EILE Magazine Nov/Dec 2018 (Vol. 5, Issue 12)

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Magazine V 5 Issue 12 - Nov/Dec 2018

Daithí Sam Callahan

Corina Seas David Ayscue Jake Fields The Band, Ru’s Queens,Boy George, Kylie

Inside:

Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human and civil rights, and has also studied philosophy and psychology Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also an author and poet from Dublin, but is now based in Cork Lisa Reynolds Originally from Co. Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student, now living in Bray, Co Wicklow, with a great interest in media and celebrity Brian Rochford Brian has studied health, exercise, and nutrition, with a special interest in controlling pain in rheumatism and arthritis Brian Rochford also writes our fashion column this month Stephen Spillane Special thanks to Stephen Spillane this month Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many other publications, such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler

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EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights Nov/Dec 2018 Musicals & Gigs Pps.34,38,42,48 Frances and Lisa give us some great gig reviews of The Band, Boy George, Kylie and the Christmas Queens

Irish Gov To Join ERC - P.30 Scott De Buitléir tells us that the Irish Government is planning to join the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC)

Health - P. 56 Brian Rochford tells us how to keep ourselves zestful over the party season

Music - Pps. 6,10,14,18,22 Our music section includes such diverse singer-songwriters as Daithí, Corina Seas, David Ayscue, Sam Callahan and Jake Fields

Fashion - P.14 Brian Rochford tells us how to negotiate the party season with stylish menswear

…plus film reviews, news, travel, and much more!

Volume 5, Issue 12 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: M. Butler, Scott De Buitléir, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Stephen Spillane, Frances Winston Photographers: Will Erwin, Ruth Medjber, Gemma O'Brien, Jessica Robles, Sam Street, Christian Tierney NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Web: http://eile.ie Contact: hello@eile.ie Twitter: @EILEMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine Note: All opinions expressed in this issue are the writers’ own.

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EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Corina Seas

10 -

Daithí

14 -

David Ayscue

18 -

Sam Callahan

22 -

Jake Fields

26 -

Men’s Party Fashion

30 -

Irish Gov to join ERC

34 -

Review Kylie

38 -

The Band

42 -

Ru Paul’s Queens

48 -

Boy George

52 -

Travel Deep South

54 -

Travel Ski Resorts

56 -

Health - Zest

58 -

Frances On Film

66 -

Glenn Quigley

plus World LGBT News, Views, Arts, Entertainment etc

EILE Nov/Dec 2018 Edition!

Welcome to the November/ December 2018 issue of EILE Magazine This jam-packed edition sees an eclectic mix of musical artistes - Daithí from Ireland, Sam Callahan from England, and Corina Seas, David Ayscue, and Jake Fields from the US. We have an article telling us that the Irish government is planning to join the ERC, the Equal Rights Coalition, an intergovernmental rights body.

The prolific Frances Winston reviews the Boy George and Kylie gigs, and also some great films like Aquaman and Bumblebee .

Lisa Reynolds reviews Christmas Queens and the musical, The Band, and our health article by Brian Rochford tells you how to get the zest back into your life! Brian also writes on Party Fashion, and our Travel section features the Deep South and Ski holidays.

We also include lots of news, views and entertainment in this issue, so we hope you enjoy our November/December 2018 edition of EILE Magazine!

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

EILE Magazine EILE Magazine

See our film reviews

by Frances Winston

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corina seas Electro-pop/R&B singer songwriter, Corina Seas, is one of EILE’s musical guests this issue, having recently released a single, Sonic Erasure.

Corina’s musical inspirations include Sting and Tupac, and she gives us a unique blend of electro-pop and alt/R&B, coupled with smooth, ethereal vocals. She also studied live instrumentation and music production, and seamlessly fuses 90s’ R&B and modern pop, with catchy hooks and dance-beats.

Corina grew up on the Gulf of Mexico, just south of Tampa on Florida’s western seaboard.

Her parents immigrated to the US before she was born, but Corina still spent every summer in Honduras, with her extended family.

Being interested in music and singing since childhood, Corina’s aspirations to pursue music made her the strange fruit in a family of engineers, doctors, and politicians.

However, she says her father’s enthusiasm for rock, blues, and soul music was the largest influence in her choice to become a musician. She recalls hearing Stevie Wonder, and The White Album, at a very young age, and wanting to bring the joy that music brought to her, to others.

Corina studied Telecommunications at the University of Florida, where she began promoting local music events and artists. She also hosted her own radio show, Echo Fusion, on the internet radio station, Grow Radio.

While an undergrad, Corina joined a Hip-Hop collective, and began performing at free-style rap competitions. Although Corina chose not to further pursue promotion or radio, she cites her time at University of Florida as highly influential in her personal and musical development.

After graduating college, Corina relocated to Los Angeles to work in music professionally.

After a short stint as an employee at Warner Music Group, Corina decided she wanted only to be a songwriter and performer. She began learning keyboards, and collaborating with as many people as possible. She also began taking classes at the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music.

Although her time at the school was short-lived, it’s from there that Corina assembled a team to help her create her debut EP release, Flux, channeling her sound from an eclectic lineup of musical inspirations, ranging from Sting to Tupac.

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Corina Seas Photo: Jessica Robles

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Coupled with an expertise in live instrumentation and music production, Corina’s artistry yields a unique blend of electro-pop and alt R&B. With a standout vocal styling that’s reminiscent of 90s R&B divas and modern pop, Corina sound is sure to capture audiences, with catchy hooks, passionate lyrics, and incredible production values.

She is also an activist, who is involved with Latinas in Music, and various equality and mental-health awareness groups.

A Florida native, and proud HonduranAmerican, Corina Seas started singing almost immediately after she uttered her first few words. Unlike many vocalists, she learned to write songs first from poetry, then through freestyle rap, where she discovered how to transform stories into music. Now with years of musical development behind her, Corina is an expert at crafting lyrics with passionate stories, and poignant messages.Despite these serious thematic explorations, she is anything but overly serious in her personal life. A selfdescribed goofball, Corina is a fun-loving, down to earth artist, with innumerable passions, including dance, art, linguistics, and visual art.

CorinaSeas.com

Corina Seas lives and breathes music. Her EP, Disassociated, is just a taste of what is to come.

For more information visit:

-MKB For more on Corina, you can follow her at: www.facebook.com/corinaseasmusic?fref=ts twitter.com/corinaseas soundcloud.com/corinaseas Main photos: Jessica Robles

Below: Corina Seas Photo: Fiona Cansino Photography

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STF in pensive mood Image: Andre LaDon

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DaithĂ­ Photo by Christian Tierney

Irish electronic musician and music producer, DaithĂ­, has released a filmic music video, tracing the lives of a couple over three years, as their relationship eventually disintegrates 10 EILE Magazine

Daithí New Release – Orange (featuring Sinéad White) EILE is delighted to feature Irish artist, Daithí, an electronic musician/producer from Galway, and his latest project, Orange, a song about the shattering effect of a relationship breakdown, and its aftermath.

The track features Sinéad White’s clear vocal, over a pared-back electronic instrumental. With the release comes a video directed by Lochlainn McKenna, and produced by Daithí, an introspective into the lives of a young couple over the course of 3 years.

We watch them meet, grow, develop and ultimately disintegrate.

It explores the nuances of every day relationships, and draws us in by the small yet stirring gestures… what does someone moving their phone away from their partner mean? What do eating takeaways instead of cooked dinners represent? The music video is an exploration into the complacency that sets into all relationships in some way, shape, or form. In some cases, like this one, it can be detrimental.

Their relationship spans over 3 years with 50 scenes, all shot in one day. With over 80 costume changes, it was an absolute Trojan effort from our tiny crew.”

The video was filmed over the course of one day in North Cork, Ireland, with a small crew, featuring actors, Aoife Spratt and Diarmuid Noyes (fresh from the set of Virgin Media TV’s original drama, Blood).

The end result is a crystal clear view through a window into the lives of this incredibly natural and hauntingly real relationship. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-jbhqENSJI)

“We wanted to make a story that could translate across the world, a

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story that would be relatable to anyone who has ever been in a You can catch up with Daithí on: relationship, anywhere”, soundcloud.com/daithimusic

Director Lochlainn said.

Long inspired by the sights, sounds and surroundings of Ireland, we see a new side to electronic music producer, Daithí, as he presents a deeply personal account in his recent releases. The two-time Choice Music Prize nominee builds on a signature unique formation of house music with his single, Orange, which features sleek guest vocals from Sinéad White.

Daithí’s project was unearthed in isolation in rural France, as communication with friends, family, and an all-consuming social media expanse was placed on pause.

The ending of a relationship brought requisite heartache and pain. With it came the chance for restoration and reconstruction, empathy sought and focus found. Months would pass, and grief would slowly turn to catharsis. In retreat, Daithí gathered shards, and faced them down. His reflection is visible in each note and lyric of Orange, a single taken from his recent double a-side Lavender & Orange.

Orange is a song not only about the shattering effects of a relationship breakdown, but also about the aftermath, when the dust has settled and there’s nothing more to say. All you’re left with is the debris of a love gone. It’s about looking at a relationship for what it was, acknowledging the good and bad times, but ultimately moving on.

-MKB The video is directed by Lochlainn McKenna, and produced by Daithí, and you can watch on Youtube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-jbhqENSJI 12 EILE Magazine

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ daithimusic?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ daithimusic/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/ 2N5V735dwftKHqBpx9YPrz Bandcamp: https://daithi.bandcamp.com/

Credits: Director // Lochlainn McKenna Producer // Daithí O’Dronaí DOP // Karl Poyzer Production Designer // Kate Moylan Art Assistant // Elana Murphy Stills Photographer // Gemma O’Brien Colourist // Leandro Arouca @ Element Post VFX // Henrique Fernandes @ Humanoide Cast // Aoife Spratt & Diarmuid Noyes

‘Lavender & Orange’ double A-side out now on all streaming platforms.

Spotify: https://goo.gl/nWEmhr Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ daithimusic/sets/lavender-orange/s-aqNl0 Daithí: Photo by Christian Tierney Photo by Ruth Medjber And Facebook

DaithĂ­ Photo: Ruth Medjber

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David Ayscue Photo Will Erwin

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David Ayscue In this EILE issue, we feature Los Angeles-based, folk singer/ songwriter, David Ayscue, with one of his recent singles, entitled New York. The song features a soft, soothing vocal that hovers over gentle guitar melodies. Its paredback soundscape creates a beautifully heartfelt track, while its slow balladic guitar-fingering counteracts the hustle and bustle of the song’s subject matter. Parts of the track remind me of our own Irish band, Tír Na n-Óg (Sonny Condell & Leo O’Kelly), and a little of Nick Drake.

If you like both of those, you’ll probably love David Ayscue.

David is a singer/songwriter whose stirring voice and intricate guitar-playing have also been compared with John Mayer and James Taylor. His songs paint vivid portraits of life as a young adult — the loves, characters, anxieties, and adventures, that have all coloured his journey so far.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he was exposed to a multitude of cross-genre music, by surfing through the local radio stations on long drives to and from school everything from classic rock to folk, to local Bay Area rap.

His musical career developed in high school, where he began playing in open mic nights and student concerts. David subsequently joined his high school’s all-male a capella group, and began to learn the basics of sight-reading, and vocal blending. It was not until his 11th grade year, however, that he put pen to paper, and discovered his newfound love of songwriting.

David’s recent single, New York, is a stunning track with soft vocals over gentle guitar melodies. It is a minimalistic track with a charming atmosphere, that relaxes and soothes the listener.

“I wrote New York last summer. I knew that in early August I was going to visit my brother, who was living in a small apartment in SoHo. My friend from high school was having his 21st birthday party in the city that same week, and a bunch of old friends were making the

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trip to the city to see everybody. It felt like this mass migration to NYC was happening, and it gave the city this center-of-the-world feeling.

There’s a rekindling of a romance in there as well. It’s a Central Park on a Sunday afternoon type of song”, he says.

David Ayscue is an up-and-coming artist, a rare folk singer-songwriter in the buzzing Los Angeles music scene, and is dedicating himself to releasing his own music. We wish him success.

The single, New York, is currently available worldwide.

- M. Butler

You can catch up with David at: www.facebook.com/davidayscuemusic/ www.instagram.com/davidayscue/

David Ayscue Image: Facebook

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Cover Art for New York

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Sam Callahan EILE's music section is spoiled for choice this edition, as we also feature British singersongwriter and former X Factor contestant, Sam Callahan The former Essex barman had attended The Sylvia Young Theatre School, and had previously been part of a group run by Geri Halliwell, before going solo.

Following his chart-topping debut, Burns Like Fire, and with the release of Say Something, Sam has taken his music to the next level, and has given us a punchy, sleek pop track.

Sam rose to fame during the 2013 series of The X Factor, his handsome features and cheeky Essex charm winning him a string of fans across the UK and elsewhere, allowing him to finish a respectable 6th place. About his single, Sam says: “Say Something was the first heave into a sound that is reflective of myself as an artist, and expressive of my own messages”.

He has described the track as the anthem to the classic ‘one that got away’ story: “The essence behind the track stems from a relationship that never fully developed, because neither party had the guts to truly express how they felt. Subsequently, if two people were brave enough to speak out and ‘say something’, there could have been a different outcome”, Sam said.

In an epic return to the music world, Sam’s track represents a new direction for the British singer-songwriter. Already huge in the UK, Sam Callahan has given us a new insight into his character.

Sam has joined forces with Mean Recordings to deliver a searing new track, produced by hit-maker, Jamie Sellers, and mastered at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. Say Something is an emotionally-charged pop banger, which packs a punch, with iridescent vocals, energetic character and spirited disposition.

Say Something was premiered by BBC Introducing earlier this March. In support of the

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song’s release, Sam toured in Birmingham, London, and Glasgow.

Biting back hard into the British Music Scene, Sam is on a mission to express his passion for music to all of his fans. His single aims to give his audience an insight into the ‘real Sam’; urging his “love for music to exist as the soul centre of his career”.

After working on the production of Say Something, Sam explains his latest release to be the product of defining his own musical style; a sweet spot in forging the sound of the artist he is today.

Speaking of the release, Sam says: “after spending years creating and nurturing your true sound as an artist, there comes a time where it begins to just come naturally to you, something from the heart that works for you and your own personality. ‘Say Something’ was the first heave into a sound that is reflective of myself as an artist, and expressive of my own messages”.

In the next big leap in his musical career, Sam gives us a taste of things to come. Heralding a new wave of music, Say Something is a deep reflection of something more individual,

developing from life's experiences and love affairs. In a recent interview, he described his track as the anthem to the classic ‘one that got away’ story.

Through it all, Sam Callahan remains the cheeky Essex boy, who won the hearts of fans from all corners of the globe, now exposing his fans to the honest, but he hopes fair character that is the real Sam Callahan.

Say Something is available now on ITunes, along with an attractive new music video, shot in the iconic Koreatown in Toronto, Canada.

-MKB If you would like to know more about Sam, or download his music go to: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/saysomething-single/1361104577 open.spotify.com/album/ 5kNUcK0tqEkns8ozN2OY36 twitter.com/CallahanMusic_ www.facebook.com/SamCallahanOfficial

Sam Callahan Image: Facebook

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Image: Facebook

Right: Cover Art for Say Something

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Jake Fields Another treat EILE has for you this edition is singer-songwriter, Jake Fields, who has recently released a great single, The Other Side Of Waiting.

For Jake, his music is a labour of love, so he decided to focus his ambition on becoming a full-time musician, and divides his time between Nashville and Los Angeles.

His influences range from Paul Simon to Freddie King, and he has recently teamed up with producer, Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne/Marc Broussard) to record his first EP, Someday You’ll Be Mine, which is expected to drop in early 2019.

For Jake, all it took was $70, and a thrift store visit, to drop professional baseball aspirations and dedicate his life to music. What Fields got in return was a guitar, amplifier, and an unrelenting dream to become a professional musician.

After falling deeply in love with songwriting and performing, Jake realised his dream, became a full-time musician, and released an EP of original tracks.

Now those ambitious goals have become his reality. Showcasing his eclectic tastes of pop rock, blues, and folk sensibilities, Fields has already released two debut singles titled Snake Eyes, and Memories of 45s, the latter of which has garnered over 100,000 streams on Spotify.

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Often described as a blend between John Mayer and Phil Collins, Jake Fields has showcased his talents in a number of live performances, including an opening act for Kate Voegele at The Troubadour in Hollywood.

With the release of his passion-project, Someday You’ll Be Mine, it seems it is an exciting time to be a Jake Fields fan!

To catch up with Jake, visit: JakeFieldsMusic.com https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jake-fields/1246982006 https://www.facebook.com/fieldsjakemusic/ twitter.com/jakefieldsmusic Main Photos: Sam Street

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Polo ralph Lauren

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The Party Season!

Brian Rochford gives us some hints and tips for the party season We are in the midst of the holiday season, and I am sure that you still have many events to go to (not to mention New Year’s parties) and that you like dressing up to get into the festive mood.

davelle clothiers

With your social calendar in melt-down, you will certainly want to look and feel your best. Even though men are under less pressure than women to keep up with fashion trends, it’s still important to look stylish, and smart, when you attend that party or function at this time of year.

There are so many styles and colours to choose from, you can go as festive or as formal as you want. So it’s time to embrace your inner festive child, and start shopping and bopping, giving in to the madness of it all.

We can start with jumpers, and there are many of them about, but if you buy a really stylish one, of good quality, it can last a long time. So the key words are style and quality.

Because this time of year is all about celebrations, and getting out and about with family and friends, you will more than likely be concentrating on evening wear. A good quality casual shirt will always be a winner at any party, and these days there are so many fabrics, styles, and range of colours to choose from, that you will be

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spoiled for choice.

Smart casual trousers never go out of fashion, so this kind of purchase is never a waste of money. Be sure to pick a colour and style that will suit a range of looks, and where you can mix and match to look like you have more outfits than you actually have!

dsquared2

jacamo 28 EILE Magazine

You will definitely want to have a stylish, smart, jacket or blazer to finish off the festive look this season. A blazer, in a neutral colour, can enhance any fashion look, and can be worn at any function, any time of the year.

It’s the season to show off your style and personality, so don’t be afraid to mix it up and experiment a little. Even larger men have a choice these days!

You can go formal too, and complete the look with a tux, or a stylish velvet jacket and bow-tie, if you dare.

Whatever look or style you go for this season, I hope you enjoy the festivities and have a healthy and prosperous New Year!

h&m

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Irish Government Aim Coali EILE Magazine has learned that the Irish Government intends to join the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), an intergovernmental body that seeks to protect LGBTI rights, next year.

Launched in July 2016, the ERC was established under the leadership of Uruguay and the Netherlands, at the Global LGBTI Human Rights Conference in Montevideo. Since then, 40 countries have become members of the ERC, including many from Europe, however Ireland is not yet a member.

In a letter seen by EILE Magazine, the Cork-based LGBT campaigner and activist, Stephen Spillane, wrote to An Tánaiste Simon Coveney about the recent news that the United Kingdom is to become co-chair of the ERC alongside Argentina from June 2019. It was in light of this news that Mr. Spillane asked if the Irish Government had previously considered making Ireland a member state, as “what the ERC stands for is very much in line with the Government’s policies on LGBTI issues in Ireland and around the world”.

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Image: World Justice Project

ms to Join Equal Rights ition Shortly after his letter to Mr. Coveney, the Office of An Tánaiste replied to Mr. Spillane, explaining that Ireland is committed “to promoting the rights of LGBTI+ individuals, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systemic discrimination in many countries”.

The letter went on to confirm that: “Given the close alignment between the objectives of the ERC and Ireland’s position on LGBTI+ individuals, [...] favourable consideration is being given to joining the Coalition, and it is anticipated that this will take effect from 2019”.

The ERC works to advance the human rights of LGBTI people, promoting inclusive development in both member and non-member countries by working with civil society organisations and multilateral agencies. Amongst these are the likes of UNAIDS, Stonewall, ILGA, the Canadian HIV/ AIDS Legal Network, Human Rights Watch, and many more.

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Club GASS: Next Club Night 5th January 2019!

Club GASS in Galway have their eyes firmly fixed on the future, with their next great LGBT club night happening on Saturday, January 5th 2019!

(Yes, you heard that right, this time it’s on Saturday night).

With Miss Kiki and the Galway girls to entertain you in royal fashion, DJ Ruth spinning the discs, and a special guest on the night, Chrome Doll, you’re sure to bring in the New Year with a bang, at your favourite venue,The Róisín Dubh in Dominick Street, in Galway, at 11.30pm.

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Review: Kylie MinogueThe Golden Tour-3Arena Dublin Frances Winston reviews the latest Kylie Minogue outing, The Golden Tour, at the 3Arena in Dublin, and except for a small blip, really enjoyed the experience!

Kylie Minogue The Golden Tour 3Arena Dublin, 3rd December It feels like pocket-sized, popprincess, Kylie Minogue, has always been there. Her three-decade career has straddled so many images and personas, that she has somehow also managed to remain relevant, and it is difficult to imagine the music scene without her.

and took us on a roller-coaster ride through 30 years of hits.

The show was split into acts that reflected different elements of her life and career.

Taking to the impressive stage in a sweeping red number, surrounded by a team of swarthy dancers channelling their inner cowboy, she opened with the title track from her most recent offering, Golden, and was very much an elder stateswoman of pop.

By the time she reached her fifth song– the breathy and infectious, Confide in Me, she was a coquettish kitten in white. She also treated us to a snippet of her duet with Nick Cave, Where The Wild Roses Grow, which marked a more grown-up Kylie at the time. The infectiously catchy In Your Eyes followed, and had the already enthusiastic crowd on their feet.

The travails of her personal life have also endeared her to the public – or at least the LGBTQ community, and women of a certain age who made up the majority of this crowd.

By act three, she was decked out in highwaisted flares and a gold top, and when she launched into a mash-up of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain alongside her mega hit Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, more than a few of the thousands of people packing the 3Arena were spotted trying to replicate the dance from the video.

In this rescheduled date, following the cancellation of her show in October, she was determined to show us just why she has remained at the top of her game for so long,

Bafflingly, after this she departs the stage for an interval! An interval no less! She had the crowd eating out of her hand, and simply departed the stage. I found this most

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astonishing, as I have never seen an artist take an extended break like this. As everyone departed for the bar or the bathroom, Twitter was awash with people just as confused as I was by this development.

Returning to the stage for Act IV, there was a definite shift in the energy after the break, and she did have to work to regain the crowd, despite their adoration. Clad in a black leather cat-suit, and looking somewhat like Batman’s feline nemesis, she launched into Slow, before segueing into her duet with Robbie Williams, Kids.

Two more songs, and she changed outfits again for Act V, which very much harked back to her early Stock, Aiken, & Waterman days, with I Wouldn’t Change A Thing, and the hugely crowd-pleasing Especially For You. For many acts this would have been the peak of the show, but Kylie has such a vast backcatalogue that there were plenty more hits

to come, including her first-ever hit, The Locomotion, and the song that made hotpants fashionable again, Spinning Around.

As part of her encore, she even threw in a Christmas song, Let It Snow (clearly oblivious to the travails of Snowmageddon in Ireland last year) before wrapping up the show with Dancing, which is exactly how she left her fans.

She may not be the best singer (she definitely had a lot of help in the vocal department) or dancer (which explains the numerous backing dancers who gyrated to the hits while she performed) but Kylie is definitely one hell of a performer.

Despite the large venue, she managed to make it feel intimate. The diversity of her hits ensured that everyone was left with at least a couple of ear-worms that they probably sang throughout the next day.

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She may have been forced to reschedule, but she was definitely worth waiting for – despite the annoying interval.

Song List: Act I Golden, Get Outta My Way, Better the Devil You Know Act II Blue Velvet (Interlude) Confide in Me, Where the Wild Roses Grow (Snippet) In Your Eyes, A Lifetime to Repair Act III Shelby ’68, Wow, Can’t Get You Out of My Head (Contains elements of “The Chain) Act IV Slow Kids, The One, Stop Me From Falling Act V Wouldn’t Change a Thing, I’ll Still Be Loving You (Small excerpt) Especially for You, Lost Without You, All the Lovers Act VI New York City / Raining Glitter / On a Night Like This, The Loco-Motion (Carole King cover) (Contains elements of “Bad… more ) Spinning Around Encore: Love at First Sight, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!(Vaughn Monroe cover) Dancing

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Kylie Minogue Image : Nottingham Post

Kylie Image: NME

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Musical Theatre Review

Review - The Band, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin

By Lisa Reynolds On 9th November, I went along to see The Band at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with my sister, Sharon.

The musical includes many of Take That’s hits, and is written by Tim Firth (Kinky Boots, Calendar Girls) and directed by Kim Gavin (Mobo Awards, Children in Need Rocks the Albert Hall) and former EastEnders actor, Jack Ryder (Act of Memory, Calendar Girls).

It is produced by Dafydd Rogers and David Pugh, and co-produced by Take That members, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, and Robbie Williams.

Before the performance, there are graphics of Ceefax, showing an overview of some news stories from 1993, and the top 40 chart from that year, when Take That’s ‘Pray’ was number one, which was a nice touch, drawing the audience into the time-period surrounding the early part of the musical, and opens with Rachel ready to watch the band on Top of the Pops.

The story follows a group of five teenage girls who are obsessed with a boy-band. In the early part of 2017, the five lads who played the boy-band were chosen on BBC’s Let It Shine, where Gary Barlow was one of the judges on the panel. The winning band was Five To Five.

The parts of the teenage girls, and their adult counterparts, were cast off-camera. The show centres around the changes they go through in their lives over a time period, and how music is often a soundtrack to our lives, and our memories, both good and bad.

Early on, one of the girls, Debbie, played by Rachelle Diedericks, in her first professional production, wins a competition for herself and her four friends; Rachel played by Faye Christall, Heather played by Katy Clayton, Claire played by Sarah Kate Howarth, and Zoe played by Lauren Jacobs, to go and see the band in concert.

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Things don’t go quite according to plan, and they struggle to find their way home after the gig. Before the girls know it, their world has changed dramatically overnight, after tragedy strikes.

It’s very easy to get wrapped up in these women’s lives, and want it to all be alright for them at the end of the musical. It’s also a tale of how music often helps us escape from any problems in our lives at a specific moment, The timeframe then moves to 25 years late, and how it helps people connect over shared when Rachel, played now by Rachel Lumberg, interests. wins a competition to go and see the band, who have reunited in Prague.

This story was very authentic. Much of it was very universal in some way or other to She emails her three old friends Claire, us all. The story is wonderfully acted by the played by Alison Fitzjohn, Heather, played nine females, who have us both laughing and

by Emily Joyce and Zoe, played by Jayne feeling emotive in equal measure.

McKenna, to go to the gig with her. At this stage the four women have not seen each The show mostly centred around the girls, other in many years, and are catching up on and subsequently the women they became, each other’s lives, alongside the audience. and their friendship, but there were also many moments where the band make The show is a tale of friendship, grief, loss, appearances, sometimes completely out of the joy of finding people with the same nowhere, and often double-jobbing as both interests as you, and the changing patterns performers and props people. of our lives. It has a lot of warmth and heart, and is a story that is very easy to relate to.

In this production, the band included four

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of the members of Five To Five; Curtis T. Johns, Yazdan Qafouri, Sario Solomon, and AJ Bentley. On the night they were joined by Harry Fabulous Brown, who is an understudy to the lads, and was performing in place of Nick Carsberg for this performance.

Harry was also on Let It Shine. The five lads did a great job, with very tight dance numbers, and great vocals throughout. Curtis’ vocal is magical, especially on A Million Love Songs, and Patience, while Yazdan’s vocal on Said It All was gorgeous.

Martin Miller also plays Rachel’s lovable boyfriend, Jeff, very well, while Andy Williams creates great humour in his many roles, humming the tracks as school janitor, and policeman, among other roles.

At the end, the MC comes on, and gets the crowd all singing along, which was fun. We had an incredible night at the show. It was a wonderfully touching everyday story that was easy to relate to, and the music was brilliant.

A really great show.

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Bord Gรกis Energy Theatre

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Show Review: Christmas Queens at the bord Gáis energy theatre Christmas Queens show review by Lisa Reynolds On December 10th, myself and my sister headed to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin for the Christmas Queens’ show, starring seven of the RuPaul queens from various seasons.

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The show, which is produced

by Voss Events and Producer Entertainment Group, is currently touring Europe, where it will close in Helsinki on 22nd December.

Queen, who did an amazing job presenting, and has a really great sense of humour and fun, which added so much to the show.

Also on the bill was the Season 4 winner, Sharon Needles, The show was hosted by Season 3 finalist and current Season 8 winner, Bob The Drag All Stars 4 contestant, Manila

Luzon, Season 4’s Jiggly Caliente, and Season 10 finalists, Kameron Michaels, Asia O’ Hara, and Eureka.

The comedy-musical show was filled with much glamour, and brilliant theatrics. When Asia O’ Hara was singing ‘Cause I’m Rich, which was a wonderfully theatrical jazzy performance, she wore a beautiful green dress, which was a fashion highlight, as was Bob’s golden jumpsuit, which I equally loved.

Many of the performances had video-screens behind them, which tied in wonderfully with the mini-holiday ‘question and answer’ sessions, which were put on in-between performances.

There was a wonderful array of various genres, like Jazz, R&B, Big Band, Country, Disco, and Funk performed, in both lip-syncs

and live. Kameron is a great singer, and I’m really looking forward to future music from her. She’s a great performer too, and can do pretty much anything, from the faster Let It Snow, to the slow Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

During the show, Manila Luzon’s music video for It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year was played in the background during her performance of the song. She is a great performer, and I’m sure she will smash All Stars 4. There was also great social commentary throughout, often with great humour.

When Sharon mentioned how great our recent abortion referendum result was, that was a very nice moment in the show. She brought a great gothic Christmas moment to proceedings too, with Brothers in Our World.

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I found myself admiring Bob a lot during this show. She had a lot to do, to say the least, and really was the glue that pieced together all the elements of the evening.

The quiz was a particular highlight, where eleven people went up on stage to answer questions posed by Bob, about either RuPaul’s Drag Race trivia, or Christmas trivia, with prizes from Tesco on offer.

It was a wonderful evening of glitzy, campy, Christmas fun, with excellent performances from everyone involved.

Con-drag-ulations to all!

Asia O'Hara

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Blair St Clair

Eureka O'Hara Cameron

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Album Review

Christmas Queens 4 Lisa Reynolds reviews the Christmas album

by RuPaul's Christmas Queens Christmas Queens 4 (2018) is a Christmas compilation album by many of the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

beat.

Manila Luzon’s version of Andy Williams’ It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year follows.

It’s brilliantly whimsical and melodious -very beautifully sung.

The album comprises of 11 tracks where contestants from various Seasons take on many Christmas classics, to get listeners in the mood for the Christmas period.

Season 5 finalist, and All Stars 2 winner, Alaska’s version of Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby ends the first half of the album. Utterly theatrical and campy - a great listen.

The album is the fourth Christmas album by the stars of Drag Race, following on from Christmas Queens (2015), Christmas Queens 2 (2016) and Christmas Queens 3 (2017) and is similar to previous outings in the series, produced by Producer Entertainment Group.

The second half of the album begins with a trio of Season 10 finalists.

Season 5 winner, Jinkx Monsoon, gets things underway, with a very Jazzy version of Jingle Bell Rock. I love Jinkx’s voice, so it was a no-brainer that I’d enjoy this track. It’s wonderfully harmonious and joyous - a really good opener to have a good bop to. Very catchy and rhythmic.

Season 10’s Blair St. Clair follows, with an EDM version of Wham!’s Last Christmas.

It’s a very fresh take and works very well - a perfect Christmas earworm.

Next up is Season 1 winner, Bebe Zahara Benet, singing Little Drummer Boy. The instrumentals are great on this track.

Gorgeously fierce and animated, with a great

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First up is Eureka’s version of Elmo & Patsy’s Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, which is great to bop to - very fast-paced and full of rhythm.

Kameron Michaels is next, with her version of Dean Martin’s Let It Snow. It’s a faster version of Let It Snow, and Kameron’s vocal sounds great on it. It’s very catchy and endlessly listenable. Excellent.

Asia O’Hara is next with ‘Cause I’m Rich.

I love the theatrical, Jazzy vibe to this track. There is a brilliant 1920s feel to it. A gorgeous listen.

Next up is Season 2 finalist, Jujubee, singing Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. This track has a very effortless feel and flows along very well. Jujubee has a great tone to her voice.

Sharon Needles sings Brothers in Our World next. It’s a gothic, country ballad, and works very well - a little haunting and very picturesque.

Closing the album is Season 7 finalist, Ginger Minj, singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It is a perfect closing track, sung beautifully with great passion.

A brilliant album to make you feel all festive for the upcoming Christmas season!

Christmas Queens 4 is available to listen to on Spotify.

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Review - 3Arena Dublin, Boy George & Culture Club Life Tour Frances Winston reviewed the 80s band in Dublin, and found the iconic lead singer, Boy George, in fine voice Boy George & Culture Club 3Arena Dublin, 25th November 2018 Boy George bounces onto the stage of the 3Arena, and within seconds announces that the band are like “a live soap opera”. If you don’t know their tumultuous history, that might seem an odd statement, but very little about their ups-anddowns hasn’t been documented.

Indeed, a reunion tour in 2014 was scrapped, and the whole build-up and implosion recorded for a BBC Four documentary, that contains more drama than an episode of EastEnders!

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This time around, the band have managed to make it through a US tour, and they landed in Dublin on the European leg. They have lost drummer, Jon Moss, along the way – officially he opted out of the European dates to spend more time with his family – but other than that, they seemed to be getting along fine. Well, musically at least.

The tour is to promote their new album, Life, but remaining members, Mikey Craig, Roy Hay, and George know the crowd want to hear the classics, and that is exactly what they give them.

Other than a couple of songs from the new offering, we were treated to hit after hit.

It’s a Miracle, Victims, and Time all drew cheers. But when the opening strains of their breakthrough hit, Do you Really Want to Hurt Me? emanated across the arena, the crowd went wild.

I have seen Culture Club several times over the years, and George’s voice (and attitude) could be hit-and-miss. However, on this occasion, he was in fine voice – as good if not better than his heyday. He also seemed

to really enjoy the gig, and engaged warmly with the crowd throughout, giving a shoutout to his Irish family members who were in attendance, and his mother, Dinah, who was also there (Dinah is a truly remarkable woman, and if you haven’t read her book, Cry Salty Tears, get on that!)

The background graphics were extremely impressive, and contained many clips of their classic videos and appearances, just to fuel the nostalgia trip further. Also the backing singers were amazing, with each one perfectly capable of being a lead-vocalist themselves, should they wish. Musically and vocally, this was a pretty flawless show.

When they departed the stage at around 10.10pm, after a mash-up of Church of the Poison Mind, and Wham’s I’m Your Man (which worked surprisingly well) I felt a bit cheated.

They had been on stage just over an hour, and even with an encore, this was shaping up to be a very short gig. However, I hadn’t reckoned on the fact that after singing Life, George would use the encore to pay tribute to two of his heroes – David Bowie and Marc

Bolan – with covers of Let’s Dance and an epic version of Get It On, which saw him introduce the band.

They saved the best for last, closing with their mega-hit (and the song they are probably most associated with) Karma Chameleon.

They were joined on stage by their support act from earlier, Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins along with his backing band, who threw themselves into the track. (His set was also brilliant, and had the crowd singing along with gusto).

At this stage, anyone who wasn’t dancing prior to this was on their feet, and the atmosphere was one of a great big party. All in all, they were nearly two hours on stage, and left a very happy and enthused crowd behind them.

The band may have had their conflicts over the years, but when they put all that aside, they really do put on a great show. Many of these 80s reunions can be cheesefests, but this was a well-thought-out and grown-up production, that showcased George’s cheekiness, and the band’s musicianship, perfectly.

Out of all the times I’ve seen them, I have to

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say this is the best they ever were!

Set List: 1. God & Love 2. It’s a Miracle 3. Let Somebody Love You 4. Time 5. Everything I Own 6. Runaway Train 7. Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? 8. Victims 9.

Different Man 10. Miss Me Blind 11. Church of the Poison Mind / I’m Your Man Encore: 12. Life 13. Let’s Dance 14. Get It On 15. Karma Chameleon

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Image: Boy George Official

Image: @BoyGeorge

Above: Boy George & Culture Club - Image Source: luas.ie

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Enjoy a trip of a lifetim Have you dreamt of visiting the vibrant Deep South of America? American Holidays have released fantastic offers that can turn your dream into reality.

The southern United States are unlike anywhere else you will ever go. Hot weather, warm smiles, rich history, and arguably, some of the best food in the US, make up the foundation of this unique region.

If you are a music lover you are also in for a treat! From Nashville home of Country Music, to the Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll of Memphis and the jazz of New Orleans - you will hear it all.

A trip to the Deep South is a must and whether you combine one, two or three destinations with a multi-centre holiday, or choose an escorted tour, the possibilities are unlimited 52 EILE Magazine

with American Holidays!

Nashville & Memphis Spend 4 nights at the 3* Clarion Downtown Nashville, followed by 3 nights at the 3* Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis, from only €1,289pp Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation, 1 day compact car hire, taxes and charges. Based on two adults sharing.

Travel: March 2019 Ref No: 51458553 New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville Spend 3 nights at the 3* star Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter, 2 nights at the Comfort Inn Downtown Memphis, followed by

Memphis Tennessee

me to the Deep South a 3 nights at the 3* Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville, from only â‚Ź1,218pp Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 8 nights accommodation, an internal flight, 2 day car hire, taxes and charges. Based on two adults sharing.

Travel: February 2019 Ref No: 51451764 Tastes & Sounds of the South Escorted Tour Spend 9 nights on a Tastes and Sounds of the South Escorted Tour, from only â‚Ź3,159pp This tour will take you to: Nashville Memphis Natchez New Orleans

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 9 nights accommodation, 9 full breakfasts and 5 dinners, luxury transport, a guide by a professional tour director, transfers, taxes and charges.

Travel: March 2019 - November 2019 Ref No: 51351243 Call American Holidays to book on 01 673 3804 or drop into their office at 18- 19 Duke Street - just off Grafton Street - where the expert staff will help you plan your Miami and Caribbean holiday of a lifetime. For more information visit www. americanholidays.com.

Please note hotels are correct at the time of escorted tour planning and may be subject to change prior to tour departure date due to availability.

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Travel

Image: Crystal Ski

Top Ski Resorts for Beginners Are you looking for the perfect ski resort for beginners?

There are many ski resorts that are recognised for their highly rated, English-speaking ski schools, their great range of gentle slopes and their fantastic indoor facilities.

Whether you choose to visit Italy, France or Austria, there are wonderful ski resorts to suit every level.

To help you decide on what might be your first visit to a ski resort, Crystal Ski has listed their top resorts for beginners.

Passo Tonale, Italy High in the Italian Alps, Passo Tonale has got plenty of quiet, easy runs that are accessed by chairlifts near the hotels. The Presena Glacier also has a beginner run and an intermediate run, so you might even get to try glacier skiing.

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Nearby, the village of Ponte di Legno has lots of pretty tree-lined runs, which new skiers sometimes prefer – the visibility is better and each run has a clear boundary, rather than being open to the elements.

Depart 2nd February 2019, stay at 3* Hotel Adamello, Passo Tonale, on a half-board basis, for 7 nights, from €749pp.

Alpe d’huez, France Alpe d’Huez is known as the sunniest resort in the Alps, which means great conditions and better visibility – all ideal for your first few days on skis. Its huge beginner area is right next to the village and there is a good range of blue runs to help you progress. Reward yourself for your efforts with drinks and dancing at the piste-side La Folie Douce.

Depart 2nd February 2019, stay at the 3* Hotel Petit Prince, Alpe d’Huez, on a half-board basis,

for 7 nights, from €879pp (based on 4 sharing) Zell am See, Austria Not only is Zell am See a great playground for beginners, it’s also super pretty. Hop on the CityXpress gondola and in minutes you will find plenty of wide and scenic runs through the trees, with stunning views over the lake below. It is unusual to have so much in a ski resort. There is lots to explore when you are not on the slopes. Take a break from the slopes and visit the cosmopolitan village with a medieval centre and some fabulous shops.

Depart the 9th February 2019, stay at the 3* Haus Edelweiss, Zell am See, on a b&b basis, for 7 nights, from €665pp (based on 4 sharing) More Crystal Ski offers: Andorra Depart 24th February 2019, stay at the 2* Manzano Apartments, Pas De La Casa, on a self-catering basis, for 7 nights, from €369pp (based on 4 sharing) Depart 3rd February 2019, stay at the 3* Sant Roma Apartments, Arinsal, on a selfcatering basis, for 7 nights, from €409pp (based on 4 sharing) Depart 3rd February 2019, stay at the 3* Hotel Xalet Besoli, Arinsal, on a half-board basis,

for 7 nights, from €565pp Depart 10th February 2019, stay at the 3* Hotel Katmandu, Pas De La Casa, from €589pp Italy Depart 10th February 2019, stay at the 3* Planibel Apartments, La Thuile, on a self-catering, for 7 nights, from €339pp (based on 4 sharing) Depart 10th February 2019, stay at the 3* Hotel Splendid, Sauze D’Oulx, on a half-board, for 7 nights, from €679pp Depart 2nd February 2019, stay at the 3* Sport Campiglio, Madonna di Campiglio, on a self-catering basis, for 7 nights, from €465pp (based on 4 sharing) France Depart 10th February 2019, stay at the 2* Signal Du Porel Apartments, Serre Chevalier, on a self-catering basis, for 7 nights, from €459pp Depart 9th February 2019, stay at the 3* Grand Bois Apartments, La Tania, on a self-catering basis, for 7 nights, from €459pp Depart the 2nd February 2019, stay at the 3* L’Aigulle Rouge, Les Arcs, on a half-board basis, for 7 nights, from €745pp Austria Depart 23rd February 2019, stay at the 2* Haus Pirchmoos, Soll, on a b&b basis, for 7 nights, from €635pp Depart 9th February 2019, stay at the 3* Haus Edelweiss, Zell am See, on a b&b basis, for 7

nights, from €665pp (based on 4 sharing) Depart 23rd February 2019, stay at the 3* Hotel Strolz & Annexe, Mayrhofen, on a halfboard basis, for 7 nights, from €865pp All the above offers include flights from Dublin, 20kg luggage and transfers.

Book your ski getaway now with Crystal Ski, visit www. crystalski.ie or speak to a ski advisor by calling 01-6533500.

All holidays and prices are subject to change & availability, and are based on 2 sharing and are for 7 nights (Unless stated above).

Prices do not include optional extras such as insurance, inflight meals or group seating.

Normal Crystal Ski terms & conditions apply.

T&Cs apply. Offer applies to new bookings only and is subject to availability. We reserve right to amend the offer at any time. Offer can be withdrawn at any time without notice.

To book your group ski holiday now call (01) 653 3504.

Crystal is fully licensed by commission of aviation regulation (TO 021).

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Health

Get Back Your Zest!

Brian Rochford shows us how to have more energy, by following a few simple healthy rules As we age, our levels of energy and endurance diminish, and we may find it harder to do and enjoy what we used too.

Even after a full eight hours sleep, we can feel exhausted. You might even find that you experience drowsiness during the day, and even while performing normal tasks.

Depression and anxiety, under-active thyroid gland, and health issues, like a heart condition, can cause sleep deprivation. There is light at the end of the tunnel, as many of the causes of tiredness and fatigue can be dealt.

We all have times when we feel low in energy. However, being tired a lot of the time can make you less physically and mentally active. Fatigue can reduce the quality of your life over time. In order to hit back at tiredness, and regain your physical, mental, and emotional energy, you need start exercising on a consistent and regular basis.

Aerobic exercises increase energy, while weigh-training exercises build strength, endurance and stamina. If you find out that you are unusually tired a lot of the day, it may be a warning sign of something more serious, and you should have it checked out by a medical professional. This is also sound advice if you have not been physically active for a long time.

Before you start engaging in the many effective ways of boosting your energy levels, and saying goodbye to tiredness and fatigue, it is recommended to speak to a medical professional. Some of the factors that can contribute to fatigue are stress, unhealthy living, and even problems in the workplace.

The food we eat can help boost our energy levels, and keep us going throughout the day. A good breakfast, consisting of whole food cereals and whole grain bread, will supply carbohydrates, that can get you off to a good start each day.

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Image: BBC

Try not to overeat, as eating big heavy meals can cause a dip in your energy. Opt for eating small meals throughout the day, as this will help to level out your intake of calories, helping your digestion also. It may sound like common sense to say try as much as possible to eat a healthy diet.

Focus on reducing your intake of dangerous fats and sugars, increase your consumption of whole-grain foods, and eat raw and lightly cooked vegetables. Don’t forget to eat a good variety of fresh fruit every day. Drink plenty of water, while reducing your intake of caffeine, and drinks high in sugar and harmful preservatives.

We all know the damage that stress and anxiety can do to the mind and body, and to the quality of our lives, and also to the people that we associate with the most.

stress, with no end in sight, impacts on all our relationships. Learning and practising relaxation techniques can be one of the most valuable tools in your efforts to combat these deadly destroyers of health, and personal happiness. Practise deep, slow, breathing at certain times of the day, as this will really help you unwind, and assist in achieving a better night’s sleep. This is especially true for the upcoming Christmas holiday, which has everyone frazzled, and exhausted at the prospect of Christmas shopping, cleaning and cooking.

If you follow some of the regimes above, you’ll find you’ll awake refreshed, and with a much greater zest for life!

Happy Christmas!

Demands in the working environment, and workplace conflicts, can leave you stressed and anxious at the end of every day.

Remember the value of actively exercising every day, as it is the ultimate stress buster.

Prolonged exposure to anxiety, worry, and

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Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Travis Knight – Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Ortiz, Jason Drucker, Pamela Adlon If you thought this was a documentary about bees, then your pop-culture knowledge is severely lacking, as it is, in fact, yet another movie in the juggernaut Transformers franchise.

However, if you’re only familiar with the high-octane Michael Bay blockbusters, this prequel to the first of those from 2007 may come as something of a surprise.

Far more genteel than its predecessors (although the events here take place before them) this is set in the mid80s, and sees one of the Autobots, B-127, better known as Bumblebee, crash-land on earth after he is sent to scout it out for refuge.

Unfortunately, he was attacked as he fled his planet, so his memory is fried, and his voice-box shattered, and having transformed into a VW Beetle, he sits dormant in a junkyard, until a teenager, Charlie (Steinfled) takes a shine to him.

Quickly realising that this is no ordinary car, the two form a firm bond, but the Autobots’

enemy, the Decepticons, are determined to find him, and send two scouts to earth to interrogate him. Their arrival signals a national incident, and a crisis for planet earth, with only Bumblebee capable of saving the day, if he can only remember his mission.

The 80s setting dictates a suitably nostalgic soundtrack, and this is filled with wellknown hits of yesteryear, which not only help set the tone, but will also have you tapping your feet.

The look of the era is also captured perfectly, and at times, it almost feels like this is an 80s movie, rather than a contemporary offering. What sets it apart from those flicks are the effects.

One of my big bug-bears with the other Transformers movies was that so much was going on in the fight-scenes, you couldn’t actually make out more than a mass of mangled metal. Here, the robots do fight, but it feels more fluid, and you can actually see what’s happening.

However, this only makes up a tiny portion of the movie, and the biggest CGI credit must go to the animators who created the titular character.

They have really given him personality, and you find yourself rooting for him and engaging with him, despite the

fact that he is supposed to be a machine.

The relationship between Bumblebee and Charlie is handled beautifully. I felt there were more than a few nods to ET throughout, which would make sense, given that the subject-matter of that was also a young human’s friendship with an alien entity.

Overall, this is far more character-driven than the other movies, and has a definite sense of fun, that was definitely lacking in the more ‘in your face’ offerings.

With a 12A rating, it is obviously aiming for a younger audience, but that doesn’t mean this is childish.

Far more fun than I expected, this has a huge amount of heart, and manages to be many things to many people without feeling bloated. It is absolute feel good fare, and a worthy prequel to the franchise.

It may be quieter than the other films, but it just goes to show you don’t need an explosion every five minutes in order to create an action adventure. I can see this becoming a bit of a family classic, and that’s not a bad thing.

In Cinemas December 24th!

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: James Wan – Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman Although this is Aquaman’s first standalone movie, it is actually leading man, Jason Momoa’s third outing as the aquatic superhero. He has previously appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). Now fans finally get to see his origin story on the big screen.

Bringing this story to life was always going to be something of a big ask, as, just like the title suggests, much of the action is set underwater in the land of Atlantis.

Perhaps that is why it has taken till now for Aquaman to get the cinematic treatment, as CGI and effects are at such a sophisticated level that it can be done convincingly, rather than cheesily.

If you’re not familiar with Aquaman, aka Arthur Curry, he’s the son of the Queen of Atlantis and a human father, which means he walks between both worlds. Although he has had variations on his mythology in the comic books, this is the widely accepted canon, and the one they stick to here.

Upon learning that his half-

brother, Orm (Wilson), who is the current reigning King of Atlantis, is planning to wage war on the surface-world, Arthur is forced to confront the Atlantean side of his personality, and fight to save both worlds.

Aquaman is the sort of film that needs to be seen on a big screen. Wan and his team have done a great job creating so many underwater worlds that it would be a shame to dilute the details, by waiting to watch this on Blu Ray at home.

It is visually stunning, with wonderful cinematography.

Momoa is a hoot as Arthur/ Aquaman, and really plays the comedy in the role well. He has some hilarious one-liners that he delivers almost with a knowing wink to the audience, and by the end you really couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role.

At times the dialogue is cheesy – but that’s superhero movies for you – but the fine calibre of actors that Wan has assembled manage to give Aquaman a gravitas that it might otherwise lack.

There are also some brilliant action-scenes, and it’s great to see both Kidman and Heard get their chance to kick ass, rather than it all being left to the guys.

On the negative side, there is something of a subplot about Black Manta (considered Aquaman’s nemesis in the comic books) that seems rather

redundant. The story could be made to work without it, and it serves no real purpose other than to set up a sequel.

This plotline could easily have been trimmed back, and contributes to a huge chunk of the films 2 hours 22 minutes running time, which does feel excessive. It is as if they threw it in because they felt fans expected it, but it just feels shoehorned in here. Although the pacing never slows – and indeed they completely up the ante for the finale – it really feels like 20-25 minutes could have been shaved off this, without affecting the flow of the movie.

Also, at times, Aquaman gets a bit preachy about man’s destruction of the oceans, but I suppose it would be a shame to waste an opportunity like this to get that message out there.

This is a superhero movie that is all about the spectacle, and it is constantly trying to outdo itself. Its focus is on pure entertainment, and in that it succeeds.

At times, it feels as if Aquaman doesn’t know if it wants to be silly or serious, but overall, it strikes the right balance.

Yes, it is somewhat ludicrous in parts, but what superhero movie isn’t. However, suspend your disbelief, and sit back and you’ll really enjoy the ride, flaws and all.

In Cinemas Now!

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In Cinemas Now!

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Rich Moore, Phil Johnston Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot, Taraji P. Henson, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Alfred Molina, Ed O’Neill Six years after the huge hit that was Wreck It Ralph comes this sequel, featuring our hapless hero, once again getting into skirmishes in the cyber world.

However, as the title suggests – this time his world has expanded beyond the arcade games he lives in, and he enters the whole Internet. If you’re not familiar with the first movie, don’t panic – you don’t have to have seen that to appreciate this. However, Ralph Breaks the Internet is quite charming, and you could do worse than check it out.

This time around, Ralph and Vanellope (Reilly and Silverman) are firm friends following their previous adventures, and spend every night hanging out in the carious games in Litwak’s Family Fun Center and Arcade, which houses their games.

However, when a customer breaks the steering wheel on Vanellope’s Sugar Rush driving game, it is unplugged, leaving all its inhabitants

homeless. Learning that there is a wheel available on EBay, Ralph and Vanellope enter the world of the internet, to try and source it to save the game.

yourself realising that you recognise a voice, and trying to place it.

Obviously, Ralph Breaks the Internet is a Disney film, so there are plenty of nods to their properties. Star Wars and Muppet franchises both pop up, as do many classic Disney characters, and of course, the Marvel franchise.

However, at the heart of this film is the relationship between Ralph and Vanellope, and for all the cleverness and colourfulness, it is their friendship that remains key to the story. The underlying message of Ralph Breaks the Internet involves how our friendships evolve and change, which can often be hurtful at the time, but ultimately is a good thing. Although the payoff is somewhat schmaltzy, overall this is handled quite well throughout, and should resonate with both kids and adults.

There is a Stan Lee cameo that, while obviously created before his death, has an added poignancy now. There is also a hilarious segment involving the Disney Princesses.

Most impressively, they have actually used all of the original voice casts for these characters where possible.

Ralph Breaks the Internet manages to show both the best and worst of the internet, and leaves you with real food for thought. The kids will love the imagery and spectacle, while adults will appreciate the reflection of people’s love affair with their gadgets, and how it affects their lives.

The way they have created the world of the Internet is truly wondrous. The animation is spectacular, and the premise works really well. You will find it difficult not to think of this as how your computer really works after seeing this film.

I feel it is a bit on the long side, but overall, Ralph Breaks the Internet is a lot of fun, and surprisingly thoughtprovoking. It’s not as good as the original, but it is still extremely entertaining, and should definitely amuse the young and the young at heart.

The first movie featured numerous cameos and popculture references – especially relating to video games – and expanding the world of the movie means they have far more scope for this.

All of the voice talent are great, and there is an abundance of huge names popping up. Barely a minute goes by where you won’t find

In Cinemas Now!

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The Girl In The Spider's Web 64 EILE Magazine

Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Fede Álvarez – Starring: Claire Foy, Sverrir Gudnason, LaKeith Stanfield, Sylvia Hoeks, Stephen Merchant Not to try and confuse you, but this latest addition to the Dragon Tattoo franchise is both a soft reboot, and a sequel, to David Fincher’s 2011 movie, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

I think in all my years of watching movies, both as a fan and as a reviewer, this is the first time I’ve ever encountered this! It also sees none other than The Crown’s Claire Foy taking on the role of gothic vigilante hacker, Lisbeth Salander.

The Girl In The Spider’s Web is a big departure for Foy, who rose to prominence playing Queen Elizabeth II in the aforementioned The Crown, and here, she not only has to adopt a Swedish accent, but also go full-on action-heroine. This is not something we are used to seeing from her, and it does take a while to get used to seeing her in the role. But after a while, you settle into it (although her accent remains all over the place throughout) and she does indeed have the kick-ass credentials required for a role like this. Indeed, she is one of the best things about this film.

Since it’s a reboot/sequel, you may get a sense of déjà vu watching The Girl In The Spider’s Web. We’re given more backstory than in previous films, and learn a bit about her father and his monstrous tendencies.

Years later, the Lisbeth we know is hired by a programmer named Balder (played by Stephen Merchant in what feels like a rather odd piece of casting) to retrieve a programme he has written, which can access the world’s nuclear codes. However, as is always the case with something like that, many people are

after it, and once Lisbeth has retrieved it, she finds herself pursued by both mercenaries and the Swedish Secret Service.

Although less complex than the previous movies, The Girl In The Spider’s Web will still leave you scratching your head at times. Álvarez seems to think that big action-scenes will detract from any weakness in the plot. So what you get are some completely implausible solutions to situations that Lisbeth finds herself in, and it really takes you out of the world of the film.

While Foy is fabulous, most of the other characters are thinly-written clichés, and on the whole, the great cast is completely wasted.

Merchant, in particular, looks incredibly out of place, and seems uncomfortable throughout.

At almost two hours long, The Girl In The Spider’s Web feels somewhat slow, and perhaps shaving 10-15 minutes off the running time would have helped make the narrative somewhat snappier.

Other than Foy, the best thing about The Girl In The Spider’s Web is the cinematography.

There are some truly spectacular shots of Stockholm, and the Swedish landscapes and the vastness of it will take your breath away.

Overall, The Girl In The Spider’s Web is a decent enough, if overly complicated, thriller.

It entertains, but also confuses, however, Foy’s performance, and the action-scenes, make it watchable, and elevate it from just another reboot. Sorry reboot/sequel.

In Cinemas Now!

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New Novel by Glenn Quigley -

The Lion Lies Waiting Irish gay author, Glenn Quigley, originally from Dublin, but now living near Belfast, has released his followup novel to his gay-themed debut, The Moth and Moon, which was released earlier this year by Ninestar Press.

rooftop settlement known as the Roost, mingle with high society in the magnificent splendour of Chase Manor, and uncover a violent conspiracy threatening the island’s entire way of life.

The new novel, titled The Lion Lies Waiting, is now on sale on Amazon, and at most major retailers,

The men will be tested to their limits, as they discover that, on Blackrabbit Island, the lion lies waiting.

The Lion Lies Waiting features a gay protagonist, as well as lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered characters. The story again features the gay main character, fisherman, Robin Shipp, and there is a short synopsis below to whet your appetites:

EILE Magazine interviewed the Lion Lies Waiting author, Glenn Quigley, in the Mar/ Apr 2018 edition, pages 22-25, after his debut novel, The Moth & The Moon, and found that Glenn, as well as being an author, is also a graphic designer, having created the wonderful logo of the celtic bear-paw print for the Dublin Bears, and also creates designs for www.themoodybear.com.

Winter, 1780, and the solstice is fast approaching. Four months after the events of The Moth and Moon, burly fisherman, Robin Shipp, is preparing for his first Midwinter festival with his lover, the handsome baker, Edwin Farriner.

But when a letter arrives begging for help, they must travel with their friend, Duncan, to Port Knot on sinister Blackrabbit Island, for a final confrontation with Edwin’s mother. Also visiting the island are Lady Eva and her wife Iris, with a stunning proposition that could change Robin and Edwin’s lives forever.

The snow-covered harbour town of Port Knot is a dangerous place. While there, Robin, Edwin, and Duncan explore the menacing 66 EILE Magazine

Old rivalries will flare, shocking secrets will be revealed, and, as Duncan’s scandalous past finally catches up with him, will it ultimately destroy them all?

He also has an interest in photography and water-colour painting! A man of many talents.

Put The Lion Lies Waiting on your reading list, and have a great read over what's left of the holiday!

If you want to find out more about where you can buy Glenn’s new novel, The Lion Lies Waiting, go to Glenn’s website at: www.GlennQuigley.com

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‘Shark Tank’ reality series to use virtual set as background Innovation Studios, Sony Entertainment & Technology, debuts its advanced technology on the iconic “Shark Tank” television show this season.

“Shark Tank,” the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy® Award-winning entrepreneurial-themed reality series, is known for showcasing innovative products and ideas. Behind the scenes, the same is true. Now in its 10th season, when not enough stage capacity was available to handle current production needs, “Shark Tank” producers turned to a radically new solution provided by Innovation Studios.

Innovation Studios, a state-of-the-art facility launched earlier this year. on the Sony Pictures Studios lot, captured a virtual 3D digital model of the Exit Interview Shark Tank set using a technique called volumetric image acquisition.

This was accomplished through a unique combination of capture technology to create a photo-realistic environment. In June, Innovation Studios scanned the “Shark Tank” set, creating a 3D digital model (the Virtual Set).

In September, this Virtual Set was then used as a background when “Shark Tank” filmed exit interviews with approximately 100 contestants, and Innovation Studios was able to composite them in real time. Scenes with this technology aired for the first time in December and will continue to air throughout the season.

“The technology is truly seamless,” said Alex Halatchev, Shark Tank Production Manager. “When we were watching interviews on monitors remotely, a producer asked to move a plant next to the couch, but it wasn’t really there because it was the virtual set.”

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This revelation about how real the virtual set appeared was music to the ears of Glenn Gainor, head of physical production for Screen Gems and president of Innovation Studios.

“By harnessing technology throughout Sony’s many businesses and applying it to productions, this is a shining example of how we are giving content creators essential tools to tell real-world stories and solve real-world problems such as limited sound stage availability.”

“The show continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, and Innovation Studios is inspired to continue serving as a hub where technology meets story for real productions with practical tools,” added Gainor.”

Dell, Deloitte Digital and Intel Corporation are collaborating with Sony Pictures Entertainment and will play an integral role in helping to expand the applications of Innovation Studios beyond entertainment to other verticals including medical, retail and education. (eile.ie 26 December 2018)

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Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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Quality LGBT News and Features – Produced from Los Angeles Available via podcast on our website (thiswayout.org) or on iTunes, and on 200+ Radio Stations Worldwide!

thiswayout.org | Twitter: @TWORadio Overnight Productions (Inc.)/”This Way Out” Post Office Box 1065 Los Angeles, CA 90078 U.S.A. EILE Magazine 71

Irish horror ‘The Hole In The Ground’ to have World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival 72 EILE Magazine

New Irish horror film, THE HOLE IN THE GROUND, directed

by Lee Cronin, will have its World Premiere at the renowned Sundance Film Festival this January, ahead of its Irish cinema release in early 2019.

The film is Cronin’s feature debut, which he co-wrote with Stephen Shields, and stars Séana Kerslake (A Date For Mad Mary), James Quinn Markey (Vikings), James Cosmo (T2 Trainspotting), Simone Kirby (Jimmy’s Hall), Steve Wall (An Klondike) and Kati Outinen (Le Havre).

Trying to escape her broken past, Sarah O’Neill (Séana Kerslake) is building a new life on the fringes of a backwood rural town with her young son, Chris (James Quinn Markey). A terrifying encounter with a mysterious neighbour shatters her fragile security, throwing Sarah into a spiralling nightmare of paranoia and mistrust, as she tries to uncover if the disturbing changes in her little boy are connected to an ominous sinkhole buried deep in the forest that borders their home.

Speaking about the film’s Sundance selection, director, Lee Cronin said: “It’s a privilege to bring The Hole in the Ground to the Sundance Film Festival for its World Premiere this January. A hell of a lot of extremely talented people worked tirelessly to make the movie a reality, so I’m delighted that its creators, funders and supporters can celebrate the perfect launchpad in Utah. Personally, I’m excited to bring my horror story to the big screen, and I can’t wait for Irish audiences to see it when it’s released in cinemas in the new year”.

Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the US. Many notable independent filmmakers have received their big break there, including Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Steven Soderbergh. The festival is also responsible for bringing wider attention to such films as The Blair Witch Project, Little Miss Sunshine, Whiplash, Boyhood, Hereditary, and Get Out. The Hole in the Ground was shot on location in Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow, and was produced by Conor Barry and John Keville for Savage Productions, with Benoit Roland and Ulla Simonen for Wrong Men and MADE. The film was funded by Screen Ireland, the BAI, and Headgear Films, with support coming from Wallimages and the Finnish Film Foundation.

Wildcard Distribution will be releasing The Hole in the Ground in Irish cinemas in early 2019.

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Lloyd Russell-Moyle of the Labour Party in Britain Image: https://beta. parliament.uk/media/ xXTvcHDg 74 EILE Magazine

British lawmaker comes out as HIV positive to tackle stigma A British lawmaker came out as HIV positive in a speech to parliament yesterday, Thursday, saying he wanted to tackle the stigma and encourage others to get tested.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who represents the opposition Labour party, is only the second British lawmaker to reveal he is HIV positive, and the first announce it in parliament.

“Next year I will be marking an anniversary of my own – 10 years since I became HIV positive”, he told the lower house of parliament in a speech ahead of World Aids Day on Saturday.

“I wanted to be able to stand here in this place and say to those that are living with HIV that their status does not define them, that we can be whoever we want to be.

undetectable level, meaning he could live a healthy life, and any partner he had would also be protected.

He was congratulated for his “immensely courageous” speech by fellow MPs and praised by HIV charities.

“As a testament to the possibility of living well with HIV, Lloyd will have dispelled much unfounded fear”, Deborah Gold, chief executive of the National AIDS Trust, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

“By describing his experience of diagnosis he made a moment that many people dread feel normal, human and manageable”.

The only other British MP to have come out as HIV positive was former minister, Chris Smith, in 2005.

-Sonia Elks @soniaelks, Thomson Reuters Foundation (eile.ie 30 November 2018)

“And to those who have not been tested, maybe out of fear, I say to you it is better to live in knowledge than to die in fear”.

Russell-Moyle said he had grappled with fear and shock after his diagnosis, but his treatment had reduced the virus to an EILE Magazine 75

Portugal - FilmFest Stephan Elliott’s Film Directing Workshop 6-7 April 2019 A Film Directing Workshop, led by Stephen Elliott, aims to help develop Film Directing skills, with very knowledgeable and inspiring writer/ directors, giving insight into how the process of writing and directing influences the final film, and how perspective is important to a Director’s career.

His debut film, Frauds, starring Phill Collins, was nominated for a Palm d’Or at Cannes 1993. Since then, he has directed nine other feature films.

He is one of the most relevant film directors in Australian cinema history, and has directed actors such as Guy Pearce, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jessica Biel, Ewan Mcgregor, Ashley Jude, Hugo Weaving, and many others.

This 2-day intensive workshop is strictly limited to 25 participants maximum, so early registration is advisable.

Stephan Elliott directed The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, starring Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, and Terence Stamp. This film was a landmark for LGBT filmmaking, and still remains a relevant film after almost 25 years.

For more information and to register please visit the workshop’s page at:

The workshop fee is 499 EUR, but until December 17th will have a Discount of 25%, costing only 375 EUR. The workshop will take place in Porto, Portugal, on the 6th and 7th of April 2019.

http://filmlab.fest.pt/index.php

Step Pictu 76 EILE Magazine

Prescilla, Queen of the Desert directed by Stephan Elliott

Above: Director Stephan Elliott Image: The Daily Telegraph

phan Elliott, in Hong Kong. ure: Jonathan Wong EILE Magazine 77

LGBTQ Individuals in Wrestling & Wrestling Management Wrestling has historically been male only, though it has now evolved to include all gender types. The sport itself, however, has not traditionally been open to LGBTQ participation.

Any representation of the community, within the theatrical side of the sport, has included overt racial and ethnic characters, that exaggerated their feminine characteristics.

Most LGBTQ wrestlers have come out of the closet after retiring.

Wrestling is a complicated sport involving many layers, said to have originated in Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Turkey, as a competitive combat sport, which includes various grappling techniques.

Today’s wrestling sport has broken into two factions; one that retains those original roots,

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and includes the Greco-Roman and Freestyle competitions that are part of the Olympic games, and a second, modern faction of the sport, which has added elements of theatre and popular entertainment, and which also involves a tremendous amount of physical exertion and skill.

In 2017, American transman, Mack Beggs, gained international attention when he was forced to compete in the Texas state women’s competitive category, despite having transitioned to male.

Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing are said to have evolved from wrestling.

Queerbio have listed some prominent members of the LGBTQ community, who have participated in wrestling – from Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, and the United States.

For more, you can visit Queerbio.com (eile.ie 12 December 2018)

Mack Beggs Image: Refinery29.com

'In 2017, American transman, Mack Beggs, gained international attention when he was forced to compete in the Texas state women’s competitive category, despite having transitioned to male'

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Transgender boxer wins in historic pro debut Patricio Manuel made boxing history on Saturday night, becoming the first transgender male to fight professionally in the United States.

Manuel, 34, beat Hugo Aguilar by unanimous decision in Indio, Calif., on a Golden Boy Boxing fight card.

Afterward, as he heard

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some detractors in the unprecedented decision. audience, Manuel vowed to continue fighting, and That led to a pair of try to win them over. amateur fights — he won the first in a three-round “I hear some fans aren’t decision, and lost the happy, it’s OK, I’ll be second — before his pro back. I’ll make them debut on Saturday night. happy then”, Manuel said during his in-ring Fresh off the win over interview.

Aguilar, Manuel insisted he’s looking to a future Manuel began his in the ring. transition to male shortly after being “I’m not in here just eliminated in the 2012 for one show, for one US Olympic Trials, fight”, he said. “This is having withdrawn after something I love. I’m not one fight with an injury. done with this sport. I’ll be back”.

He eventually convinced the California Boxing — Field Level Media Commission to approve an amateur licence, after (eile.ie 11 December 2018) it had hesitated with the

Image: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Transgender boxer, Patricio Manuel – Image: LGBTQ Nation

“I hear some fans aren’t happy, it’s OK, I’ll be back.

I’ll make them happy then”

EILE Magazine 81

Social slurs: The celebrities brought down by online homophobia Days after Kevin Hart was named as the host of next year’s Oscars, the US comedian has had to pull out in the wake of criticism over past homophobic tweets.

But he is not the first celebrity to be caught out over anti-gay slurs.

Here are three other examples: Manny Pacquiao Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao, lost a lucrative Nike sponsorship deal, after video emerged online of him saying people in same-sex

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relationships were “worse than animals”.

“Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female,” said the eight-times world champion.

“Do you see animals mating with the same sex? If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals”.

After the footage emerged, Nike terminated its contract with Pacquiao, describing his remarks as “abhorrent”.

Azealia Banks In 2016, rapper, Azealia Banks, was accused of making homophobic and racially charged slurs about One Direction singer, Zayn Malik.

In a heated exchange on Twitter, Banks described Malik as “curry-

Kevin Hart – Image: REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

scented”, and called him a “faggot”.

Following the controversy, organisers of British music festival, Born & Bred, dropped Banks as their headline act, saying that they celebrated “inclusivity and equality”.

Jack Maynard The British YouTube star, Jack Maynard, was kicked off reality TV show “I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here” last year, after a series of homophobic tweets came to light.

Jack Maynard Image: uk.news. yahoo.com

“some pretty disgusting things”, after it emerged he called fellow Twitter users “retarded faggots”.

“I was young, I was stupid, I was careless, I just wasn’t thinking”, he said.

-Isabelle Gerretsen @izzygerretsen, Thomson Reuters Foundation (eile.ie 11 December 2018)

Maynard, who has more than 1.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, apologised for tweeting

EILE Magazine 83

Artist Charlotte Prodger poses after winning the 2018 Turner Prize at the Tate Britain December 4, 2018 – Image: REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

(Reuters) – Glasgowbased artist, Charlotte Prodger, won the 2018 Turner Prize on Tuesday, Britain’s prestigious contemporary art award, with an autobiographical film shot on a mobile phone.

For the first time, all four works shortlisted for the annual prize were films, organisers said, tackling “some of today’s most important issues, from queer identity, human-rights

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abuses and police brutality to postcolonial migration and the legacy of liberation movements”.

Prodger, who works with sculpture, writing, and film, was awarded the 25,000-pound ($31,785) prize for the autobiographical “BRIDGIT” as well as another video.

Named after the Neolithic deity, “BRIDGIT” features snippets of Prodger at home or in the Scottish countryside, looking at her experience of coming out as gay.

Filmed over one year, it uses narration from Prodger’s diary, as well as book extracts, looking at

Artist Charlotte Prodger wins Britain’s Turner Prize with phone video about coming out

history and identity.

“I guess my work is quite personal and it’s becoming increasingly personal as time goes by”, Prodger told Britain’s BBC after winning the prize.

“It is an honour but I would like my life to carry on as normal.”

The 44-year-old, who will represent Scotland at the Venice Biennale next year, join the ranks of past Turner Prize winners, which include Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, and Antony Gormley. The prize was established in 1984.

-Marie-Louise Gumuchian (eile.ie 6 December 2018)

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The Rainbow Project in Northern Ireland have congratulated their partners, Pride in Newry, on being chosen to host next year’s 2019 UK & Ireland Pride Festival and Parade.

They say the team have worked very hard in increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBT people in Newry, and beyond.

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The Rainbow Project said:

“[..] we are very excited Ireland Pride with our c Newry. We are also thril Pride Organisers Associ announced that they wil conference in Newry in M

Pride in Newry received outstand organisers of Pride events across 2018 UK Pride Organisers’ Netwo

Pádraig Mullally, Pride in Newry’

Rainbow Project NI - ‘Pride in Newry’ to host UK & Ireland Pride Image: Pride In Newry

“We are delighted to have won UK and Ireland Pride 2019, against a backdrop of setbacks for the LGBTQI community in the North of Ireland, we will work hard to maximise the opportunity’s this status affords us, and continue to fight tirelessly for equality in Northern Ireland”.

to celebrate UK and colleagues and friends in lled [that] the European iation (EPOA) have For more information on Pride of Newry 2019, you can ll be hosting their next contact Rory Rafferty on 07731545555.

March 2019”.

ding support from over 150 the UK and Ireland, during the ork Conference in Glasgow.

(eile.ie 10 December 2018)

’s co-chair said:

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EU LGBTI strategy Joint paper from 19 Member States 19 EU member states have signed a common paper prepared by the Maltese government, calling for continued efforts within the EU to ensure full protection of LGBTI rights. The paper called on the next European Commission to ensure strong follow-up of the current EC LGBTI list of actions, and adopt a coherent EU LGBTI strategy.

The signatory countries of the paper are Malta, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Slovenia, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Greece, UK, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, and Cyprus.

In the EPSCO Council debate on Thursday afternoon, the signatory member states showed an immediate commitment to ensure that the EU lives up to obligations to protect

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LGBTI rights, refusing to accept to adopt Council Conclusions regarding “gender equality, youth and digitalization”, from which the Austrian Presidency had deleted a reference to LGBTIQ people on the request of Poland and Hungary.

“It was very reassuring [..] to see a majority of member states drawing a line and speaking out clearly and strongly about the fact that taking out a reference to LGBTIQ people as protected group is unacceptable”, said ILGAEurope’s Executive Director Evelyne Paradis.

“We would like to thank all member states who spoke out and stopped this attempt that would have marked a clear step backwards from EU treaty obligations and agreed text within the EU institutions“.

Over the last two years, Poland and Hungary several times explicitly called for the exclusion of LGBTI people from EU protection, both in the European Council and before the European Court of Justice.

“It was important that member states [Thursday] were clear that this is unacceptable. As regrettable as it is, that this means that Council Conclusions could not be adopted, the EU cannot be taken hostage by 2 countries and be forced to dismantle agreed non-discrimination standards”,commented ILGA-Europe’s Advocacy Director Katrin

Joint paper from 19 Member States for an EU LGBTI strategy – Image: ILGA-Europe

Hugendubel.

ILGA-Europe will built on the support shown on Thursday last, and will continue to work with member states and the European institutions, to ensure that all grounds set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights are equally protected in EU policymaking. A strong commitment from the EC in the form of an LGBTI strategy for the next mandate will be key to close protection gaps for LGBTI people. (eile.ie 9 December 2018)

“It was very reassuring [..] to see a majority of member states drawing a line and speaking out clearly and strongly about the fact that taking out a reference to LGBTIQ people as protected group is unacceptable” -ILGA-Europe’s Executive Director Evelyne Paradis.

EILE Magazine 89

Brazil - C&A Holiday hiring reaches out to trans community Brazilian LGBT+ rights activists on Tuesday hailed Dutch retailer, C&A, for directing a new hiring campaign at under-represented minorities, including transgender people.

The company announced that it would be hiring for 5,000 temporary roles, at more than 270 stores across the country, and encouraged both transgender people and refugees to apply.

An announcement, directed specifically at transgender workers, appeared last week on the Facebook page of local advocacy group, Transempregos, which collaborated with C&A to promote the vacancies among its followers.

“For C&A, fashion is a platform of expression that allows everyone to show who they are”, reads the job announcement.

“To be in touch with the times, C&A is offering a work environment that believes in the value and richness of differences”.

The C&A Foundation, affiliated with retailer C&A, is a funding partner of the Thomson Reuters Foundation on its coverage of

90 EILE Magazine

human trafficking.

“It’s marvelous”, Symmy Larrat, p Association of LGBT people (ABLG Foundation.

“It sends a message that goes again day to day”.

The hiring campaign draws attenti transgender Brazilians, who, despi nation’s top court recognizing tran and discrimination.

According to advocacy group Tran people were killed in Brazil last ye

Javier Corrales, professor of politi College, told the Thomson Reuters discrimination is also a daily realit Brazil and across Latin America.

“This is a very serious problem”, h to a limited number of jobs, mostl get promoted”.

president of the Brazilian GBTT) told the Thomson Reuters

nst the exclusion that people live

ion to the difficulties confronting ite recent decisions from the ns rights, regularly face violence

ns Murder Monitoring, 167 trans ear, the most of any country.

ical science at Amherst s Foundation that workplace ty for transgender people, both in

C&A Shop, Brazil Image: C&A

Worse still, said Corrales, those trans people that do get hired often experience anxiety and self-exclusion from trying to hide their identity, which can impact productivity.

By contrast, moves like these to promote inclusion can help boost workplace performance.

“A company that cultivates a culture of diversity makes everyone feel much more comfortable”. he said.

“It attracts more talent, and it’s a win win: it’s a win for productivity, and it’s a win for workers”.

-Oscar Lopez, Thomson Reuters Foundation (eile.ie 6 December 2018)

he said. “They might have access ly low-paying jobs, and they don’t

EILE Magazine 91

BeLonG To: LG in Other La

BeLonG To recently welcomed international friends at th were from the organisation, Z

Meetings like this highlight how, despite language barriers and borders, all are connected as m

With BeLonG To’s new digital project, they are connecting with, and offering support to, LGBTI+ yout for Ire

Moninne Griffith of BeLonG To is delighted to tell you that they now have a new facility on their web

Within this online hub, helpful advice and tips can be found on the issues of mental and physic

With this resource, more LGBTI+ young people will have the

You can check out the resource on their website, and shar

(eile.ie 8 Dece

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GBTI+ Support anguages

heir head office in Dublin. These young LGBTI+ activists Zagreb Pride, based in Croatia.

members of the LGBTI+ community, and can support one another to feel equal, safe and valued.

th whose first language is not English, thanks to the generous support of The Community Foundation eland.

bsite for young people seeking advice and guidance in French, Polish, Lithuanian, Arabic, and Urdu.

cal health, relationships, understanding sexuality, and gender identity, coming out, and more.

e ability to access vital information important to their needs.

re it with your friends: Go to: www. belongto.org

ember 2018).

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) 94 EILE Magazine

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

DLL – Phone: (01) 872 9911 (Callback facility available) EILE Magazine 97

EILE Magazine

DaithĂ­

Image: Fb

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