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Monthly Archives: August 2017

Congratulations are in order as Jennifer Zamparelli this morning announced that she is expecting her second child.

Live on air, the popular 2FM presenter revealed that she's about to become a mother for the second time.

In typical Jennifer style, she sent herself up with a back story before informing listeners that her daughter is soon to get a new sibling.

 

#throwback to when I was pregnant but my husband was the one glowing

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"The RTE TV launch is this Thursday and I have to go because Bernard won't go – he hates it," Jennifer began.

"I have to go talk about Bridget and Eamon and I'm mega stressed because I have to get into a photocall with Vogue 'I'm not drinking, I'm on bootcamp, I'm coming back from Ibiza tanned' Williams," she continued.

Certain the public will feel compelled to compare her and Vogue, Jennifer said: "I'm going to look like I've eaten 18 boxes of doughnuts and I just want to explain right here, right now."

"I'm up the pole, bun in the oven, stork is coming, there's a baba coming, I'm pregnant – how else can I say it? I'm up the duff." she confirmed.

Finishing the announcement in a manner unique to her own presenting style, Jennifer joked that listeners were welcome to phone in and claim paternity, adding: "The big question today is, if you think you're the father call us!"

Jennifer married husband, Leo, in 2014 before welcoming baby daughter, Florence, the following year.

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Nothing brings us more joy than the launch of a new cosmetic range – especially when the packaging is divine (real talk). 

That is exactly why we are basically giddy about the new range of products by Shiseido, inspired by the wonderful world of Millennials. 

WASO is the new range, which has been crafted with authenticity at its core.

Through the launch of their new range, Shiseido is redefining beauty by empowering Millennials to feel beautiful in their own skin – whatever their gender, nationality or age. 

Now that is a message we can get down with! 

The message is simple: true beauty defies stereotypes.

WASO is more than just a skin care line for Millennials, it is a campaign that champions beauty from the inside-out.

By now, you're probably wondering what exactly the word WASO means – a fair question. 

The name WASO is drenched in authentic Japanese heritage. It originates from a combination of two words, "WA" meaning a Japanese sense of peace, and "SO" meaning inspiration, idea and thoughtfulness. 

The best part? Every element of the product's formula uses safe ingredients based on Shisedo's unique standards. 

The brand designed a special method for formulating whole botanical cells into the WASO range, to deliver a total skin care solution. 

This basically means that the range has been designed to treat the needs of Millenial skin, focusing on dryness, oiliness and visible pores. 

WASO is available for purchase right now, and we're stocking up! 

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Earlier this year, photos showing a man dressed in a CGI suit on the set of Avengers Infinity War emerged online.

Film buffs were left confused by the man's mysterious identity, however, many Irish fans were quick to point out the striking resemblance to actor, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.

Having initially remained silent as rumours started to circulate, the Love/Hate star has finally cracked and confirmed he has joined the cast of The Avengers alongside stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Pratt, just to name a few.

Formally known as King Nidge to many Irish fans, the 40-year-old actor is believed to play the role of mind-controlling Ebony Maw.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One's Second Captains, Tom said: “I am. But it’s like I’m one of those ones where you go into a sentence to say something about it and hope you have a job at the end of the sentence.”

“You sign so many documents and waivers and people ask you about it and you have to give the generic and boring ‘I can’t say too much about it’.”

“But I am doing it and it’s really amazing and an amazing thing to be part of.”

Avengers: Infinity War hits Irish cinemas April 27, 2018.

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Commuters have seen bus journey time slashed by up to 40 per cent on some routes after traffic restrictions in the city centre banned cars from driving on certain parts of the quays.

Cars are no longer allowed to turn right off the north quays on to O'Connell Bridge and general traffic has been decreased to just one lane from Ormond Quay to Eden Quay and from Burgh Quay to Essex Quay to allow for more bus lanes.

The new system came into effect on Sunday morning, and significant improvements to public transport journey times were seen on Monday.

A spokesperson for Dublin Bus confirmed that there was a 40 per cent drop in journey times for over 30 services running along Bachelors Walk from 8am-9am.

"We had a good experience on all our services. We received feedback from drivers and consumers about improved journey times and from the drivers that there was a high level of compliance," she said.

The ban on cars crossing the Liffey from Bachelors Walk was introduced as a precaution so new Luas trams won't get blocked as they travel across the city.

Buses, taxis and bicycles can continue to cross O'Connell Bridge.

Gerry Farrell, director of operations at DublinTown business association, said there has been mixed feedback.

"We're not really going to know how significant the impact is until a couple of weeks," he said.

“August is one of the more quieter times of the year. It might be a different story in September when schools are back and people are back from annual leave and there are more volumes of traffic."

Cars will still be able to cross the Liffey in central Dublin on Watling Street Bridge, Fr Mathew Bridge at Church Street, Talbot Memorial Bridge and Samuel Beckett Bridge.

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Dublin's rent crisis continues as new figures show prices are now almost 20 per cent higher than their Celtic Tiger peak.

According to the latest report from property website Daft.ie, rents nationwide are up by close to 12 per cent in the second quarter of this year. 

The national average now stands at a record high of €1,159 per month, while the average price for a property in Dublin is €1,700.

Renters in the capital now pay €260 more per month than in 2008.

Speaking about the shortage of suitable rental accommodation, Ronan Lyons from Daft said: "At one point, it had never gone below 5,000 – we broke through that, unfortunately, about a year ago," he said.

"It's been steadily decreasing really over the last five years and it's now gone below 3,000 for the first time, so it gives an idea – particularly with more renters now than ever before, there are actually fewer properties available on the market – of just how tough the market is."

Housing and homeless charities say rising rental prices are one of the main factors forcing families into homelessness.

Roughan McNamara from Focus Ireland wants the government to tackle the issue of vacant properties.

"What we're hoping the Government will do is have serious incentives for landlords to rent out properties to get more rental properties available, but also penalties for those who do not rent out their properties and we're hoping that the Vacant Home Strategy, and indeed Rebuilding Ireland, will take urgent action on this issue."

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It was the clip the whole world had an opinion on when it was leaked three years ago, and Jay Z is now here to set the record straight.

Referring to footage which showed his sister-in-law, Solange Knowles, attack him in an elevator before security were forced to intervene, the 99 Problems singer has finally insisted the altercation was blown out of proportion.

According to reports at the time, Solange was reacting to apparently catching her brother-in-law flirting with Rachel Roy at the Met Gala in 2014 – an accusation which Jay Z did not acknowledge while recently addressing the incident with Rap Radar.

Instead, the 47-year-old rapper sought to quash rumours that his relationship with Solange has suffered in the wake of the infamous 'elevator incident' three years ago.

"We’ve always had a great relationship,” the dad-of-three said. “I fought my brothers and argued with my brothers my whole life. It just so happens, who we are, these things go into a different space, but it ain’t nothing."

"We’ve had one disagreement ever. Before and after, we’ve been cool," he insisted.

Eager to dismiss the notion that his relationship with Beyonce's younger sister has been strained in the years that followed, Jay Z revealed that he sees Solange as a sister, as opposed to a sister-in-law.

"She’s like my sister. I will protect her. That’s my sister. Not my sister-in-law. My sister," he said.

So, there you have it, they're graaaaand.

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According to emerging reports, police, who were searching for Younes Abouyaaqoub, have shot and killed a man wearing a suicide belt in Subirats – a suburb of Barcelona.

Catalan police have this afternoon confirmed they have killed an individual who 'appeared to be wearing an explosives belt' outside the Spanish city.

Younes Abouyaaqoub, the subject of the initial search, is believed to be the individual responsible for killing 14 people and maiming dozens more after a van was driven through Las Ramblas in Barcelona last week.

Meanwhile, hundreds of members of the Muslim community have taken to the streets of Barcelona to protest the barbaric actions carried out in the name of their religion last week.

Clutching placards and making heart signs with their hands, individuals of the Muslim faith joiend together in solidarity with the victims of last week's radicals.

UPDATE: According to The Financial Times, local media are reporting that the individual shot and killed by police is, indeed, 22-year-old Younes Abouyaaqoub, however this has yet to be confirmed.

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It's a sad truth. but the vast majority of women have found themselves in a position where they were unable to physically stop someone from inappropriately touching their body.

Whether it was because your hands were full carrying drinks or because the offending individual managed to slip away in a crowd, most of us have been touched without our permission, and given the circumstances, unable to do anything about it.

Having witnessed this first-hand during a recent concert in Holland, Architects frontman, Sam Carter, felt compelled to speak out, and condemn the actions of a man in his audience.

 

Graz@edmasonphoto

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From the stage at the Lowlands Festival in Amsterdam, Sam spoke mid-set to explain that he was unsure whether to broach the topic, but ultimately felt that he couldn't continue until he had addressed what he had seen take place in the crowd.

The Brighton-based musician explained that he had seen a woman crowd-surfing when a fellow music fan chose to grope her when she was unable to defend herself.

 

"I've been going over in my f*cking mind about whether I should say something or not about what I just saw in that last song. And, do you know what, I am going to say it," Sam shouted from the stage.

"I saw a girl, a woman, crowd-surfing over here. I'm not going to point out who but I saw you grab at her boob," he continued.

Clearly furious on behalf of the woman, Sam shouted: "It is not your f*cking body. It is not your f*cking body, and you do not f*cking grab at someone. Not at my f*cking show."

 

Wacken @edmasonphoto

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Footage of Sam's response to the appalling incident has been uploaded to Twitter, with many social media users taking the opportunity to praise the singer for his condemnation.

"Thank you for saying something, it makes me so happy to see that people are talking about this issue instead of ignoring it," wrote one

"I started sneaking into shows in high school and have seen countless bands.This is the FIRST I've heard a band call out this obvious problem," added another.

"Thank you. It's so important that bands make it clear that they will not tolerate abuse at their gigs," remarked another Twitter user.

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It's fair to say that the press and public have taken a real shine to Australian actress, Margot Robbie, in recent years,

Talented, beautiful, and down to earth, there's not much to dislike about the 27-year-old actress, who went from the small screen to the silver screen in what seemed like the blink of an eye

While there's little doubt that the actress's talent speaks for itself, Margot who played Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street and Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, is often the subject of headines which focus more on her appearance than her latest role.

Given the narrative that surrounds her, it's perhaps no real surprise that the public are utterly fascinated by a transformation Margot underwent for her role as Queen Elizabeth I.

With the help of a bald cap, ginger wig and some very skilled make-up artistry, Margot is almost unrecognisable from the blonde, sun-kissed actress we know and love.

Margot will be starring opposite our very own Saoirse Ronan in the film which is currently being shot in England and Scotland.

The movie will document the reign of the Mary, Queen of Scots, who was crowned queen before she reached her first birthday in 1542.

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On days like this, it’s hardly surprising that most of us assume it’s effectively time to turn our back on standard summer paraphernalia.

Sandals, sun towels and sunglasses get relegated to the back of the wardrobe; and we’re OK with this… because frankly, we’re used to it.

But if there is one thing which we completely and utterly refuse to resign to a particular season, it’s ice cream.

Yes, we know the rain is coming down in sheets and our hair is struggling to deal, but that only gives us all the more reason to celebrate the launch of two delish new flavours in the Magnum Doubles range.

That's right ladies, the Magnum range has gotten even more expansive… and decadent.

Speaking about the launch of Double Raspberry and Double Coconut, Julieann Evans, Magnum Ice Cream Brand Manager, said ‘’At Magnum we’re always exploring the most decadent taste sensation trends.”

“With the addition of these 2 new incredible flavours, we’re providing the perfect excuse to let go and give yourself that moment to embrace the ultimate ice cream pleasure sensation.’’

So, if you’re currently lamenting the passing of summer, it sounds like it’s time to cheer yourself up with Magnum’s newest range, but just wrap up warm first.

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Do you ever wish you could bring your dog to the cinema? Yeah, same here. 

Well now’s your chance! Happenings and Dublin City Council welcome all the dog lovers of Dublin to grab their friends, dogs and picnic blankets for this blissful summer evening in the Merrion Square which will be a night of festivities for our dogs.

Image result for funny dog gif

In celebration of The Doggie Do with Dogs Trust on September the 10, Happenings in partnership with Dublin City Council present an open-air cinema screening of The Wizard of Oz on the 24 of August in Merrion Square.

A musical fantasy for all ages, The Wizard of Oz was introduced to us in 1939, following the story of a young girl who befriends a scarecrow, tin man and lion on the her way to the Emerald City.

Join Happenings on a journey down the yellow brick road on the 24 of August in Merrion Square, where they would love for everyone to bring along their furry friends for an enchanted evening filled with music, food and all things dog!

You can expect all of the usual Happenings fun as well as some extra entertainment based on our love of those 4 legged creators with the help of The Doggie Do and Dogs Trust.

Image result for dog gif

“At Happenings we have some simple philosophies. We strive to give green public spaces beautiful open air events allowing people to enjoy their city in a meaningful way.” says Peter O’Brien, Happenings founder.

“A personal responsibility action at our events is to Leave No Trace. Our audiences clean up the space by taking care of their own waste. We have an unlocked policy. This means we are unlocking the potential of public space and we do not have drunken madness at anytime. We aim to provide an alternative to pub based entertainment”

Ticket are available on www.happenings.ie or on the gate for just €5.

Gates open at 7.30pm and the film kicks off when the sun goes down.

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It's around that time of year again when thoughts of sandals and bikini tops slowly turn to warm fires and wool blankets – and honestly, we're not mad about it. 

Naturally the darker evenings and colder weather lead us to spend more time indoors, meaning now is the perfect time to upgrade your home interiors before settling in for the season ahead. 

From bohemian lighting to velvet cushions, this AW is all about making statements and we've rounded up some of this year's hottest trends to get your creative juices flowing. 

1. Bold Textures 

Whether it's a chunky knit, velvet bedding or faux fur furnishings, interesting textures are huge for AW17. 

A few simple cushions or a luxurious throw can add a real element of warmth and cosiness, without breaking the bank.  

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2. Dark Green

While many of us tend to shy away from dark interiors, the addition of rich colour adds depth to any living space – as long as you don't over do it, of course. 

If you've got a dodgy chest of drawers or a bedside table that's seen better days, why not give your furniture a new lease of life with a fresh lick of dark green paint?

Combined with a neutral background, this usual colour combination works a treat for the season ahead.

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3. Rustic Lighting

With darker evenings approaching fast, lighting is an important feature in any home.

And if you're looking to stay on trend this AW – bohemian is better. 

Shut the curtains and transform your room into a Moroccan paradise (even if the weather outside is miserable). 

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4. Brass

Goodbye copper, hello brass! 

When used sparingly, this metal can add a touch of warmth and class to any room – but be careful, it can be easy to go overboard.

 Be sure to incorporate it alongside other colours and textures, but seeing as it goes with pretty much everything, finding a match shouldn't be a problem. 

Frames and flowers pots work especially well. 

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5. Patterned Duvets

When it comes to bedding, minimalism is out and eye-catching design is in. 

From tropical to paisley, your bed is one of the few places in your home where you have the freedom to mix colours, texture and patterns as you choose – go wild! 

Source: 1, 2, 3

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