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Yearly Archives: 2018

Tonight's episode of First Dates Ireland will feature the show's first ever sign language date.

John Charles, a 27-year-old design student from Edenderry, and Stephen, a 24-year-old HR professional from Dublin, will be the first pairing to conduct their date entirely through sign language.

Though Stephen is not deaf, a severe childhood speech impediment led him to search for other ways to communicate with those around him.

“Growing up I had a really severe speech impediment to the point where I couldn't even fully pronounce my own name properly. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, I’d talk all the time but people couldn’t understand me.”

“It meant that I was really interested in, if one way of communication wasn't working for you that you could just choose an alternative,” he tells viewers.

Check out the teaser clip below:

The gas part is that John and Stephen have actually met before, and seem immediately at ease with each other's company.

“I just knew I'd meet someone I knew – because well, it's Dublin!”

Oh, and did we forget to mention that Stephen currently holds the title of 'Mr Gay Ireland'?

He tells viewers, "One of my friends said, when I won Mr Gay Ireland, 'if you can’t find a boyfriend this year, you never will!'"

Tune into First Dates Ireland on RTÉ2 tonight at 9.30pm to see if John Charles and Stephen hit it off.

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Pay day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the end of the longest month in history than booking yourself a well-deserved mini break?

A Harry Potter themed river cruise is coming to the UK this summer and it sounds absolutely magical.

Created by American company, Barge Lady Cruises, the six-day excursion sees passengers dock at a number of major filming locations.

The itinerary breaks down as follows:

Day One: The tour begins at the Hotel Stafford in London, where guests will be treated to traditional British afternoon tea and a visit to Hampton Court.

Day Two: A visit to the palace, a gourmet dinner and delicious cocktails (yes, please!)

Day Three: Trip to Virginia Water, the lake where Harry first meets Buckbeak in The Prisoner of Azkaban, and Windsor Castle.

Day Four: Dorney Court and Cliveden House, as well as Picket Post Close – the real-life filming location of 4 Privet Drive.

Day Five: An entire day exploring the world of witchcraft and wizardry at the Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Day Six: Saving the best for last, the tour will finish with a visit to Hogwarts' Great Hall as well as a stop at Oxford's Christ Church College.

Sign. Us. Up.

The themed cruises will take place from August 5-11 and 19-25, onboard Barge Lady Cruises' Magna Carta, making it the perfect summer getaway for 2018. 

However, this kind of luxury doesn't come cheap – hiring the entire boat will cost a jaw-dropping $39,100 (approximately €31,472 ), while single rooms will set you back around €1315 and a double room around €4267.

Better start saving!

Check out Barge Lady Cruises for more.

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Minister for Health Simon Harris will draft legislation for the referendum to repeal the 8th amendment. 

The legislation will include provision for abortion without restriction up to 12 weeks, as per the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee

He intends to have a draft published by late March. 

'Whether the Eighth Amendment is in our Constitution, or indeed not in our Constitution, abortion is a reality for Irish women,' he said, speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland.

'I cannot close my eyes and block my ears to the fact that 3,265 of our citizens travelled to the UK in 2016 from every county in Ireland.'

'I cannot stand over a situation where the abortion pill is illegally accessed in this country and women, perhaps in the privacy of their own bedroom, in a lonely isolated place, [are] taking a pill without any medical supervision.'

He did not provide the date of the intended referendum. 

However, after a special Cabinet meeting last night, it was announced that a referendum on the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution will be held in late May or early June. 

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Back in our teenage days, we draped ourselves in all things Abercrombie in hopes of looking like the tanned, Californian beach babes their ads portrayed.

However, in 2018, the company is paying for this specific A&F look, and in the millions. 

Abercrombie & Fitch has finally settled a five-year law suit with over a quarter of a million employees over the company's former 'looks policy.'

 

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The company have agreed to pay out over 25 million dollars to workers who claim that the brand forced them to purchase clothing from the stores as their uniforms to fit the brand 'look'. 

Numerous claims, dating back to 2009, alleged that the company never reimbursed the employees for these expenses. 

According to Reuters, they initially denied any wrongdoing in the case. 

In 2016,the American Customer Satisfaction index rated Abercrombie & Fitch one of the most disliked brands in the US, according to Market Realist. 

However, Abercrombie, who no longer employ a strict looks-based policy, have revamped their image in recent years. 

While once the exclusive domain of teenagers with more pocket money than many on basic wages, the company have expanded their previously logo-heavy collections to include trendy, seasonal pieces for a slightly edgier and older population. 

The increase in trend-driven and classic pieces combined with the brand's aspirational aesthetic and emphasis on customer service have seen it take an uptick in sales in the past 24 months. 

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Gardaí at Midleton Co Cork are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her 20s lost her life in a fatal collision this morning. 

The single vehicle collision happened at approximately 8.25am this morning.

Gardaí along with local fire and emergency services were called to the scene on the N25 at Water Rock east bound.

It is understood the car left the road before it struck a barrier. 

Garda forensic collision investigators are examining the crash site and local diversions are in place.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station 021-4621550, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

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Recording Academy president Neil Portnow ruffled a few feathers earlier this week, when he told Variety magazine that women need to 'step up' in order to gain recognition in the music industry. 

The industry big wig suggested that women do not receive their due recognition due to a lack of effort, rather than a systematic preference and acceptance of creative male artists. 

'I think it has to begin with women who have the creativity in their hearts and souls—who want to be musicians, who want to be engineers, who want to be producers, who want to be part of the industry on the executive level—to step up,' he said. 

This statement was met with raised eyebrows and major criticism.

Recording artist P!nk, who has been in the industry for over twenty years, penned a note to the Recording Academy president detailing her thoughts on the matter. 

'Women in music don’t need to ‘step up’—women have been stepping since the beginning of time,' she wrote. 

 

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'Stepping up, and also stepping aside. Women OWNED music this year. They’ve been KILLING IT. And every year before this.'

'When we celebrate and honour the talent and accomplishments of women, and how much women STEP UP every year, and how much women STEP UP every year, against all odds, we show the next generation of women and girls and boys and men what it means to be equal, and what it looks like to be fair,' she finished. 

Mic drop would have been a suitable addition to the end of that note, we think. 

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Kim Kardashian has been causing quite a stir on social media for the past 24 hours. 

The reality TV star has been posting a series of images from a recent photoshoot, which include a number of topless photos. 

Kim has been very vocal in the past about her thoughts on the policing of the female body, and the fall out from this shoot has been no different. 

Many fans and critics shamed Kim for the images, claiming that as a mother of three she should not be presenting herself in such a sexualised manner.

One picture in particular, which shows Kim naked except for thong underwear and an open fur coat, has come under the most scrutiny due to the semi- visibility of the business mogul's nipple. 

Kim has clapped back, posting another snap from the shoot to Twitter, with the caption: 'Can I get zero f*cks please?'

The photo has over 3.5 million likes on Instagram.

One celeb has commented on Kim's raunchy look. 

Lindsay Lohan commented under a pic of Kim posted by Perez Hilton, saying: 'i'm confused.'

 

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Never one to pull any punches, Kim retorted: 'You know what's confusing… your sudden foreign accent.' 

The NSFW shoot has been a bone of contention among Kim's fans, with some congratulating her for celebrating her body in whatever way she sees fit, while others are less than impressed.

'Your really overdoing it now,' said one Twitter fan.  'And it’s sad because I used to look up to you.'

'I know you could care less but why ? Why are you showing women that they should show their bodies like the way your doing?'

'Why does her naked body make you not look up to her?? and why SHOULDNT women show their bodies?? is the female form THAT offensive?' responded another. 

Kim has never been shy about sharing her naked image with fans. 

The children's clothing designer previously lashed out against criticism of her nude pics, writing a post on her website saying:

'I don't do drugs, I hardly drink, I've never committed a crime—and yet I'm a bad role model for being proud of my body?'

'It always seems to come back around to my sex tape. Yes, a sex tape that was made 13 years ago. Let's move on already, I have.'

'I am empowered by my body. I am empowered by my sexuality. I am empowered by feeling comfortable in my skin.'

'I am empowered by showing the world my flaws and not being afraid of what anyone is going to say about me.'

'The body-shaming and slut-shaming—it's like, enough is enough. I will not live my life dictated by the issues you have with my sexuality.'

'You be you and let me be me. I am a mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, an entrepreneur and I am allowed to be sexy.'

Hear, hear Kim. 

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After a special Cabinet meeting last night, it was announced that a referendum on the Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution will be held.

The meeting lasted for four hours, and the Cabinet concluded that late May would be the preferred time for the referendum to take place, or early June at the latest, RTÉ reports.

The timing of the referendum will depend on the passage of a referendum Bill through the Oireachtas.

Ministers decided that 'repeal and replace' would be the best policy so that if the Eighth Amendment is repealed by voters, new wording will be put in the Constitution stating that the Oireachtas 'may provide for the termination of pregnancies in accordance with law'.

If the Eighth Amendment is repealed, Minister for Health Simon Harris has been given permission to draft a Bill on the matter to be introduced in the Oireachtas.

As well, if this referendum passes, the Government would introduce legislation allowing unrestricted abortion access up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

After 12 weeks of gestation, abortion would only be allowed in 'exceptional circumstances such as a serious risk to the life or health of the woman or in the event of a fatal foetal abnormality'.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated in the press conference following the meeting that he wants abortion to be legal, safe, and rare, saying: 'We know that thousands of Irish women – women from every single county in Ireland – go abroad for abortions every year.'

'We know that many women are obtaining abortion pills through the post to end their pregnancies, without any medical support, or counselling, or supervision.'

'So, we already have abortion in Ireland but it is unsafe, unregulated and unlawful. We cannot continue to export our problems and import our solutions.'

'As Taoiseach – as a medical doctor – and as a former Minister for Health – I do not believe we can continue with a situation where women in crisis are risking their lives through the use of unregulated medicines.'

In order to vote in the referendum, Irish citizens must register at least 15 days before polling day.

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An archived clip showing a baby-faced Ryan Tubridy making his television debut in 1989 is doing the rounds, and people reckon he's a charming young fella altogether.

Appearing on RTÉ's Scratch Saturday, 16-year-old Tubs discusses a number of books about Irish rockers, U2.

Now, while the topic may not invite the most exciting of conversations, teenage Ryan delivers some well constructed reviews and even manages to slip in a joke or two.

Clearly dedicated to the subject at hand, he goes on to identify three types of U2 fan – the casual fan; the nouveau fan (or post Joshua Tree fan); and the obsessive fan.

Remaining cool, calm amd collected throughout the segment, it's clear to see that the Late Late Show host was destined for a career in front of the camera.

In fact, many people have pointed our how little the broadcaster, now 44, has changed over the years.

Same look, same mannerisms, same posh accent – some things never change!

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So, you've ever gotten married, been in a bridal party, or even just watched a cheesy rom-com, you'll know that peeing in the a wedding dress is no easy task.

Endless layers of lace and tulle make going it alone next to impossible and brides must rely on their nearest and dearest when nature comes calling.

However, that could all be about to change with the invention of the 'Bridal Buddy'.

Much like a slip, the Bridal Buddy fits comfortably underneath any wedding gown.

When the bride needs to go, she must gather the dress around her front and place it in the wearable contraption before putting her arms through the arms hols provided.

Still confused?

Here's a video explaining exactly how it works.

Oh, and one more thing – the armholes mentioned above are trimmed in blue, meaning you'll just need to find something old, new and borrowed.

We happen to think it's absolutely genius, but some Twitter users think it's a disaster waiting to happen?

While others have suggested another use for the product…

Either way, we're guessing this bizarre contraption will provide more than a few laughs on the big day.

You can pick up a Bridal Buddy for £80.99 (approx €92.00) on Amazon.

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Anyone who regularly walks through the streets of Dublin will know that Grafton Street acts as a stage for some of the country's most incredible up-and-coming talents.

It can difficult to make it from one side to the other without feeling the urge to stop and listen to the gorgeous music on offer, and every now and then an performing will come along who completely stops us in our tracks.

Allie Sherlock is one of those.

The 12-year-old singer-songwriter gained a loyal fan base after videos of her bucking on the streets of Dublin went viral.

The Cork native has been compared to powerhouse vocalist Adele and has is quickly making a name for herself as one of Ireland's most exciting young talents.

However, it's not just us who think so. The young singer is currently making waves on the other side of the Atlantic and even stopped on The Ellen Degeneres Show for a show-stopping performance and chat with the host.

During the interview, Allie revealed how she has been working with the likes of Ryan Tedder from One Republic and solo artist Charlie Puth.

Speaking about Allie's amazing talent, Ellen predicted that she wouldn't be singing on the street for much longer – and honestly, we couldn't agree more.

Watch this space.

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At this stage, we all know the dangers of leaving our drinks unattended on a night out, and while we're generally pretty good at keeping tabs on our G&Ts, we have been known to take our eye off the ball.

An unattended drink can provide the perfect opportunity for someone to engage in a 'drug-facilitated crime', leaving the victim at risk of attack or sexual assault – a scenario that has become all to common over the past decade or so.

However, one college student reckons she may have figured out a way to prevent these situations from occurring in the future.

Danya Sherman, a third-year student at George Washington University in DC, felt compelled to find a solution after her friend was drugged and assaulted while studying abroad in Spain.

After hearing the horrific tale, Danya created the KnoNap – a napkin capable of testing for 26 of the 40 most commonly used date rape drugs including Rohypnol, Xanax, Valium.

Speaking to The Independent, she explained: “It was the first time I actually became aware of the issue and it became very personal.”

So, how does it work?

If a person suspects that their drink has been tampered with, they would simply drop a small sample onto one of the napkins four corners.

Should the KnoNap detect the presence of an illicit substance, the area beside the test sample will display a clear change in colour.

Although the product is still in the early-stages, it's understood that Sherman and KnoNap are now working with manufacturers, with plans for a Kickstarter campaign starting in Spring.

Speaking about her goals for the invention, Danya said: “What I hope my company is able to push for is social change, greater awareness of the issue, but at the end of the day, empower individuals to be safer so that no one else has to say ‘me too.’”

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