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Yearly Archives: 2018

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Speaking at Dublin Castle today, ahead of the Pope's address Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took a moment to call on Pope Francis to ask him to use his power to make right the past wrongs of the Irish Catholic Church.

He told the congregation that there was still much to be done to achieve justice for victims of clerical abuse, and that there must be zero tolerance for the actions of the perpetrators and those who were involved in cover ups.

'It is a history of sorrow and shame. In place of Christian charity, forgiveness and compassion, far too often there was judgement, severity and cruelty, in particular, towards women and children and those on the margins,' he said, according to The Journal.

“Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes, industrial schools, illegal adoptions and clerical child abuse are stains on our State, our society and also the Catholic Church.

“Wounds are still open and there is much to be done to bring about justice and truth and healing for victims and survivors.

“Holy Father, I ask that you use your office and influence to ensure this is done here in Ireland and across the World,” Varadkar said.

'There can only be zero tolerance for those who abuse innocent children or who facilitate that abuse.

'We must now ensure that from words flow actions.'

'Above all, Holy Father, I ask to you to listen to the victims.'

Varadkar also praised the Church for their positive influence on the country, and for the kindness and charity shown by Catholic organisations.

'As we struggle with a housing shortage and homelessness, Catholic organizations and people inspired by their Catholic faith fill a gap in providing services, for example, through organisations like CrossCare.'

'Holy Father, during your papacy, we have all witnessed your compassion for those on the edge of our society, those who have not shared in our relative prosperity, those you have slipped through the net.'

During the Pope's address, he acknowledged the dark crimes of the past, saying he shared the 'pain and shame of the Catholic community' but did not issue a public apology. 

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Antique Amenities That Can Be Purchased Online

Your dream vanity table is just a click away from you.

There’s nothing as appealing as the vintage home décor style, but shopping for antiques is one of the most overwhelming things you’ve ever done. It takes a certain kind of determination and skill to find a piece in the sea of rough items sold online and offline, under the name of antiques. But if you choose to shop online, you at least bypass the sore feet, mothball smell and tons of items you have to sort by hand to find that antique rug that would add a vintage touch to your living room.

Shopping for antiques in person isn’t for everyone, but if you can find something in physical stores, you can definitely find it online. In fact, online shopping is more rewarding because it takes you to sites filled with history-rich furniture pieces and artwork at fair prices.

Before you head to the online market, it’s essential to make a list of items to search because impulsive antique shopping can dry out your bank account. Here is a list of antique amenities worth buying online.

High-quality, exquisite rugs

There’s no denying that vintage rugs add a timeless flavour to any room, and with everyone embracing the beauty and charm of vintage décor, it’s more and more challenging to find high-quality antique rugs on sale in physical stores. But if you run an Internet search, you can find high end rugs with intricate patterns and models.

No matter if your house is designed in a traditional or modern style, a Persian or Mashad antique rug would add a cool retro touch when paired with the right furniture. So, if you’re looking for an antique rug, be specific in your search, and be patient because it may take some time for the Internet to pair you with the right item. But the wait is worth it.

Elegant polished chandeliers

Interior designers cannot highlight enough how fancy brass chandeliers and vintage wall sculptures look. Even in the modernist and minimalist interior design trend that is taking the world by storm right now, chandeliers are super-hot because they add an elegant touch to the room the moment you install them.

A brass metal chandelier is a warm element you can pair with a white room to add an inviting texture.

Striking furniture

The folks who sell antique furniture also offer you a piece of their soul because they kept those items in their houses for eyes, and even generations. Vintage furniture is in high demand lately because it adds a glimpse of history and coziness to a new home.

Antique furniture is seeing a ton of interest in the last years because a single item can spice up the style of a house if it’s placed next to complementing pieces.

Glam barware

The latest tendencies have also seen a lot of homeowners that want to glam up their houses with vintage barware. An antique brass bar cart filled with expensive champagne and crystal glasses can live up any party.

And if there is still money in your bank account after you purchased the above antique amenities, also look for velvet upholstery, sculptural candlesticks, and glass bottles.

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Due to the news of a potentially devastating hurricane, President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in Hawaii.

Hurricane Lane was predicted to be the worst storm since Hurrican Iniki in 1992, which claimed the lives of six people and injured over 100 more.

Thankfully, contrary to this dangerous forecast, Hurricane Lane has been downgraded to a tropical storm.

Its blustering winds weakened slightly as they drew nearer towards nervous residents but were still charted at a forceful 70mph.

And now, the storm’s impact can be seen wreaking havoc on the islands’ shores, especially hitting the state’s main island, Hawaii.

Floods poured into cities, and families were forced to flee their homes in search of higher ground.

Dedicated surfers refused to let the threatening waters deter them from their daily ride and ignored emergency official’s warning to stay out of the tossing waves on Waikiki Beach.

Three feet of rain covered the Big Island in just 48 hours, shutting down roads in the main town of Hilo as floods rose to waist-deep levels, according to Hawaii News Now.

The National Guard have been working alongside firefighters to rescue tourists and residents from rising waters.

Employees are placing sandbags in front of store fronts in preparation of the floods as they sweep towards their stores.

Emergency shelters have been opened to the public as they are encouraged to seek safety away from unstable homes and beachfront properties.

While Hawaiians are relieved at Hurricane Lane’s downgraded status, its effects are still causing disaster and damage across the state.

Hopefully, newly sent relief crews from other states will help minimise the devastation and aid in rescuing as many people as they can.

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Ah, the Naked palette – it was truly the first cult beauty product of it's kind. 

Since then, literally thousands of neutral palettes have attempted to replicate the OG palette, but none have quite captured the functionality and quality of the original.

In a shock announcement this week, Urban Decay revealed that they will be discontinuing the iconic product.

Luckily, the palette is still available today – and it's on sale – so you can snap one up quickly if your old one is looking a little worse for wear.

'Today, we mourn our beloved original Naked Palette, a revolutionary product that changed the beauty industry forever,' UD wrote on Instagram.  

'A little bit naughty, often dramatic, and always in the press, the innovative game-changer and category creator will be laid to rest after 8 years.'

I think we ALL remember our first encounter with the Naked palette, and how enraptured we were that all the shades we could possibly need were now in the one place. 

For me personally, I hunted high and low in my home town of Galway for the palette back in 2011, but it was like Half Baked gold dust. 

However, during a jaunt to Limerick to buy a Debs dress, we spotted a stand of them in a department store – que me screaming and my mother slamming on the breaks of the car worried that I had suddenly been struck down with acute appendicitis thanks to my screech.

An intense battle ensued and the palette was  bought, and my entire self-painted sparkly smoky eye for my Debs was courtesy of Creep and Gunmetal. Eight years later I still have the palette, and that Debs look is screaming for a recreation. 

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By Amy Donohoe

A new survey has found that 40% of rivers, beaches and harbours in Ireland were littered or heavily littered.

The most common forms of litter were cigarette butts, sweet wrappers, plastic bottles and cans, according to Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), who conducted the survey.

“We are a small island and often subject to wet and windy weather. When someone casually drops a plastic bottle or cigarette butt on the street, the likelihood of it being blown into a local river or swap into a drink to then enter the sea is very high,” IBAL spokesperson Conor Horgan said.

The marine environment is being permanently damaged by plastic pollution. IBAL wants local authorities to get help fight this unacceptable level of litter in Ireland. The Government need to put effort into preventing waste ending up in marine areas around the country.

The survey of coastal areas and inland waterways showed that four out of 50 beaches, harbours and rivers were found to be litter-free. This is a threat to Ireland’s reputation for scenic landscape.

If we don’t do anything, Ireland’s attractiveness will be no more. The permanent damage being caused to the marine environment in the form of plastic pollution is the most concerning.“This litter isn’t just unsightly, it is contributing to lasting, potentially irreparable damage to our planet. This is the new face of litter,”Horgan stated.

IBAL is now broadening its focus. It will be supported in its efforts by groups already on the ground monitoring and picking up waste, including Coastwatch Ireland, Clean Coasts, An Taisce and Tidy Towns groups, and also many committed groups and individuals who help clean their local beaches and waterways regularly.

The Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) was set up in 1996 due to many companies believing that litter has a significant impact on our economic well-being. The main sources of our prosperity – tourism, Foreign Direct Investment and our food industries – all depend on an image of Ireland as a clean and green island. 

They believe that it’s the Local Governments job to solve our litter problem through enforcement of litter laws and not public information campaigns.

Litter is waste in the wrong place and is always caused by humans. It ruins the appearance of our country. Litter has many forms and many sources, from a sweet wrapper thrown on the street to a dumped bag of rubbish. Local Authorities spend millions every year cleaning the streets and trying to prevent people from dumping their waste illegally.

Litter such as broken bottles and cans left lying around public areas can easily result in an injury, while food litter can attract rats and flies, which spread disease. Litter can also be lethal to wildlife, litter can be mistaken for food by animals such as cows, sheep, horses and some marine animals.

Waste is an unwanted or unsalable substance or material. It’s considered to be at an unsustainably high level in Ireland, especially household and commercial waste.

Previously, Ireland sent almost all waste to landfill. But over the last decade, we have been recovering waste and partaking in recycling activities.

Reducing the amount of waste we produce by re-using, repairing, composting, recycling and preventing waste in the first place, we can help to protect our country and our planet for future generations.

Fines for littering:

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place is an offence that can be subject to an on-the-spot fine of €150 or a maximum fine of €3,000 if you are convicted of a litter offence in the District Court.

The Protection of the Environment Act 2003 introduced conviction on indictment and carries a maximum fine not exceeding €130,000 and a fine not exceeding €10,000 per day for continuing offences. 

You can be issued with an on-the-spot fine by a litter warden appointed by your local authority or by a member of the Gardai. If you are convicted of a litter offence, you may also be required by the court to pay the local authority’s costs and expenses in investigating the offence and any costs incurred in bringing the prosecution.

The 2015 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report showed that cigarette litter and gum are the two most common causes of litter. The report showed that the top causes of litter are:

  • Cigarette related litter (59.8%)
  • Food related litter (gum) (12.4%)
  • Packaging litter (11.95%)
  • Sweet related litter (7.22%)

Everybody should take responsibility for their actions. The effects of litter and waste can be reduced if we work together, create solutions and awareness.

Reduce

  • Ask yourself whether you really need the product before you buy it.
  • Use a lunchbox instead of cling film/ tin foil. Use reusable drinks bottles and coffee cups.
  • Use the double sided paper facility when using a printer.
  • Buy products with less packaging and highlight the issue to suppliers.

 

Reuse

  • Reuse old bottles, jars and containers for storage.
  • Donate clothes, books, games and music instead of throwing them out
  • Don’t use plastic bags when shopping, use reusable bags instead.

Recycle

  • Know what you can/cannot recycle (waste collection companies may vary).
  • Hazardous materials (such as batteries) should all be recycled.
  • Aim to buy products that are recycled.

For information about litter policies in your area, or to apply for grant aid for an anti-litter awareness project, contact your local authority, contact your local authority.

To report illegal dumping, contact the local authority or call the 24-hour National Environmental Complaints Line on 1850 365 121.

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One of our favourite films of all time is being remade, and the cast could not be more perfect!

We all watched the 1994 version of Little Women, starring Winona Ryder, Christian Bale, Susan Sarandon and Kirsten Dunst. It was one of those films we watched to get out of reading the book for school, but we ended up actually loving it.

Winona stole our hearts as the spirited Jo, who strained for independence and leaned on her sisters when life got tough. The movie adaptation was a heartwarming tale of sisterhood, romance, war, identity, and family.

Then last year, BBC’s mini-series took a new perspective on Louisa May Alcott’s classic. Each actor adhered to the book’s interpretation of them: Maya Hawke, playing Jo, strived to illuminate her character’s imperfections, Willa Fitzgerald showed Meg’s journey was one of self acceptance, and Annes Elwy embodied Beth’s social anxiety in a real and moving depiction.

Now, rumours of a modern interpretation of Little Women are spreading, and the word is that it will begin filming next month, according to Variety.

Allegedly, Emma Watson has been approached by Sony for a role, and although it is unknown which March sister she will play, her shorter hair and fiery Hermione attitude suggest she would be the perfect Jo. However, her poised and determined role of Belle as a romantic could suggest she would make an excellent Meg.

The Harry Potter star is said to be replacing Emma Stone, who was originally asked to be part of the film but had to turn the offer down due to filming clashes with Fox Searchlight film The Favourite.

The upcoming drama will be directed by Lady Bird’s Greta Gerwig. It will also star Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, and Florence Pugh.

As of now, the film’s release date is sometime next year, and we cannot wait to see it!

Stay tuned for an upcoming trailer as more of the classic movie’s details are confirmed.

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There are few women out there who don't struggle with body image in some shape or form.

Between airbrushed models and #spon posts, we are constantly bombarded with unrealistic beauty expectations, which can in turn give us a skewed perception of our own self-image.

While we might look to certain influencers for inspiration or guidance, it's almost impossible not to compare ourselves to them in the process.

It's a vicious cycling of motivation vs self-loathing, and given that most of us are consuming an unholy amount of media on a daily basis, it's no surprise that a digital detox could do wonders for our self-confidence.

New research conducted at the Anglia Ruskin University has found that green space can work wonders when it comes to promoting a positive body image – and you don't even need to step outside.

In three studies, students at the university were shown photographs of both natural and built-up environments – the results of which showed that the exposure to the great outdoors, be that through reality or the viewing of an image, was of huge benefit to a person's self-image.

A fourth study involved members of the public walking in both environments around Hamstead Health and Primrose Hill – which also found that those walking in the natural environment displayed “significantly higher body appreciation.”

The research, published in the journal Body Image, claims that exposure to natural environments promotes respect for the body as well as a rejection of rigid ideas around appearance.

“There are several reasons why exposure to nature could be having this effect on positive body image,” says Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University and lead author of the study.

“It might be that it distances people, physically and mentally, from appearance-focused situations that are one of the causes of negative body image.”

“Access to nature may also mean that individuals spend more time outdoors engaging in activities that focus attention on the body’s functionality rather than aesthetics.”

So, if you're feeling down about your appearance, ditch the phone and set a date with Mother Nature. 

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A massive protest will be taking place on Sunday, during which several Irish singers, including Hozier, are planning to perform.

The event, called Stand for Truth, is in support of clerical abuse victims and will take place in the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin.

Performers at the rally will also include Irish musicians Mary Black, Roisin O, and Liam Ó Maonlaí.

All the singers wish to take a stand against the abuse that has gone on in the Catholic Church and express their support for affected victims.

Several speakers will also be addressing the crowd, sharing their own experiences with clerical abuse and its effects on a personal and societal level. Their goal is to raise awareness of how global the horrific issue has become.

Theatre maker Grace Dyas, poet Sarah Clancy, and executive director of Amnesty Colm O'Gorman are on the agenda to speak to those gathered at the rally.

Colm, also organiser of the event, recently explained that the rally is for “everyone who wishes to stand in solidarity with those harmed by the actions of the institutional Roman Catholic Church. Who wishes to stand for truth, for justice, for love. For the Ireland we must be.”

Stand for Truth is scheduled to start on Sunday, August 26th at 3:00pm – the same time that Pope Francis plans to lead mass in the Phoenix Park.

Following the event, protestors will participate in a silent procession to Sean McDermott Street, where the last remaining Magdalene Laundry is.

“We cannot stay silent as the Vatican uses its power and pomp to forcefully deny the reality of the harm it has done,” Colm explained.

“This week Pope Francis has begged for forgiveness, but it isn’t at all clear what he wants forgiveness for. At no point has Pope Francis or any of his predecessors admitted or taken any responsibility for the deliberate policy of cover-up by the Vatican across the global church. [..]

“He needs to take responsibility for it as Pope, and as head of state of the Vatican City State. The time when the Vatican could force the cover-up of its crimes is long past.

“The Vatican may continue to dodge the truth, to try to bury it in dense and meandering statements. But nevertheless, it is revealed. So we will stand for truth. ”

Almost 3,000 people plan to attend the Stand for Truth rally. If you would like to attend, check out their Facebook page for more information.

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Snacking and healthy eating aren't usually topics that go hand-in-hand.

For most of us, snacking involves picking at biscuits, cake, chocolate, and whatever other treat our hand reaches for in the cupboard.

But as we become aware of the importance of eating right, more and more of us are looking for alternative and healthy foods to snack on. 

In fact, according to a survey by SuperValu, 90 percent of Irish consumers are worried about what they eat, and are starting to change their habits. 

The shift sees snacking evolving from an indulgence into a habit of “purity” and is now commonly known as The Fourth Meal.

How do we decipher what is healthy and what ‘healthy snacks’ are really fit for purpose though? 

Well, that's where SuperValu comes in.

The retailer, together with Health and Wellness ambassadors Bernard Brogan, Lean Mean Momma, Cliona O’Connor and Nicola Halloran of The Wonky Spatula, is enabling people to decipher what healthy options will truly suit their lifestyle.

If you want healthier snacking options that don't involve a bag of crisps or bar of chocolate but offer the same satisfaction, you should opt for something made from healthy ingredients packed into one product. 

So what products do they recommend?

  • Go Raw is right on trend being organic and sprouted with healthy inclusions such as flax seed and chia.

  • Madegood is another tasty healthy treat made from dried fruits, whole grains and all-natural ingredients.

  • If you make your own snacks but find flavour a challenge, PBfit is the ideal solution to add yumminess to your rice cakes or shakes. PBfit is peanut butter powder made by pressing gently roasted peanuts to remove most of the fat and calories. It is then ground with some coconut palm sugar, and a pinch of salt.  

  • Whey Box, a convenient on the go protein in a 20gm format in three different flavours ideal for your gym or hand bag.

  • ROS Nutrition, a 100% Irish product, is the exclusive nutritional partner to the Dublin GAA team, over 25 Irish Olympians, athletes such as Sean O’Brien and has just been announced as nutritional partner to the Guinness Pro14 rugby league.

  • Paul’s Quinoa Meals available in Mild Curry, Tagine or Provençale – organic, gluten free and vegetarian.

  • Upton’s Jackfruit is an ideal meat replacement in three different flavours; just add to tacos, burgers, salads, sandwiches, wraps or simply over rice.

  • Or if you're into Deliciously Ella, you can pick up a range of her free from products from oat bars to granola or Bircher muesli.  All products are from natural ingredients, gluten free, dairy and refined sugar.

So, if it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner or anytime in between SuperValu has all of your healthy options sorted for you.

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It's hard to believe that Josh is becoming a dad.

Not so long ago, Drake and Josh ruled our TV screens.

We fell in love with him as the chubby kid on the Nickelodeon show.

Now, he's seriously adulting and expecting his first child with his wife, Paige O'Brien.

Taking to Twitter, he announced the news in the most Josh-Peck-way.

"Guys I did it! I’m finally down to my goal weight! Oh and we’re pregnant," he joked.

Fans were quick to offer their congratulations to the couple.

 

A post shared by Josh Peck (@shuapeck) on

The pair wed in June 2017, and were surrounded by family and friends as they exchanged their vows in a Malibu ceremony.

However, famously Josh didn't invite Drake to the nuptials and the Internet hasn't forgotten.

Hilariously, fans trolled his Twitter announcement, asking if Drake would be invite to the baby shower, or even better: the birth.

Naturally the Drake and Josh references came thick and fast.

This is a personal favourite.

All joking a side, it's incredible news for the pair.

Since his Nickelodeon days, Josh continues to star in TV programmes.

He also has a YouTube channel and is a member of David Dobrik's vlog squad.

Here's hoping that when their baby is born, he or she will become a feature in his videos.

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Our social media feeds have been flooded with talk of Pope Francis' arrival this weekend, and we can't cope with anymore news about it.

But whether we plan to attend The World Meeting of Families or not, the whole city will be affected by the masses drawn to the Catholic figurehead.

Due to the large crowds, the city will be enforcing road closures throughout city centre for security’s sake.

Pope Francis will arrive in Ireland tomorrow, August 25th, around 10:30am, and will be staying until Sunday evening. He plans to do some sight seeing and attend to papal duties before he leads mass and visits with the Irish public. Tickets have already sold out to attend the holy mass in Phoenix Park on Sunday.

If you are one of those lucky enough to have snagged tickets, then there will be free transport (with presentation of your ticket) in the greater Dublin area on August 25th. There will no carpark near the event, but you can get to Phoenix park by any of the following routes:

If you aren’t able to attend but still want to catch a glimpse of the pope, you can follow his route while he is in Dublin. His full day itinerary can be found here.

Because of his widespread travel around the city, Gardaí will be closing down specific roads and have warned the public to be aware of the altered public transport routes this weekend.

So what roads will be closed?

Most of the main roads in city centre will be closed on Saturday from 12pm-4:30pm, including O’Connell St, Westmoreland St, Abbey St, Henry St, Dame St, Nassau St, and areas of the quays.

Sunday will see even longer road closures during the entire day from 6am-11pm. These closed roads include those surrounding the park: Navan Rd, Chapelizod Hill Rd, JFK Dr, Kylemore Park, most of the quays, and many more.

For a full list of road closures, click here.

We recommend planning to walk everywhere if you leave the house on Sunday.

Sounds like the perfect hangover day to recover from the Saturday night sesh.

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It has been over a decade since the classic fashion film, The Devil Wears Prada hit our screens, and one particular lip-synch video is going viral. 

Depicting one of the film's most iconic scenes, the one in which Miranda Priestly reads Andy Sachs for absolute filth over her dismissal of two 'identical' belts while wearing that cerulean sweater, Meryl fan Bowen Yang is taking the internet by storm. 

The video, which now has over 1.6 million views, has been shared all over social media.  

Bowen has been highly praised for his depiction of Meryl's performance. 

Every thing from the inhalations to the head tilts is completely perfect, and highlights the subtlety of the art of acting. 

In the wake of the videos success, a very humble Bowen took to Twitter to express that he doesn't feel his portrayal is perfect. 

 'I'm probably being too expressive in the vid,' he tweeted. 

We have to disagree Bowen, you did the role such justice. 

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