InTallaght EDITION 10

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Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the February edition of InTallaght magazine.

Now that the Christmas period is behindus and most of us are wavering on ourNew Year’s resolutions we decided tocheer you all up by talking to funny-manNeil Delamere who is sure to put a bigsmile on your face.

Also in this issue we chat to the fabulousLaura Whitmore on her rising success,between presenting on MTV and herlatest stint in the jungle, as well as hermodeling career and aspirations on thedesign front. Let’s just say she’s aslikeable as she is beautiful.

With regards to music we speak to risingTallaght band Leaders of Men which, inthe space of one year, has made leapsand bounds in the music industry. Whilenew Rover’s manager Stephen Kennygives us the lowdown on the job ahead.

On a more serious note we speak toBodywhys ahead of Eating DisorderAwareness Week as well as the sister ofmissing woman Esra Uyrun whodisappeared from her home a year agothis month.

All that and more, so read on and enjoy!

__________________________Emer Mulvaney - Editor

A Note From The Editor:

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Progress in the education ofchildren in disadvantagedschools will be decimated byEducation Minister RuairiQuinn’s proposed cutsaccording to the principal ofScoil Chaitlin Maude.

Bairbre Ni Ghoill, who has worked inthe West Tallaght school for 21 years,said that severe damage will beincurred if the removal of the school’ssupport teacher goes ahead along withmany other proposals.

She told InTallaght: “The removal of thesupport teacher will have the biggestimmediate impact and the knock-oneffect on other things after that will beenormous. These proposals will do somuch harm to all the disadvantagedschools in the area – I’m not sure herealises exactly what he’s doing or if heexpected the reaction which he is getting.

“I think there was an element of thinkingthat they had chosen the path of leastresilience – but we’ve proven that,that’s not so.”

In mid-January, four coach loads ofparents and children left the school andmade their way into the City Centrewhere thousands of angry protestors

marched in fury at the proposed cuts.The following week hoards of students,parents and teachers from variousschools also marched from the SocialWelfare offices in Tallaght to SouthDublin County Council.

The main target of the proposed cutsis the support teachers who are thedriving force behind the progression ofthose with emotional and behaviouralproblems according to Bairbre. Theteacher splits her time between classesand pupils working on any issues theyhave with her, which in turn enablesthem to participate fully and the classto move forward.

“Our support teacher has beeninvaluable,” Bairbre said. “ Without herour progression will be decimated andwe will be set back ten years. She wasintroduced as part of the DEIS pro-gramme, the most recent results ofwhich have shown that disadvantagedschools have come so far that we aregetting closer and closer to the nationalstandard in numeracy and literacy. Ifshe is taken away the teachers’ timewill be spent dealing with unsettledchildren when they should be teaching,the wider class with suffer and it willshow in test results.”

She added: “It will be a vicious circle.Education will be set back ten years,results will be low, I have no doubt thatchildren will drop out of education at analarming rate and they will join theuneducated and unemployed in a fierceregression.

“It took ten years to build up what wehave and it will take two to knock it andput us back where we started.”

According to Bairbre the strain that theloss of the support teacher will put onthe main teacher will also lead to a lossof voluntary time from those who nowwillingly teach afterschool programmesand sports clubs.

She said: The fight against it hasgalvanised support from everywhere -even the children are upset and that’sa big mistake because they are thevoters of tomorrow. If Ruairi Quinnthinks that we will stand idly by whilehe takes everything away he is very wrong.”

For More Information Log Onto facebook.com/scoilcm

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ASLAN fans the country over will be flockingto Tallaght this Summer to celebrate theband’s 30th year.

On Saturday, June 30th, Tallaght Stadium will play host toa concert for the first time ever when it welcomes one ofthe most popular bands in the country.

The event, which is being billed as a ‘Summer Celebration,’is expected to see more Irish and International bands addedto the bill in the coming weeks.

Lead singer Christy Dignam said the band is honoured tobe the first one to gig in the stadium. He said: “We can’tbelieve that we are thirty years together this year and to beplaying Tallaght Stadium in front of 20,000 people is adream for us. We have a lot of very special guests lined upfor the day and we would just like to say a big thanks toeveryone who has supported the band over the years andhelped us reach this milestone.

“We are really excited that younger fans will get the chanceto see us live in a big stadium and we are honoured thatAslan will be the very first music concert at TallaghtStadium”.

Aslan, made up of Christy, Joe Jewell, Billy McGuinness,Alan Downey and Rodney O’Brien, have been rockin it outon the music scene since 1982 and have released fivealbums in that time.

The band is also currently gearing up for the release of itsbrand new album, entitled ‘Nudie Books and Frenchies,’which is a nod to their youth and will be a fitting celebrationof three decades in the business. The band has also beenbusy wrapping up production on a documentary, whichchronicles its adventures from 1982 to present day. It willbe screened and released this year.

Gates to the event will be open at 1pm and Under 16’s arewelcome but must be accompanied by a parent orguardian.

Tickets, priced €49.65 for standing and €54.65 for seated[including booking fee] will be on sale at Ticketmaster fromFebruary 3rd at 9am.

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The biggest Zumba event everto take place at the one timewill be held in Tallaght thismonth – if enough people getinvolved.

The attempt to beat the currentGuinness World Record will take placeon Sunday February 12th at 3pm inThe National Basketball Arena and is afundraising event organised by AnCosán.

A spokesperson for An Cosán said:“The event has really captured theimagination of the local community ofTallaght West and beyond.

“The great thing is that you don’t needto know Zumba to take part. There willbe tutors there to demonstrate beforethe record-breaking attempt begins.”The target for the attempt is 3,000people and the event is open to all agesfrom 7 upwards.

The cost to get involved is €11pre-registered, or €15 on the day.There is also the option for people totake a registration card to encouragefamily members, friends and workcolleagues to join in on the day.

An Cosán is a multi-purpose builtcentre for leadership, learning andenterprise. It provides a service inJobstown to severely disadvantagedfamilies and over 600 local peopleattend each week for their own education,their children’s education or both.

The philosophy of the organisation isthat education is the key to eradicatingpoverty and social injustice.

The spokesperson added: “An Cosánrelies on government funding, corporatesupport and fundraising to undertakeour work and the Zumba-thon will playa major part in the support of that.”

For more information call An Cosán on 462 8488 or log ontowww.ancosan.com

St Patrick’s day revellers willbe delighted to know thatanother extravaganza isplanned for March 17th inTallaght Stadium.

Organised by South Dublin CountyCouncil a day of music, colour and funis promised.

Drawing on the experience of lastyear’s event the timescale has beentrimmed back with the proceedingsexpected to last just over an hour. A ticketing system, despite entry beingfree, is also set to be introduced toensure that overcrowding is not an issue.

Willie Sheils, Senior Executive Officer inthe Community Services Department at

SDCC said: “We are very excited aboutthe event. At the moment we are in theprocess of finalising bands and performers but we can guarantee thata fantastic day lies ahead.

“Last year we had a huge amount ofpeople attending the stadium and ahuge amount of performances. We didhave some teething issues but this yearwe have taken those issues and willlearn from them. Free tickets will be al-located and numbers will be monitored.Also the event itself will probably last

just over an hour, so’s that it’s enjoyablefor young families but not too long – itwill also allow for those who want toattend other events on the day.”

He added: “The fireworks, which werevery popular last year, will signal theend of the event again this year. What-ever happens we’ll go out with a bang!”For confirmation on the performers forthe St Patrick’s Day celebration keepan eye on www.sdcc.ie throughout themonth of February.

All the glory and colour of both the Chineseand Irish cultures were alive and kicking inSouth Dublin recently as the countycelebrated the year of the dragon.

A special event, organized by South Dublin County Councilin association with South Dublin Libraries and the Instituteof Technology took place in the County Library.

Packed out, a host of exciting events included a vibrantperformance of the Lion dance by the Chinese Irish CulturalAcademy, Traditional Chinese Irish music and danceperformances, Chinese Irish Story Telling by Seosamh ÓMaolalaí, a Chinese Cookery Demonstration and ChineseArts and Crafts Workshops for school children.

Speaking on the success of the event South Dublin MayorCatriona Jones said: “I was delighted to welcome so manypeople from all around the world. The Chinese New Year isthe most important festival in the Chinese calendar andcelebrated by Chinese communities across the world andhere in South Dublin County we celebrated with a fantasticprogramme of events.

“In particular I would like to mention the students fromNanching University who are currently attending the Instituteof Technology, Tallaght, who shared with ustheir experiences of living and studyingin Dublin and who gave us aninsight into Chinese Culture.”

Each year of the Chinesecalendar is representedby one of the 12 animalsof the Chinese zodiacand 2012 is the Year ofthe Dragon.

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Laverne O’Connor from Lucan, whoentered the competition, which wasrun in conjunction with FM104, wasthe lucky winner of the car after shemade it to the final and choose thecorrect key to turn on the vehicle.

The event, which saw breakfast presentersJim-Jim and Mark host their morning showfrom the roadhog outside the showrooms,began at 6am when the finalists were gatheredand whittled down to five.

Laverne, who is originally from Clondalkin butliving in Lucan, was one of the five, another ofwhich hailed from Tallaght. FM104 DJ KillianO’Sullivan entertained the crowd while theshow was on then both Jim-Jim and Markentered the building live on air to host thepresentation to the winner.

The five nervous finalists each had to pick a boxoff the windscreen of the car each one of whichcontained a key. The person with the key thatturned the car on was deemed the winner.

Three contestants went ahead ofLaverne and were disappointed andone never got to try as on the fourthattempt the lights went on and thecrowd went wild. A delighted Lavernetold InTallaght: “I can’t believe it. I neverexpected this. I’m thrilled and amlooking forward to taking it home.”

Tallaght Fiat owner Michael Kerslakesaid he was so delighted with the resultand the interest in the competition thathe will definitely consider doing it again.He said: “It’s been a fantastic day andhas been well worth it. The competitionitself was run really well, the build uphas been excellent and the result ahuge success. The car is a little pocketrocket and we wish Laverne all the verybest in it.”

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Eating disorders can affectanyone – man or woman,adult or child – and despitecommon misconceptions refusing to eat or vomitingafter a meal isn’t alwaysabout weight, it’s also aboutcontrol.

According to the Department of Healthover 200,000 people in Ireland are suffering from some sort of an eatingdisorder and on February 20th – 26thNational Eating Disorder AwarenessWeek will try to help people understandthe ins and outs of the likes of Anorexiaand Bulimia while also trying to reachthose suffering from a condition.

This is something that Bodywhys, a national voluntary organisation whichwas set up in 1995, aims to do all yearround. The organisation, which is basedat St John of God Hospital in Stillorgan,provides everything from supportgroups to online systems which enablepeople in the same situations to connect with each other anonymously.Bodywhys also has a directory of therapistsand counsellors which it can recommendto people reaching out for help.

Ruth Ní Eidhin, Communications Officerat Bodywhys, says that both conditionsare a growing problem among menand women and that awareness weekis about helping those who may knowsomeone spot the signs as well asencouraging those with a disorder toseek help.

She told InTallaght: “Eating Disordersare a much bigger issue than peoplerealise. The first thing that most peoplewill think about when they hear thewords is Anorexia. This is when aperson stops eating the necessaryamount to keep their body functioning– sometimes stopping eating at all.

“Signs of Anorexia are severe weightloss, declining food regularly and evenan obsession with food. Some Anorexicsbecome fixated with recipe books andhaving dinner parties just so they canwatch people eat what they are denyingthemselves.

“Like Anorexia, Bulimia is not alwaysabout weight. It’s a mental state.Someone may be distressed, grievingor having come through a bad break up.

“The eating disorder, unknown to them,can all of a sudden feel like it is makingwhat’s wrong with them feel better andbecause of that we know that not onlyis treating an eating disorder about thefood element it’s also about getting tothe root of the problem mentally –whatever triggered it off in the firstplace.”

Bulimia, according to Ruth, will seepeople binging on food that has nonutritional value and afterwards makingthemselves sick of taking slimming pillsor laxatives to get rid of the food fromtheir system.

Bulimia also goes hand in hand withexcessive exercising, something whichis very common in male sufferers - 10per cent of which are shown statisticallyas having disorders.

Ruth said: “That figure seems far toolow. That’s only the numbers whichhave been admitted to hospital andthat’s sufferers at their very worst.It doesn’t take into account thosesuffering but getting outside helpor indeed those suffering alone.

“Men sufferers are usuallythe ones who go to thegym twice a dayevery day and

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that can have a lot to do with thepressure in society for people to lookgood, slim, muscly and tanned. They dothis to get that way despite the fact thatmost bulimics don’t even lose weightthat much weight they just fluctuateslightly.”

A third eating disorder which is notcommonly known is EDNOS (EatingDisorder Not Otherwise Specified).

This means that when a person showssome of the signs of a specific eatingdisorder but not all of them they arerecognised as having a problem butperhaps not enitirely one or the other.It may be that a suspected Anorexicmay not have missed her last threeperiods without being pregnant or asuspected Bulimic is not purging but isbinging.

Next year it is expected that binging,without purging, will be instated as itsown recognised eating disorder but fornow it comes under the EDNOSumbrella.

Ruth said: “There isn’t a whole lot ofresearch but aside from the mentalhealth and control issues there is thebody image problem. In 2009 therewas a Youth Mental Health study doneand the number one issue, accordingto young people, is body image. That’smedia-driven and that’s what peoplecling onto. It can cause a lot ofproblems.”

Problems which can prove long-term ifa disorder is let run for any prolongedlength of time. Anorexics can experiencemuscle and heart problems with heartattacks being the main cause of deathfor sufferers. They may also haveissues with Osteoporosis, severe lackof concentration and infertility.

Bulimics purging can have a negativeimpact on the electrodes in the body

and dehydration at their level can beextremely dangerous.

When recognising the signs of bulimicscallouses on the knuckles are anindicator as well as binging withoutputting weight up.

Ruth said: “Bulimics are harder to spotbut anyone with an eating disorder willdo their best to hide it and will be indenial for some time. When they decidethey want it however we are alwayshere to help.

“Whether it’s advice, a support networkor information. The first step is to talk,get to the root of the problem and gofrom there.”

On February 26th the Youth panel,overseen by the Bodywhys YouthDevelopment Officer, who visits schoolsregularly to talk about eating disorders,will host a ‘Body Positive,’ walk in thePhoenix Park as part of National EatingDisorder Week.

Ruth said: “The walk will be carnival-themed and will give participants theopportunity to express themselves andtheir personalities in a positive way –because that’s the way it should alwaysbe.”

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The heartbroken sister of awoman who went missing inDublin last year, will return toIreland for the anniversary ofher disappearance this month.

Berna Fidan, whose sister Esra Uyrun,has not been seen since she left herClondalkin home on the morning ofFebruary 23, 2011, will visit with herdaughter in a desperate effort to jogmemories and raise awareness.

Turkish-born Esra (38), who lived withher husband Ozgur and two-year-oldson Emin, in Collinstown Grove, left herhome at 7.15am to make the short tripto the shop before Ozgur went to work.Esra, however, never returned homeand her Renault Twingo was later foundabandoned in Bray Head car park.

CCTV footage, at the time, showed thevehicle in a near miss with a SkodaOctavia on Strand Road but Berna doesnot believe that her sister was driving.

She told InTallaght: “I have a copy ofthat DVD and every time I watch it Ithink it was driving too erratically to beher. It’s extremely hard to make out butit doesn’t look like a woman driving andI’ve had people say that to me too. Hercar first entered the car park and leftafter 15 seconds. 15 minutes later itwas back and parked out of sight ofCCTV. I reckon whoever was driving itwas checking the CCTV out firstbecause they then parked in a blind spot.

“When it was found [the car] her pursewas found in the boot and I know shewould not have put it there. I go overand over all the scenarios I can think ofand maybe she was in the boot at onestage with that purse but I can’t bareto think that, that’s true.”

Esra first moved to Ireland from London

at the end of 2006 for her husband’swork. She began a job in administrationherself but gave up that job when shefell pregnant. Emin, who turned threelast August, was everything to hismother according to Berna who refusesto believe that Esra may have taken herown life or chosen to disappear.

“Anyone who knows my sister willknow that she would not just go off likethat,” she said. She would not leavethat baby. Our father had died not longbefore she disappeared and yes shewas down and depressed about it butshe was not suicidal. Our mother wasalso due to visit her the following day.”

For three months after Esra went missingBerna travelled over and back to Irelandputting up posters and speaking tolocals in an attempt to gather someinformation. However no leads haveever materialised and noone has everbeen questioned in connection with theincident.

Ozgur and Emin have since movedback to the UK to be nearer familyand as the anniversary of Esra’sdisappearance approaches Bernawill be in Dublin and in talks withthe Gardai with regards to arenewed appeal on Crimecall.She will stay near Bray Head andwill be putting up posters andspeaking to as many people aspossible.

She said: “I will never give up. I have to do this. I have to find her.”

Anyone with information isasked to contact the GardaConfidential Line on 1800 666111. For more information onBerna’s campaign to find hersister log onto Facebook andsearch ‘Missing Esra Uyrun’.

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A VISIT to The League Barbersis like no other haircut you’veever experienced.

Sure, it costs the same and no morethan any of the other local barbershop but the difference is in what youget for your money.

For starters not only do you get yourhaircut, you also get your headmassaged, a razor contour on yourcut, your eyebrows trimmed and yourhair washed. Not only that but youget to experience of removing the hairfrom your ears with flames.

Time is of the essence at The LeagueBarbers and that’s when it comes totheir customers. There’s no rushingyou out the door but instead you areencouraged to sit back, relax andenjoy attention to detail and the useof the best very products.

When choosing to avail of a shave atThe League Barbers a minimum of30 minutes is spent and the use of aspecial cream comes at no extracost.

Quality, clean and cheap grooming iswhat you get – the pamperingexperience without the dent to yourpocket.

Additionally there’s a treat in store forevery child (and consequently parent!)when they come in for their firsthaircut in the shape of a certificateto mark the special day and theirphoto emailed to them afterwards.

All children can also choose any kid’sfilm from the The League Barber’swide selection of DVDs while sittingin custom-made children’s seats.

For the older customer (SeniorCitizens) and children under 14 ahaircut can be obtained for just €5any Monday to Wednesday.

From shop open to close it’s all aboutcustomer care at this barbers wherethere’s no doubt about it, they’re in aleague of their own.

.....................................................

For More Information:Call the shop on 001 4587361or visit their website atwww.leaguebarbers.ie

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SHE’S the darling of MTV whosegenuine persona and undeniabletalent landed her the covetedpresenting role on ITV2s ‘I’m aCelebrity Get Me Out of Here now!’in 2011.

But there’s more to Laura Whitmorethan presenting - with a love of allthings fashion she has been knownto model on occassion and has notruled out a stint as a designer in thefuture.

The Dublin girl, who is also the girl-friend of The Corona’s frontmanDanny O’Reilly, took some time out tospeak to InTallaght about hercommendable career, her love ofice-cream and the admiration shehas for the boyfriend she says is‘perfect.’

So It Was Your Biggest PresentingJob To Date – How Was It In TheJungle – Was It Scary?

It was definitely scary. For me personally it wasfantastic. A new show, live every day for threeweeks, in a different part of the world with anew crew. It was scary but absolutely amazing!I’d never been to Australia before so it wasfantastic to get that opportunity too.

Did You Get To See Much Of It WhileYou Were There?

Well to be honest there wasn’t an awful lot ofopportunity. The schedules were madness aswe were keeping on UK time because it waslive. We’d get up at 10.30pm, watch all thetapes of what went on the night before, beforegoing on live. We had to go to bed at 4pm. Itwas a weird lifestyle but worth every second.Where we were in the jungle was near the GoldCoast. The nearest city is Brisbane but we didget to see some of the beautiful beaches whichwas nice – they were absolutely gorgeous.

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How Did You Get On With JoeSwash and Zane?

Great! I gave Joe a hard time about histan but he is just too easy! Having saidthat he is great. I’d never worked withhim before and it was scary going overbut he was so welcoming and lovely.We met for lunch in London before wewent and then we flew over togethertoo. I have to say he is so lovely. He’slike a little puppy and I just wanted tomind him. He’s a disaster too though –but in a nice way!

And Ant and Dec, What AreThey Really Like?

We were on a different schedule to Antand Dec but I did see quite a bit of

them. They are both absolutelylovely. Exactly as you would

imagine them to be. I havebeen a fan of Ant and Decsince I was a kid in theByker Grove, PJ andDuncan and SMTV Livedays. They were verylovely and welcoming tome and I was privileged

after all these years to getto work with them.

So You Took Part In A Trial…Eh Why?!

[Laughs] I don’t know how I let myselfdo that! I was told that it was all part ofthe ‘initiation process’ but that was alie. I said I would do it but that I wouldn’teat anything.

Unfortunately I also said I didn’t mindheights so they put me up in the cablecar. They said I was trying it out forwhichever contestant happened tohave to do it, which ended up beingSinitta, and as far as I was concernedall I had to do was take the stars fromthe boxes and one from outside thecable car and that was it. It wasdisgusting, I could see the heads of theinsects crawling out of the boxes andthe smell!! No one tells you about thesmell of the insects – especially cock-roaches.

Anyway I swear to God I didn’t know theywere going to do it but just as I got thelast star they dropped the bottom out ofthe cable car. I got such a fright but evenJoe didn’t know that bit was plannedand he screamed louder than me!

In Years To Come – If You AreNo Longer Presenting TheSpin-Off – And You WereAsked Would You Go Into TheJungle Yourself?

Not a chance in hell! Not when I’vebeen there and stayed in a fancy hotel.No way!

What Was Dougie Like? WereYou Glad He Won?

From the beginning I thought Dougiewould be a favourite. When you look atthe past few years Joe won it, MattWillis won it – the nice person alwaysseems to win it. At the start I was afraidthat he would be a bit too quiet but he

really came out of himself and I washappy for him that he won.

What Was Mark Like?

Mark came across as really different towhat I expected. People really likedhim. I only knew him as this guy offTOWIE who is always sleazing on all thegirls but that’s him doing what he hasto do. Out there he was just natural andabsolutely himself and just really nice.

The thing about the show is it’s genuine.There’s no editing to make people lookin any way so for Mark that was betteragain – he was genuinely nice.

And Who Was Your LeastFavourite/The Biggest Pain?

I didn’t really have a least favourite. Ithink some people didn’t come acrosstoo well like Pat [Sharpe] and Anthony[Cotton] but at the end of the day theygot publicity from it which is not a badthing. The thing is they were both veryinteresting characters and it’s easy forme to slag them for being this and thatbut people don’t realize how tough it isin there for them. How hungry they areand what a strain that puts on people.

So It’s Back To Reality AndMTV! How Are Things GoingThere?

Fantastic, I’m ringing you from MTVright now! I love my job here so it’sgreat to be back.

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You Did A Journalism Degree– Was Interviewing CelebsWhat You Always DreamedOf?

Well not interviewing celebs necessarilybut I do love it. I love writing which iswhy I got into journalism, I edited mycollge magazine and I worked inNewstalk in Dublin too before movingto London, I loved that aswell.

I am very happy doing what I do nowthough. I get a great kick out ofchatting to people - particularly nicepeople, I like them! Talking is fun!Every day is different too and younever know where the job isgoing to take you.

What’s The Most ExcitingInterview You’ve Ever Done?

God there have been loads. I got tomeet one of my idols Dave Grohl andjust recently I interviewed BritneySpears, Justin Timberlake, P Diddy andJLO. They were all really nice.

Any Awkward Or Rude Interviewees?

No I’ve been very lucky, there’s beenno-one really. Then again I do have acamera with me so they are not goingto want to be seen to be rude! The onlyslightly awkward ones can be withbands, who are awkward themselves.A lot of them don’t really like talking butthat’s about it.

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Do You Get Star-Struck?

I was star-struck with Ant and Dec[Laughs] I’ve watched them for yearson TV and all of a sudden there theywere and I was working with them. YesI was definitely star-struck with Ant andDec.

Have You Had Any Embarrassing Moments On The Job?

Oh there have been a few! One big onewas when I was interviewing Take Thatand I asked them what it was like to beso ‘suc-sex-ful’ To make it worse I justcould not say the word properly so Isaid suc-sex-ful about three times –that was soooo embarrassing.

What’s Been Your CareerHighlight So Far?

My very first day on the job in MTV wasprobably the highlight so far. I had justmoved to London and I got a call to sayI was going to LA to the movie awards.I didn’t even make it into the MTVstudios I had to go straight to theairport. All of a sudden there I was inParamount Pictures watching thesoundcheck take place and gearing upfor the red carpet. Next thing I know I’minterviewing Chris Martin from Coldplay!

It was amazing. The producer told Chrisit was my first day though and I wasmortified! My boyfriend met him a whileago in the airport though and they gotchatting and Chris asked him where hewas going and he said to see me. Christhen asked what I did and my boyfriendsaid I was an MTV presenter and Chrissaid “Oh I remember her, she’s a blondegirl isn’t she?!” So he remembered me –I was thrilled!

Speaking Of Your Boyfriend YouAre Going Out With Danny FromThe Coronas – How’s That Going?

It’s going great. I’m a big fan of his. Iwent to three of his six gigs in the

Olympia over Christmas. I can sing allof the songs at this stage! He’s a verytalented man.

You Are Both Very PrivateAbout Your Relationship ButHe Has Admitted To WritingSongs About You – Closer toYou For Example – What’sThat Like?

It’s so lovely. Before we were ever evenfriends I always thought he had thebest voice in the world.

What’s The Best ThingAbout Him?

He’s just so nice. There isn’t abad bone in his body and nomatter how successful hehas gotten it hasn’t

changed him. In fact if a person isspeaking to him or interviewing him hewill do his best to make them comfort-able, he’ll be bothered about howthey are and I admire that.

So To The Other Side Of YourCareer – You’re A VerySuccessful Model Too, Do You Get Nervous Being Photographed?

I don’t get too nervous but I am verylucky because unlike other models I get

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MovieBreakfast At Tiffany’s

Ice-CreamGod I love Ice-cream.

I never wanted sweets as akid, always ice-cream. I had

a bit of a problem so it’shard to choose!

I’ll say Honeycomb.

PerfumeEvery year I change my

scent. During the day I weara body spray from Victoria’sSecret. It’s the berry scentand people always say Ismell like strawberries.

When it comes to perfume Ilove DKNY fresh blossom.

SongCloser to You –

I know, cheesy but true!

SportYoga/dancing. They’re not really sports but they arethe closest I get to sport!

Clothes ShopA|Wear. I love getting things

at home that they can’tget in the UK.

Colour: Blue

Drink: Whiskey

City: New York

CarVolkswagon Transporter

SmellMy boyfriend

Time of YearChristmas

to choose what I wear and if I don’twant to I don’t have to. If it’s too skimpyor just not me I wouldn’t feel right. I’dhate to be a model full-time with peopleat you and telling you what to do andwear but the modelling that I do, I really like.

Recently I did a photoshoot that wascompletely different for me though.They asked me to wear crazy stuff andI said “why not?!” They did my hair in away that I’d never wear it but I reallyenjoyed myself so you never knowwhat to expect really.

The Impulse At Awear Collection Was DesignedWith You In Mind – Do You Design Yourself?

I haven’t specifically designed anythingfor any brand or outlet and I don’t claimto be a designer but I do sketches andI like putting my own twist on things. I’llfix a hem or cut the sleeves off some-thing if I see something I’d prefer adifferent way but I wouldn’t have thesewing machine out all the time oranything. There may be room forsomething like that in the futurethough!

Speaking Of Your Future –What’s In It Do You Think?How Do You Expect 2012 ToPan Out?

I would love to do more stuff with ITV,the crew there are just so nice. I’mhappy where I am too and there shouldbe lots of bits and pieces coming up. Iwouldn’t say no to going back to Americaeither. I interviewed Jon Bon Jovi outthere for American TV show ‘Extra’before.

If You Could Change AnythingAbout Your Career So FarWould You?

Not a thing. There is no point in havingregrets. Even if something doesn’t workout the way you had hoped you learnfrom it. There’s a reason for everything.I am very happy, I have the dream joband the dream guy – what more couldI ask for?

Hire Alice.

Hireland is an initiative of ordinary people who work in, and own, Irish businesses.

We believe we have to change the way we think. Do things for ourselves.

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1500jobs pledgedand rising...

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So Neil Tell Us About TheNew Show – Restructuring –Where Did The Name ComeFrom?

I suppose I keep hearing all over theplace about the restructuring that’sgoing on everywhere, the situation withthe Department of Finance, theGovernment in general, the publicservice and so on. It’s been embeddedin my mind and it just made me startlooking at my own existence. I’ve beenhosting new TV shows, moving houseand everything in my life seemed to allof a sudden be in flux like everything –else in the country. The showencompasses these changes in my lifeamong other things!

So It’s Not About Poking FunAt The Government It’s MoreAbout What’s Going On WithYou?

Bits and pieces are about the economy.I like vague titles which are all-encom-passing! It means that I can talk aboutwhatever I like. In fairness I think thatpeople are getting it in the ear all thetime about the economy. They read thepapers and watch the news – it’s themain thing everywhere. They are wellserved in that respect by the likesof Vincent Brown and ConstantinGurdgiev and others but if there issomething funny in it then I will ofcourse mention that in the show.

So Where Do You Start With AShow? How Long Does ItTake To Put Together AndHow Do You Know WhenYou’re On To Something?

You don’t know, that’s just it! The yeargoes in a cycle. From September /October time you get it down and thenyou tour it, October to April. In theAutumn / Springtime you’ll also do a bitof telly and then you’ll modify the showand bring it to the Edinburgh FringeFestival. You’ll be royally sick of it bythat stage!

What Do You Mean Modify It?

Well it’s modified so’s that otheraudiences, [other than the Irish] willtake to it too. Sometimes that meanstweaking jokes and sometimes itmeans taking whole sections out.When you start doing comedy you haveno idea. You haven’t a clue. You’ve nopoint of reference so you just have toget up there and do it.

So You Don’t Have MammyAnd Daddy Take A LookBefore You Go On With A NewShow?

[Laughs] God no – My Mam and Dadare Irish, you’re more likely to getslapped down for showing off! So youhave to go it alone. You have to go outthere and try the material and prettysoon you’ll get a vague idea of how it’sgoing. Sometimes the audiences

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surprise you too, you might be thinkingthis second last line is the funniest ofthe whole show and to them it mightnot be, where as they crack up atsomething you didn’t think was all that.

Comedy is strange – it’s probably theonly art form – [Pauses] God thatsounds w*nky…[Laughs] Ok let’s bew*nky….It’s probably the only art formwhich is influenced and changes fromstart to finish.

When you go in you have one thingprepared but how it finishes dependson what happens there. The input ofother people and whether they like it ornot. It sounds knobby [Laughs again] Imean what other art form is influencedby a committee – a sculptor doesn’tdesign something, put it on display onlyto have someone say the legs are toolong so he takes it back in and lops itoff at the knee.

It doesn’t happen, but in comedy that’sessentially what does.

Do Your Family, Friends OrGirlfriend Ever Not WantJokes About Them Included?

You have to be mindful of certain thingsand there are topics that are definitelyverbatim. When I do a show and I’mtelling a story about something thestory will be generally true but youknow those programmes where theysay “some names have been changedto protect the identity of some of thoseinvolved…etc” well that’s how it is withmy shows! Sometimes things havebeen changed. I might use the name ofanother person to protect the realperson involved in the story! But theyare certainly still true stories.

People are usually good [about lettingmaterial be used] unless it’s very veryembarrassing but then some peopleare the opposite and glory in it!

How So?

Well I once told a story when I wasbeing interviewed by Ryan Tubridy.

It was about a fella in my hometown.There was a rugby match on andhe had a groin strain so oneof the lads on the team toldhim to put deep heat on it,because deep heat isgood for that kind ofthing. However he went abit far with the deep heatand got it…on his netherregions shall we say…

Anyway the game is on and a few min-utes later a scrum is called but he’sgone from the wing. There’s a panicand everyone is looking for him and afew minutes later he is found in anearby ditch lapping water onto…wellonto himself! The story got a greatreception on the show and you wouldimagine that this person would bemortified, but not so. The next day hewent around everywhere asking peopleif they’d heard about the rugby playerin the ditch. He was actually proud tobe identifying himself as the man whowas caught essentially tea-bagging ariver!

So You Are Well Known ForSpending Half Your ShowsBantering With The Audience.Do You Prepare A Huge ShowAnd Then End Up Doing WhatYou Can Of It Or Do YouAccount For That When YouPrepare?

Well, you always have a framework forthe show and if something takes youaway from that framework you go withit. I have no interest in making peopleuncomfortable and if I ask a questionand their body language shuts down Iknow to leave them alone. You get aninstinct after a few years who’s up forit. Dara [O’Briain] is very good at that –knowing who and how and I try to dothe same thing. I don’t go after cheaplaughs.

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I Was At One Of Your Gigs OnceAnd There Was A Very DrunkWoman In The Front Row WhoKept At You. You Would DealWith Her, Make A Laugh Out OfIt And Move On But She KeptShouting Up And Calling YouBack. How Do You Deal WithThings Like That? Are YouDying To Just Tell People WhereTo Go In Those Situations?

Drunkeness can usually impact on thegig in a negative way, usually whenalcohol has overtaken the shame! Iremember that gig. She’d interrupt andget a massive reaction but then shejust kept going. The problem was thather own shame wasn’t even acting asa barrier.

The thing is that even if someone isdealing with a heckler really well it canaffect the rhythm of the night and theaudience doesn’t realise what itsmissed. If I had a chance, if some dayI become a millionaire, I will build apurpose-built comedy venue andsomewhere in it will be an ejector seat.No-one will know where it is so it couldbe you, or you, or you but the minute aperson goes too far I will be pressingthat button and they’d be fired out ofthe place [Laughs].

That said not all heckles are negative.At the start you take every commentand every answer as a negative. Youare just so conscious but eventually youlearn that, that just isn’t always thecase and hecklers can be good fun.

Did You Always Want To Be A Comedian?

No. I did a degree in DCU and had aplan until I was about 21/22 [years ofage]. I hadn’t really thought about it andthen I just sort of fell into comedy.

You Do A Lot Of TV Work – DoYou Prefer Screen Or Stage?

All comedians will say that comedy istheir first love. It’s the place you started,that reaction from the crowd, there’snothing like it, but to do something [inTV] that mirrors that is great. Theimmediacy of the crowd and thecurrent nature of TV – it’s how you usethe event that matters. When I wasdoing my first thing on TV if you told methat I would eventually be doing ahistorical documentary I wouldn’t havebelieved you but I have been very luckyin everything that has come my way. Inanswer to your question though if I hada gun to my head I would always saycomedy.

You’ve Been Nominated For An IFTA – How Do You Feel About That?

I am delighted. Everyone on the showworks very hard. I am very happy thatthey will get the recognition – particularlyfor the producers.

[Pauses then adds]....If we don’t win it how-ever I plan on being entirely ungracious. I’mgoing to turn over tables, slap Fergal Keaneand make a mess of the place…

Now That Would Be Funny –But We Don’t Want To Be Wish-ing You Lose Just To See That…

[Laughs] Ah ok I’ll do it either way soyou can go back to hoping we win!

Deal.

So what’s been the highlightof your career so far?

Probably the first gig I ever did whichwas in Vicar Street. My parents werethere. It’s actually the only live gig theyhave ever seen. They follow everythingI do. They watch and record everyprogramme, see every DVD, they readevery article and cut them out butthey’ve only ever seen me live thatonce. It was an amazing gig and I got abit emotional – well in an Irish male sortof way – it didn’t show in my face oranything...

Is Vicar Street Your FavouriteVenue So?

It’s one of my favourites alright. CorkOpera House is great too and theBelfast Opera House but it doesn’t haveto be a big venue. The International Barin town for example; when it’s rockingit’s rammed and as a friend of mine de-cribes a gig like that it feels as thoughit [comedy] has been banned by theNazis. It feels like we’re all sneaking in,squashed, doing something we’re notsupposed to be doing. It’s great!

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What’s Been Your Most Embarrassing Moment/TheFunniest Thing That’s EverHappened To You – Do TheyGo Hand In Hand?

It may have been on the same nightactually. It was in Edinburgh and aguide dog had a piss in the front row! Iam standing there in front of theaudience and all of a sudden I can seethis very slow tide approach my feet.There’s a blind man and a womansitting there and she jumps up and wasso sorry that she leaves with the dogso I say to the blind guy “What’s thecraic with you and yer woman? – areyou married, engaged, just going out orwhat?” And he says “We’re engaged”.And I say “So when’s the big day?” Andhe says “Never.” To which the crowdreact immediately. So there we are, allknowing that this man has no intentionof marrying this woman, who isn’t evenin the room, we’re all in on the secretand no-one knows which way to turn.Until I look at him and say “So you’retelling me that you’re leading her onjust like the dog is leading you?” “Yes,thats it” he says and the place erupts.It doesn’t get more embarrassing thana pissing dog let me tell you.

And Finally If YouHad The ChanceTo Change Some-thing About YourCareer So FarWould You?

I think if I had a chance to change aspecific incident then it would be 2004when at a gig at 2am in the morning aguy told me to take my balls out. I toldhim that I would if he did. So he gotthem out – but I then didn’t. I think if Iwas going back to change somethingI’d get my scrotum out – You just don’tbreak a promise in Edinburgh.

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Delighted cinema-goers havebeen in their element sincethe Light House cinema re-opened toward the end ofJanuary.

The picture house, which is in Smith-field in the city centre, is being run byElement Pictures which has made acommitment to screen the best ofinternational arthouse and Irish cinema,as well as re-runs of classics andspecial events.

Directors of Element Pictures AndrewLowe and Ed Guiney said: “We havelots of ideas, which we will implementover the coming months. We reallyappreciate the warm support andgoodwill we have received following thenews and look forward to ensuring thata visit to the Light House is a uniqueand wonderful experience.”

Since the cinema in the Square is stillunder construction, the Light House’sclose proximity to the red line Luasmeans it offers another option for thepeople of Tallaght wanting to catch thelatest cinema releases.

See www.lighthousecinema.ie for cinema listings and to book tickets.

Orlando Bloom is not one toshy away from the camera sowe imagine that this retrophone receiver is just theticket for attracting the paps.

The star was spotted out shopping inLA with the bright red Moshi MoshiRetro Handset which is designed to beplugged into a smartphone.

Makers of the handset, which seemsto be the latest celebrity craze, claim

that it reduces up to 99 per cent of theradiation emitted by regular phones.

In September, Jamie Lee Curtis waspapped talking into a bright purplehandset when using her mobile whileother fans of the cumbersome devicesinclude Eva Longoria, Ryan Gosling,Sam Faiers, Lenny Kravitz and DavidHasselhoff.

Trendsetter Lady Gaga haslaunched her Born This WayFoundation.

The global superstar set up the youthanti-bullying charity with her mum,Cynthia Germanotta, in an effort to‘create a better world where people arekinder and nicer to one another and are

accepted for who they are, regardlessof how different they may be.’ Thefoundation takes its name from hersong, “Born This Way”, which preachesa similar message.

Gaga’s mum said: “Together, we lookforward to creating a new movementthat will engage and empower youthand accept them as valuable membersof our society”.

Lady Gaga is well known for her out-spoken views on bullying.

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IT seems Amy Winehousecould have turned her hand toany song and made it her own.

Her final album, ‘Lioness: Hiddentreasures’, is a fitting legacy for thewoman who changed the face of musicfrom her very first offering ‘Frank’,through to the legendary ‘Back toBlack’ and now this – a gift left behindfor millions of adoring fans.

A cover of ‘Will you Still Love Me To-morrow?’ will bring even the hardest offans to choking point. The now much-loved ‘Our Day Will Come,’ reminds youof the life she could have led had it notbeen cruelly snatched away while theclassic ‘Tears Dry on Their Own,’ issung like you’ve never heard it before.

The raspy tones of Ms Winehouseare best used on fan’s favourite ‘Valerie,’ and she’s barelyrecogniseable by comparison on ‘TheGirl from iPanema’.

There’s a raw youthfulness to ‘Halftime’ and ‘Wake UpAlone’ and a liveliness to ‘BestFriends Right’.

It’s classic Amy but with a twist.There was a touch of class upher sleeve and she was readyto unleash it seems.

Will we still love her tomorrow?– we certainly will, and everytomorrow after that. Lioness: Hidden Treasures is out now.

WE loathe to begin a reviewwith comparisons to othersingers but in this case it’s amassive compliment.

Michael Brunnock, the Meath-manwho brought us Little Palace back in

the 90s, has a soft and lilting voicethat resembles a combination ofFionn Regan, Damien Rice andMick Flannery, but only at times– for the most part he is simplyhimself and his new album ‘The

Orchard’, which will be releasednext month, is testament to that.

Having moved to New York someyears ago, an American-influencecan be heard in what are essentiallymodern Irish tunes. With strains in

some tracks that are country andwestern-esque, there’s enough in thereto have America into think that it’s pureIrish and little enough that it’s a full-onnod to Brunnock’s home-country.

The first track, ‘Circle’, entices you intoa world that by track 13, ‘Down By TheAraglin’, you won’t want to leave. With‘Soft White And Indigo’ Michaelreaches notes that will instantly remindyou of the voice of his Little Palace pastand while title track ‘The Orchard’offers slightly typical lyrics in She’s theapple of my eye, there’s a fruit beyondcompare – sung in this voice, it’ssimply delicious.

‘Man Overboard’, our favourite track isan uplifting song on a record that’smostly mellow – and it works. Help meI’ve fallen, throw me a line, I’m a manoverboard. Relative and lyrically sound,there is no better combination.

In short it’s an easy and beautiful listen,well worth dipping into the pocket for.

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WITH just twelve monthsunder their belt, members ofTallaght band Leaders of Menhave proven that they areworthy of showing how it’sdone.

The five-piece, which onlyformed in January 2011,played their first gig in theWhelan’s in March, went onto headline the renownedRuby sessions, supported thelikes of Ham Sandwich andKill It Kid, released their DebutEP ‘The Debut Collection,’ and totop it all off won the ‘Play iton the Day’ competitionwhich seen them perform inthe Guinness Storehouse onArthur’s day alongside TheStereophonics and Paulo Nutini.

This month we caught upwith the band’s Ed Porter whotook us through the lad’shectic year and shared withus their plans for worlddomination in 2012.

So Tell Us About Leaders OfMen – Where Did It AllBegin?

The band is a year old, we had our firstgig last March in the Workman’s andthings have been on the up ever since.Before we got together we had eachbeen playing around in bands on thesame circuit since our teens. Then atthe end of 2010 I text a few names toBrian, who is now the lead singer, andsaid ‘imagine this line-up.’ We got intouch with them and we did a few jamming sessions together and therest, as they say…

Who Are The Band MembersAnd Where Do They Feature?

Brian Ashe on vocals, myself on guitarand vocals, Gav Glynn on guitar and vocals, Darren Lynsey on bass andDean Byrne on drums.

You Have Made Some PrettyHuge Strides In Your TimeTogether – Tell Us About ThePast Year And In ParticularPlaying The Guinness Store-house.

Last year was mental – after the firstgig we did plenty of jamming in the studio, finding our sound and then weentered the ‘Play on the Day’ competitionfor Arthur’s day. It was very stiffcompetition and we were up against550 other bands. There were about 4/5heats and in the end we won it and got

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to perform with the Stereophonics andPaulo Nutini. It was amazing. All we really set out to do was make a little bitof noise – we never expected any ofthis.

So What’s The Name About?

Some of the best bands have comefrom the worst situations and theymake music instead of shouting aroundthe place. The name means nothing inparticular Gav just said it. It’s preten-tious – we like to annoy people!

Who Writes Your Songs?

We each put into it [writing lyrics] 20per cent. It’s the best way to write. Before you know it you’ve a differentsound altogether. We pretty much havefive writers. Everyone has artistic input,there is no malice and we work well together.

Is It All Original Stuff?

Yes everything we do is original.

Where Do You Get Your Inspiration?

We are a very mixed bag. Two of thelads are into indie another into thrashysounds like the Fratellis, another is into

grunge and so on. We all go downdifferent avenues when it comes tolistening to music and it makes for agood combination when our own isbeing written.

Who Would You Compare Yourselves To?

We’ve been compared to The Walkmanand Interpol but we don’t want to getstereotyped. We think that there is a lotmore depth to us. We think there’s energy to song – it’s not just literallymusic. We all come from differentbackgrounds and we don’t want to bepigeon-holed.

You’ve Supported Some BigNames Already – Which GigWas Your Favourite?

The hop store was amazing but I thinkthat Whelan’s was probably a biggerfavourite with us because it was aboutus and everyone was there just to seeus. The hop store was a performanceto 5,000 people who had never seenus before which was an amazing opportunity but Whelans was fantastic.

What’s Your Hope For 2012?

World domination [laughs]. Ah wellwe’d be aiming to get the album out in2012. We haven’t released anythingyet so we have six months to work onthat. We would also be aiming forfestivals and more gigs – you neverknow what could happen. We haveexposed the band in certain channelsalready but we have big plans!

Where Can People CatchYou Playing In The NewYear?

Gig listings go up on our official websiteas they come in. We’ve also beenconfirmed as special guests to TheMinutes in The Academy on February 11th.

What’s The Best Place ToContact You And DownloadYour Music?

You can download the EP on sound-cloud and keep an eye on our Face-book for anything else that’s going on.

If you haven’t already caughtLeaders Of Men check out thedebut video for the band’s track“Happy Here” on YouTube.

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It’s the fourth film in theMission:Impossible series and,if I’m honest, the impossiblemission, as I see it, will beselling it on DVD.

Ok so it’s fast-paced with some greatspecial effects and stunts but themeasure of a good movie is always inthe intentions of those watching in thecinema to snap up a copy when it’sreleased - I’ll pass on this one thanks.

The film opens with agent Ethan Hunt(Cruise) being granted leave fromprison, following a previous convictionfor shooting six men. The IMF needshim to descend on the Kremlin for hislatest mission but all does not go toplan and after a rival firm blow theKremlin up, Hunt finds himself in theframe.

On the run with his team of four, Huntis determined to bring the realperpetrator to justice and clear himselfand the IMF which has been lockeddown by the American Governmentunder ‘Ghost Protocol.’

The storyline is decent enough, theacting is not half bad and Cruise as thehero, once again, is acceptable. Thereal star of the show though, is SimonPegg, back as the science behind theoperation - Benji Dunn. Pegg is hilariouswith his babbling and bungling andability to – unknown to himself – bringa certain lightness to even the stickiestsituations – one of which involves Huntalmost losing his life scaling the tallestbuilding in the world in Dubai (The BurjKhalifa).

Perhaps the greatest thing about thefilm is the stunt scenes, in which Cruisehimself is said to have been very hands

on. They are full of 100ft drops, lorry-lands and make-shift zip-lines but if thetruth be told, you are on the edge ofyour seat so much of the time that youalmost forget why. So caught up areyou in the cars chases and near deathexperiences you end up feeling you’velost the plot - literally.

Happily the adventure does, eventually,come to a conclusion – albeit not themost mind-blowing – but without ruin-ing what little there will be left to theimagination let’s just say that a MissionImpossible 5 may be more than just arumour.

To conclude – your mission, should youchoose to accept it – is to go with anopen mind and decide for yourselfwhether the score you give it, is worththen paying out at your local HMV for ahard copy version down the line...

This message willnot self-destruct.

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On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter,the world’s biggest Muppet fan, andhis friends Gary (Jason Segel) andMary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown,USA, discover the nefarious plan ofoilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) toraze the Muppet Theatre and drill forthe oil recently discovered beneaththe Muppets’ former stompinggrounds. To stage The GreatestMuppet Telethon Ever and raise the$10 million needed to save thetheatre, Walter, Mary and Gary helpKermit reunite the Muppets, whohave all gone their separate ways.Fozzie now performs with a Renocasino houseband called theMoopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-sizefashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animalis in a Santa Barbara clinic for angermanagement, and Gonzo is ahigh-powered plumbing magnate.Go find out what becomes of them!

Release Date: February 10, 2012 Director: James BobinStarring: Amy Adams

Jason SegelChris Cooper

Genre: ComedyFamilyMusical

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Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blazein Columbia Pictures' and Hyde ParkEntertainment's Ghost Rider: Spirit ofVengeance. In the successor to theworldwide hit Ghost Rider, Johnny -still struggling with his curse as thedevil's bounty hunter - is hiding outin a remote part of Eastern Europewhen he is recruited by a secret sectof the church to save a young boy(Fergus Riordan) from the devil (Cia-ran Hinds). At first, Johnny is reluctantto embrace the power of the GhostRider, but it is the only way to protectthe boy - and possibly rid himself ofhis curse forever.

Release Date: February 17, 2012 Director: Brian Taylor

Mark NeveldineStarring: Nicolas Cage

Fergus RiordanCiaran Hinds

Genre: Action, Adventure

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It’s a well-known fact that theway to a loved one’s heart isthrough their stomach so it’sa good thing that Valentine’sDay goes hand in hand withthe very concept of fine dining.

It’s just one of those things that appealsto both men and women and is a greatgift by either side as a treat on thatspecial day.

With that in mind we decided to take alook at other gifts that suit both sexesand ones which can be enjoyed, for themost part, together.

Second on our wish-list for two is abreak away. If the budget will stretch toit it’s a lovely way to express your lovefor someone – let them know that youwant to spend even more time withthem. Whether it’s a country retreat ora city break a couple of days away issure to impress.

A romantic movie – you can either takeyour partner to see the latest flick orresurrect an old or classic one. Eitherway it’s about cuddling up and enjoyingeach other’s company is the presenceof soppiness.

Booking a class – has your partnerever mentioned taking up photographyor pottery or learning a new language?

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Is it something that you might both beinterested in? Well whether it is or itisn’t booking a class for you to dotogether will show, not only that you areprepared to spend more time togetherbut that you actually do listen!

Whether it’s fashion or music your part-ner’s favourite bookstore – and avoucher for it – is a gift that will allowyou to learn more about their interestsespecially if you read it to them!

A day at a spa – so he/she might notbe popping off for pedicures and facialsevery week but what more reason totreat yourselves than that? A couple’smassage in a relaxed and romanticatmosphere could be just the ticket.

Speaking of tickets if football orrugby is their passion get ticketsto a game – even if it’s notyours. Stick it out – it will beappreciated.

Breakfast in bed – there’s nothing likea boiled egg and toast before you’veeven bothered to get out of the sack –although a hand-held vaccum might bean adviseable secondary present forthose annoying crumbs left behind inthe bed!

Again with the food, a romantic picnicwith strawberries and champagne isalways a winner – even if it is February,it’s an excuse to get closer for warmth.

Finally use your head. Think back toyour first date, and providing it was agood one (and we’re presuming it wasif you are still together!) replicate it.

Whether it was a walk by the sea, anice-cream in the park, a movie ordrinks. Bring them back to the place itall started out and remind them why itwas you fell in love with them.

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Project X follows three seeminglyanonymous high school seniors asthey attempt to finally make aname for themselves.Their idea is innocentenough: let's throwa party that no onewill forget... butnothing could preparethem for this party. Wordspreads quickly as dreams areruined, records are blemished andlegends are born. "Project X" is awarning to parents and police every-where.

Release Date: March 02, 2012 Director: Nima Nourizadeh

Mark NeveldineStarring: Thomas Mann

Oliver CooperJonathan Daniel Brown

Genre: Comedy

Star Wars: Episode I is now in 3D!Darth Vader is a hopeful nine-year-oldboy named Anakin Skywalker andObi-Wan Kenobi is a brash youngJedi Knight. The first chapter of theStar Wars saga follows Anakin'sjourney as he pursues his dreamsand confronts his deepest fears in themidst of a galaxy in turmoil.

Release Date: February 09, 2012 Director: George LucasStarring: Ewan McGregor

Liam NeesonNatalie Portman

Genre: ActionAdventureFantasy

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Where Did You First See The Film?

I saw the first cut at my house. Jasonwas still in the process of working onthe film so I think the same as I alwaysthink the first time I see a film that I’veworked on – that it’s a little overwhelming(laughs). It’s fun but at the same timeyou are trying to get your head aroundwhat you were doing and how it allworks together. So the first time yousee something, it’s like putting thepuzzle together, how we shot it andhow it ended up and I don’t really havethat experience of enjoying the film. Thefirst time I saw this with an audiencewas when I really enjoyed it. I don’tthink you understand what an audiencewill tap into or respond to until you seeit with an audience.

Did Their Response Surprise You?

Yes. I think it’s always a surprise(laughs). I’m always surprised whenpeople like the films I’m in. I don’t thinkyou can go through the movie-makingexperience and just kind of assumethat people will like it. So it’s alwaysrefreshing and it’s always a nicesurprise when people respond and tapinto the things that you did when youdid the film.

What Appealed To You About This One?

It was really different. When I originallyread it I thought that it was ballsy in thesense that Diablo wrote a character, a

protagonist who learns a lesson butdoesn’t necessarily make a change inher life. And it felt very real to me. It feltvery human to me. Sometimes when Iwatch movies they can feel veryunrealistic and the third act is alwayskind of like this ‘a-ha!’ moment forevery character and I just don’t knowthose people in real life. And it wasreally nice to read somebody on thepage that felt human to me, a womanwho doesn’t go through this amazing‘a-ha!’ moment.

And of course the idea of Jason Reit-man directing it was very appealingto me. I’m very director- driven and toget the chance to work with him wasreally the thing that sealed the deal forme.

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So You’ve Got Jason ReitmanAs The director, Diablo CodyHas Written The Script SoWhen You Get On Set Do YouStick To The Script Word ForWord? Or Is There Room ForSome Tinkering On The Day?

Diablo wrote a great script and thenJason came in and got his voice aroundit and I kind of came in and added myvoice. It’s a great collaboration, which Ilove. I think anything in the arts has tobe collaborative otherwise you can getrobots to do anything. I think it’s allabout chemistry – it’s getting the rightpeople together to cohesively set out tomake the same movie and that’ssometimes the hardest thing to do.

So You Have A SimilarApproach?

Yes we do. I mean, Jason hatesrehearsals and I hate rehearsals.Logistically Jason and I are very, verysimilar and we like exactly the samethings. We don’t like a lot of takes, wedon’t like to f*ck around but we reallylike the whole process of showing upand finding that magic moment and inmy experience if you don’t have it in thefirst couple of takes you’re probably notgoing to get it (laughs). But you knowit’s very hard to explain that kind ofchemistry that you have with someoneor that kind of working relationship –it’s like magic in a bottle and at the endof the day I think that’s what filmmakingreally is, it’s like capturing magic in abottle and that’s all dependent on thepeople you put together to do it. I thinkthat’s the most important thing aboutmaking a film.

Was Diablo On Set?

Diablo came out for two days, I think.She’d had a baby right before westarted filming so she had her handsfull.

High School Is Such A VividTime In Everybody’s Life AndThis Character Has IdealisedIt…

It’s the idea that we can all relate to inour lives, whether it’s High School orsome other time, that you are trying tofill the void with something and it’susually with the moment that you thinkyou were at your best, which some-times isn’t the case (laughs). So thisstory could have taken place with othercircumstances but I love the fact thatthis girl was so popular, she was whateverybody thought that they wanted tobe and yet as this character, Matt(played by Patton Oswalt) points out toher, ‘by the way, you really weren’t atyour best back then..’ I think Patton hassome of the most crushing lines in thefilm – because they are telling the truth,the truth of her world, that she is sodisillusioned by. He just kills me in thefilm – there’s a line where he says ‘youweren’t at your best and I was at mybest and you didn’t even notice me..’There is a loneliness in that line that Ithink anybody can relate to, whetheryou relate more to Patton’s characteror more to Mavis’s character. Humanbeings can suffer severe loneliness atany stage in their life and whatever thatthing you try and fill that void, that lone-liness with, tends to be the things thatare not healthy for us and the thingsthat are not truthful about us. ButPatton kills me. That line where he says‘guys like me are born to love girls likeyou…’ every single time that line justcrushes my heart. It’s a great cast andthe more we shot on this film the morethat love story, between Mavis andMatt, became more evident, which Idon’t think any of us really were awareof until we were doing the film.

How Do You Look Back OnYour Own High School Days?Do You Look Back On ThatTime With Affection?

Yeah, I mean, I think I look back thesame way that everybody does – with

affection, embarrassment and cringe-worthy moments mingled with purehatred (laughs). I think it’s conflicted.And I think High School is a conflictingtime for any teenager, right?

Why The Three-Year BreakFrom Acting? Was ThatIntentional Or Just The Way ItTurned Out?

It was just kind of just the way it turnedout. There wasn’t anything coming myway that was blowing me away andalso I started producing and developinga lot of television. So I was really busyand at the same time I was physicallygetting ready to go and do Fury Roadso I was kind of off the market andbelonging to Warner Brothers. And Iwas kind of sitting around waiting forthe film to happen so I just starteddeveloping some stuff with HBO andDavid Fincher and with Ridley Scott’scompany and so creatively I was reallyhappy and busy but I just didn’t workas an actor.

Did You Miss It?

Actually, I wasn’t missing it. I was reallycreatively satisfied and it was a reallybizarre thing. People say ‘oh you workso much..’ or ‘oh you’ve taken threeyears off..’ And the great luxury that I’vehad, which I think is the greatestblessing you can have as an actor, isnot to have to work to pay the rent andI don’t take that for granted. I’m in anincredibly lucky position where I don’thave to do that and so the love for thework has always taken priority. And Ilove being in a place where I do what Ilove instead of doing things because Ihave to. And so I was really enjoyingdeveloping these projects so I wascreatively satisfied and for me, I don’tthink I have to be in front of a camerato be creatively satisfied, which is great.

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Did You Film PrometheusAfter This One?

Yeah. And working with Ridley wasamazing. Of Ridley’s generation I thinkthere are abut three that are mastersof filmmaking and Ridley is one ofthem. I think every actor has a directorthat they dream to work with and forme it was Ridley. Out of all of thoseguys of his generation I’ve alwayswalked around saying ‘God, I wouldgive anything to work with RidleyScott..’ and he was everything that Ihoped and dreamed for. I’ve been areally lucky girl lately.

You’re Shooting Snow WhiteAnd The Huntsman At TheMoment. How’s That Going?

It’s going really well. It’s superambitious and very big and it’s beeninteresting and really good. We’re beingvery ambitious over here.

You Never Seem To ChooseEasy Roles. Why Is That?

I think I’m not really looking foranything. I think people think you walkaround with these grand ideas ofcharacters and I don’t. I watch a lot offilms and I get inspired by filmmakersand writers and so I spend a lot of mytime sitting down with writers that I likeand directors that I like and that’swhere my process starts. So for me it’sabout finding people that I want to workwith.

Young Adult, Starring CharlizeTheron, Patrick Wilson andPatton Oswalt Is Out OnFebruary 3rd.

Scan The QR Code To See The Trailer.

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Kate Reddy devotes her days toher job with a Boston-basedfinancial management firm.

At night she goes home to her adoringarchitect husband Richard (who hasbeen recently-downsized at work) andtheir two young children.

When Kate gets handed a major newaccount that will require frequent tripsto New York, Richard also wins the newjob he’s been hoping for. Both will bespreading themselves even thinner.

Complicating matters is Kate’s charmingnew business associate Jack Abelhammer(Brosnan), who begins to prove anunexpected source of temptation.

Release Date: February 16, 2012 Director: Douglas McGrathStarring: Sarah Jessica Parker

Pierce BrosnanGreg KinnearChristina HendricksKelsey Grammer

Genre: Comedy

Based on the classic novel ofthe same name, the interna-tional thriller is set at theheight of the Cold War yearsof the mid-20th Century.

George Smiley (Gary Oldman), adisgraced British spy, is rehired in secretby his government - which fears thatthe British Secret Intelligence Service,a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by

a double agent working for the Soviets.With the tagline “Trust no one. Suspecteveryone.”, this is a bleak and tensethriller, which perfectly captures theparanoia and atmosphere of the period.

Release Date: February 16, 2012 Director: Tomas AlfredsonStarring: Gary Oldman

Colin FirthTom Hardy

Genre: Thriller

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Release Date: 14 February 2012Publisher: THQGenre: Fighting Available On: Xbox 360, PS3Rating: Teen

UFC Undisputed 3 is the 2012installment in the critically acclaimedand best-selling mixed martial arts(MMA) video game franchisebased on the Ultimate FightingChampionship. The game takes play-ers inside the virtual Octagon withextensive focus on intense toe-to-toe

combat, impressive visual presen-tation and significantly in-

creased accessibility,

including the introduction of PRIDEMode, two new weight classes andan impressive playable roster of morethan 150 UFC fighters.

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Release Date: Out Now Publisher: Namco BandaiGenre: Fighting Available On: Xbox 360, PS3Rating: Teen

SoulCalibur V, the fifthinstallment in the fightingfranchise, is heading to theXbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

SoulCalibur V picks up 17 years afterthe events of SoulCalibur IV with newheroes and returning warriors clash-ing in an epic showdown betweengood and evil. The tale of Patroklos,son of Sophitia Alexandra, unfolds ashis family’s destiny intertwines withthe Soul swords.

Carrying on a fine tradition that sawthe likes of Link, Spawn, Heihachi,

Yoda, and Darth Vader as featuredfighters in previous iterations of thefranchise, NAMCO Bandai revealedthat SoulCalibur V would feature EzioAuditore da Firenze, of Assassin'sCreed fame, as a playable characterin the game’s roster.

The white-clad assassin that foundfame in Ubisoft’s stealth/murderfranchise will be available in both theXbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versionsof the game.

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THE THIRD and final instalmentof Bioware’s Epic Sci-Fitrilogy is just around thecorner. Once more you fillthe boots of CommanderShepard in a dramatic fightto save humanity from totalextinction.

The Reapers are back with a ground-breaking new plan to take over Earthand wipe out humanity. They wantrevenge for Shepard’s successfulattempt to stop a Reaper plot thatconsisted of extinguishing all life inthe universe in Mass Effect 1. Every-thing you have done in Mass Effect1 and 2 so far builds up to a dramaticfinale. Who will stand by you, andwho will abandon you?

If you have never played any of theMass Effect games but want to getinto this one no need to worry. Youcan still pick it up and choose yourown story-line to explain whathappened before Mass Effect 3.

For those of you who have played 1and/or 2, over 1,000 variables will bepulled that will help shape how thefinal chapter is experienced. Youcould play this game over and overand never have the same storyline.

Shepard’s arsenal has also beenimproved, this time allowing formelee attacks with the tech-blade.The tech-blade is an almost holo-graphic blade which comes out ofShepard’s arm when up close toyour enemies. This gets rid ofrunning into formidable enemies and

panicking when you realize you arein too close to shoot.

For the first time ever Mass Effecthas a multiplayer feature called“Galaxy at War” which consists ofexciting co-op missions instead ofthe usual head to head combat. Youchoose your character and class, e.g.Solider, Sniper, etc, and fight throughobjectives side by side with yourteammates.

On an interesting side note, theseunique missions can impact the out-come of the single player mode. Byfinishing these missions you giveyourself a better chance of getting aperfect ending in the single playercampaign, although they aren'tnecessary to do so.

As usual, the pre-order packcontains many extras includingbonus weapons and gear.

Mass Effect 3 is out March 9th andavailable on Microsoft Windows,Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

Release Date: 9 March 2012Publisher: Electronic ArtsGenre: Action Role-PlayingAvailable On: Microsoft Windows,

XBox 360 & PS3Rating: 15

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The official Dublin Bus App now has Real Time Information available for all 5,000bus stops and shelters in the Dublin Bus network.

Real Time Information shows you when your bus is due to arrive at your bus stopso you can plan your journey more accurately. Arrival time of all buses at the stopwithin the next 60 minutes is shown.

Search by Bus Stop Number, Save Favourites, Search by Bus Route and SearchBy Address - If you don't know your bus stop number yet, you can search by entering a street address.

Search by stop near to your current location - simply use the map. You can panand zoom in to see more.

Available In The App Store: FREE

The Kindle app allows users to readKindle books, newspapers, magazinesand PDFs on a beautiful, easy-to-useinterface. You'll have access to over900,000 books in the Kindle Store.Your last page read, bookmarks, notes,and highlights automatically syncacross devices (including Kindle), soyou can pick up your book where youleft off on another device.


The RecycleMORE facilities search,developed by Repak, provides the Irishpublic with an online searchable data-base of all recycling facilities within theRepublic of Ireland including RecyclingCentres and Bring Banks.


IMDB is the world’s largest collectionof movie, TV and celebrity info. We aimto list every detail about every movieand TV show ever made, including whowas in it, who made it, the plot, userratings, trailers, photos, reviews,quotes, goofs, trivia and much more.


iTorch4 Flashlight allows users to usetheir iPhone as a torch in low lightsituations. It's very easy to use, there'sjust one big button which turns on theLED flash, instantly illuminating thescene. Alternatively, you can shakeyour iPhone to turn on the LED.


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ALTHOUGH it’s one of thesmaller makes in the automotiveindustry, Saab recentlyannounced the first Android-based, in-dash “infotainment”system for a car.

Called ‘IQon,’ the platform was demoedin a Saab Phoenix (see car review) at theGeneva motor show last year anddespite Saab filing for bankruptcy inDecember it is expected that its launchwill inspire a host of copy-cat models.

The Wi-fi enabled, 8-inch touch screenlets drivers access thousands ofAndroid apps. Apart from the usualproductivity apps, like e-mail, navigation,entertainment, and music streaming,drivers can expect to see moreauto-specific apps; for example, an appthat controls your car’s air conditioner.Furthermore the platform has built-inremote communication to and fromSaab dealerships, which could beuseful for carrying out diagnostics anduploading vehicle data.

“With Saab IQon, there are no limits tothe potential for innovation,” Johan

Formgren, head of Saab Aftersales andCommercial Project Leader for IQon,said. “We will be inviting the globalAndroid developer community to usetheir imagination and ingenuity.”

But unlike the Android Marketplace,Saab’s app store will require theautomaker’s approval before beinguploaded, for “safety, security, andmalware” issues. However Saab saidthe IQon API will allow developers toaccess driver data from 500 vehiclesensors, gathering stats like speed,temperature, steering angle, and yaw rate.

According to reports, IQon is being betatested and is rumored to be imple-mented in the 2012 Saab 9-3. Saab’siQon is similar to GM's MyLink or

Toyota’s Entune infotainment system –both of which use a QNX-basedplatform – but instead of relying on theuser’s mobile phone and data plan fora connection, Saab uses an embeddedmodem to connect to the Internet whenthe car is turned on.

This means that even if you forget tobring your phone or don’t have anunlimited data plan, you’ll still be ableto listen to Internet radio stations in thecar.

With any luck all Saab plans will cometo fruition this year as it would be ashame to see this great car branddisappear into history. Hopefully, a newbuyer will save Saab and with it, itsinnovative concepts.

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SLEEK, innovative and exceptionallyefficient: the Saab PhoeniX conceptcar showcases design features andtechnologies which will shape thenext generation of cars from Saab,that is if a buyer comes forward tosave the recently bankrupt Swedishmarque.

The PhoeniX’s ‘aeromotional’ designtheme is inspired by Saab’s aviationroots and draws expression fromUrsaab, the prototype designed byaircraft engineers that spawnedSaab’s first generation of cars.

The entire form of the PhoeniX isseemingly moulded by the wind.Tightly-wrapped by a liquid-like skin,the teardrop cabin resembles a darkice block and appears to erupt fromthe centre of the muscular body-work. Two prominent ripplesflow along the hood into thedisguised windshield pillars,as if barely able to containa powerful structureunderneath.

At the rear, the dark screen also bursts through the outer skin of the rear deck.The tapering form hints at the teardrop rear styling of Ursaab, while the ‘sawnoff’, kamm tail echoes a form from Saab’s first coupé, the Sonett. The low, frontalstyling features a stretched interpretation of Saab’s signature three-port grille.

A body-coloured central wing is now dominant and, in keeping with the car’sminimalist design, LED headlamps are almost invisibly located at its tips. Thenew grille and hood forms are among the styling themes likely to be seen infuture Saab production cars if it goes that way.

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Butterfly-opening doors provideenhanced access to the low-slungcabin. There are no visible doorhandles or mirrors to disrupt airflow,and small cameras on slim stalksprovide rearward vision. Roof-mounted ‘winglets’ enable PhoeniX tocleave the air as efficiently as possible.They channel airflow from the side ofthe car and direct it across the reardeck, reducing lift forces for greaterstability without increasing drag.

In true Scandinavian tradition, the 2+2cabin adopts a clean, minimalist look.It has the ‘stripped out’ feel of acompetition car, with shell-like seatsand metalized interior sections thatmimic the exposed network of arollover cage.

Fresh expression is given to Saab’straditional, driver-focused instrumentlayout. A circular pod in front of thedriver, shaped like the afterburner ofa jet engine, presents data in tandemwith the head-up display. Angled at45º to the driver, a separate moduleaccommodates Saab’s advanced IQoninfotainment and communicationssystem.

For good ergonomics, the 8-inchtouch-screen is as close to the driver’sfinger tips as the steering wheel. SaabIQon is a ground-breaking carcommunications platform usingGoogle's Android operating system.Based on pioneering ‘open innovation’with third-party service providers andapplications developers, it comprisesan embedded computer platformwhich seamlessly connects to theinternet when the car’s ignition isswitched on.

The touch-screen provides access toaudio and entertainment streaming,online navigation, on-board musicstorage and smartphone-like down-loading of applications. Red illuminationfor all instrument and ambient cabinlighting brings warmth and emotion tothe cabin. This includes the floor,where LED light tubes are exposed byperforations in the black carpeting.

Under its sculpted hood and beneathits cargo deck, the PhoeniX advancesSaab’s rightsizing powertrain strategy.Its propulsion system combines a

highly efficient, 1.6-liter turbo enginewith innovative, electric rear wheeldrive technology.

The compact, all-aluminum gasolineengine packs 200 hp (147 kW) andincludes variable valve timing and liftcontrol, as well as start/stop function-ality, minimal parasitic losses and afuel cut-off function. A stainless steeltank is fitted, which is lighter and lessexpensive than a conventional plasticdesign.

The engine is supported by Saab’sinnovative eXWD system. It comprisesa rear drive unit housing a 25 kW (34hp) electric motor/generator poweredby a small battery pack. Regenerativebraking is used to sustain the battery’scharge. Now under development forthe next generation of Saab cars, thishybrid propulsion system enables thebenefits of all-wheel-drive while alsoreducing fuel consumption.

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JUST over 4 feet high, the2+2-seater takes up thecharacteristic BMW shapingstyle but comes with verticallylifting wing doors, a dragcoefficient of just 0.22 andfuturistic LED accents for thehead and tail lamps.

The combination of a three-cylinderturbodiesel with a hybrid synchronousmotor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axleenables an overall system output of328 horsepower. The end result is a0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds withan average fuel economy of 62.5mpg. The arrangement of the hybridpowertrain allows the diesel engineto drive the rear wheels directly orwith assistance from a rear-axleelectric motor through a six-speedgearbox, while the electric motor upfront drives the front wheels on pureelectricity, and all three systems canwork in tandem for maximumperformance. This delivers a range ofpossibilities for in-town andperformance driving.

What is more, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept is also conceivedas a plug-in hybrid. The lithium-polymer rechargeable battery, housedcentrally in a longitudinal chassiselement and designed specially forthis hybrid sports car, can be fullycharged at a conventional powersocket within just two and half hours.

The use of electrical energy alonepermits zero-emissions motoring witha range of more than 30 miles, whilea 24 litre diesel tank extends the totalaction radius of the vehicle to up to434 miles.

The new production version of theVision EfficientDynamics concept willgo on sale in October of 2013.

According to previous reports BMWhas been looking at target volumesof about 5,000 to 10,000 units peryear, meaning the car could at leastbe reasonably affordable.

Despite the relatively high volumetargets, the report indicates BMW isenvisioning this car as a successorto the M1, a legend in its own right,and progenitor of the M Division.

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MEET the super Citroen that’sa real play station! This strikingconcept demonstrates whatcan happen when the worldsof computer gaming and cardesign come together.

The GT is here thanks to the passion oftwo enthusiasts: Citroen designerTakumi Yamamoto and the boss ofPolyphony Digital – the firm behind theaward-winning Sony PlayStation racinggame, Gran Turismo – KazunoriYamauchi. Essentially, the pair collabo-rated to create a supercar not for theroad, but for the computer screen.

Several sketches later, the GT wasborn. Yet they weren’t content withhaving an exclusive machine for thebest-selling game – so Citroen decidedto build the working concept you seehere.

The car in the game uses a fuel cell,but this roadgoing model features arace-derived 560bhp V8 engine. Noofficial figures have been provided, andCitroen is keeping tight-lipped about itsperformance. Judging by the pace onoffer, though, we’d guess at a0-60mph time of around four seconds.

The GT is more than five metres long,and its menacing exterior is made upof 21-inch diamond-effect alloywheels, scissor doors, blue LED head-lights and enormous air intakes. Thesmooth-flowing lines along the side ofthe car are met with sharp edges at thefront, which accentuate the angry look.It is without any shadow of a doubt oneof the most striking cars ever created.

Inside, the space-age interior wouldmake NASA proud. The only similaritybetween the GT’s cabin and any otherroad car is its pedal layout. The dash-board is covered in a copper materialand features flared lines and edges,while the switchgear is in a race-stylealuminium pod to the right of the driver.

The GT has been brought to life toprove that the French company cantake a fantasy machine from thecomputer screen to the road and thatit is able to build supercars if it sowishes. Unfortunately, the only wayanybody will ever own one is by buyinga PlayStation 3 and a copy of GranTurismo 5: Prologue, then earning onemillion credits.

But while you won’t be seeing it in ashowroom near you any time soon,maybe its dramatic design cues willshape the Citroens of tomorrow.

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Congratulations On The NewPost Stephen – What FirstMade You Realise That ThisWas The Job For You?

The club has a great tradition. It’s themost successful club in the history ofIrish football. It has the largest fan-baseand now that it’s moved to Tallaght it iswithin touching distance of a reallylarge population base – it’s a greatfootball town. Everything was justgeared towards it [coming to Rovers].The new stadium is a huge improvementand the board approached me with avision of what it wanted and I decidedthat this was the next step in my career.It was time to come home and it’s ahuge honour.

Speaking Of Coming Home,How Does It Feel To Be BackIn Tallaght?

It’s fantastic. There’s a lot of work to bedone though. We’ve to organise thewhole pre-season schedule. It all kicksoff on March 2 and by March 26 we’veEA Sports Cup so there’s a lot to bedone. We also lost some good playersso they have to be replaced too.

So What’s Your Plan? HaveYou Got Your Eye On AnyoneIn Particular?

Yes well we’ve signed some goodplayers already. We’ve got GrahamGartland, Cillian Brennan who was withBohs, Gareth Kavanagh and ConorPower. We had the likes of EndaStevens leave for Aston Villa and KarlSheppard for Reading so we have tomake good replacements and keepclub standards up.

Is There Added Pressure Coming ToShamrock RoversAfter They HaveBeen So SuccessfulRecently?

Sure there is that expectationbut I am comfortable with that.I have won all four domestictrophies in my time and been in 10national finals and I am keen to try anddo that at Rovers. Shamrock Rovers isa great club and I could go there again.

So yes there is added pressure but I’mok with it.

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On A Personal Career LevelWhat Do You Class As YourGreatest Achievement SoFar?

I don’t know. I think it’s only right thatother people say that. When I was atLongford we got promoted to the FirstDivision which was great. In Derry wehad different styles but we had a fewrunners up situations. I don’t know, Ithink achievement comes throughlearning and because every club wasdifferent I did a lot of that, I learned fromdifferent experiences and that’s whatI’m bringing with me to Rovers.

What Opposition ManagerHave You Faced In The PastWho Has Impressed You andWhy?

That’s a difficult one. I remember myfirst game in Longford. I was a rookieand Jim McLoughlin was at the end ofhis career. I came head to head withhim and that was an experience. Ofcourse he too managed Derry City andShamrock Rovers in his career

When I was with Bohs though we cameup against a team called BATE Borisovwho we beat 3-0 in Dalymount. Thatteam went on to win three successiveChampions League which is incredible– They had sharp management but webeat them. That was a good day.

What’s Your Typical RoutineOn A Match Day? Do YouHave Any Superstitions?

Yes when I was in Derry I wouldwalk on the beach the morning ofevery match. I would listen to mymusic and continue listeningwhen I got home until it was time.

So You Listen To Music ToRelax Before The Game?

[Laughs] No to gear myself up!

You Went Into ManagementAt A Young Age, What WouldBe Your Advice To YoungPeople Wanting To Go DownThe Same Route?

Only be yourself. You can’t be someoneyou’re not so be true to yourself. Beprepared too, you have to make a lot ofsarcrafices and work very hard.

But It’s Worth It?

I hope so!

Finally, What Do You WantYour Legacy At Rovers ToBe?

I’d like it to be a place where people goto see a team play in a very excitingway. I’d like to see good passing style.I’d like to think that children are athome on a match day getting excitedto come to the stadium with theirparents to see real style. That’s what Iwant for the club.

Season tickets offer a significant discount on matchday ticket prices and also give priority

status for European match tickets & friendlies.Season tickets apply to all home league games.

2012 Season Ticketsnow available!

S H A M R O C K R O V E R S F O O T B A L L C L U B

Family tickets from under L6 per person per match!Price examples:

• 1 Adult & 1 Child: J260 • 1 Adult & 3 Children: J350• 2 Adults & 2 Children: J450 • Adult: J210• Student: J115 / J130 • Child Under 14: J80

Prices/form: www.shamrockrovers.ie

[email protected]

Club Store: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pmMatch days until 10.15pm

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St Judes GAA club on WellingtonLane in Templeogue has justentered a new era – that of thenext generation of players.

Founded in 1978 by Fr John Green andErnest Kenny (among others) it wasdecided that while a new section ofhousing estates and homes wereblossoming in the area the newcommunity should be brought togetherin the form of a club. From its foundation,which began on the green in Orwell,the club has built itself up to over 400members in its 34-year history andsuch is its reputation that it shows nosign of stopping.

Club PRO Fergus McNally said: “Itdefinitely is a new era. We have mem-bers now in the club who started outwith us and are now supporting theirown children here. It’s a fantastictestament to the club seeing those whogrew up in it wanting their own childrento be a part of it too and we are veryproud of that.”

This year alone 40 boys and 25 girlsgraduated from the nursery squadsafter training under legendary duoBobby Carthy and Joe McDonnell. StJudes has a range of teams includingmen’s senior football and hurling,women’s football and camogieand underage at every leveldown to 8.

To its credit there havebeen many

successes at the club to date with fiveteam members last year representingDublin on different squads – all becomingAll-Ireland finalists. These include KevinMcManamon and Colm Murphy, SeniorFootballers, Paul McGuire, DannySutcliffe and Ger McManus, Under 21Hurlers, and Minor Hurler Thomas Devlin.

Additionally the under 14 girls held andwon a Feile in camogie and football lastyear, the ladies won the league and thesenior hurlers won the Division 2league and progressed to Division 1.

Fergus said: “St Judes has been theheart of the community since its inception.There’s a great social scene here toowhich is very important and wewelcome new members.”

The clubhouse has a function roomand bar, which is open seven days aweek, and plays host to regular livemusic, comedy and bingo events aswell as much-needed fundraisers.

For more information on St Judeslog onto www.stjudesgaa.ie, call 01 4905255 or email [email protected].`

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The successes of St Judescontinued recently when theclub played a stormer andtook home the Dublin AdultFootball League Division 1title after a tense battle atInnisfails grounds in Balgriffin.

The Templeogue team came from fivepoints in arrears early in the secondhalf to force extra-time duiring whichthey powered on to glory.

Na Fianna had been the more clinicalside in the opening half and a brace ofpoints from David Quinn, SenanConnell, and Johnny Cooper had them0-7 to 0-3 in front at half-time in normaltime.

Ciaran Duignan’s point on the restartgave the St Mobhi Road men afive-point advantage before a KevinMcManamon-inspired Judes tookcontrol.

Dublin’s All-Ireland final goal-scoringhero showed terrific leadership and willto win by dragging his side back intothe game with three points in quicksuccession as well as breaking anotherball down for his brother, Brendan, toconvert.

Na Fianna goalkeeper, Cian Kelleher,also had to come to his side’s rescuewhen he pulled off a great save to denyKevin McManamon from close range.

With ten minutes of normal time re-maining the influential ShaneGallagher brought the sides levelwith a point for Judes and withColm Murphy growing in authorityaround midfield Judes were verymuch now the dominant side.

However, a 43-metre Duignan freewhich was followed by a point from subBrendan Courtney, saw Na Fianna stealback in front, 0-10 to 0-8, with only twominutes left.

But Judes did not panic and scoresfrom Kevin McManamon (free) and

Declan Donnelly forced the game intoextra-time. Four minutes into extra-time sub Ger McManus applied thefinishing touch for the only goal of thematch.

Two minutes later Na Fianna defender,Niall Cooper, did very well to clear KevinMcManamon’s goalbound shot fromcrossing the line.

Judes were not to be denied, though,as fine scores from Paul Cunninghamand Darren Gallagher gave their sideplenty of breathing space by the finalwhistle.

SCORERS

St Jude’s: K McManamon 0-6 (0-3f), S Gallagher 0-3, G McManus 1-0, B McManamon 0-2 (0-1f), D Donnelly, D Gallagher (0-1f) 0-1each.

Na Fianna: D Quinn, J Cooper, S Connell, C Duignan (0-1f) 0-2 each,P Quinn (0-1f), B Courtney 0-1 each.

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IT hasn’t exactly come as asurprise – the Internet backlashto Tallafornia.

Afterall TV3 would have been fools tothink that most locals would see sevensocial animals out on the rip in barelythere clothing, jumping into bedtogether at the drop of a hat andswearing like there is no tomorrow, asa positive reflection of life here. Cyber-space is full of haters but if we werebetting people we’d have a month’swages that the viewing figures are onlygoing up!

After all like everything we know weshouldn’t - we can’t get enough of it.

The girls are all easy on the eye and upfor a laugh and the lads all seem fairlysound – the type you might have a pintwith if you are a fella and try to pull ifyou are.....well, a fella.

But seriously it’s not like they are theworst group of humans ever to share ahouse. They cook, they clean, theylounge around…..and all in their bikinis. It’s just like any old day at theoffice.

The only one that needs a right slap isCormac. Or, excuse us, The Corminator...grrrr.

He bedded Nikita on the first night andtreated her like something that wasstuck on his shoe afterwards. Then hegets furious when she hooks up withfellow housemate Phil. “I’ll effing killhim,” he’s seen furiously shouting inTamangos as nice guy Dave holds himback.

Later on, after disaster has thankfullybeen averted, he’s seen brooding onhis bed about his chances with the girlhe previously flung aside. “She won’t

have anything to do with me now, Ishould have kept at it, she’d have beenhooked then,” or something to thateffect - we couldn’t quite hear over thenoise of our yawns.

He’s coming across completelyarrogant and self-righteous and we’renot even sure we can be botheredgiving him the chance to change. We’drather he packed up the vest and bottleof baby oil he packed for the month andget out of there.

Taaaaaxiiiiiiiiiii!!! Oh cancel that, hemight aswell get back to what he’sgood at. There’s no future for him in TVanyway.

70

Ingredients� Rack of Lamb� Dijon Mustard� Fine Breadcrumbs� Fresh Herbs� Parmesan Cheese� Salt� Pepper

Sauce – Port Reduction� Port� Cumberland Jelly� Stock� Red Wine� Butter� Shallots

Accompanying Vegetables� Garlic Champ Mash� Wilted Baby Spinach� Roast Carrots (glazed with

honey)

1. Rack of lamb – trim bones back,making sure the meat is pinky redand the fat is milky white. Gentlyscore the fat. Seal off in a hot panto brown the lamb. Remove fromheat and paint with Dijon mustard.

2. Herb Crust – chop herbs finely, addfine breadcrumbs, making surecrumb is green. Add parmesancheese. This will melt into the lamb.Now place the crumb on the lamband bake for 20 mins. Whencooked, let rest for 5 mins.

3. The sauce – pan fry shallots finelyin butter, deglaze with red wine andport. Add stock and Cumberland

jelly and reduce to a sauce consis-tency. Place an ounce of butter insauce, as this will give shine andthicken the sauce.

4. The vegetables – mash potato, addcream, spring onion and garlic. Wiltthe baby spinach. Pan fry carrotsand place in oven with honey androsemary to roast.

5. Place champ mash on plate withwilted spinach, cut 2 slices off rackto show off the pink colour.

Drizzle sauce around the lamb andserve carrots in a bowl as a side.

71

SINCE returning home toIreland in 2011, I have noticeda significant increase in thenumber of so-called ‘TigerKidnappings’.

It is unclear where the term TigerKidnapping originated from, howevermy research suggests it’s derived fromthe media or the criminal fraternityitself. According to sources the firstrecorded crime entitled Tiger Kidnappingoccured in 1972. The practice beganas a tactic by the Irish Republican Armywhich kidnapped people to force theminto placing car bombs.

I have already discussed in my previouscolumns how professional criminalsseek opportunity when planning withregards to the ‘who, where and when’of your movements. Amateur criminalsseize opportunity when you presentthem with it, however, when it comesto Tiger Kidnappings, they belong to theprofessional criminal gangs.

This type of criminal activity requires amassive amount of planning and logisticsby the perpetrators and it’s a crimewhich carries a prison sentence of upto 30 years if they are caught andconvicted.

When individuals are kidnapped thenthe state must mobilise its securityservices ie: the Gardai and the DefenceForces to get them back. Largenumbers of personnel deployed meanshuge cost to the state.

According to Sgt Mark Redmond atTallaght Garda Station, in order to helpdeter this type of crime, individuals andcompanies should be designed that noindividual person has unrestricted ac-cess to cash.

He said: “ There should be time delayand dual access security systems.

There should be a pre-arranged plan incase any employee is being intimidatedand companies should identify whomay be at risk – although this type ofcriminal act will only affect a very smallpercentage of the population who haveaccess to large amounts of cash”.

He added: “Keeping money at home isthe least wise option. Put your moneyin a bank, as there is no safe place tokeep cash in your home.”

In a similar vein James Shortt (DirectorGeneral of the International BodyguardAssociation) urges those with moneynot to broadcast the fact as it willgarner unwanted attention.

He said: “If you have problems with theSecurity Systems at your property donot de-activate it. Get it repaired. If youare concerned carry out countersurveillance on yourself and yourproperty, to detect anything unusual.

“However, remember this key point: Youwill only ever notice anything unusual,if you always notice what is usual. Keepan eye out for strange-looking cars andpeople around your property andbusiness.”

Now therein lies the future of TigerKidnapping Prevention - or at least anattempt at it. In order to work towardsthat there is a need for threat analysisand risk resolution of the mostvulnerable people.

However this is not the job of the stateand is down to those who feel theycould be targeted to carry our analysisfor their own sake and the sake ofthose in their employment. Just look atyour business as well as your life, familyand activities and go from there.

Next month I will be focusing on ArmedRobbery prevention on businesses.

72

InspirationSoft, candy colours, which will create afeminine, youthfully, girlie finish. You willfall in love this season with the romanticsensual looks which were inspired bythis season’s spring trends and autumn’s catwalks.

HairBarry Kane, AnJels Pro-Stylist, has created a soft feminine, loose side bun.Barry swept the hair to the side andloosely pinned the bun to create a girlielook with a gorgeous, romantic finish.

MakeupThe Foundation• Here I used Studio Sculpt Foundation

(MAC) to give a dewy glow to theskin, with a 187 stippling brush toapply. I used a lightweight long-wearconcealer for under the eye and myfinger to press the concealer into theskin which will ensure a flawlessfinish.Tip: When applying your powderonly apply power to the T-zone andjawline. This will ensure the skinlooks dewy and fresh and that thefoundation will last.

For The Eyes• I used soft, candy colours to create

an adorable, wearable look.• The eyebrows need to be soft with

a wash of colour through them.Tip: Instead of using an eyebrowpencil, use an eyeshadow and aclear brow set gel to hold them inplace.

• A velvet texturedhighlighter was usedunder the brow to liftand open the eye givinga radiant and freshfinish.

• When recreating apply mediumtone colour to the crease/socket ofthe eye which will create extradepth. Use matte colours for a bettercolour pay off. Tip: My favourite colours to use forthis look are Cork or CharcoalBrown.

• Apply Prolong mascara and thenany false lashes (I suggest individuallashes or just use corner lashes).This spring it’s all about a flirty lashfor a more natural finish.

• Finally apply a fine thin layer of eye-liner (not black!) on the top and bot-tom lash line. Use a soft pencil andpick a colour to make the eyes pop.

Finishing Touches• Cream blush and highlighter can

create a girlie, dewy glow to the facewhich will ensure a youthful finish.

• For the lips, don’t use a lipliner thistime, just pat and press the glossinto the lips using your finger.

Hair and makeup: Barry Kane and Joanna KennaFrom AnJels Professional Makeup ArtistsEmail:[email protected]: Aliona EreminaModel: Georgina McIntyre

This season 2012 makeup styles are all about looking girlie and feminine using soft colours and sheer textures. AnJels ProfessionalMakeup Artists team has recreated this season’s look which was inspired from Spring/Summer 2012 and MAC cosmetics.

73

WE'RE in the midst of AwardSeason, with the GoldenGlobes just over and theOscars to look forward to atthe end of February. As ever,celebrities dictate the comingtrends and it's always fun toadmire their stunning gownson the red carpets.

Everything from the shapes and stylesof dresses, to the colour palette that willbe flooding the highstreet arerepresented for the scrutiny of fashionexperts and the general public.

One thing that appealed to me at theGolden Globes this year was the trendtoward nude shades with elaborateembellishments of beads and sequins.Flesh-toned shades can be a hard lookto pull off but Julie Bowen and DianeLane showed us how to make the mostof this trend (right).

Julie's Reem Acra gown, while a similarcolour, is a totally different style. Thedelicate chiffon beautifully contrasts thedelicate beading on the cap sleeves.The skirt is full and soft, and along withthe ruched bodice, evokes 40’sglamour. Her hair accentuates this lookto great effect. The whole look is classicand feminine.

Diane Lane went for Old Hollywoodglamour, with another Reem Acragown. The subtle use of sequinsevokes a rich and expensive look, justright for the Golden Globes.

If you are attending a formal occasionyourself, keep a look out for highstreetversions of these kind of gowns, to stayright on trend, while also payinghomage to classic styles. Hair andmakeup can really finish off an outfit sotry and match them to the look you aregoing for. Softly curled hair goes

beautifully with this kind of look.

Don’t be afraid to accessorise a plainerdress to add glitz and glamour to yourown outfits. Necklaces layered over ahalter neck dress can work brilliantly,or consider embellishing a dress orskirt with glitzy old broken earrings.

Fashion is about experimenting andcustomising your look will ensure noone turns up in the same outfit for thatspecial occasion.

I would recommend Missguided forsome classy basics and on trenddresses. Prices range from 50 euro upto over 100 but there are definitelysome gems to be found. (www.missguided.co.uk)

74

Garden Pests

Start the New Year off by not lettinggarden pests and diseases get youdown.

Many pests can survive over winter andlay eggs, these eggs may stick on thestems of plants to hatch out later sopruning now might help remove them.

By checking your plants now anddealing with the problems as theyoccur, you can help prevent them fromgetting out of control.

If your fruit trees have had a lot ofproblems with pests and diseases it'sworth spraying them with tar oil winterwash over the trunk and branches.Make sure to follow the instructionscarefully and not to spray on a windyday.

Roses

Do not prune roses until next month, asit may encourage new growth and frostwill burn the new cuts.

On the other hand now is an ideal timefor planting new roses, but do not plantroses where they have been growingbefore and you will avoid ReplantDisorder.

Containers

Keep picking off the dead heads fromwinter flowering pansies and primrosesto keep them looking attractive.

Change any plants such as Cyclamenwhich have been damaged in the winter months. Plants such as Primroseand potted bulbs are very good for filling in the gaps.

Ponds

Garden Ponds are best left alone at thistime of year as the frogs and othercreatures are hibernating, and shouldnot be disturbed.

In freezing conditions, float a tennis ballon the surface to keep the surface fromfreezing over completely. Never clear afrozen pond by breaking the ice, youcan melt a hole by holding a pan of hotwater on the ice.

Cordyline

Tie up Cordyline leaves to enclose andprotect the centre. When snow or frostis likely, cover with fleece. Last year’swinter weather damaged a lot ofCordylines. Snow will spread the leaves

apart, allowing the frost to enter theplants centre and kill a lot of them. Ifthere is a heavy snowfall, remove snowfrom trees and shrubs to prevent dam-age to branches.

It is a good time to start off the slower-growing half-hardy annuals and peren-nials. Pelargonium and Begonia can beeasy to grow from seed if you have awarm windowsill or some heat in aglasshouse. Some seed may take twoto three weeks to germinate, which willbring you into March and the days willbe getting longer.

Sow seeds of Broad Beans and SweetPeas in a cold greenhouse or outdoorsin a cold frame with some protection.

Prune Acer and Birch trees now, whilethey are still dormant. This will avoid thedanger of ‘bleeding’ (excessive saploss) if they are pruned in spring whensap is rising. It is best to wait until allleaves have fallen.

75

Spinning classes can be a great wayto get in a vigorous workout, burningcalories and keeping your muscles inshape, especially during the off-season, but you have to have a hightolerance for exercise bikes andbeing cooped up inside with a bunchof other sweaty people for this to bea satisfying alternative to the realthing.

DescriptionsSpinning classes are done in afitness studio, with various light andmusic settings to create an energizedatmosphere.

Instructors guide participants throughworkout phases – warm-up, steadyuptempo cadences, sprints, climbsand cool-downs, etc.

You have control resistance on yourbike to make the pedaling as easy ordifficult as you choose. Constantadjustment is normal. All you’ll needis workout clothes, a towel (to wipeyour face) and a water bottle.Spinning bikes have toe clips so youcan wear tennis shoes but manypedals also work with Shimano-styleSPD cleats.

What Happens In A Spin Class?Imagine a whole bunch of exercisebikes lined up inside a health clubstudio. Riders are on each one,spinning the pedals at a rapid pace.The lights are turned down, pumped-up music fills the air and aninstructor with a headset sits atop alead bike, calling out commands.

“Climb out of the saddle,” she barksat the class. “Big hill coming!”

The riders rise as one, pedalsspinning faster as they grimace withexertion, sweat dripping off theirbodies. A group workout typicallylasts anywhere from 30-75 minutes. In spinning classes, the intensity ofthe workout is influenced by a coupleof things:

- cadence, or pedal rate.

- resistance of the bike’s flywheel,which can be continually adjustedthroughout the class to makepedaling easier or more difficult.

- by the rider’s body position, asthey either pedal from a seatedposition or rise from the saddle.

Ultimately participants determinetheir own levels of exertion, some-thing that works better for some folksthan others.

For instance, I personally find myselfslacking from time to time in a spinningclass if I don’t stay focused.

I know that I do better when I’mbeing pushed, like when ridinga real bike, and the only optionto hustling on a group ride isbeing dropped.

But a good instructor cancertainly encourage andmotivate you to push your-self, and you’ll most likelyfind spinning to be a vigorousworkout.

It’s a decent way to stayin shape when you can’tget outside on the bike.

76

This month I’ll be talking about anothertitle that you may be more familiar withas a film. ‘High Fidelity’, the novel,came out in 1995, followed by the filmof the same name in 2,000. I find itimportant to dip back into the archivesevery so often because there are somany brilliant books that I missed at thetime. When they surface in a charityshop, I eagerly snap up the ‘classics’,including the modern ones, in order tocatch up. Your local library is likely tohave a great selection as well.

I’ve been a fan of Nick Hornby’s novelsfor a few years. I was originally drawnto his other novels by the fact that I’denjoyed the aforementioned film, aswell as ‘About A Boy’. However, for thevery same reason I was reluctant toread the novel High Fidelity. I’d seen thefilm, why would I read the book? But I’m very glad I finally did.

As a music fan, I loved thefilm. As a fan of witty,cleverly written fiction,I loved the novel.

The main difference between thefilm and the book is the location.While the film was set in the States,the book is set in London. Bothcentre on a guy called Rob, a musicobsessive who owns a record shopnamed Championship Vinyl.

Along with his employees Dick andBarry, they are armed with an encyclo-pedic knowledge of all things musical;they compile "top five" lists for everyconceivable occasion, openly mock theignorance of their customers, and everyso often, sell a few records. Rob is inhis mid-30’s, still living the life of a college student. His lovely girlfriendLaura finally gets sick of his immaturityand leaves him.

This causes Rob to go on a quest tofind out why all his most significant girl-

friends have done the same, based ona top five list of his most memorablebreakups of all time.

We follow Rob on this journey of “selfdiscovery”, which sounds rather preten-tious, but Hornby perfectly captures theself-obsession and cluelessness someguys can experience in relationshipsand life in general. So wrapped up inmusic and film is Rob that he’s not reallybeen living his life, or just doing thenormal growing up that everyone elsehas but he’s a loveable eejit, entertainingand frustrating in equal measure. All inall, it’s well worth a read, even if you’veseen the film already.

Nick Hornby is the author of the bestsellingnovels Slam, A Long Way Down, How to BeGood, High Fidelity, About a Boy, and thememoir Fever Pitch. He is also the author ofSongbook – a finalist for a National Book Critics Circle Award – Shakespeare Wrote forMoney, and The Polysyllabic Spree, as well asbeing the editor of the short story collection,Speaking with the Angel. Additionally Hornby

is the recipient of the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ E. M. ForsterAward, and the Orange Word International Writers’ London Award 2003.

He lives in North London and his work frequently touches upon music,sport, and the aimless and obsessive natures of his protagonists.

For more information visit his website atwww.nicksbooks.com

77

Today I travelled to the city.Captives lying in doorwayscovered with dirty blanketspaper cups outreached.Mass affliction on our streets.Everything was grey,despair has no colour.

Yesterday I gazed upon ahamlet, what a beautiful sight.Little houses nestled among great trees,colours green and gold.

A young man came up to me,his agony etched on his face.I looked into his lifeless eyes.I could see his altered consciousness.I could see his splintered soul.I watched him struggleto stay awake.While angels looked away.

Just as the black widow injects her lethal poison,the striking Asian poppy flower,sheds its deadly powder.Murkying the master's palette, Like a thief in the night,she has stolen our young.

Today I travelled to the city.The city of the walking dead.

A rainbow of races, Saturday morning,colours the early cinema queueas kids horde in for their special show.

Tones of the Niger, Rhine and Mekongflood the foyer; a babel of voices with their own surround-sound.

It is such an adventure to seesnow on Three Rock Mountain and brave the escalating stairs.

Ginger head in a playful arm-lock a Rasta rascal wrestles his classmate,relents and they both trade transformers.

A peep of black fuzz from her woolly beanie,a girl links arms with her freckled friendto flaunt twin Barbie-sequined jeans.

A boy from Delhi sports a Dublin jersey;once he ate fish fresh from the Gangesnow he prefers a Big Mac with fries.

A girl speeds by in her brand new heelies,pigtails made from hair extensionscrinkle-curled just like her own.

All the girls love High School Musical,the boys all go for Spiderman,they laugh and share the language of fun.

Black skin, white skin, yellow, brown,eyes wide as the screen before them,when the lights go down they’ll cheeras one.

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InTallaght EDITION 10

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