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Yearly Archives: 2017

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Us Irish don't really cope well with emergencies, now do we?

As the country braces itself for extreme winds and heavey rainfall, courtesy of ex-hurricane Ophelia, the Twitter folk of Ireland have done what they do best – make a complete joke out of a serious situation. 

But seriously, who needs actual hurricane prep when we can laugh at memes instead? 

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Late yesterday evening, Met Éireann extended its Red Weather Warning to the entire country, meaning all schools and many businesses have been forced to close their doors for the day. 

As ex-hurricane Ophelia makes its way across the Atlantic and over the island of Ireland, transport companies across the country are gearing up for a day of disruption and travel chaos. 

This is where we stand so far: 

Luas

Both Red and Green lines are up and running though the company has asked customers to check social media for updates throughout the day. 

Dublin Bus 

As of now, Dublin Bus services are operating as normal, though 'significant disruption' is expected during off-peak times (9.00-18.00), including the possibility of no service during this time. 

Customers have also been warned they may experience delays and disruption on those routes that are in operation. 

Iarnród Éireann 

Train services on DART Intercity and commuter are currently in operation, with the exception of the following routes:

  • Limerick Junction to Waterford

  • Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh 

A speed restriction of 80 kilometres per hour is also in place, resulting in delays of 15 – 30 minutes on the following services:

  • Cork to Dublin

  • Tralee to Cork and Dublin

  • Waterford to Dublin

  • Rosslare Europort to Dublin 

Bus Éireann 

As it stands, all Bus Éireann services nationwide have been cancelled between 5.00 and 14.00 today. More updates are expected later in the morning. 

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If you're looking for a distraction from all the Hurricane Ophelia content currently doing the rounds on social media, can we ask you to direct your attention towards the Instagram accounts of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner?

The couple, who first began dating in 2016, have tonight announced their engagement, and it has sent Instagram into an absolute tailspin.

Uploading a shot of the engagement ring, 21-year-old Sophie, who plays Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, simply wrote: "I said yes" while Joe uploaded the same shot, writing: "She said yes."
 

 

I said yes.

A post shared by Sophie Turner (@sophiet) on

The couple, who have amassed more than 1.5 million likes in mere hours, have been inundated with messages of support and congratulations.

Paying tribute to the couple on Twitter, Joe's younger brother, Nick, wrote: "Ahh! Congratulations to my brother… and sister in law to be on your engagement. I love you both so much."

However, not everyone is as pleased for the couple as they might like, with some die-hard Joe Jonas fans lamenting the announcement, with one writing: "Worst day ever."

"I can't believe it. My heart is broken but also I'm very happy for you Joe. You are very important for me," added another.

Guys, a little perspective here?!

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Let's face, whether you're hungover, sick, or just felling a bit meh, there are definitely times when we could all do with a cuddle.

Of course, in these times of need, many of us will turn to a partner, friend or even a pet for comfort – but what happens when there's no one there to hold you?

Well, that's where this nifty little blanket comes in handy.

Designed by Weighted Comforts, the stylish blankets are said to help with stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation by replicating the feeling of being spooned.

That's right. All the comfort of being held – just without an actual person.

The blankets are made with a dense inner layer, designed to be approximately 10 per cent of your body weight in an effort to simulate the sensation that someone is lying beside you.

 

This comfy pic is from @autointune, a Weighting Comforts customer. She writes, "When anxiety in the world surrounds me, I long to feel still and calm. To feel grounded. To feel the pull of the earth. This Weighted Blanket from @weightingcomforts does that for me." . Thank you for sharing your story of comfort! . #hopeful #ptsd #menopause #insomnia #restandrelax #recovery #selfcare #halt #sleepwalking #sweetdreams #chooselife #dentalphobia #choosesleep #sleepy #stressrelief #anxiety #clearingthemindandsoul #sleeptight #bettersleep #madebyrefugees #compassion #handmade #Nashville #creatingincomeforrefugeefamilies #melatonin #deeptissuemassage #nomorecountingsheep #ineedtosleep #anxietyfree #weightedblankets

A post shared by Weighting Comforts (@weightingcomforts) on

Writing on Instgram, Weighting Comforts explained how the blankets can be used to combat anxiety.

“Our weighted blankets are designed to improve your sleep and reduce your anxiety for year-round comfort.”

“Many people experience a deeper and more restful sleep on the first night. Others find the blanket’s weight restrictive at first, but over several nights grow to love the effect of the weight.”

The blankets come is a variety of sleek designs and would fit right in with even the most stylish of decor.

However, with prices ranging from €165 – €207, these babies don't come cheap – so you better start dropping those Christmas pressie hints pretty soon.

You can check out the full range here

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231 people have died and a further 275 are said to be injured after a truck bomb exploded in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

In what is understood to be the deadliest attack ever witnessed in the African nation, a bomb detonated outside the Safari Hotel at the K5 intersection – an area home to government buildings as well as a number of restaurants and kiosks.

According to reports, a separate blast struck the Medina district just two hours later.

Officials fear the death toll will continue to rise, with many civilians and volunteers still missing.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has declared three days of mourning and is urging people to donate blood for the wounded victims. "I am appealing all Somali people to come forward and donate," he said.

Somalia's government blamed the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabaab extremist group for the attack, though it has yet to claim the responsibility.

Feature Image: Twitter 

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With strong winds, heavey rain and a risk of structural damage and flooding, experts have warned that Hurricane Ophelia will bring one of the worst storms to hit Ireland in 50 years.

It is not yet known what impact the conditons will haveon the country's air traffic, though one airline isn't taking any chances and has already pulled all its flights coming in and out of Ireland on Monday.

KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) have offered customers two options – full refund or rebook. Though they say some passengers may have to wait up to a week before receiving an alternative flight.

Anyone who is worried about the status of their flight can find out more details here.

Irish Ferries have also cancelled some of its services between Dublin and Holyhead, while Iarnrod Eireann has advised passenger to check its website for updates.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Department of Education has informed all schools in counties where a Status Red weather warning is in place, to close on Monday.

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Some 850,000 doses of the flu vaccine have been purchased by the HSE in preparation for a feared epidemic this winter, with an extra 100,000 ordered as a “contingency” supply.

The news comes after reports from the NHS in the UK found that the jab is failing to protect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Dr Mai Mannix spoke to the Sunday Independent about flu season, “Those at risk include people aged 65 years and older, adults and children with a long-term medical condition.”

According to the paper, the vaccine currently being distributed by GPs and pharmacists is just 40 – 60 per cent effective, though the HSE has urged anyone who is eligible for the jab to avail of the service.

Medical professionals admitted that they are concerned about an epidemic breaking out after Australia experienced its worst flu season in over twenty years.

Australia’s health minister expressed her concerns about the epidemic, “People are not just getting the flu, they’re getting very, very sick with this flu. Don’t dismiss your symptoms. The reality is we can’t beat nature.”

People have been warned to be extra diligent. Doctors believe that knowing the symptoms can help catch the virus at an earlier stage.

The symptoms include a fever, body aches, a cough, headaches, exhaustion, slight congestion, a sore throat and diarrhoea and vomiting.

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Twitter was up in arms last night after TV presenter, James Corden, kicked off a charity gala with a joke about alleged sexual offender, Harvey Weinstein.

Taking to the stage in front of a number of Hollywood A-listers including Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks, James made light of the serious allegations made against the famed producer.

Speaking to the crowd, he said: “It’s a beautiful night here in LA. So beautiful, Harvey Weinstein has already asked tonight up to his hotel to give him a massage.”

Understandably, the 'joke' was met with mixed reaction, with many believing the gag was in poor taste.

Realising he may have upset some members of the audience, the host responded with:  “I don’t know whether that groan was because you like that joke or you don’t like that joke.”

“If you don’t like that joke, you should probably leave now.”

At this point, we're thinking 'James, just quite while you're ahead' – but alas, he continued to rub salt in the wound.

“It has been weird this week though, watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water.”

“Ask any of the women who watched him take a bath, it’s weird watching Harvey Weinstein in hot water.”

“Harvey Weinstein wanted to come tonight, but he’ll settle for whatever potted plant is closest.”

Of course, the jokes were widely condemned on Twitter, with some accusing the star of belittling the bravery of all the women that have come forward so far.

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Last night's X Factor saw Simon Cowell take the hot seat as the groups battled it out for a spot at judges' houses.

Spaces began to fill up fast, and by the time Wicklow brothers, Seán and Conor Price took to the stage, all six seats had been taken.

And it looks like the added pressure may have impacted the sibling's nerves as their first song, an original called Something in the Way, failed to impress the music mogul.

Within seconds, Simon waved a hand in the air signalling for the performance to stop, before asking the boys if they had another song prepared.

"Guys, I'm going to be honest with you. After that, I'm not sure if I'm going to give you a chair. So I need to hear another song. What's your backup?," he said.

Determined not to let set-back stop them from landing the seat they so desperately wanted, Seán and Conor stepped up to the plate with a stellar performance of another original track, Time.

After winning over all four judges, as well as an audience of thousands, Simon offered the duo a seat, though he did note that the lads would need to work on their nerves if they were going to progress further in the competition.

"Guys, what's clear is that in the small rooms you were much more comfortable. I think it's very difficult for people your age to be on a stage this big because you're showing your nerves. 

"So I have to make a decision whether I think this is right for you or too much for you."

"Okay, I've made a decision. You are going to take the seat."

So, it's onwards and upwards for the Blessington brothers, and we can't wait to follow their journey all the way to the top.

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In 2009, Kate Winslet won the best actress Oscar for her performance in The Reader – a film financed and distributed by Harvey Weinstein's company.

During her acceptance speech, the British star thanked 19 people by name and many others in general, but excluded Harvey Weinstein.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Kate said:  “That was deliberate. That was absolutely deliberate.”

“I remember being told. ‘Make sure you thank Harvey if you win’. And I remember turning around and saying, ‘No I won’t. No I won’t’.”

Not shy about making her feelings know, the actress went on to explain the sense of relief she felt over the fact she would never again have to deal with the producer.

“The fact that I’m never going to have to deal with Harvey Weinstein again as long as I live is one of the best things that’s ever happened and I’m sure the feeling is universal.”

Describing Harvey as “bullying and nasty”, she told the newspaper how the producer never let her forget the fact that her first movie, Heavenly Creature, was made by his company, Miramax Films.

“For my whole career, Harvey Weinstein, whenever I’ve bumped into him, he’d grab my arm and say, ‘Don’t forget who gave you your first movie’. Like I owe him everything.”

“Then later, with The Reader, same thing, ‘I’m gonna get you that Oscar nomination, I’m gonna get you a win, I’m gonna win for you’.”

“But that’s how he operated. He was bullying and nasty. Going on a business level, he was always very, very hard to deal with — he was rude.”

Meanwhile, the organisation behind the Academy Awards has expelled the film producer over a string of sexual assault and harassment allegations made against him.

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With the rise of celebrity culture and affordable cosmetic procedures, demand for botox and lip fillers has seen a huge increase in Ireland over the past few years.

In fact, interest in the procedure is so high that surgeons at Cork University Hospital have discovered that Ireland comes out on top when it comes to the global number of online searches for lip fillers.

According to The Sunday Independent, the increased demand has led to a need for more cosmetic surgeons in Ireland.

The research also found a direct correlation between the number of people who searched for cosmetic procedures and the number of people who eventually got work done – meaning not only are we Irish thinking about lip fillers more than any other nation, but many of us are choosing to go ahead with the temporary enhancement.

If you do decide to get lip fillers, it is important to go to a licensed clinician, as cheap alternatives can lead to potentially dangerous results.

According to The Sun, Dublin-based cosmetic physician, Dr Patrick Treacy, said: “Young people are trying to copy these celebrities and I’ve even had a mother ask me to do the procedure on her 13-year-old daughter, obviously I said no.”

“They go to someone who has cheap fillers, or they order it off the internet which can be dangerous. They watch YouTube videos on how to do it and this can cause complications.”

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Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast for Monday as ex-hurricane Ophelia makes it way across the Atlantic and up towards Ireland.

Met Éireann has this morning warned that counties in Munster and south Leinster will likely see the most damaging effects of the storm.

“The winds will veer southwesterly as the low pressure system tracks northwards over western parts of the country. Flooding is threatened due to potentially heavy falls of rain and very high seas. Top temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees.”

“There are likely to be changes to the warnings which will be updated later this morning, pending the latest up to date guidance. This is an evolving situation and your patience is appreciated.”

The latest cautioning comes after Status Red weather warnings were issued for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry.

A Status Orange wind warning is in place for the rest of the country and road users have been urged to check traffic conditons before travelling.

Brian Farrell, Communications Manager with the RSA, said cyclists need to be particularly careful.

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