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Yearly Archives: 2017

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It's always an amazing moment to see all of the rainbow flags flying all over Dublin in honour of Dublin LGBTQ Pride, which culminates this weekend. 

Now, Dublin Bus is getting on board with Pride, and has rebranded some of their buses to reflect this. 

Dublin Bus has decked out some of their vehicles with rainbow stripes. 

The stripes sit alongside the slogan: 'Gen on board with pride.'

The wonderful move comes along with the announcement that a rainbow bus will be featuring in the Pride parade on Saturday June 24.

'We are delighted to support another year of Dublin Pride,' said Dublin Bus Chief Executive, Ray Coyne.

'Our commitment to diversity and inclusion stems from our Equality and Diversity strategy that was first introduced in 2003.'

'We are a diverse workforce serving a diverse community.'

What complete and utter legends. 

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Since the horrific Manchester attacks, events have been cracking down on their security measures. 

One which has been seen at recent events is a bag ban, where attendees are asked to leave their bags and backpacks at home. 

Dublin's LGBTQ Pride event this weekend is no different, so if you're heading along, listen up. 

'For the safety and enjoyment of all attending, An Garda Siochana and Dublin Pride request that Pride patrons leave bags at home on parade day,' reads a safety update notice.

'In line with standard protocol for all recent events, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed.'

'Only small bags measuring no bigger than A4 (8.27in/21cm x 11.7/ 29.7cm) will be permitted into both St. Stephens Green South and Smithfield Square.'

'There will of course be exceptions made for people with medical conditions and children, but for the sake of everybody’s safety, all bags will be thoroughly searched.'

'This is also an alcohol and drug free event.'

So if you're attending, leave the backpack at home. 

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Justin Bieber is in Ireland to perform on his Purpose World Tour, but that doesn't mean he can't take a bit of time off while he's here. 

The singer didn't hole himself up in a fancy hotel room, oh no. 

Instead, he headed to Dublin's Bushy Park in Terenure to play a few games of basketball with his crew. 

Of course word got around immediately that the Biebs was in town (it is Ireland after all) and crowds gathered to watch the Despacito star play ball. 

Bieber fever was in full swing as crowds ooohed and aaahed at the star. 

They even threw in a few jokey boos as the singer played. 

The singer will be performing in the RDS tonight, kicking off at 7pm.

Heading along?

Take a look here for everything you need to know about the event tonight. 

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Belgian troops shot dead a suspected suicide bomber in Brussels Central Station last night.

The suspect detonated a device in the railway station, causing a small explosion.

No one was hurt or killed in the attempted terror attack. 

Police have since identified the man, but have not made his identity known to the public as of yet, according to RTÉ.

'The terrorist's identity is known' said Interior Minister Jan Jambon.

'We have been able to identify him.'

Officers believe the man was wearing an explosive belt at the time of the attack. 

It has been reported that the man lay undisturbed for several hours while a bomb squad checked for more explosives.

'This is considered as a terrorist attack,' federal prosecutor’s office spokesman Eric Van Der Sypt told The Guardian.

 'The suspect has been neutralised by the military that were present at the scene immediately after the explosion.'

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If you were an early riser, you may have caught some of the rain that was lashing down this morning, so it may come as a surprise that a wether warning has been issued today because of the heat.

Met Éireann have issued the warning for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Wicklow and Meath, as temperatures are set to reach 28 C.

However, the day will not kick off with sunshine, as heavy cloud cover and rainfall covers most of the country. 

'Scattered showers this morning will turn heavy with the risk of some thundery downpours before clearing northeastwards.'

'Later it will become mostly dry over much of the country with sunny spells developing and just a few scattered showers remaining, mainly in the north and northeast.'

'It will be very warm and humid with top temperatures reaching 22 to 28 degrees, highest in parts of Leinster.'

So hopefully this rainy tropical weather will make way for a bright and sunny day. 

Just remember to wear a hat and sunscreen with this warning in place. 

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So, Zayn Malik has always had a bit of an odd relationship with fame.

The former One Direction member quit the band in 2015 saying that he just want to be a 'normal 22-year-old' (so much for that), and has previously spoken about the difficulties of living in the spotlight.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the singer said, "It's a really weird world. I don't think there's anywhere I could be anonymous now."

During the interview, Zayn also admitted that he and model girlfriend, Gigi Hadid, find it hard to indulge in alone time outside of their homes.

"In New York, you can sometimes get out in the early hours of the morning for a walk.

"But there's no underground parking here, no escape routes. So they're going to get pictures, they're going to find you. In LA, it's more catered to these things — you've got back entrances and that."

He also revealed that Gigi has ''assisted'' him with his latest capsule collection for Versace's diffusion line, and said that despite their label of 'power couple', the pair share a very normal relationship.

Zayn also admitted that having a partner who is used to fame helps him cope: "She gets it, she's very understanding.

"But I can understand how it can look, that you've got these two people in a 'power couple'."

He added, "That's not something I want to be a part of. I'm with her because I like her and I hope she's with me because she likes me. When we come home, we don't really talk about that shit. We just spend time together as a normal couple, cook food, watch TV, have a laugh."

Previously, Gigi also touched on the normal lifestyle the couple share behind closed doors, admitting that Zayn was responsible for her new found addiction to Heinz baked beans, tea and butter chicken.

Zayn finished off the interview with a revelation about his culinary skills: "I've got into a thing of cooking pies recently. I cook a mean chicken and sweetcorn pie, with Alfredo sauce. I make my own pastry, roll it out and everything."

As if we weren't drooling already.

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Whether you're a dog-owner, or just a dog-lover, we can almost guarantee 70 per cent of your camera roll consists of cute puppy pics.

And why not? They're adorable and the world deserves to know.

Well, one girl has taken her doggie photography skills one step further and is secretly replacing her family photos with photos if their dog, Dixie. 

Genius, we know. 

(Side note: How much does the top right photo look like baby Kourtney Karashian?)

21-year-old Marissa Hooper originally started this as a way to drive her mam crazy, but of course, as soon the internet got wind of her epic prank, it turned into so much more.

After a few weeks, her mam finally noticed the subtle changes around her house and according to Marissa, “she wasn't amused.”

But, much to Marissa's surprise, the rest of the internet certainly was. 

And as if that wasn't enough, little Dixie has now got her very own Instagram account so we can all keep up with her adventures. 

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So, Barbie and friends have just updated their wardrobes, and honestly we could probably do with a few fashion tips from the stylish new crew.

The latest Barbie Fashionistas collection features 40 new dolls with seven body types, 11 skin tones, 28 hairstyles and various eye colours for "the ultimate storytelling experience."

The new crew is the most diverse yet, so whether you like your ken dolls with cornrows, freckles or glasses – there's something for everyone.

Barbie also rocks some pretty on-trend hairstyles including, blue, partially shaved and afro. She also comes in all shapes and sizes ranging from small and petite, to tall and curvy.

But it's Ken's new man bun that really got everyone talking.

Not gonna lie, our love for Barbie may have just been rekindled. 

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An American beauty brand has come under fire after they gave one of their products a hugely offensive name.

The internet has expressed disgust toward Smith & Cult, a brand famous for their nail polishes, after beauty blogger, Talonted Lex, spotted the name of their new eyeliner.

She had been sent the product by the company's PR and was shocked to discover that it was named 'Wax Spastic'.

Twitter users were understandably disappointed at the brands blatant insensitivity.

In the UK and Ireland the word 'spastic' is used as a derogatory term for someone who is disabled and is incredibly offensive.

However, according to Cosmopolitan, in the US, the term simple means someone who is clumsy or awkward.

So, it looks like the message may have been lost in translation, but we're still baffled as to how the word ever made in onto the packaging in the first place. Surely a quick google search would have stopped any confusion?

Lex later tweeted a response from Smith & Cult:

A spokesperson for the company told Cosmopolitan that the product has now been removed from sale.

“We have immediately removed the item from sale. Although the understanding of the word in US is very different we have to take responsibility, and recognise that as an international brand we must do better, and will take urgent steps to do this.”

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Additional security measures have been put in place ahead of Justin Bieber's sold-out performance at the RDS on Thursday June 21.

The Canadian singer will bring his Pupose World Tour to Dublin tomorrow and concert organisers have asked fans to arrive when the gates open at 5:00pm as they will be subject to individual “pat downs and metal detector checks for their safety and comfort”.

As the RDS is located in a residential area, no queuing is allowed outside the venue prior to gates opening. Early arrivals will be tuned away and asked to return at a later stage.

Due to heightened security at event venues throughout Europe, a number of extra measures will be enforced to ensure the safety and confidence of all attendees:

  • Be aware of bogus ticket sellers.

  •  No backpacks, large bags or any large objects.

  •  Only bags of A4 size (210x297mm) will be admitted after searching.

  • You will be subject to a “pat down” and a “wand” metal detector check.

  • Check ticket for correct approach route before leaving home.

  • You will be asked to show your tickets before joining queues.

  • Patrons are advised to keep their ticket in a safe place on their approach to the venue.

  •  The following items will not be permitted: alcohol, banners or flags larger than A4, cameras with more than 1” lens, fireworks, flashlights, food, garden furniture or seats, glass or cans, glowsticks, inflatable balls or   balloons, laser pointers, selfie sticks, shooting sticks, studs & spikes, umbrellas, video cameras & audio devices & weapons.

Concert organisers are advising patrons attending the gig to use public transport as parking at the RDS is limited.

However, if you are planning on taking the car, An Garda Síochána have devised a traffic management plan. For full details please check www.garda.ie.

For those of you attending the concert with children, there will be TAG-A-KID safety wristbands available at all the customer care points both outside and inside the venue.

Doors – 5pm, John Gibbons – 5.45pm, Halsey – 7pm, Justin Bieber – 8.15PM – 10.15PM.

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For the vast majority of us, being asked to be bridesmaid is a major milestone in any friendship. And providing your BFF doesn't morph into a classic Bridezilla, the experience is a genuinely lovely one.

However, there exists one particular task which leaves many bridesmaids feeling more than a little panicked, and that's the Hen, or more specifically, the organisation of the Hen.

With Hens getting bigger and more extravagant with every passing year, it's no surprise many of us feel the pressure to lay on a serious celebration in honour of our soon-to-be married pal.

But what do you need to consider to ensure the celebration goes off without a hitch? We take a look…

1. The bride's taste

With most capital city awash with inflatable dolls and L-Plates on a Saturday night, it's no surprise that Hens have  a reputation for being… well.. samey.

But it's highly unlikely every bride-to-be feels the need to don a sash and shift an inflatable man, so don't fall into the trap of ticking those boxes because you feel you have to.

If your friend is a real outdoorsy girl, she may well appreciate an adventure activity over a mani/pedi appointment, while a music-lover may well prefer a sweaty gig over a Prosecco-fuelled lunch, so don't pigeonhole her just because it might make it easier for you to plan.

Every bride has their own style. and that extends to her Hen, and while it's a given that many Hens want an element of surprise, there is no harm asking her to rule out certain activities or events if you feel it will add to her day and alleviate your anxiety.

2. The gang's budget

Money can become a massive bone of contention when talk turns to Hen and wedding celebrations.

Not everyone earns the same or owes the same, so while some of the group may have very hefty disposable incomes, others may be pinching every penny in order to make ends meet.

Now, there is no doubt that most people are more than willing to go the extra mile for a friend on her Hen, it's important as chief organiser that you take people's financial concerns into account.

Allow the invitees to contribute to the idea sheet and encourage the circulation of money-off deals if suitable, because nobody wants their Hen soured with ill will due to one person's insistence that 10 bottle of Champagne is an absolute necessity.

3. The Wow factor

Every Hen night warrants a Wow factor, and this can range from the sentimental to extravagant, but either way it's a must.

Whether it comes in the form of a gift or a venue, the bride-to-be should have at least one stand-out memory from her celebrations that momentarily took her breath away.

If it's a gift you're considering, a photo book which documents her favourite experiences with friends and the journey she has gone on with her future husband will always go down well.

If you want the venue to stand out, why not opt for a one-of-a-kind venue like Dublin's Number 22? From cabaret and cocktails to cafe culture and character, this is the type of venue that has a presence all of its own, and will go a long way towards ensuring an unforgettable night for your woman of the hour.

 

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Behind the blue door at Number Twenty Two is a unique and exclusive venue that combines the Library bar, restaurant and theatre club. For more info click here

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Looking for fun and exciting things to do in Dublin? Look no further

Café Society is a 12-piece big band performing songs and compositions made famous by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller plus many more. The band comprises 6 brass players, drums, piano, double bass and 3-vocalists. More information can be found on their website – and they can be seen live every Saturday night at Number Twenty-Two

Guests can get the full Café Society experience every Saturday night, Doors open from 7.30pm ‘til late and show starts 9.30pm

And with thanks to Number Twenty Two, we have an amazing prize to win dinner and enjoy an evening at the Café Society  for you plus three friends with a round of cocktails!

This competition is now closed. Congratulations to the winner Emma Pearse, an email has been sent. Thank you to everyone who entered.

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Guests can get the full Café Society experience every Saturday night, Doors open from 7.30pm ‘til late and show starts 9.30pm

For more information on this truly unique venue  you can check out Number Twenty Two’s website here

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