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  • Champions League all-time XI

    Champions League all-time XI

    3-4-3 formation

    Casillas

    Probably the greatest goalkeeper ever, just in front of Buffon. The Spaniard has always played for Real Madrid and is a great shot stopper. 151 Spanish caps as well as 476 appearances for Real.  Casillas has won every single honour in the game with the exception of a Confederations Cup; he has captained Spain to their last two Euros’ and there sole World Cup. Casillas has lifted ‘old big ears’ on two occasions.

    Cafu

    The energetic and everlasting Brazilian was a real gem at Milan.  The Brazilian captained his country to glory at the 2002 World Cup and also won the Champions League with the Rossoneri.  Cafu’s energy and consistency was crucial to Milan’s march to their seventh crown.  Cafu also won three Uefa Super Cups and a Cup Winner’s Cup.

    Nesta

    Arguably the greatest centre back of his generation, the Italian won three Super Cups, Cup Winners’ Cup and two Champions’ Leagues.  He was also pivotal to Italy’s 2006 World Cup success.  The former Lazio man also won three Serie A.

    Maldini was a ledgend. credit immortal
    Maldini was a legend. credit wiki.org

    Maldini

    Words cannot describe this man.  The number three shirt at Milan has been retired due to his brilliance.  Maldini boasts five Champions Leagues, seven Italian championships, five Super Cups and three World Club Cups.  Maldini played 647 times for the Rossoneri.

    Figo

    One of the first galacticos acquired by Real, Figo was a winger with extreme skill and speed. Two Uefa Super Cups, Cup Winner’s Cup and a Champions League, were the rewards for Figo’s brilliance.

    Zidane

    One of the greatest players of all-time, Zizou lit up the football world with his brilliance. The Frenchman was twice beaten in Europe’s’ showpiece with Juventus before eventually winning the prize in 2002 with Real, whilst scoring one of the greatest goals in the history of the competition along the way.

    Zidane after the 2002 Champions league final. Credit footy
    Zidane after the 2002 Champions league final. Credit footy.com

    Scholes

    The greatest midfielder of his generation, enjoyed success twice in 1999 and 2008 and tasted defeat in 2009 and 2011.  Scholes was a catalyst for United and only for Barcelona would be boasting four crowns. Eight leagues with United and some wonderful goals make him the perfect partner for Zidane.

    Nedved

    The Czech was similar to Figo with his trickery and speed.  Nedved never won the Champions League but came very close in 2003, when his Juventus side lost out on penalties to Milan at Old Trafford.   Nedved, however, did manage a Super Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup with Lazio.

    Messi

    How could you leave this guy out? Three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and four Ballon D’Ors.  Messi really has to be included, he scored the winners in the two finals he played in and has consistently made the competition sparkle. One of the greatest ever footballers.

    Raul

    The Spaniard boasts three Champions Leagues and until last week held the record for appearances too.  Raul still has the record number of goals in the competition with 71.  Raul was arguably Real’s best ever player and was wonderful to watch.

    Raul scored 71 times in Europe. credit golo
    Raul scored 71 times in Europe. credit golo.com

    Cristiano Ronaldo

    The Man, the myth, the legend.  Ronaldo has to be one of the best players to have graced the competition.  Speed, power, two feet and what a prolific goal scorer he is. Ronaldo’s only crown came in Moscow in 2008, when United beat Chelsea, a runner up a year later, ‘CR7’ has been in four semi-finals three with Real.  Ronaldo also boasts a Ballon D’Or but has regularly been left second best to Messi.

    Subs;

    Buffon

    Neville

    Stam

    Gerrard

    Xavi

    Iniesta

    Trezeguet

  • The Moyes Effect

    The Moyes Effect

    Finished, end of their dominance, another Liverpool and an over achieving squad.  These were some of the comments we were led to believe were the future for Manchester United.

    The Red Devils are into the last eight of the League Cup, three points away from the last 16 of the Champions league and should they beat Arsenal tomorrow are only five points off the top with two-thirds of the league remaining.

    So why was the doomsday opinions offered? Why did people write of England’s most successful club?

    Sir Alex handpicked David Moyes, the man who has guided Everton to three fifth place finishes, one fourth place finish and saved the club from relegation in 2003/04.

    Moyes, the chosen one. credit wiki.org
    Moyes – the chosen one. credit wiki.org

    Considering the money available to Everton and its limited fan base, that’s pretty impressive by anyone’s standards.

    United were 8/1 to retain the title that they romped to in May. 11 points was the difference between first and second last term, how can so much change over 10 weeks?

    Should United beat the high flying Gunners on Sunday, nothing will have changed.  Traditionally United don’t assert themselves till early March.  A win at home this weekend and the Champions are back in touch and have played all the big sides.

    Moyes is getting to terms with his new staff and squad; he is adjusting from the 15th biggest job in English football to the Biggest.  The man needs time and will flourish once give it.

    Campion's, moyes has a great squad. credit wiki.org
    Champions – Moyes has a great squad. credit wiki.org

    Adan Januzaj, Wilfried Zaha and Alex Buttner are only some of the youth players at his disposal.  Rooney, van Persie, Carrick, De Gea and Vidic all brilliant players who are well established.

    It takes a brave man to write off a Scot, especially a Bhoy from Glasgow.

  • Should the cannabis bill be puff puff passed?

    Should the cannabis bill be puff puff passed?

    Cannabis has many functional uses besides the most popular form, which is smoking. Image by: mafiosoch
    Cannabis has many functional uses besides the most popular form, which is smoking. Image by: mafiosoch

    American comedian and commentator, Will Rogers, once said of alcohol prohibition in the US that “prohibition is better than no alcohol at all”.

    Although Rogers made his quip as a means of generating humour, he made a very valid point on the purpose of prohibition. It just doesn’t work.

    Alcohol prohibition in the US did not prevent people from drinking alcohol, it just made the process more convoluted. It also made spirits – a form of alcohol that was very rarely acquired prior to prohibition – one of the highest forms of consumed alcohol due to its easy ability to hide and smuggle vast quantities.

    Prior to the 20 US states and the District of Columbia passing laws allowing some degree of medical use of marijuana, and 14 states decriminalizing it to some degree, similar events surrounded the prohibition of cannabis.

    It was still being used heavily throughout the US. And it was wasting precious police time, removing the man hours from being able to focus on more deadly drugs and/or crimes.

    “I don’t smoke weed”, explained Kelley Duffy, a South Dublin mother, “but I know that if I wanted to get my hands on it it could in less than 30 minutes. An hour at max.”

    Mark, a cannabis user, claims, “Sure it might as well be legal, because its not like people can’t get it as it is.”

    He continued to explain. “People who want to smoke it are smoking it. Just because you can’t doesn’t mean it will stop people.

    “Look at alcohol – people under 18 still get their hands on it and still drink. If people want to do it they will do it. Look at the massive increase in heroin use in Ireland. Surely tackling that is more important than some bits of plant.”

    Forbes Magazine calculated that a 15% tax on the estimated 600,000 Coloradans cannabis smokers will generate over $130 million in revenue for the state of Colorado.

    TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, who was the man who has put the decriminalization bill to the Dail, estimated that cannabis could raise €300 million in revenue for the country.

    Flanagan’s estimate may be on the optimistic side of the tax scale, but even a tax figure closer to the estimate given by Forbes would be of great benefit to a struggling Irish economy.However Fanagan was correct in saying that cannabis decriminalisation would “free up” garda resources.

    “Even if it is not legal to smoke it, it should be legal for medicinal use”, stated Donna, whose mother suffers from severe arthritis.

    “I use it for recreational use, but my mother takes a very small amount before bed and it helps her to no end.

    “It relieves her pain, allows her to get to sleep. She doesn’t need to take three of her pills, that really don’t agree with her. It works wonders for her and I think that it is a disgrace that people who need it can’t.”

    The bill will be either passed or rejected by the Dail on the 6th of November. The decision of the bill will have great consequences for hundreds of thousands of Irish citizens – many would argue positive, while some will still argue negative.

  • The Web Summit Summation

    The Web Summit Summation

    Day two of the Web Summit saw some of the biggest names in tech take to the main stage again including Elon Musk, the last minute and most welcome addition to the event.

    The day greeted Google Ventures, Kevin Rose to the stage yet again as well as Leonard Kleinrock continuing his discussion on the internet and how something he fathered has grown.

    2013-10-31 16.55.37-1

    David Carr of the New York Times and Shane Smith of Vice made a point of discussing new media on the main stage and how Vice has become what it is today.

    The highlight of the entire event however was Elon Musk taking to the stage alongside Enda Kenny and explaining that the key to success could come from free education, with Kenny making the point that Tesla motors should make their way to Ireland.

    For those that don’t know, Elon Musk is the billionaire behind Paypal, SpaceX as well as Tesla motors and the man has visions of a “hyperloop”; an incredibly fast way of getting from one side of the United States to the other, in a system that’s somewhat reminiscent of Futuramas air tubes in New New York.

    Robotics companies took to the floor in Alphaville with an influx of media and music companies attempting to find investors. _MG_2990

    If the Dublin Web Summit showcases anything, it’s that technology and ideas are constantly flowing, and that through networking opportunities like this, we may see great leaps in numerous industries within months.

    Also having a consistently working Wi-Fi connection as a tech conference is a must.

  • Thor hammers onto the big screen again

    Thor hammers onto the big screen again

    hor: The Dark World will not be the last that we see of the Norse God. Image by: Jorge Figueroa
    hor: The Dark World will not be the last that we see of the Norse God. Image by: Jorge Figueroa

    Chris Hemsworth smashes onto the big screen yet again, wielding his massive hammer in Thor: The Dark World.

    Director Alan Taylor picked up exactly where Kenneth Branagh had previous left off with the initial Thor film.

    The storyline revolves around an ancient ‘earth stone’ called ‘aether’ which has an all-consuming power – a power that Malekith, the leader of the ‘dark elves’, strives to obtain.

    Thor is certainly the most complex of the Marvel films, and The Dark World takes a step further in its complexity to that of the films predecessor.

    Taylor – who is more well-known for his TV directing as oppose to big screen directing – put together a fantastic visual display.

    The film is helped along with some strong performances from Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins. But the pièce de résistance is most certainly that of Tom Hiddleston, who plays the role of Loki.

    Hiddleston performance is second to none in the feature, and the vast majority of laugh-out-loud moments stem from him.

    A cameo role from Chris O’Dowd also has sparks of entertaining humour, however his role is fleeting, raising questions as to why he was used for just a mere two scenes.

    Speaking of cameo’s, Stan Lee, the writer of the Marvel comics continues the tradition of appearing in all the Marvel flicks.

    Overall the film is what one would expect prior to viewing. It is in essence an action film, with the two main characters of opposing sex trying to find a way to engage in a relationship while struggling to fight external interference. It just so happens that the external interfere in Thor is the potential annihilation of the nine realms.

    There are some issues that Taylor fails to address in the film which lead to it losing some validity – although the entire film is based around the idea of mythological Norse Gods, so the question of reality has to be considered loosely.

    But, Taylor never explains how Jane Foster (Portman) can breathe when she leaves earth for other realms.

    The conclusion of the film also leaves plenty of room from confusion as a matter that seems to be quite apparent, is not. However this may, and one would hope for the integrity of the franchise will be addressed in the following film, of which there most certainly will be, so Taylor must be given the benefit of the doubt.

    However, the peak of frustration is reached within the first couple of minutes in the film. Taylor completely omitted any explanation as to how the ‘Bifrost’ – the Asgardians mode of transportation from realm to realm, Asgards equivalent to the M50 – seemed to be fully restored despite Thor destroying it in the first film. Not so much as a single hard hat, or ‘under construction’ sign was offered by Taylor.

    But for those film goers who are not anal retentive Thor: The Dark World will brighten up the dullest of days.

  • Racism still prevalent in Ireland

    Racism still prevalent in Ireland

    Racism seems to be an ongoing, unreported, issue due to the influx of foreign nationals over the past decade. Image by: Machine Made
    Racism seems to be an ongoing, unreported, issue due to the influx of foreign nationals over the past decade. Image by: Machine Made

    According to a recent report racism is rampant in Ireland, with very few cases going reported.

    The report was conducted by Dr Patricia Kennedy, of the School of Applied Social Science in UCD, and states that 60 percent of foreign people in this country have encountered racism.

    An Garda Síochána Press & Public Relations Officer, Duty Sergeant Damian Hogan stressed that  “All matters relating to racism should be reported to An Garda Síochána”.

    He also noted that An Garda Síochána has a designated unit for dealing with racism at their Racial and Intercultural Office, which is located on Harcourt Street.

    The Racial and Intercultural Office is deemed to be responsible within An Garda Síochána for the development and monitoring of the implementation of organisational policies and strategies, which deal with racial, ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.

    The office received a thirty thousand Euros innovation prize by the European Commission in recognition of work already undertaken by the Garda organisation in raising awareness around racism and related issues.

    “I have been abused cycling through the city centre,” said Donatas Okafor, a Nigerian national, who came to Ireland in 2006.

    “I have had people drive by making monkey chants and stuff,” explained Donatas.

    When asked if he any of these incidents were ever reported Donatas replied; “No. I don’t have the time to be going through the effort of dealing with reports. I just get on with life”.

    Donatas did have some positive experiences to share about his time in Ireland: “I have lived in many countries over the years; England, Thailand, China, South Africa and Ireland is definitely the nicest of them to live in. There has been some isolated incidents but overall I would say Ireland is the least racist country I have lived in”.

    It seems that people of colour may encounter racism more than other foreign nationals. Hungarian national Katalin Takacs said, “I have never been racially abused but I have seen Luas staff abused over the colour of their skin and being told ‘go back to your country”.

    Katalin, who has lived in Ireland for the past 7 years, explained further, “I think people are angry over the economy and that state of the country and black people just seem to be an easy target for these people. It’s sad”.

    Paul Zhang and Anna Slugacz, who have been in Ireland for the past eleven and 7 years respectively, have never encountered racist events.

    “No one has ever been racist to me, or any of my friends thankfully,” said Anna. “I really like working in Ireland and at times you think that maybe some people think bad things about you, but no one has ever actually said anything”.

    Paul found some humour in an otherwise serious issue saying, “Ireland loves Chinese food, so that might be why me and my friends haven’t been abused. Thanks to our food”.

  • Living life one city at a time

    Living life one city at a time

    Images by Dalene and Peter Heck via hecktictravels.com

    1380657_592981190760915_1762064918_n

    In 2009, having overcome personal tragedies, Canadian couple Dalene and Peter Heck did what many dream of doing – they quit their jobs, sold their house and set out to explore the world.

    Since then, the couple have traveled to over 40 countries: Morocco, Peru, Croatia, Malta, Finland, Guatemala, Jordan and Turkey, to name but a few, and have no intentions of stopping.

    So how do they afford it? The pair have been house-sitting their way around the world for four years. This has allowed them to greatly reduce their costs. Aside from this, Dalene and Peter run a blog called “hecktictravels.com”. They have also published a book about house-sitting entitled “How to Become a House-Sitter and See the World”.

    In an interview with Dalene Heck she spoke of one of their most recent escapades: “Our venture to Greenland was our most adventurous and “off the beaten path” destination to date. We completed an eight day kayaking/camping excursion up the east coast, covering over 96 kilometers. It was one of the most rewarding travel experiences we’ve ever had,” said Dalene.

    The two self-proclaimed nomads recently stopped off in Ireland: “We were just in Ireland for a conference on travel blogging, and also to spend some more time in a country that we love. We last visited for the summer of 2010, taking care of a house for a friend in County Meath. We saw a lot of the country during those two months, and we knew we had to come back.”

    “Just a few hours in the country reminded us exactly why we wanted to return – because of the incredibly friendly people. We always feel well taken care of and this visit was no different. We loved every minute of it,” said Dalene.

    Shooting Heaven's Gates

    Don’t be fooled, this lifestyle is not easy. “Most of us nomadic-types work very hard at a number of different things in order to make this lifestyle sustainable.”

    Between them, the couple share a host of skills that they utilize to “put food on the table”. Dalene is a writer, event planner, social media consultant, teacher and videographer. Peter is a professional photographer and teacher.

    “This has all been a long time in the works, and anyone who thinks they can start a blog and simply travel the world for free is sadly mistaken,” they write on their blog.

    Like everything in life travelling has its ups and downs, fatigue and frustration can creep in at times says Dalene. However, those moments “are few in comparison to how much we absolutely love our lifestyle”.

    Whether you’ve got wanderlust in your blood or you simply wish to get away from it all, there has never been a better time.

    “I do think that people should just travel more. There is so much to be learned by visiting a new corner of the world – not just about how others live, but to learn more about ourselves.”

  • “Quality” Tenants Only?

    “Quality” Tenants Only?

    Recipients of jobseekers allowance and other social welfare payments are finding it increasingly difficult to access rented accommodation in Dublin.

    Landlords in the capital are extremely reluctant to rent to people receiving social welfare payments with an overwhelming number on daft.ie and other rental sites specifically stating that they will not accept those applicants.

    “Finding rented accommodation in Dublin is a nightmare if you’re on the dole” said Cathy, 28, who has been receiving JSA since graduating earlier this year. In the current economy all kinds of people are on the dole, but landlords still have this idea that you must be unemployable or unreliable in some way”.

    Screen Shot 2013-11-01 at 13.36.16
    Sick of seeing this?

    This week daft.ie had no listings for rented accommodation open to people receiving social welfare. Jobseekers allowance is currently €188 per week which means rent supplement is a necessity for those unable to live with family or friends.

    “The main reason I suspect for rent allowance not being accepted by landlords in general is because the Social Welfare pay in arrears whereas a professional tenant pays a month rent and deposit up front,” said Kevin Delappe of Brock Delappe Estate Agents.

    “It is also commonplace for the Social Welfare to stop the rent mid tenancy as the Social Welfare tenant has not filled out a certain form for their payments. This in turn forces the land into further arrears and susceptible to repossession by banks.”

    Several landlords currently renting property on daft.ie were reluctant to go on the record as to why they didn’t wish to have rent allowance tenants.

    “Landlords have the right to choose who they rent to – I don’t want to exclude groups of people but it’s too much hassle.  I had [rented to] people on welfare before and never will again.  I was left getting less rent after the council cut what the people could claim, no consultation, no appeal, nothing” said one landlord who wished to remain anonymous, advertising on daft.ie this week.

    At present 83,000 Social Welfare recipients receive a total of €400m in Rent Supplement.

  • What not to do on Dublin Bus

    What not to do on Dublin Bus

    As someone who takes the bus into the city every day I have grown to adopt certain habits and mannerisms.  I also notice the habits of other people.  I felt it was the right time to compile a list on what not to do when travelling on Dublin Bus.

    1- Don’t play music out loud.

    If you are going to listen to music, make sure to use these. Image by Khairil Zhafri on flickr
    If you are going to listen to music, make sure to use these. Image by Khairil Zhafri on flickr

    If I wanted to listen to music on the bus, I would have brought my own earphones.  A quiet bus is not an open invitation for you to take out your phone or iPod and start playing your music for the whole bus to hear.  Also, just because you are wearing earphones, doesn’t mean you can listen to your music as loud as you want.  If I can hear your music, through your headphones, and even worse, through my headphones, it’s a sign you need to turn it down.

    2- Don’t be obnoxiously loud on the phone.  

    Is it really necessary to be that loud? Image by Martha Soukup on flickr
    Is it really necessary to be that loud? Image by Martha Soukup on flickr

    By all means, have a conversation or phone-call.  No one will have a problem with that.  The problem arises when everyone else can hear every single word you say in this conversation, no matter where they are sitting.  It’s a bus; not O’Connell Street, you don’t need to project your voice.

    3- Don’t take up a full seat during peak times.

    Image by Mark Hillary on flickr
    Image by Mark Hillary on flickr

    During peak times, passengers are usually heading to or from work or college.  Either way, they are probably tired and not looking for hassle.  The majority just want to find a seat and trudge along quietly.  Don’t be the person with your feet up or with your bag beside you on your seat.  The floor is a perfectly fine place to put them.

    4- If it’s cold out, don’t open a window.

    This is not a sign that the window needs to be opened. Image by Susan Sermoneta on flickr
    This is not a sign that the window needs to be opened. Image by Susan Sermoneta on flickr

    It’s a well-known fact that opening the window on a bus does absolutely nothing to cool you down.  However, the passengers in the rows behind you will know all about it. Sitting on a bus with Baltic winds blowing in your face can turn the most upbeat positive people into cynical grouches.  If it is cold outside, or even worse, raining, leave the windows closed.

    5- Don’t light up a smoke.  

    Everyone is trying to get somewhere. Don't be the one who delays them. Image by DragonLord878 on flickr
    Everyone is trying to get somewhere. Don’t be the one who delays them. Image by DragonLord878 on flickr

    The other passengers don’t care how badly you need it.  Also, don’t try concealing it either.  Firstly, the smell of smoke will give you up straight away, and then, more than likely, the driver will stop the bus until you put it out.  If it’s one thing passengers hate more than sitting in traffic, it’s being delayed by someone on the bus itself.

    6- Try to avoid eating.

    Fight the temptation. Image by _BuBBy_ on flickr
    Fight the temptation.
    Image by _BuBBy_ on flickr

    I know sometimes it can be hard, but for the sake of the other people on the bus, please don’t eat something.  Now, some foods are acceptable, like sandwiches or rolls, but try not to eat something with a strong aroma (we’re looking directly at you Subway lovers).  The smell just fills the bus and makes everyone else jealous, or angry at you.

    7. Observe personal space. 

    Observe the boundaries at all times. Image by Raúl Santos de la Cámara on flickr.
    Observe the boundaries at all times. Image by Raúl Santos de la Cámara on flickr.

    If you sit down beside someone, remember, you’re sitting beside them.  You’re not sitting on their lap. It is a shared seat, a 50:50 split, not 60:40.

  • Katie’s Road to Rio

    Katie’s Road to Rio

    Her first Home Bout since Bringing Back Olympic Gold, Olympic gold medallist boxer Katie Taylor will not have too far to travel for her next fight.

    Katie captured the hearts of the nation after defeating Sofya Ochigava 10-8 The London 2012 Olympic Games.
    Katie captured the hearts of the nation after defeating Sofya Ochigava 10-8 The London 2012 Olympic Games.

    The 27-year-old amateur boxer will be on her home turf on November 30, where she will face Finland’s Mira Potkonen, whom she has already beaten in the EU semi-finals. Taylor’s decision to stick with her amateur status has been met with a warm response from the Irish public and this bout against Potkonen is all part of her preparations for Brazil in 2016. This is a journey she is hoping will end with a second gold medal. This will be Katie’s first fight since her sell out event in March at the Bord Gais Theatre. Taylor is excited to get back in the ring and to be able to do so in her home town. Having secured a fifth successive European Union title by defeating France’s Estelle Mossely at the European Championships earlier this year, Katie says she is happy the local fans who have been so dedicated now have a chance to support her on a more personal level. Though the Bray native’s year has been relatively quiet, this bout is sure to end 2013 on a high note for her. Katie also launched her new website this week, www.katietaylor.ie. Now fans can stay interactive with Katie as blogs, videos and updates will be posted on the boxer’s training and fights. Tickets for Katie’s ‘Homecoming’ are priced from €40 go on sale from www.afterdark.ie on 1st November at 9am.