Author: The City’s Newshound

  • Why is Kanye West so annoying?

    Why is Kanye West so annoying?

    Kanye West at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. Photo by David Shankbone
    Kanye West at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. Photo by David Shankbone

    By Seraphine Habimana

    Here’s What People Say  About Kanye West [VIDEO]

    Why does Kanye West keep annoying people? Actually, no-one knows exactly.  Over the years I have been aware of West, he has never ceased to embarrass and shame people.  Every year he heaps annoyance on top of annoyance and never repents or apologises for his actions. There are many examples of Kanye seeming not to engage his brain before speaking or acting, a trait many call ‘immaturity’.

    It is doubtful anyone was surprised to hear that Kanye recently crashed Beck Hansen’s Grammy acceptance speech. As Beck arrived on stage on 8 February 2015 to accept the best album honour at this year’s Grammy awards, Kanye stormed the stage, shouting that Beyoncé should have got the award.

    Humble Beck first looked shocked but recovered later to respond: “You can’t please everybody, man. I still love him [Kanye] and think he’s a genius. I aspire to do what he does.” That was good of Beck – instead of lowering himself to Kanye’s level he rose above it, killing him with kindness.

    This came after the infamous incident following Taylor Swift’s MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video of the year in 2009, which she won over Beyoncé’s video for Single Ladies.  Kanye interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech, invading the stage and shouting at her to give her award to Beyoncé, insisting that Beyoncé had made one of the best videos of all time.

    I wonder if Beyoncé really needs Kanye West standing up or fighting for her in this way.  She seems like she has everything covered.  Recent reports suggest she was “disgusted” by Kanye’s recent outburst at the Grammys.

    And that’s not all from Kanye. Let’s chat about some of his extensive history of annoyance:

    2006: The birth of Yeezus

    As well as calling himself Jesus, Kanye has also compared himself to God. Back in 2004, for instance, in his single I Am a God, Kanye rants that Jesus talked to him and asked him ‘What’s up, Yeezus?’  Indeed, you may have seen Kanye on the cover of Rolling Stone wearing a crown of thorns like Jesus. These incidents annoyed many Christians worldwide.

    While many people find his comparisons to Christ offensive, West clearly liked the attention and decided to start worshipping himself, opening the Church of Yeezus and calling Yeezianity ‘the best church of all the time’.

    Speaking of bizarre Kanye self–comparisons, Jesus and God are just two of those Kanye has compared himself to. Barack Obama is another; Kanye once said that his wife (Kim Kardashian) is more influential than First lady Michelle Obama, adding that the First Lady could not post bikini ‘selfies’ of herself like his wife. It is not surprising that Obama has twice called Kanye a ‘jackass’.

    Kanye also said he is better than the Thriller singer Michael Jackson, and that Jackson could not have achieved what Kanye has achieved. Amongst others, West has also compared himself to Picasso, Steve Jobs, Jay Z, Beethoven and Disney character Vanellope von Schweetz.

    2007: MTV Video Music Award ‘black and white thing’

    When West was not asked to perform at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards opening, he insinuated that he was not chosen because of his race, saying “Maybe my skin’s not right”.  He later said “it’s not a black and white thing; it’s a money thing” and that MTV chose Britney Spears for the opening to get higher ratings. This entire episode was not received well as many people advised West to think twice before saying anything, especially in public.

    2009: ‘I’ma let you finish’

    ‘Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’ma let you finish — but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time,” said West to Taylor Swift when she was about to accept her accolade for the best female video at the 2009 VMAs, discussed above.

    2013: Bound 2

    Bound 2 – a song from West’s Yeezus album – is repeatedly derided as having one of the worst and most ridiculous videos ever released.  The video features West on a motorbike, accompanied by his wife Kim Kardashian, naked. The video has led to many copycat videos – more press coverage for Kanye.

    2014: Halted concert in Australia

    During his Yeezus tour in Sydney, West insisted that everyone must stand up and dance to his next song.  When West pointed out two people who were not standing (one was in a wheelchair and the other was also disabled), Kanye sent a bodyguard to verify their reasons, before finally starting his song. He did not apologize, even after members of the audience tried to signal to Kanye that one fan was wheelchair-bound. Some called West’s demand for fans to prove their disability ‘abuse’. West screaming at fans to stand up was not well received. The demand was outlandish and further cemented his reputation as an egotistical maniac.

    2015: West’s Beck respect

    After Taylor Swift’s 2009 Video Music award, it is hard to believe that Kanye could do it again. Thank God, the second time, it was Beck Hansen, a most humble person, even though he’s been a respected musician for much longer than Kanye West. You can imagine what it was like when Beck was ready to collect his award and walked up to the microphone like everyone else, celebrating his award with his fans in the house, then somebody else approached the stage: none other than Kanye West? Beck was visibly shocked.

    Having explained that the “voices in his head” made him do it, Kanye later explained that although he did not say anything on the stage, he was there to fight for creativity.  He also criticized the awards ceremony as ‘a joke’. Critics pointed out that Beck was the sole songwriter on his album, compared to sixty-eight writers on Beyoncé’s.

    We cannot say that Kanye West does all these things in order to become more famous; he is already a huge celebrity. We do not even know if he wants the media to keep talking about him as he is already very well known, but if his ego is anything to go by along with his actions, it seems he certainly does want the attention to continue.

    From what we have seen over the years from Mr West, it seems he needs to grow up and stop throwing his toys out of the pram, but the chances of him changing now are about as likely as seeing pigs fly.

    Kanye West performing at Lollapalooza in 2011. Picture by Wikipedia.
    Kanye West performing at Lollapalooza in 2011. Picture by Wikipedia.
  • The Little Museum of Dublin

    The Little Museum of Dublin

    lil museum
    The Little Museum of Dublin,15 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin. Photo by Hannan Raisuni.

    While walking down St Stephen’s Green, you are bombarded with shop after shop and you could easily miss the small historical building that is the Little Museum of Dublin. As you walk up the steps you instantly get a feeling of grandeur. What was once a large three story Georgian house is now a place where Dublin historical artefacts are stored and preserved.

    The Little Museum of Dublin was founded by Trevor White in 2011, when he began a public appeal for any form of historic objects ranging from documents to birth-certificates, school reports, posters and letters from and to Ireland’s historic figures. My favourite poster was a portrait photograph of Michael Collins, which sits beside a large Union Jack flag preserved in a photo frame. The museum has over 5,000 artefacts that have all been generously donated.

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    Slideshow by Defné Cetin

    As you walk through the front door, you are greeted by the museum’s receptionist, and then by a large domineering staircase that seems to be never ending. As you come to the first floor, you are greeted by a manikin wearing a signed Ireland jersey accompanied by a small plaque on the wall with information on when and who had signed the jersey.

    Entering through a large set of doors, you feel like you have travelled back over a hundred years. The grand room is lightly decorated. Two arm chairs are facing a welcoming leather sofa, which is set in the middle of the room. The arrangement made with the different pieces of furniture is creating a nice cocoon. Between the sofa and the arm chairs, a small table has been placed with a jar of sweets, which was warmly received by its visitors.

    The grand room is filled with pictures, documents and flags from early 20th century Ireland, from 1900 to the 1930s. In the adjoining room, you can barely make out the colour of the room as there is a large array of artefacts filling the place, from photographs of Ireland’s political leaders to postcards and handwritten letters.

    It is truly a walk back in time throughout Dublin’s history: you get a real sense of how Ireland was throughout the 20th century.

    By Hannan Raisuni

     

     

  • FA Cup holders Arsenal face trip to Old Trafford

    FA Cup holders Arsenal face trip to Old Trafford

    Photo by Øyvind Vik- Wikipedia

    James Cox looks ahead to the FA Cup quarter-final ties following last night’s draw

    Roy Hodgson was the guest of honour as the BBC conducted the quarter final draw before last night’s final FA Cup fifth round tie between Preston North End and Manchester United. The Preston fans reacted joyously to the possibility of hosting the cup holders Arsenal but it wasn’t to be as United stumbled to a 3-1 victory. Thecity.ie gives you the lowdown on an exciting quarter-final draw.

    Aston Villa v West Brom

    This all premier league tie has the potential to be a cracker or a damp squib. We’re going to take a positive view and go with the cracker. West Brom pulled off a shock beating high flying West Ham 4-0 in the fifth round and appear rejuvenated under Tony Pulis. However Villa are in the honeymoon phase under Tim Sherwood and enjoy home advantage so don’t be surprised to see them go through.

    Bradford City v Reading

    Reading have veteran striker Yakubu in form and should have the advantage over a League One side, but Bradford won’t read the script. Enjoying home advantage and having already disposed of Premier League leaders Chelsea and Sunderland, you should expect their fairytale run to continue. Another trip to Wembley after the 2013 league cup final seems on the card for the Bantams.

    Liverpool v Blackburn

    Blackburn pulled off a shock to defeat Premier league side Stoke 4-1 in the fifth round so will come to Anfield full of confidence. Rudy Gestede will be a danger man for Rovers in particular. Bolton already pulled off an unexpected draw at Anfield this season; however Liverpool have found their best form of the season since then. Liverpool will edge this one, but it will be tight.

    Manchester United v Arsenal

    Last but not least, this one is definitely the pick of the bunch. Manchester United have drawn criticism from all corners for their displays under Louis Van Gaal but attractive football or not, they have been getting results. United sit third in the Premier League and with no other distractions their sights are firmly on the cup that Arsenal currently hold. Arsenal are on better form at the moment but much can change between now and the weekend of 7th and 8th March when the ties are due to take place. Wenger’s men will be desperate to keep their hands on the trophy, but it seems when these teams meet that no matter how badly United play, Arsenal just can’t win. In their last 11 games against Manchester United, the record reads: United wins: 7, Draws: 3, Arsenal wins: 1.

  • Summer Trends 2015

    Summer Trends 2015

    The Grammy’s represented the beginning of spring fashion. From Rihanna’s Giambattista Valli Haute Couture dress, in all its pink fluffy glory, to Jennifer Hudson in Tom Ford’s sleek white midi dress. However, for the majority of us, who could not afford to shop in Giambattista or at Tom Ford, the high-street shops of Dublin are providing just as glamorous styles at a more attainable price. Summertime is a time to be happy, to have fun and get a tan, this means having a unique style that will compliment you every day and for every activity. Summer fashion is all about bold bright colours that clash, yet somehow go together.

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    St. Stephen’s Green Topshop. Fitted top with high-waisted skinny jeans. Photo by Hannan Raisuni.

    Top shop displays a sporty but trendy style. Matching crop tops and shorts paired with laced-up bulky heeled sandals. Top shop is also representing a seventies style in their wide stripe print shirts, white ripped skinny jeans paired with black ankle boots. Other trends from this seventies-inspired style include suede A –Line popper front skirts, long black bootcut jeans, vintage denim mom shorts, a lot of black and white stripe, and the unmissable Carrie patent high leg boots. This summer will be all about unique prints, bold colours and floral prints.

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    St. Stephen’s green Topshop. White billowy top and flared jeans. Photo by Hannan Raisuni
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    St. Stephen’s green Topshop. Fitted top with high-waisted skinny jeans. Photo by Hannan Raisun
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    St. Stephen’s green Topshop. Crop top with Parka jacket and sandals. Photo by Hannan Raisuni

    River Island is going for a more casual Jackie Kennedy style this summer, with a lot of matching skirt and trouser outfits as opposed to dresses. They have also taken on the seventies trends including flared jeans, cord skirts, kimonos and a lot of oversized floppy hats. River Island is opting to display lots of pastel colours. Particularly blues and lilacs in contrast to Topshops decision to promote bold colours.

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    Grafton Street’s River Island. Denim, oversized jackets and jeans. Photo by Hannan Raisuni.

    H&M are very trendy when it comes to summer styles, they are also very classy with their style, but can also be very edgy and push the boundaries a little. However, they do have something in common with River Island and Topshop, pastel, floral prints and kimonos. H&M  visual merchandiser Ciara O’Shea speaks about what trends will be appearing in H&M stores throughout Dublin, she says “textiles, based on a Marc Jacobs style, so its all muted tones mainly beiges whites and creams. Another trend is ‘spring up’ so its alot of bright colours, jumpsuits, and lots of print on print styles which is a key look for our spring season line.”   H&M have incorporated lilacs, yellows and baby pinks into their summer 2015 lines. Denim trends will be very popular, from dungarees to mom jeans. Denim is one trend that will never go out of style.

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    H&M flagship store on College green. Parka jackets and dungarees. Photo by Hannan Raisuni.
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    H&M flagship store on College green. bomber jackets, sweatshirts and harem pants.Photo by Hannan Raisuni.

    By Hannan Raisuni

  • Chinese New Year’s For Dummies

    Chinese New Year’s For Dummies

    Celebrations around the world are already under way for the Chinese New Year, which begins on Thursday 19th February and lasts until 5th March.

    Often marked by fireworks and family feasts within China, it’s also known as the Spring Festival. Chinese New Year is widely regarded as the most important celebration in China and is given official public holiday status, during which most Chinese get eight days off work. Here are some of the most famous traditions.

    Chinese New Year Decorations. CC Image courtesy of  Ivan Bandura on Flickr.
    Chinese New Year Decorations. CC Image courtesy of Ivan Bandura on Flickr.

    “Cleaning your house”

    This tradition is done with the belief that cleaning your house will “sweep away the bad luck” that has gathered in your house over the previous year. It is also thought that decluttering and cleaning  will make room for new luck to enter your household.

    Traditional Chinese lanterns. CC Image Courtesy of [Duncan] on Flcikr
    Traditional Chinese lanterns. CC Image Courtesy of [Duncan] on Flcikr
    “The hanging of Fu”

    Much like a Christmas wreath, hanging this Chinese symbol on your front door is a must throughout the New Year celebrations. The symbol normally means “blessing” or “happiness” but oddly it must be hung upside down. When it is hung upside down it’s meaning is changed to mean “arrival”. This is done so that the symbol takes on a double meaning, both welcoming people into your home and wishing them happiness.

     

    New Year's parade. CC Image Courtesy of Shawn Clover on Flickr
    New Year’s parade. CC Image Courtesy of Shawn Clover on Flickr

    “Red and Gold colouring”

    Red and gold are the two colours that are synonymous with Chinese New Year. Red in Chinese customs, symbolizes joy and good fortune while gold symbolizes money or wealth. Everyone dresses in red coloured items for the day and parents hand out red envelopes filled with money to their children. This is called “Hong Kao”.

     

    Traditional New Year's Eve meal. CC Image courtesy of Robyn Lee
    Traditional New Year’s Eve meal. CC Image courtesy of Robyn Lee

    “New Years Eve dinner”

    New year’s Eve dinner is probably the most important meal throughout the Chinese year. It is normally a reunion dinner for families who live or work very far from home. Two of the most common dishes served during the dinner are fish and dumplings. This is because both of these dishes signify prosperity. People then often stay up for long periods of the night to watch the fireworks, and to warn off the fearsome “Nian”.

    Chinese Fireworks. CC Image courtesy of Victoria Pickering on Flickr
    Chinese Fireworks. CC Image courtesy of Victoria Pickering on Flickr

    “Fireworks”

    Fireworks are one of the main features of Chinese New Year celebrations. The fireworks come from an ancient tradition whereby loud explosions and the colourful flares of gunpowder were thought to warn off evil spirits. An ancient evil spirit called the “Nian” was believed to come and haunt children around the time that New Years is celebrated. The loud explosions were thought to frighten “Nian”. The beast was also said to be terrified of the colour red.

    While you may think that China is a million miles away, you can get involved in the celebrations right here in Dublin. Dublin City Council have put together a useful website http://cny.ie/, giving you dates and times for all the events and celebrations that will take place. You and your family can immerse yourself in Chinese culture by learning about the country’s food, history and traditions.

    By Daniel Pim

  • Edinburgh- the perfect place for a city break

    photo 4 (1)                                                 The historic Edinburgh Castle

    James Cox takes the City.ie to Edinburgh, a city steeped in history and culture.
    Whether you’re looking for a shopping trip, a lads holiday, a romantic getaway, a cultural trip or indeed just a nice break; Edinburgh has it all. The city is steeped in history, no more so than in the old town. Any retail therapy needed will be more than satisfied in Princes Street, the city’s high street. While if it’s good food and drink you’re looking for, there’s an abundance of high quality restaurants, everything from traditional Scottish food to award winning Indian restaurants. For bars then, homely Scottish pubs or more trendy cosmopolitan options are available.
    The Scottish National Gallery is located half way up Princes Street and is open from 10am to 5pm daily. It’s free to enter and is a must see. Whether you’re religious or not, another place to visit is the St.Giles Cathedral. The Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s old town and was built in the 14th century. Once inside you’ll be taken aback by the magnificent building. It’s free to visit but for only £5 you can take a tour of the cathedral’s rooftop, which boasts a beautiful view of the whole city. The old town is also home to some of Edinburgh’s most charismatic taverns and while there it would be rude not to sample at least one of them. For beer lovers there’s a wonderful choice of craft beers, one not to miss out on is Edinburgh Gold. And when in Edinburgh why not tuck into some Haggis? You know you want to!

    Edinburgh Zoo is a 15 minute bus journey from the city centre and is well worth a visit. It is open from 9 to half 4 daily and getting there early to make the most of your day is advisable. Everybody loves penguins and the zoo’s “Penguin Rock” is home to King, Gentoo and Rockhopper colonies. Every day at 2.15 a “Penguin Parade” takes place. The Zookeeper’s open the gates to the Penguin enclosure and two or three penguins join them for a brief walk around the zoo, this is an unmissable event. Edinburgh Zoo is also home to two Malayan Sun Bears, named Somnang and Rotana. These guys are an extremely endangered species. Edinburgh’s pair were rescued from a Cambodian collector. Another of the Zoo’s attractions is the only pair of Panda’s in the UK. One male, Tian Tian, and one female, Yang Guang, are the zoo’s biggest attractions (along with the Penguin Parade of course.)

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    the “Penguin Parade” at Edinburgh Zoo

    Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline. If you were to pick one place to visit on your trip, the castle would have to be it. The castle is Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction with over 1.4 million people coming to see it in 2014. Inside the castle you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a scene from Game of Thrones with the ancient paths and walkways. Every nook and cranny of the castle is made available to its visitors (something the tour guides pride themselves on). Within the castle itself there are many different points of interest including St.Mary’s chapel, the oldest part of the castle, dating from the 14th century, and the Scottish National War Memorial. You should really devote most of the day to a visit to the castle because to rush around would be a shame. The views of Edinburgh from the castle’s various levels are simply breath-taking. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip back in time. The castle has been home to many huge figures in Scottish national history such as Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. Why not come and meet them? Just be careful you don’t get stuck in the dungeons.
    The Royal Yacht Britannia is the UK’s number one attraction on Trip Advisor and it certainly lives up to the praise. The Royal family sailed around the world on Britannia for over forty years and since 1997 it has been preserved as a tourist attraction in Edinburgh. The Yacht takes around two hours to get around in full, and every visitor gets a handheld telephone device which tells stories about 29 points of interest around the yacht. You’ll experience what life was like on board the yacht for the Royal family, the Yachts admirals, engineers, servants and cadets. No area is excluded and even the Royal families personal living areas are on show to the public. You can enjoy tea and cakes on the second floor with a magnificent view of the Edinburgh Ocean Terminal too.

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    The Queen’s Banquet room aboard the Royal Yacht Brittania

    These attractions are only a few of the many things Edinburgh has to offer. The city is the perfect venue for a weekend break or a longer getaway. Flights and accommodation are available at extremely reasonable prices and its less than an hour’s flight. So what’s stopping you? To get a real feel for the City you’ll have to go and experience it yourself so make it your next holiday destination. You won’t regret it.
    By James Cox

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        A view of Edinburgh’s old town from the castle

  • Your guide to the cricket bandwagon

    Ireland Cricket
    (picture by Wikipedia – Nev1)

    By Donal Lucey

    Ireland yet again took the Cricket World Cup by storm last night with a brilliant display against the West Indies. Just like in Bangalore four years ago, Ireland chased down a total of over 300 to secure a four-wicket victory over one of the big test nations.

    Ireland have been here before: in 2007 it was Pakistan, while in 2011 it was England who suffered at the hands of the boys in green. Social media erupted last night with praise coming from both at home and abroad. It looks like cricket will once again become a national sport, for the couple of weeks the tournament lasts anyway.

    If you were delighted to hear about Ireland’s victory without having a clue what was going, rest assured, you weren’t the only one. Before Ireland’s next game against the UAE, where they will be looking to further their ambitions of a quarter final place, it’s time to get up to speed.

    For your convenience, the city.ie is here to provide a simple guide to how it all works!

    What is a One Day International?
    A One Day International is match played over the course of one day, between two teams of 11 players. The match is made up of two innings and each team takes a turn at batting and bowling. An inning is made up of 50 overs, an over is six legal balls.

    What is a Powerplay?
    Each bowler can only bowl a maximum of ten overs each meaning you will need at least five bowlers in your team. In this one day format the bowling side is also subjected to something called powerplays. Powerplays dictate the maximum number of fielders allowed outside the inner 30-yard circle at any given time.

    In the first 10 overs of an innings, only two fielders can be placed outside the circle. During the second five-over restriction, known as the batting powerplay, the fielding team can only have three fielders outside the circle. The batting captain chooses when this happens.

    How do you win?
    The innings ends after 50 overs have been bowled or earlier if the team batting is “All Out” (that is, 10 of the 11 batting players get out).

    Basically, the team batting second needs to score more than the first team in order to win. If they can’t overtake the score in their allocated overs, or if they are bowled All Out, the first team wins. If both teams finish on the exact same number of runs, the match is a tie.

    Why should you watch?
    Past Irish victories have been considered huge upsets but this time was very different. Why? Because if you asked anyone close to the Irish team, or indeed any journalists and pundits that follow the sport, they would have said that they were confident of beating the West Indies.

    For them it wasn’t about upsetting a bigger team. It was about executing their tactics, playing to their ability and securing a comfortable ability. Based on their performance, the Irish will make it to at least the Quarters-Final and have every chance of progressing further. The Irish public has a great history of getting behind Irish teams and even in the midst of six nations hysteria, this cricket team deserve that same recognition.

  • Climate activists disappointed that Climate Bill ignores their recommendations

    By Seraphine Habimana

    At an extraordinary public meeting about Top Climate Chaos, members of the Oireachtas environment committee and civil society organisations condemned the Climate Action Bill for being weak, saying the government has ignored the Committee’s proposal to include climate justice.

    The draft Bill on Climate Action was published by the government last month to tackle climate change and reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions between now and 2050. Since then some opposition parties and environmental groups continue to criticise that it does not include specific targets on emissions reductions.

    At the crowded gathering in Buswell’s Hotel, they backed motions saying that the Bill fails to set a ‘numeric target for emissions reductions for the future’.
    Speaking at the conference, Friends of the Earth Director, Óisín Coghlan said that the Government’s Climate Bill is too weak to deliver the low carbon future it promises.

    “It’s deeply disappointing that the Government has ignored the proposals of the all-party Oireachtas Committee. Politicians have repeatedly diluted it in the face of pressure from vested interests, who have insisted on stripping the Bill of any legally binding targets. It is now dangerously weak,” said Coghlan, adding: “at the very least the Government must accept the recommendation of the Oireachtas Committee it asked to review the Draft and insert a clear definition of low carbon.”

    Coghlan pointed out that a climate law which has neither binding targets nor a clear definition of low carbon would be like a car without an engine. “It may look well but it’s not likely to get you where you want to go.”
    The Bill amounts to an 80 percent reduction in emissions from electricity, buildings and transport and carbon neutrality in agriculture and land use.

    On the other side, one of the participants Josephine O’Byrne said she is happy with the Bill, adding it should be ready earlier, before facing the consequences.

    “At least we have got the Climate Action Bill but we should have had it before realising that we are in danger, although we still have a very long way to go, but there is hope that in 20 years we can have the better world we want to have,” she said, adding that the Bill gives a sustainable future for Ireland.

    During her keynote address Lidy Nacpil, convenor of the Philippines Movement for Climate Justice, discussed the consequences of climate inaction on her home country Philippines. Speaking, several years ago, of the campaign for keeping below one degree, that scientists have already said it is not possible to do that. “Now we have to adjust it to 1, 5 degree. We have no choice, we have to live this reality and accept it.”

    Nacpil said the people who hear about targets in terms of degrees sometimes do not realize that even half a degree matters.

    “It matters because for instance at only 0.8 degree in temperature we are already suffering thousands of deaths every time in Philippines, even if Ireland’s temperature may be stable or not, we are 7000 times of Ireland but how soon since most of Ireland is populated.”

    The Climate activist pointed out even if with the good Bill or agreement, there is still need for National legislation to give a little more insurance for it to be implemented.

    She added that although a lot has been done, efforts and commitment need to reach 2020: “We can achieve it with justice and equitable share.”

     

     

  • Valentines and Whips

    Photo by Natasha Reis
    Whips and handcuffs in Dublin sex-shop, Glamworld. Photo by Natasha Reis

    The release of Fifty Shades of Grey has finally come, whether you like it or not. The novels stormed best seller lists and become a topical subject and recognised globally.

    Many are flocking to the cinemas in exhilaration while others to quench a morbid curiosity. One thing is sure, Fifty Shades of Grey has a marmite effect on its audience.

    It is no surprise that some shops which sell Fifty Shades memorabilia are getting sick of hearing about the franchise. When mentioning to an Ann Summers employee Fifty Shades of Grey her sneer spoke wonders for her growing impatience for the topic.

    Tim McDonald who works at one of Dublin’s sex shop Glamworld, explains the Fifty Shades of Grey effect: ‘after the first release of the books there was a global increase of sales of the likes of the jiggle balls, that really took off about 600% increase in sales globally.’

    With the movie release a day before valentines sales for shops like Glamword and Ann Summers are expected to reach an all-time high. McDonald explained that ‘you might find when they run out of ideas they might come to us as a last result.’

    So if you are one of the many men struggling to find a gift for your loved one perhaps take a trip down Dublin’s lanes and go for something a little different?

    Photo by Natasha Reis
    Glamworld sex-shop, Dublin. Photo by Natasha Reis

    The London Fire Brigade has hilariously took to Twitter to start their own hashtag ‘#fiftyshadesofred’ tweeting stories of Fifty Shades of Lovin’ that have gone wrong.

    By Natasha Reis

  • Saint Valentine in Dublin

    St Valentine Relics, White Friar Street. Photo by Sinéad Fitzgerald.
    St Valentine Relics, White Friar Street. Photo by Sinéad Fitzgerald.

    The story of St Valentine’s relics has been intriguing visitors to Dublin since they were put on display in White Street Carmelite Church in the 1950s. Not least because there are up to ten places in the world claiming to house the remains of the celebrated Saint, including Glasgow, Rome and Prague. Meeting with Prior Brian McKay, he said: ‘We received a document of confirmation with the relics and we believe we have the real thing.’ Saint Valentine died in the year 269 and the relics came to the Church in 1836. Prior McKay adds that by the time they came to Dublin they were dust. ‘It’s not possible that they are anything else. Likewise a vial of blood that we also received wouldn’t resemble anything like blood.’ In 2012, the heart of St Laurence O Toole was stolen from Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. Prior McKay states ‘Since then we’ve had the relics under a 24 hour alarm in case anyone tries to break in.’

    John Spratt, founder of the Church received the relics as a gift from Pope Gregory XVI in recognition of his excellent public speaking abilities. I ask Prior McKay about the fact that there are said to have been four Valentine’s that lived during the same period and he laughs. ‘I thought that might come up. We believe we have the relics of St Valentine who brought so many couples together but there is no way of knowing for sure.’

    Nonetheless it is worth your while visiting White Friar Street. The relics are kept in a glass case near the front of the church and are tastefully surrounded by candles. There is a book beside the case where visitors can petition the Saint for guidance or help. People ask for help in all kinds of things, from finding love to new direction in life. It’s another perspective on the widely marketed holiday.

    By Sinéad Fitzgerald