of his books has made it to the big screen. Danny Boyle's 2015 film, Steve Jobs, starring Michael Fassbender, was based on Isaacson's work.

It is not yet know when production for the film will begin, however, seeing as the book is yet to be released, we're going to take a wild guess and say that it could be a few years before Leo's portrayal of the great artist hits the big screen – but we're sure it'll be worth the wait.

Who knows, maybe this will lead Leo to Oscar number two.

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At first glance, no one would blame you for thinking that Diet Coke and Coke Zero were the exact same drink in different packaging – after all, both offer consumers a sugar/calorie free alternative to the original Coke recipe.

Sure, marketing comes into play with the silver branded Diet Coke aimed mostly toward figure-conscious women, while the other provides men with a 'manly' excuse for their sugar-free choice.

But once we get past the outdated mind games, the formula is basically the same, right?

Wrong.

Any seasoned Coke drinker will tell you that these two products taste completely different, though no one could ever figure out why.

Well, it seems the mystery has finally been solved and the answer comes down to one simple ingredient – citric acid.

Commonly known as lemon salt, the preservative is exclusively used in Diet Coke, said to give the drink its unique 'tart-taste.'

Meanwhile, Coke Zero uses sodium citrate – an ingredient meant to mimic the taste of its full-fat counterpart.

Mystery solved.

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Hundreds of far-right demonstrators descended onto the streets of the university town of Charlottesville, Virgina, this weekend to protest against a plan to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee, head of the Confederate army in the American Civil War.

The white nationalists marched through the town holding lit torches before violence broke out after the group clashed with counter-protestors.

One woman died and more than a dozen have been injured after a car ploughed into a crowd of people protesting the white supremacist rally.

As Virgina governor, Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency on Saturday, many celebrities and political figures took to Twitter to condemn the ongoing violence and criticise the president's silence on the issue.

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Whether you suffer from cramps, bloating and/or irritability, the days leading up to your period are no walk in the park, and for many women, chocolate is the go-to remedy when it comes to alleviating those dreaded PMS symptoms.

But, as it turns out, those cravings could all be in your head – or rather put there by clever advertising and cultural exposure.

According to a study conducted by researchers at the University at Albany, which looked at the PMS symptoms of 275 women in different parts of the world, those born outside the US were 50 per cent less likely to experience menstrual chocolate craving, compared to women born to US-born parents.

The results found that almost half of all American women surveyed experienced chocolate cravings around the time their period was due, however, this figure fell to just 17 per cent for first -generation immigrants living in the US.

It seems that women who display the strongest cravings for chocolate were more likely to be 'westernised' than those who did not.

Researchers suggest that popular culture could contribute to this pattern as it encourages women to use PMS and pregnancy as a socially and personally acceptable excuse to consume 'taboo' foods.

"PMS chocolate cravings are just one example of this process," said nutritionist Georgios Tzenichristos, according to Metro.co.uk,  "which also serve to highlight our own cultural norms and myths in relation to food, cravings and body image."

But, while we may not be able to use the 'hormone' excuse anymore, we're not sure we're ready to say goodbye to those monthly chocolate binges just yet. 

We won't tell if you don't. 

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3 Reasons Why Ice Skating Is A Great Way To Get Fit

We all know how important getting fit is; when we look and feel great, we feel ready to take on the world, and a fit you have the energy you need to face those everyday challenges at work and at home.  Of course, once you’ve got fit it’s just as important to keep fit, and this isn’t always as easy as it sounds. If you find that running or regular visits to the gym bore you, then the chances are that over time you’ll do it less and less, and that can have a detrimental effect on your fitness and your health. When you love doing something, you’re much more likely to stick at it, which is why finding the right sport or exercise regime for you is so important. Ice skating could be just what you’re looking for, and here are three reasons why.

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It’s A Full Body Work Out Calorie Burner

You only need to try ice skating once to realize how much fun it is, but you may not realize at first just how much of a workout it’s putting your whole body through. It’s obviously a great way to strengthen your ankles and legs, but because balance is so important when skating, it also strengthens your core and can improve your posture. Studies show that an hour’s ice skating at a slow to moderate pace can burn off around 355 calories. Of course, this depends upon the weight of the skater and how vigorously they skate, but it’s still one of the most successful exercises for shedding excess pounds.

It’s Cool In More Ways Than One

It’s cool on the ice rink, but the skaters on it look cool as well. Whether you wear a beautiful skating dress, or jeans and a favourite sweater, there’s no doubt that skating is one of the most fashionable sports and it offers you the opportunity to look great while you keep fit – there’s no figure-hugging Lycra here or unflattering sweat pants. You can also look graceful as you glide around the ice, even if it’s not quite as effortless as you make it look.

It’s An Inexpensive Way To Get In Great Shape

Whatever sport or fitness activity you participate in, there are going to be start-up costs, but this is another area where ice skating comes into its own. The only purchase you have to make is a pair of skating boots, so we recommend a high-quality pair that are durable and supportive, such as those made by the skating experts Riedell. They make ice skates in all sizes and for all ages, and in a range of exciting and stylish designs. They can cost much less than you think, and once you have your skates, you’re ready to take to the ice.

When you ice skate your way to fitness you won’t have to worry about breathing in pollution, as you would if you were out jogging or cycling. Simply skate away to your heart’s content; it’s exercise with a smile on its face, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to do it again and again.

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Best Cities in Spain Worth Visiting

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The Kingdom of Spain, as it is officially called, is exquisite and picturesque from one end to the other. This Mediterranean country is every traveler’s dream destination. From exclusive museums to medieval castles and churches to some of the most stunning beaches, from futuristic architecture to irresistible tomato fight, Spain has a world of surprises waiting for you. The diverse geography and culture of Spain deliver a unique experience that you are bound to cherish.

Here, we have handpicked the top cities you must visit to make your Spanish holiday worthwhile.

Madrid 

The capital of Spain is regal and opulent in every sense. The Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Cathedral de la Almudena,  Prado Museum etc. stand witness to the country’s rich heritage and history. One of the most recommended things to do in Madrid is to travel like the Spaniards do, on board a bullet train. You can choose the most convenient option for your Madrid – Valencia train journey as you zoom past the lush countryside and scenic views. You can treat the football fanatic in you by paying a quick visit to the grand Bernabeu Stadium. You can visit the Gran Via for some high-street shopping thrill or places like El Rastro and Mercado San Miguel for pocket friendly shopping.

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Valencia 

The port city of Valencia is blessed with pleasant Mediterranean climate. The calm waters and the golden beaches here are one of the best places in Europe to enjoy paddle surfing. You can spend hours together marvelling at the ultra-modern architecture at the City of Art and Sciences which houses the Eye of Knowledge – L’Hemisferic, L’Umbracle, Science Museum etc. The Oceanographic is a stunning oceanarium where you get to see more than 45,000 sea creatures in their natural habitat. Get a taste of Gothic architecture at the Valencia Cathedral and the La Lonja de la Seda.

 

Barcelona 

To enjoy the cosmopolitan culture of Spain, you must visit Barcelona. The city has a distinct personality owing to the many contemporary artists and architects who have dotted this urban landscape with their works of art. Take a day long tour of the city admiring the buildings, parks and art galleries. The nightlife and shopping experiences here also worthy of a mention. As these cities in Spain have so many unique features, we recommend you to create a customized itinerary. Leading travel planners like Triptile.com allow you to make a tour package with destinations and experiences of your choice.

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Seville 

Get ready to put on your dancing shoes as you visit Seville, a city synonymous with Flamenco dancing and Tapas. You can indulge yourself in live Flamenco performances or visit the museum of Flamenco dance. Treat your hungry belly with a delicious Tapas treat found in every alley and street of Seville. When you feel a sense of contentment, go out and explore the fabulous monuments of Seville like the Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, Real Alcázar, Maria Luisa Park, Plaza de España and several more.

Spain is certainly a perfect amalgamation of history, culture, food and fun; basically all that a traveller seeks. So, if you have a splendid European holiday in mind, make your bookings and head to Spain.

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Just two months after checking himself into rehab for drug and alcohol dependence, Ant McPartlin is speaking for the first time about his silent addiction.

The beloved television presenter has revealed how he almost died following a two-year battle with prescription pain relief medication, admitting he would pop pills “willy nilly,” in an effort to keep his pain at a minimum.

His struggle began in 2014 when his pain failed to go away after a knee operation, meaning doctors were forced to prescribe Ant stronger and more addictive pain killers.

The I'm a Celebrity presenter then checked himself into a rehab facility earlier this year after revealing the extent of this problem with his wife, Lisa, and TV co-host, Declan Donnelly.

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Ant, for the first time, revealed the true extent of his horrifying battle, admitting his addiction led him into a depression.

“I was at the point where anything — prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs — I would take.

"And take them with alcohol, which is ridiculous. The doctors told me, ‘You could have killed yourself’,” he said.

The 41-year-old told how he pleaded with his wife, Lisa, to bring him to hospital after overdosing on tramadol, morphine and alcohol while recovering from a second knee operation in June.

“It was five in the morning and I was screaming in pain so I rang Lisa.”

“She was upstairs because I was living in the living room because I couldn’t get around.”

He continued: “I was insane. It sends you crazy. It was to the point of hearing things, seeing things in the garden and still the pain was getting worse.”

“The ambulance came and took me to Chelsea and Westminster.”

“I was depressed through the whole thing because I was in pain and immobile.”

Ant has now successfully completed his treatment and is clean from all drugs other than paracetemol for the first time in three years and is set to return to work alongside Dec on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in November.

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Gardaí are set to continue a search operation in Chapelizod for the body of Trevor Deely who vanished in 2000.

Originally form Naas, Co Kildare, the 22-year-old was last seen walking home from a Christmas party shortly after 4am in December 2000.

The three acre site in South Dublin, some eight kilometres from where Trevor was last seen, has been sealed off and the search is expected to take a number of weeks.

The latest search effort comes after officers received fresh information suggesting that Trevor's remains may have been buried there.

It's understood that there has been no request for the €100,000 reward on offer.

Detective Inspector Paul Costello says the search area remains closed to the public until further notice.

“This is a woodland area which is adjacent to the R112 at Chapelizod and it runs down to the banks of the river Liffey and all that area is restricted to the public.”

The latest development in the 17-year-old mystery comes after Gardaí began a cold case review last December, which led to the release of newly enhanced footage of Trevor speaking to an unidentified man outside his office.

However, Gardaí say the new search operation is not based on this information, which emerged in April of this year, and the identity of the man in the CCTV footage is still unknown.

It's believed officers have mapped out certain areas to focus on and have also received assistance from experts in land searchers.

The Garda Dog Unit is also expected to be involved in the search.

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