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Yearly Archives: 2017

Does anyone else remember those Give yourself Goosebumpos books by R.L Stine?

The 1995 interactive version of the classic Goosebumps tales allowed the reader to choose their own destiny in the books by making choices for the hero or heroine, with the aim of the game being to get the the end of the book safely, defeating all the monsters, tests of logic and chance encounters as you went. 

Now, Netflix is making this process a reality for movie lovers. 

You can now officially choose the twists and turns that your Netflix film takes with their brand new feature.

Netflix has introduced Interactive Storytelling, and has rolled out the experience with a kid's classic, Puss in Boots.

'Netflix members are in control of how the stories unfold,' reads a new post on the Netflix blog. 

'The intertwining of our engineers in Silicon Valley and the creative minds in Hollywood has opened up this new world of storytelling possibilities on Netflix.'

'The children’s programming space was a natural place for us to start since kids are eager to “play” with their favourite characters and already inclined to tap, touch and swipe at screens.'

'They also talk to their screens, as though the characters can hear them. Now, that conversation can be two-way.'

'It’s really about finding the right stories – and storytellers – that can tell these complex narratives and bring them to life in a compelling way.'

This is truly the stuff of our childhood dreams. 

 

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Coast Guards have rescued two dogs in separate incidents in Dublin over the past 24 hours.

Yesterday evening a member of the public contacted the Coast Guard after their dog had slipped and become trapped in a cliff at Red Rock in Sutton.

A team from the Howth station were immediately dispatched and a climber was lowered 15 foot down to the Golden Retriever.

Three-year-old Marely was successfully rescued and reunited with his owner.

In a separate incident earlier today, another dog owned contacted the Coast Guard after their dog swam into a shipping lane in Dublin Bay.

After a quick response from the Howth station, the dog was rescued from the water and reunited with its owner.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard praised both owners for contacting them rather than attempting to rescue the animals themselves.

We're just glad both doggies are safe and sound. 

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Dublin Zoo is set to open a new attraction, and if you were a fan of Jurassic Park back in the day, then you’re going to love it.

In a video posted on social media today, the zoo revealed that it will open Zoorasic World next month.

The short clip is very cute and shows a group of kids watching on as a Tyrannosaurus Rex arrives to the Phoenix Park attraction.

The kids clap and jump with anticipation, and we think we’re as excited as them to see the attraction in action. What’s not to love about having only dinosaurs in action?

Dublin Zoo director, Leo Oosterweghel, told the Irish Sun that the new exhibit is an investment piece, much like the newly-installed Sea Lion Cove and Orangutan Forests.

“All monies generated by Dublin Zoo go directly back into ensuring the continuous development of the Zoo,” he said.

The new attraction will open to the public on July 7.

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Over the six days that have followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy, politicians, press, high-profile personalities and members of the public have flocked to the scene of a fire which has thus far claimed the lives of 79 people.

And while the vast majority sought to provide support, assistance and reassurance in the aftermath of the blaze, it appears a small number are under the impression the scene of the tragedy is some sort of macabre tourist attraction.

As emergency services continue to sift through debris and families are informed of their loved one's passing, members of the public are using the opportunity to take selfies in the midst of the tragedy.

With a worrying number of people choosing to photograph themselves in front of the building's remains, residents have felt compelled to hang posters which urge the public to consider their actions in the wake of such a tragedy.

"Grenfell a tragedy not a tourist attractions. #selfies," read one poster.

Speaking to CNN, a resident of the area revealed the extent of the issue, saying: "It was such a disgrace to see people taking selfies with the tower behind them, thinking it was OK to do that in front of residents and people who lost their loved ones in the fire."

"It broke my heart to see people all dressed up like it was (the Notting Hill) Carnival and guys trying to get girls' phone numbers," he added.

Weighing in on the current discussion, Twitter users have wasted no time berating people who choose to take photographs at the scene of utter devastation, with one writing: "In the 15, or 16 years after 9/11, people just want to have their "Proof that I was there." self taken photos. What a souvenir."

The death toll currently stands at 79.

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It's supposedly going to be a mix of Sex And The City and The Hills.

Yep, some of Ireland's biggest bloggers are going to take part in a New York-based reality show.

Making It In Manhattan will feature Erika Fox, the woman behind Retro Flame, as she navigates life in NYC.

RTÉ is apparently trying to target a millennial audience with an "aspirational series", which will also include blogger, Louise Cooney.

The influencers will be filmed as they make their way around one of the biggest fashion and beauty industries the world has to offer.

According to The Herald, "This show is an ultimate feel-good, guilty pleasure.

 

A post shared by Louise Cooney (@louisecooney_) on

"Follow the cast as they adorn some of Manhattan's most glamorous locations for both work and pleasure."

The show will air exclusively on RTÉ Player and will be a six-part series.

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World No. 1 tennis champ, Andy Murray has vowed to donate his prize money from this week's Aegon Championships to victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Should he successfully defend the title he has already won five times, he would earn £347,000 for the survivors of last weeks tragedy, which is now thought to have claimed at least 79 lives.

According to The Independent, his plans were confirmed by a tournament source, however his own management declined to comment.

Reports also suggest that the tournament itself will make a significant donation following last week's tragic events.

Andy has always been a generous supporter of charities. Throughout his career he has helped a number of causes, though he has never sought any publicity for his donations.

Four years ago, the tennis star gave his £73,000 winner’s cheque to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity after his close friend, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, has been treated at the hospital.

He also lent his pro skills to a fund-raising match at the end of that tournament.

In 2009 Andy Murray and David Beckham joined forces to launch an anti-malaria campaign and in 2014 he became the global ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund.

Many have praised Andy for his huge generosity following the news of his latest donation. 

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Well, we're jealous!

Three talented Dublin dancers are set to take to the RDS stage tomorrow night with Justin Bieber.

Shane Bosson, Abi Doolan and Leah McNamara were selected from thousands by Justin's team to perform with him during his Dublin gig.

House of Swag Dance Studio posted on Facebook to congratulate their young stars: "These kids work so hard and they deserve this so much. 

"We are the proudest dance teachers in the world right now and absolutely over the moon! Definitely the happiest day of these kids lives," the post said.

"Thank you to Nick Demoura and all the Bieber team for choosing these kids they honestly work so hard.

"Well done to everyone else who auditioned never give up and keep working hard."

The look of delight of the kids' faces just says it all!

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Hygge took over as the biggest lifestyle trend for winter, but there are ways to adapt the trend to the summer months. 

While hot chocolate and fluffy socks are part and parcel of winter hygge, there are plenty of ways the distinctly Danish feeling of cosiness and contentment can be applied in the summer months. 

Garden parties

While cosy nights in with hot chocolate and vanilla candles is the quickest route to winter hygge, when the weather is good Netflix usually isn't the first thing on the agenda. 

Getting your friends or family together for a perfectly prepped garden party is the quickest route to summertime hygge happiness. 

String up some bunting (and fairy lights when dusk falls), scatter your outdoor furniture with throws, cushions and tablecloths, and swap hot wine and s'mores for a crisp wine spritzer, Aperol Spritz or G&T with a strawberry salad and you're ready to go. 

Gardening

Hygge is simply the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures. 

Keeping your garden, balcony herb garden or window box looking beautiful is the perfect way to embody the ritual of creating something simple and charming, and is an excellent way to indulge in summer hygge. 

Plus, the garden will be looking lovely for the garden parties. 

 

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Fresh hygge decor

Winter decor with a hygge vibe involves thick knitted blankets, fluffy furnishings and plenty of creams and muted tones. 

Adapting the look for summer involves making a few small changes to brighten up the home. 

Swap your indoor fairy lights for copper string lights, trade your fur covered pillows for bright Nordic-print cushion covers, hang some plant-filled terrariums, and incorporate green and pale yellow tones into your summer-styled rooms.

 

A post shared by BothyBlue (@bothyblue) on

In-house foliage

Speaking of interior decor, live plants and fresh cut flowers are an ideal way to brighten up the inside of your home, and admiring the beauty of nature is definitely very hygge. 

Fill a vase with seasonal flowers, as well as lots of green foliage to create the ideal summer bouquet for your coffee table.

Lavender and leaf arrangements smell divine and keep very well if you don't want to invest in a bouquet that will wilt before the week is out (and you can throw a sprig in your gin with some juniper berries for a refreshing but aromatic cocktail).

 

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Summer siestas

Napping is definitely one of life's simple pleasures, so taking a weekend nap is the perfect way to practice self care while catching up on your zZzZzs. 

And if you can mange it in a hammock in the back garden?

Then all the better. 

Star gazing

It's rare in Ireland that we get a mild enough night to sit out and star gaze, but the activity definitely reflects the core value of hygge.

While the weather is balmy, set up the deck chairs or bring your winter throw out and lay it on the grass and count the stars. 

 

A post shared by Ross (@rossmoton) on

Feature image: Instagram / westelm

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Only in Ireland!

Passengers who were queuing for a flight to Cornwall on Saturday were surprised when their boarding call turned out to be a spontaneous sing-song.

A native Cork band, The Molgoggers, were boarding the flight along with the passengers, and instead of the usual final call, the band serenaded the flyers with an original song called All Aboard.

The eight piece group were flying out to take part in the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival in Cornwall.

The tune was written in reference to the history of Cobh, and the emigration that people faced in past centuries.

The song was written by the man singing the verses, Jim Halligan, and we have to say, it's a beautiful song. Their harmonies are on point too.

If only all boarding calls could be like this.

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When it comes to 5-star luxury, hotels are forever attempting to outdo one another.

But it looks like one exclusive resort in Italy has actually managed to go full-throttle extra with the finishing touch they laid on in their presidential suite.

Milan's TownHouse Galleria Hotel is offering guests the opportunity to rest their head on 24-karat gold bed sheets… providing they can spring €5,500  for a midweek stay, of course.

Designed by jewellery designer Federico Buccellati, the sheets, which are made from 40 per cent 24-carat gold and rounded out with a silk and cashmere blend, are worth a staggering €180,000.

And the perks of staying in the Seven Stars Ottagono Presidential Suite don't stop there, oh no!

If you do decide to drop a few thousand in the exclusive suite, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the hotel’s breathtaking interior as well as being able to luxuriate in a marble bathroom and glass-encased shower.

Oh, and if you think you wouldn't be able to return to plain cotton after one night on 24-karat gold, fear not, because the hotel is more than happy to part with their limited edition sets for approximately €200,000.

BRB, just checking our current account balance.

*Insufficient funds*

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According to emerging reports, an Irish student, who travelled to the United States on a JI Visa this summer, is in a critical condition in San Diego after being attacked last Friday.

It is understood that 21-year-old Evan White from Co Cork was assaulted after spending a night celebrating his birthday with friends.

According to MSN, Evan was rushed to Scripps La Jolla Hospital where he remains in intensive care after being attacked in a laneway in the Pacific Bay area of San Diego.

Speaking to the Irish Sun, friends of the student, who studies Business at University College Cork, expressed their distress over Evan's condition.

"They said he is a terrible state. He was beaten to a pulp. He has injuries everywhere but particularly to his face.He has so many bones broken there, he is unrecognisable," they explained.

Looking to the future, Evan's friends remain hopeful he will recover, saying: "But the good news is that he has been fighting back and while he is still in intensive care and still critical there are strong hopes for his recovery."

Describing Evan as the 'nicest, quietest guy you could meet', the 21-year-old's friends insist the student would not have willingly engaged in any form of confrontation.

"He would never get into a confrontational situation. He is very shy until you get to know him.”

Evan's family have made their way to the United States and The Department of Foreign Affairs is currently providing consular assistance.

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The first ever smart tent will be pitched at Glastonbury Festival this year.

UK mobile network, EE, is placing the tent on the grounds of Glastonbury, and we have to admit, it sounds pretty cool.

The smart tent comes complete with a smart mini fridge, a virtual reality headset and a security camera for outside.

The smart mini fridge will tweet its users when food and drink is running low, while the VR headset will showcase everything that's going on in the festival.

The security camera can stream a live video directly to an app, so you'll be able to see if anyone steps into the tent.

And that's not all – the smart tent will also double as a 4G hotspot for Internet users.

4GEE smart tent

Oh, and probably the coolest feature of all; it includes a wellington boot warmer to dry out your muddy footwear at the end of the day.

“While camping is a massive part of any music festival, it’s not always the most comfortable experience, so we wanted to create a 4GEE Smart Tent that tested the latest tech-inspired comforts,” a spokesperson for EE said.

4GEE smart tent

“The on-site 4G network we’re providing to Glastonbury revellers this year is the most powerful we’ve ever put in, and will help create the ultimate connected camping experience."

OK, we totally need one of these.

Images: EE

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