Digital Edition Jan 2022 Is 271 Vol 20
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Contents Page 6
Page 16
Letter to my Younger Self – Stuart Townsend
Tales of Hollywood: The Passionate Love Scenes that Stemmed From Hatred
Howth-born actor Stuart Townsend writes a compelling letter to his 16-year-old self.
Page 8 Victims of Domestic Abuse & Their Fears of Homelessness Sam McMurdock speaks with a Co. Louth woman, trapped in an abusive home who fears she and her daughter will become the latest ‘hidden homeless’ statistic.
Page 12 Tommy Fleming: Thirty Years in the Business We catch up with Tommy ahead of his 30th Anniversary Tour.
Greatest love story or greatest loathe story? Shaun Anthony takes a look at the stars who had to create convicing love scenes despite hating each other.
Page 22 Ian Bailey: In Response Ian Bailey answers your questions in a live interview with Ireland’s Big Issue editor, Sean Kavanagh.
Page 30 Dangers of Fatphobic Hate Speech Shefkiye AlasaniDika looks at the long lasting effects of hate speech on children’s psychophysical development.
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Page 34
Afghans “Marry Off” Baby Girls as Starvation Looms
Sea Superfood.
Afghanistan’s economic meltdown following the Taliban’s takeover recently is pushing destitute families to marry off their young daughters - even baby girls. Emma Batha & Shadi Khan Saif report.
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Can Seaweed Help Solve Ireland’s Cow Methane Problem? Connor Humphries reports.
Regulars 20/21– Photo World 26/27 – Screen Scene 36/37 - Book reviews
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Issues: Talking Point
Happy New Year & Let’s Make 2022 the Year We Serve Others
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am McMurdock asks what we can do to make 2022 a kinder year.
We have a blank slate before us. A whole new year, to not only improve our own lives and the lives of our family and friends but those in our community and perhaps even further afield. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the seemingly endless issues facing us - from Covid to climate change, homelessness to humanitarian issues and the global fiscal outlook to personal finances.
If you’re caught in that endless loop-mindset of, “What can I do to make a change this year?” Just remember, it doesn’t even have to be one big thing there’s any number of little things you can do that will trickle to others, and this list is by no means exhaustive:
Volunteering at your local St. Vincent de Paul. Donating blood. Donate your used clothing to homeless shelters/clothes banks. Foster an animal. Change your diet (even one meat-free day per week can help the environment).Make only purchases We all know the story of the old …..your action, no matter how seemingly that support your values. Spread man who liked to walk on the Kindness: Do something unexpected insignificant makes a huge difference. beach early each morning. One for someone. Even a smile or asking morning, just after a storm had the supermarket cashier how their passed he saw the beach littered with starfish as far as the day’s been going. These are not big gestures but kindness eye could see, stretching in both directions. Off in the breeds kindness. distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he If we’ve learned anything these past two years it’s just grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally how unpredictable life can be. Jobs have been lost, homes bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the repossessed, families forced to rely on food banks as sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, our social welfare system struggles to meet the ever“Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?” increasingly need. We’ve soberly realised that each and The young boy paused, looked up, and replied, every one of us is no more than a couple of pay cheques “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed from penury - and while many stockpiled, others used them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea the impetus to donate to food banks and support families by themselves. When the sun gets high, they will die, on the brink. We must all start thinking collectively unless I throw them back into the water.” how we can support each other. Stop the “I’m ok Jack” The old man replied, mindset. To move forward in 2022 we need to realise that “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this we are not on an island when we lock our front door - we beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much are part of a community - a community we should serve of a difference.” unselfishly and generously, because we never known The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and when we may need a kind ear. threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, Let’s make 2022 the year of kindness: give anonymously, “It made a difference to that one!” serve each other without fanfare (free of Facebook posts and other means of humble bragging) and correct wrongs Even if this is nothing more than an old fable passed from wherever you see them. It may seem like very small acts generation to generation, it makes a great point - your but those small measures can have long-lasting ripple action, no matter how seemingly insignificant makes a effects. huge difference. 5
Issues: Life
Letter to my Younger Self Stuart Townsend
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ach issue we ask a well-known face to write a letter to their 16-year-old self. This issue, 48-yearold actor and director Stuart Townsend, originally from Howth, Co. Dublin has a word or two for his 16-year-old self.
Five years later I had just completed my third I went to Paris when I was eighteen and walked the movie “Resurrection streets for those few Man” and was back days in amazement in Paris walking of the beauty of that around the city city. I kept a journal once again when which I wrote in almost I happened upon every day from the age the square full of of sixteen until I was cafes. The memory twenty eight. Being of my younger inspired in Paris, I did nervous self came what many people flooding back and do, I went to a cafe in I sat down and an unusually shaped wrote another long square somewhere entry. Around five amongst the bustle, years had passed. I and wrote about what I had finished drama was feeling at the time. school, set up a Back then I had just theatre company started drama school with my friends, and was pretty anxious spent three years about what I was doing on stage in Dublin with my life. Few in and touring Ireland, my family supported made three movies, the idea of acting, my mother had died thinking it risky and a I had disappeared to smarter choice would central America for be to go to college adventure and now and study business. here I was back in Yet I had never liked the same spot. A lot the education system can happen in five and the idea of doing years I thought. And several more years of I remembered how college seemed crazy. I full of trepidation I just wanted to get out had been about the in the world and see future back then, and do it all. When so I wrote an entry asked how was I going to my younger self to finance myself as a now slightly galavanting around successful and more confident the world, I didn’t have an answer. person. I wrote to my But in my heart I knew what “I marvelled at how deep younger self that was more important than I shouldn’t have practicality, was passion. and full and intense life can be when you had so many fears have a place in time that you can visit and but trusted more. Although on this day From this present in Paris I was fretting about unload all the experiences..” perspective many of my the future. Would I be an actor? fears had not come to pass How would I support myself, Did I and I was now building a career and have what it took? What did it take?? I wrote a long actually fulfilling my dream of traveling. entry that day in the cafe strewn square that was more like a triangle but wasn’t a triangle either, and time About four years later, at the end of my twenties, passed on! 6
I once again randomly found the square that was not really a square. I always carried my journal when I was traveling and I once again sat down and wrote to my younger self. This time I cemented the idea that I would keep coming back to this strange-shaped place and write entries to my younger self. My twenties had been a whirlwind, more than I could have dreamed of, and this entry to my eighteen and twenty three year old self was full of gratitude for the life I had lived. It was of course full of challenges and heartbreak, but remembering who and what I felt back as my younger self, I had come a long way and had many dreams come true, and many wishes come true that then had turned into nightmares - such is life! When I left the square this time, hoping that my life would continue to be adventurous and that I could write once more to my younger self one day, I saw that the Pantheon was close by and so now I vaguely knew where this square was. This was pre-Google Maps!
not in flow with life. Our external lives are always reflections of our internal selves and how we cope with love, fear, rejection, happiness and the unknown. It’s been many years now since I have been to the magical square, if it ever really existed in this dream we live within, yet one day I hope to find it again. And if I do, I will tell my younger self that no matter the heartbreak, the obstacles, the burdens and the responsibilities that come with age for all of us, and no matter how crazy and dysfunctional this world becomes, to never let fear rule your life. Because when fear rules your life, you stop the flow of all that spontaneity, which is a gift to the young, and success to the brave. The trick it seems, is to live unencumbered from the past and to always keep your adventurous spirit. I see this life as a story that I am co-creating with an unknown mysterious Spirit that has a wicked sense of humour. If I am living in fear and safety and not much is going on, then is this Spirit going to be interested in my story? Not at all! And so those magical spontaneous narratives that make your life special seem to dry up.
Two years later I was filming in Paris for the first time and I found the square again. I had grown to love this place and this personal ritual I had created. I remember how much I marvelled at how deep and full This Universal Spirit seems to have no judgment and intense life can be when you have a place in time like humans do, but to be only willing to help your that you can visit and unload all the experiences you narrative along if you are telling an interesting and can remember. I would do a kind of inventory of the fearless story! good, the bad and the ugly, but always with a feeling of gratitude for the rich I hope to visit Paris one experience of being simply day again and without .....never let fear rule your alive! GPS, find this Reality Checkpoint by life. Because you stop the flow of all that chance.Then I Several years went spontaneity, which is a gift to the young, will know that the by and much had present chapter in my changed in my life. I was and success to the brave.. life is in flow again and older, a little more beat up the creative force is once again and now mid-life had kicked in. I listening and willing to lend a hand … found myself in the City of Light once more and this time I actively, rather than spontaneously, Stuart went to search for the square near the Pantheon … but I couldn’t find it. And this time, I had Google Maps to help me. I went to the Pantheon and walked around with my phone in hand searching for this * Stuart stars in The Martini Shot, released place to offload all my feelings and speak with my later this year, co-starring John Cleese and younger self. But no matter how many streets I Matthew Modine. He is currently starring walked and how many squares I went into, I couldn’t with Lacey Chabert in Christmas at Castle find it. In a way, maybe this was the metaphor for Hart on Hallmark. my own life at that moment. I was a little lost and unable to find this anchor point. I had not found this magical place spontaneously as before, I had instead searched, using technology. In other words I was 7
Issues: Life
Victims of Domestic Abuse and their Fears of Homelessness
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am McMurdock speaks with a 27-year-old mother from Co. Louth who’s in an abusive relationship, but fears leaving as she’s terrified she and her daughter will be transported from a shelter to unsuitable accommodation and potentially become the latest ‘hidden homeless’ statistic. I made some friends and one by one my partner made sure they disappeared from my life. He’d accuse me of cheating, he’d make me text them to cancel meet ups, he’d start an argument out of the blue just as I was about to leave and I’d then be crying and in no mood to go out or he’d convince me they’d come on to him. I know I’ve nobody I could ask to put us up until I got something sorted. I’ve left a few times and always end up back. It all looks good on paper, that I contacted Gina by private there’s services out message and she agreed to there that can help, chat a few mornings later but last time I left, when she had the house to almost two years ago, herself. I ignorantly ask her we ended up having what’s standing in her way to move so many couldn’t she use a morning times: from emergency like this to pack hers and B&Bs to then finding her little girl’s belongings somewhere, but it and just leave the house. really wasn’t suitable, “I have nowhere to go….. Anna was in tears because she could hear loud noises his [her partner’s] family refuse to hear a bad word about him, my father left when I was a baby and my outside the door, I was terrified myself because there were very loud, intimidating men, the mother lives in Scotland with a man she very thing I was trying to get met online, we’ve never “I’ve away from. The walls been close anyway, never been allowed friends, were paper thin. In the she always chose her one by one my partner made sure they refuge, at least we felt boyfriends over me, disappeared from my life.” safe but the emergency I’ve never asked her accommodation, I’ll never for anything and I don’t forget. Anna was crying, we were plan to start now. “I’ve never in one room ….. I was struggling just as much, if been allowed friends; when *Anna [her little girl] not more to maintain some sort of sanity. It was was at nursery *Gina is 27 and has a 10-year-old daughter. She recently posted on a well-known discussion website about the emotional, financial, and sometimes domestic abuse she is subject to and her fears of becoming homeless if she leaves her partner and takes their daughter. Many sympathise with the Co. Louth woman in the comments but several have asked why she doesn’t “just leave,” or “go to a women’s shelter and explain your situation….” Gina replies, “It’s not that easy. I’ve nowhere to go. It’s not as simple as that.”
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a frightening prospect, but we eventually went home …. I think I gave up any notion there was anything better for us that night when, after Anna was sleeping he mocked me relentlessly, told me I’d been out there, couldn’t do it alone and had come back with my tail between my legs. I was broken probably at my lowest because I think all hope was finally gone.
abuses me but at least I know me and my daughter aren’t in unsafe accommodation … and at the end of the day, he’s good to Anna and I don’t think she’s aware of what goes on …. he’s very crafty like that.” Sadly Gina is far from alone. In the Focus Ireland report, one woman in her early 40s had escaped an abusive relationship and rather than having a stable home, she’d been moved around continuously over the next two-anda-half years, which resulted in her returning home to her abuser - and later, sleeping on the streets. Another woman, 32, moved from a guest house which she left when she ran out of money, to homeless hostels and emergency B&Bs and then onto a refuge before getting back into private rented accommodation, where she then received notice to quit. According to Focus Ireland’s research,
“I was talking to a woman a few weeks ago on a discussion App and she told me she was in a similar situation about 20 years ago and now helps women like me and she offered to take us in until I get sorted but I don’t know this woman, I’m scared in case it’s some sort of con and I end up getting me and Anna into something dangerous, so I’ve just stopped replying, but then sometimes I think, could it be any worse, especially days when he’s been mentally vindictive or has “These cases strongly suggest that Over physically hurt me ….. but parents’ housing options 50% of the study’s parents then I think, even if I had post-leaving the abusive stayed with a family member or someone to put us up, I relationship were wonder could I cope on friend after they first left home. Thus, a extremely limited my own, I’ve no skills, and that women’s large number entered into situations of I’ve no money - how ability to access safe hidden homelessness… would I pay bills, buy food and affordable housing …..And even if I could get was severely compromised. a job, I’m so anxious around men, especially where there’s a power imbalance …..” “Over 50% of the study’s parents stayed with a family member or friend after they first left Gina goes on to tell me, “I’ve no access to money. home. Thus, a large number entered into *Eric gives me housekeeping money, but there’s no situations of hidden homelessness, meaning wiggle room, just enough for groceries, so I’d never that their situations – and the fact that they be able to save enough to make the upfront deposit, had experienced domestic abuse – remained rent or pay housing related bills until I got a job.” concealed for many weeks and, in some cases, Eric does not allow Gina to work, for several months.” “He used to say he wanted Anna to have a stay-athome mam, and I could see the benefits of that, but as the years have gone on I’ve felt more and more vulnerable because I’ve no money and I’m pretty much stuck here. I may be living with the man who
Dr Paula Mayock who conducted the study for Focus Ireland, stated recently that the entire range of supports for one-parent families need to be reviewed as many of the people affected by domestic abuse are leaving a home in private rented accommodation, 9
there’s countless individuals like Gina, some living with family members until they find a home who are our nation’s hidden homeless. Let’s make 2022 a time of action. There’s no excuse for leaving an abuse victim with their abuser. We must Focus Ireland Director of make these brave individuals Advocacy, Mike Allen stated recently and their children a There’s no excuse for leaving an priority, stop ferrying that a lack of abuse victim with their abuser. coordination in the them between services and properties and have good, safe, provision of homeless permanent social housing and ongoing support services meant there was a wasting of ready. Countless women (and some men) have used resources and this, along with the recommendations every morsel of strength to walk away and keep in the Focus Ireland report, should be the focus of the cross-departmental housing action committee their children safe. Let’s be sure we have services fit for purpose and not add to the stress these survivors established by the Minister for Housing. have already endured. Something needs to be done ASAP. We are now *Not real names in 2022. There should be no justifiable reason for anyone, especially an abuse victim and parent to be terrified of the prospect of homelessness - and and then trying to re-enter the same market on more limited means and sometimes with children distressed by what has occurred.
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Issues: Interview
Tommy Fleming:
Thirty Years in the Business
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am McMurdock recently caught up with Mayo singer Tommy Fleming ahead of his 30th Anniversary Tour.
You’ve had 30 successful years in the music business. What’s the secret to a long, successful career?
evokes some great childhood memories. What’s your favourite song to perform live?
I wish I had a secret formula but, the answer is simple, hard work, determination and a belief in yourself. Keeping grounded also helps me in a huge way.
At the moment it’s ‘I’m Watching Over You’ from my new album, it’s written by one of my best friends in Sydney, Hugh Scott Murray.
You’ve had 65 million YouTube views - does it excite you knowing you’re introducing a whole new generation to traditional music? It gives me great joy and pride that my music can influence a younger generation or even inspire any generation for that matter. You’ve sold 3.5 million albums worldwide - do you have a favourite and if so, which one? Even though I’ve just released a new album ‘All These Years’ which is a favourite at the moment, I still love my Christmas Album ‘Song For A Winter’s Night’, it just
You have a special way of bringing new life into songs we’ve heard for years. Is it important to you that you put your own stamp on a song? I don’t deliberately go out of my way to add something to an old song, I feel the story, lyrics and musicality of the song and it comes naturally I guess. I find the less that’s done with a song the more impact it can have, so the simplest of arrangements always work on old Irish songs. In a way it’s how they are written. 12
You written and recorded a lot of the songs on ‘All These Years’ during lockdown. Did you stay busy during lockdown or ‘Netflix ‘n’ chill’ like the rest of us? A mixture of both I think. I’m a firm believer in balance, even pre-pandemic I always took six months of the year off from touring. I’ve been burnt out in the past and it’s just so draining mentally and physically. You’ve been through a lot, Tommy. I can’t imagine what it was like to lose both parents on the same day and of course breaking your neck was not only painful but very traumatic. Does having a strong passion, in your case, music, help in getting through such seasons of life? Mmmmm music is therapy, of that there’s no doubt however, having a positive attitude helps; I always look for the positive in most situations.
great singers like Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Benn Platt, the list goes on. What do you like to do as a family in your spare time? We love to cook, travel, socialise together, dine out, or simply get a takeaway on a Saturday night and chill out in front of the TV. Had you not been a singer, what might you have been instead? Probably a nurse!! I’ve always had an interest in medicine and don’t think I’d have had the brains or the stamina to be a doctor. If not that, then working with animals definitely. What advice would you give 16-year-old. Don’t follow the crowd. When they zig you zag and always be true to yourself.
“I Tommy’s new bestselling album believe with age comes You recently turned 50. ‘All These Years’ is out now. What do you enjoy most He is also in the middle of a wisdom but, you should always about entering your fifth stay as youthful as possible, laugh out nationwide tour marking 30 decade? years in showbiz. loud and do something that scares you regularly.” When you put it like that, very little hahaha! Joking aside, I believe with age comes wisdom but, you should always stay as youthful as possible, laugh out loud and do something that scares you regularly.
See more at www.tommyfleming.com
COMPETITION TIME
You’ve a tour coming up soon. How do you prepare? My prep is always exercise. I’m lazy when it comes to vocal exercises but, I sing constantly, even on the treadmill ha! I find exercise helps me physically prepare and most importantly, mentally. Who do you listen to when you put music on in the car or in the evening?
Fancy winning a Tommy Fleming CD and DVD? If so, answer the following question: How many years has Tommy been in showbusiness? Email: info@irelandsissuesmagazine.com and please type Tommy Fleming New Year’s Competition in subject line.
It could be any artist or even classical music. I listen to 13
Issues: Our World
Afghans “Marry Off” Baby Girls for Dowries as Starvation Looms
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fghanistan’s economic meltdown following the Taliban’s takeover recently is pushing destitute families to marry off young daughters - and even baby girls. Emma Batha and Shadi Khan Saif report.
Jobless and engulfed in debt, Afghan brick kiln worker Fazal said the country’s imploding economy had left him with a stark choice - marry off his young daughters, or risk the family starving to death. Recently, he received a $3,000 dowry payment after handing over his 13 and 15-year-old daughters to men more than twice their age. If the money runs out, he may have to marry off his seven-year-old, he said.
She said she was hearing of cases every day - often involving girls under 10 years of age, although it was not clear if young girls would be forced to have sex before reaching puberty. UN children’s agency UNICEF said there were credible reports of families offering daughters as young as 20-days old for future marriage in return for a dowry. Crippled by drought and economic collapse, Afghanistan is set to become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, according to UN agencies. As winter is here, they said millions were on the brink of starvation, and 97 per cent of households could fall below the poverty line by mid-2022.
“I had no other way to feed my family and pay off my debt. What else could I have done?” he said from the Afghan capital, Kabul. “I desperately hope I won’t have to marry off my youngest daughter.”
The hardline Islamist group’s sudden return to power saw billions of dollars in Afghan assets frozen abroad and most international aid halted. Food prices have rocketed and millions are jobless or have not been paid.
Child marriage has increased in tandem with soaring poverty since the Taliban seized power on 15th August, with reports of destitute parents even promising baby girls Frogh said families were marrying off their for future marriage in exchange for girls to reduce the number of mouths dowries, women’s rights activists Last month, he received a they had to feed, and to obtain said. dowries, which typically range $3,000 dowry payment after handing They predicted the rate of child marriage - which was prevalent even before the Taliban’s return - could nearly double in the coming months.
over his 13 and 15-year-old daughters to men more than twice their age ...
“It paralyses (my) heart hearing these stories ... It’s not a marriage. It’s child rape,” said prominent Afghan women’s rights campaigner Wazhma Frogh.
from $500 to $2,000, with younger children attracting higher sums.
Parents are also handing over daughters to settle debts. Frogh cited a case in which a landlord had taken a distraught tenant’s nine-yearold girl when he could not pay his rent. In northwest Afghanistan, she said another man had left his 14
five children at a mosque because he could not feed them. The three girls, all thought to be under 13, were wed the same day.
domestic abuse, exploitation and dangerous pregnancy complications.
“The number of cases has increased so much because of starvation. People have nothing and cannot feed their children,” said Frogh, founder of the Women & Peace Studies Organisation, which works with grassroots women leaders across the country.
“It ruins their lives - their psychological, emotional, physical and sexual health,” said Afghani, president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom’s Afghan section, which has 10,000 members across the country. “These girls are often treated as servants, as slaves.”
“It’s completely illegal, and not allowed in religion,” she added.
Afghani said activists had recently intervened to stop the marriage of a nine-year-old girl to a man in his 30s for a 50,000 Afghani ($538) dowry in Ghazni province in the southeast.
UNICEF said it had started a cash assistance programme to help cut the risks of hunger and child marriage, and was liaising with religious leaders to stop ceremonies involving underage girls. Before the Taliban took over, the legal minimum marriage age was 16 for girls - below the internationally recognised minimum of 18. The Taliban say they only recognise Sharia law which does not stipulate a minimum age, leaving it open to interpretation. Rising debt
Schools shut Rights experts said the Taliban’s closure of girls’ high schools was also pushing parents to marry off their daughters. “The two most important risk factors for driving child marriage are poverty and the lack of access to education,” said Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch, who has worked with women in Afghanistan for more than six years.
Brickworker Fazal said his problems began when the economic crisis halted The Taliban, which banned girls’ construction work. Like his ...a landlord had taken education when last in power from fellow labourers, he had been 1996-2001, have said they will a distraught tenant’s nine-year-old paid upfront - $1,000 for six eventually be able to resume girl when he could not pay his rent. months’ work. school, but have not clarified under what conditions. With demand for bricks drying up, his boss told him to hand back Donors want to use aid as leverage to his advance, but Fazal, who only gave his first ensure the Taliban uphold girls’ and women’s name, had already spent much of it on medical treatment for rights. his sick wife. But Barr said life-saving assistance was needed immediately, Local residents said many other kiln workers had also been adding that delays would leave more families destitute and forced to marry off young girls to repay advances. more girls at risk of marriage. The most recent national data show 28 per cent of girls in Afghanistan marry before they reach 18, and 4 per cent before 15. But Frogh and Afghan women’s rights activist Jamila Afghani predicted that up to half of girls could be forced into marriage before they turn 18 if the crisis continued.
“You are not doing women’s rights any favours by starving women to death,” she said. Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / International Network of Street Papers
Girls who wed young are at higher risk of marital rape, 15
Issues: Tales of Hollywood
The Passionate Love Scenes That Stemmed From Hatred
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reatest love story or greatest loathe story? Shaun Anthony takes a look at the stars who had to get up close and personal despite the only passion present being hatred!
The Notebook: Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams at War
Notebook’ is often cited as one of the films with the most intense chemistry between two actors, it’s ironic that both actors complained to Cassavetes about the lack of chemistry and their outright hatred of each other.
The Notebook … it’s one of those films that left an indelible impression on those who watched it back in 2004. Females were intoxicated Kramer vs. by Ryan Gosling Kramer: and Rachel Hoffman McAdams’ Frustrated portrayal of the with ‘Feminist’ poor, passionate Streep young man who falls in love with Kramer vs. a rich southern Kramer, the belle in 1940’s Gosling & 1979 legal drama South Carolina McAdams sizzled starring Meryl - but needless to in The Notebook Streep and Dustin say, the course Hoffman was a of true love hotbed of angst. Streep and Hoffman despised each never runs smoothly and social class differences, war other because Streep had given an interview to Time and another beau on the scene threaten this allmagazine the same year recounting how Hoffman consuming love affair. Unfortunately, despite stellar had groped her breast years previous when she was performances depicting devoted, all-consuming auditioning for a play he was directing. In ardent love, between takes McAdams the interview she described the At one and Gosling fought constantly incident, and at one stage Gosling tried stage Gosling tried to get to get McAdams fired by McAdams fired. “He came up to me and said, telling director Nick Cassavetes ‘I’m Dustin—burp—Hoffman,’ and he he’d walk if he didn’t replace her. When put his hand on my breast. What an obnoxious pig, I Cassavetes said he could not and would not do that, thought.” Gosling said he needed a complete break from his Hoffman was furious. He also felt that Streep was co-star and asked that another actress be brought in taking liberties by seeking approval from writerto read McAdams’ lines in rehearsals to minimise director Robert Benton to make changes to countless contact with his nemesis. Cassavetes, desperate to scenes. When Hoffman saw the changes, he angrily restore some kind of normalcy on set acquiesced screamed, - on one condition, that both stars would attend ”Meryl, why don’t you stop carrying the flag for therapy sessions together on set. Considering ‘The 16
feminism and just act the scene.” Streep claimed that Hoffman was so angry at her that during the film’s scene of spousal abuse he slapped her very hard for real. “This was my first movie and he just slapped me …. You see it in the movie. It was overstepping,” she would tell The New York Times later.
“Gene took me tightly in his arms...and shoved his tongue down my throat. ‘Eeew! What was that?’ I screeched, breaking free of his grasp and spitting. I ran around frantic, yelling for some Coca-Cola to cleanse my mouth. It was the early 1950s, and I was an innocent Streep hated kid who had Hoffman (still never been does!) Frenchkissed. It felt like an assault. I was stunned that this 39-year-old man would do this to me.”
Years later while playing a game of “Marry, Sh*g, Kill” on Andy Reynolds Cohen’s Watch became What Happens Live, Streep chose “to kill” Hoffman so convinced that Kelly was doing everything in without question. Although Hoffman has since his power to intimidate her that she ran into one apologised to Meryl (and countless others), postof MGM’s rehearsal rooms and hid under a piano Harvey Weinstein it’s distasteful that Dustin, often crying. She was eventually found by Fred Astaire in power-imbalanced situations who explained that “He came viewed his behaviour as because Kelly was up to me and said, ‘I’m Dustin— nothing more than co-directing burp—Hoffman,’ and he put his hand on my “flirting” and has since the film, he breast. What an obnoxious pig, I thought.” said he knows he has had a lot on “a lot of chauvinism” but his shoulders finds it “difficult to overcome the and she shouldn’t temptation.” Not good! take it personally but being just 18, with little experience, she held a grudge that lasted Singin’ in the Rain: May December years. Decades later Kelly admitted that he’d treated Relationship Disgusted Reynolds Debbie very poorly on set. The famous musical Singin’ in the Rain captured hearts, but Debbie Reynolds, in her memoir, Unsinkable recalled her time on set with Gene Kelly, writing,
Debbie Reynolds & Gene Kelly
“He came to rehearsals and criticised everything I did and never gave me a word of encouragement.” She also detailed what it was like when their characters kissed. In her memoir she said,
Sliver: Sharon Stone Renders Baldwin Speechless …. literally
Back in 1993, hot on the heels of Basic Instinct’s success came Sharon Stone’s follow up, Sliver, co-starring William Baldwin. It seemed from day one that Baldwin and Stone did not see eye to eye. After their first scene, Stone discovered 17
Baldwin had been making disparaging remarks about her to male cast and crew (he’d nicknamed her Skinny Lips and made offensive comments about her breathe) she sought revenge during an passionate sex scene and purposefully bit his tongue so hard she drew blood - in fact, Baldwin’s tongue was injured so badly that he couldn’t talk for days.
ostracised on set. Director Adrian Lyne believed he needed to keep the actress “on the edge of terror” to create a more believable sense of fear, surprise and sexual arousal between her and her lover (played by Mickey Rourke).
Lyne struck upon a more controversial approach: he tried to Director Phil create an Stone gives Baldwin an injury he’ll never Noyce was atmosphere forget furious with on set Stone who and in stood her particular a ground and relationship defended her between actions. Of the two course, in stars - that recent years would push the actress Basinger has spoken into actually out ( at the experiencing height of the feelings the #MeToo and playing movement) them out in about an raw form unnamed before the producer who tried to coerce her into having real cameras, so Basinger and Rourke were not allowed sex with her co-star to help an ailing script. Many any contact between filming. Lyne also ensured have put the pieces together and believe the co-star Basinger believed Rourke dismissed her as an actress was Baldwin and that he was enraged when Stone and had no respect for her as a person (which was refused to help the faltering film in this way. She completely untrue at the time). Lyne was telling went on to say that the actor in Rourke similar untruths question would not stop claiming Basinger had Kelly admitted that he’d making haphazard passes uttered them within treated Debbie very poorly on set. at her and going too far in earshot. sex scenes. Suffice to say the pair hate each other to this day When shooting a suicide - the reason why, many believe it’s Baldwin she was scene (that wasn’t in the movie), Lyne felt alluding to. Basinger looked “too dewy …. too good” so called Mickey Rourke aside, ordering him to, “extract the 9 1/2 Weeks: Erotic for Some - Torment for effect … extract it now” so Rourke walked back in Basinger shot, pulled Basinger roughly by the arm and pushed her to the ground, held her down and slapped her The erotic romantic drama 9 1/2 Weeks about an hard around the face. Basinger started to cry and art dealer named Elizabeth and her sexual obsession, tried to get up but Rourke held her down as she wept domination and finally degradation by a man named hysterically. Lyne shouted, “We’re ready to shoot the John, whom she meets by accident, dealt with some scene, let’s go …. Be kind to her now.” controversial subject matter and proved so alienating to preview audiences that the film was severely cut, Lyne later justified his conduct, claiming the realand its opening repeatedly delayed, but this was far life alternation between harshness and kindness from the film’s only shortcoming. was supposed to give the on-screen relationship its particular sexual tension, and despite accusations of Kim Basinger felt depressed, exploited and extreme misogyny at the hands of Lyne and Rourke, 18
Lyne argued his approach was ‘’not the result of a sadistic alliance between me and Mickey.’’ Many staff and crew members disagreed. He went on to further justify his actions, “Kim is not an intellectual. She doesn’t read books. I made her be that woman for 10 weeks. She didn’t act her. In order for her to be angry I would rage at her. Mickey also had to do it. He frightened her. And that was done purposely. She doesn’t act, she reacts. I had to make her plumb the depths in this movie.’’
increasingly, “We shot in sequence, and in the beginning, when the character was sweet, he was very sweet, too.” Later, when the movie started getting strange, he stayed in character. I am not usually an actress who stays in character. But in this, as it started getting stranger, I couldn’t wait to leave her. I was confused, had exaggerated mood swings, became really depressed, moody, distant - like I wasn’t even there in the present.” Who knows - perhaps the participants in these films channelled their hatred into their roles, maybe method acting and directing does produce Kim Basinger was treated more realistic abominably by her co-star performances, Rourke and director Adrian but a line needs Lyne in the name of art. to be drawn and not crossed when it comes to physically hurting someone in the name of art or mentally abusing them to invoke a realistic reaction.
The experience, Basinger said afterward, was traumatic for her and created problems in her marriage. Lyne also added scenes (that he knew would not make the final cut) to see how far he could take the actress without breaking her - some of the scenes were so sexually degrading in nature that Basinger later detailed how she started The “crying with humiliation and experience, Basinger said disgust.” Basinger also It is after all called acting, afterward, was traumatic for her and felt she couldn’t “get out” as Laurence Olivier said created problems in her marriage. of character, “I started on the set of ‘Marathon behaving strangely,” she Man’, to Dustin Hoffman, would later state, “But then again who had announced that he’d Rourke and Lyne teamed up to torment me gone 3 days without sleep in order to ‘become’ … shutting me out of all discussions and physically his character, harming just before the cameras rolled.” “My dear boy, why don’t you try acting?” Over the course of the film Basinger hated Rourke 19
Gapstow bridge in winter, Central Park New York City
Ian Bailey: In Response
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n conclusion of his series of articles, Ian Bailey answers a number of questions put to him in a live interview with Ireland’s Big Issue editor Sean Kavanagh.
Did you have anything to do with the murder of Sophie Toscan?
No, I have nothing to hide. In your series of articles you made reference to the second arrest of Jules when you said “Jules had been subjected to a gruelling accusation that she was somehow covering for me.” But Jules provided a false alibi for you for 6 weeks. Why did she do that?
Absolutely not Would you be prepared to take a lie detector test by an approved experienced tester? In principle I had no objection, but have been advised by my solicitor for a number of reasons that I should not do so. The primary reason is that it is not definitive in any way, doing it has no evidentiary value in Ireland and for that reason I am for once taking my solicitors advice.
Absolute nonsense, you know during my first arrest I was told by the Gardaí that she had reluctantly accepted that I might have had something to do with it, which she never said. She did say she spent the night with you.
Were you ever asked by the Garda to take one?
Ah! She made various statements and we know that No, for the same reason it would have no some of the statements were subject to “... evidentiary value. verbaling procedures (things that they told her I was a were either added or omitted from very dangerous and strange You realise it is in common the statements by the Gardaí). man who preformed poetry read- On the night in question we use in the USA as they reckon an experienced ings with dancing naked lesbians got home, we both went to bed tester can quickly establish together, I got up at some point, under a full moon...” if a person is not telling went downstairs to the kitchen table the truth. It aids their efforts to finish an article I had to deliver to in eliminating suspects and moving the Sunday Tribune for the Christmas edition, forward in an investigation. The fact that you I went back to bed then got up sometime later around are unwilling to submit to this in some people’s nine or ten and made coffee for her and went down to minds adds credence to their impression that my office. you have something to hide, what would you say to this? Did you tell the Gardaí initially that you never 22
left the bedroom on the night? The funny thing is, I told the Gardaí that I got up out of bed, to finish the article, I was brutally honest, I didn’t have to say that.
Editors Note
Three months ago, after various court cases, podcasts, two major documentaries and many column inches written about him, I asked Ian Bailey But at the beginning you didn’t say that? if he would be interested in telling our readers - in his own words – HIS story and the events that led to Ehh? I did say I spent the night there, which I did, but him been declared in the media as the prime suspect later I elaborated on it, and it caused me a lot of grief; I in the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. The DPP gave them an excuse to question my alibi, but I was being deemed the evidence insufficient to warrant bringing truthful. him to court in Ireland. But, for six weeks Jules also said you were in bed In the previous four editions Mr. Bailey told us his with her all night? story. It was agreed with Mr. Bailey that he would answer any questions put to him on conclusion of Yes, but she was unaware that I got up to go downstairs. the series. It has also been said that you left Jules in bed for a couple of hours and went to the studio, 50 metres away from the main house. Can you see why people find it odd that you go to a cold shack-like building in the depths of winter, in the middle of the night to finish an article?
As many of the questions in relation to his involvement in the case were answered in the course of his articles, I did not see the need to ask the questions he has already answered, but concentrated on issues that needed clarity. The following is the result.
Again that’s nonsense I never said that.
I might add that Mr. Bailey answered all questions without hesitation and did not request or receive any payment for the articles he wrote.
Is it true that Jules tried to talk her daughter Fenella into changing her statement (relating to your movements on the morning of Sophie’s body being found)?
Its been suggested that the crime scene wasn’t secure and you visited it on the morning of Sophie’s murder (the 23rd), and that may be the reason Fenella’s statement that Jules and you were missing for a couple of hours that morning was problematic for you both; what would you say to that?
I think that was said, but it is nonsense, we didn’t go anywhere. Why would Fenella say that?
I couldn’t answer that, you’d have to ask her, I have no idea. What I can tell you, in her original Nonsense, my understanding is that the “I believe a sample of statement she said she got body was discovered by a neighbour, male DNA was found on her up and heard me snoring. shoe, it clearly wasn’t my DNA.” Shirley Foster, sometime after ten When she was arrested in and she got her partner Alf Lyons to 2001, and subject to a grueling contact Gardaí and they arrived quickly; interrogation, the Gardaí got her to as I recall around 10.45 and from that point the alter the statement that she heard me snoring. scene was secured. Incidentally when I called to Alf that day, he had an injury to his arm which was bandaged, he Regarding that morning, Fenella said that you told me he had been bitten by an neighbour’s dog he was and Jules were missing for a couple of hours. looking after, I didn’t see the dog, he later told a Garda that it was an old wound. Which is nonsense and untrue. Did the guards follow up on it? Why would she say that? I don’t know, I’m unaware whether they did or not. Again, I couldn’t answer that question, you would have to ask her. In the Netflix documentary James Camier 23
who died in 1998 stated to the Gardaí that he met Jules Thomas on Monday, December 23rd 1996, between 11am and 11.30am and she told him you were reporting on the murder, which contradicts yours and Jules’ evidence – that you only learned of the murder at 1.40pm - which would seem to tie in with you both being out of the house that morning. What would you say to that? That happened on the Tuesday, his statement was incorrect and his wife Geraldine said in her statement that if James did say Monday, he made a mistake. It was the following day, Tuesday that this conversation took place.
Ian, why have you (allegedly) confessed to the murder several times?
The Netflix documentary was a self-serving, demonising propaganda piece, partly produced by the family and was a spoiler documentary to Jim Sheridan’s objective 5-part series Evidence apparently went missing, and remaining evidence showed no other DNA apart from Sophie’s - something very unusual in a violent crime. What are your thoughts on that? Well actually, I think that is technically untrue, as I believe a sample of male DNA was found on her shoe,
Well it didn’t match mine, it clearly wasn’t my DNA.
Have you had any communication with her since? Has she apologised to you? I’ve had limited communication with her. I’ve long forgiven her trespasses against me, they put her under immense pressure, they manufactured statements, prewrote them and got her to sign them. I’ve long forgiven her.
That was something not mentioned on Netflix.
Was it enough to get a profile?
How do you feel about Marie Farrell who recanted her statement, which was pivotal to placing you near the scene of the murder? Well the Gardaí convinced her I was the murderer, they told her I was a very dangerous and strange man who preformed poetry readings with dancing, naked lesbians at Barleycove beach under a full moon. They manufactured her statement to suit a false narrative.
Now no no. On that point I think the best reference is in the DPPs 2001 critique, where Robert Sheehan refers to my alleged informal admissions, where he said clearly it was an example of Bailey’s dark humour and sense of irony, they were not confessions. Sophie said she was going to Ireland to meet with a writer about a poetry project; given that you are a poet and live not too far away, you can see why people believe it was you. I don’t know anything about that. Did you ever meet her
“I’m totally sympathetic to to discuss poetry or Sophie’s family, but I had nothing to do anything of that nature? with the cause of their suffering. I think it’s I was never introduced to her, just the saddest, saddest tragedy.”
Do you think guards were involved in a cover-up?
with her.
never met her, didn’t know who she was or had any conversation
Why do you think she came out with that statement?
They were involved in trying to frame me for a crime I had nothing to do with, they failed to frame me in Ireland as the so called evidence was five times rejected by the DPP, but they did succeed in getting me framed in France where statements which, had long been withdrawn or rejected, were read into evidence.
I don’t know that she did, all I know, or heard is that there was some reference in a diary, she may well have known who I was. Her neighbour Alfie Lyons said that you met her. 24
In a statement in 1997 he said he was 90% sure I had met her at some point, that was untrue, at the time Mr. Lyons was facing a charge for growing a large amount of a certain plant which was illegal.
rest of the family to identify the body, many thought that was strange. I was also informed by a detective that a substantial insurance settlement was coming his way as a result of Sophie’s death. The guards were also not allowed to properly interview him at the time?
Are you intimating that he could have been compromised and thus made that statement to the Gardaí?
There have also been very strong rumours for a long time in the area that a member of the Gardaí was involved, I am not going to name that person, as there has never been any proof of that.
He could very well of been, it happened with Marie Farrell. What do you think might have happened the night that resulted in Sophie’s death?
Was he part of the investigating team?
No idea at all, but looking Photo: Netflix/YouTube through the forensics, the contents of her stomach reveal some muesli, she could well of had breakfast before being disturbed.
Not to my knowledge. Ian, you refer to Sophie as “the victim” a lot, which language analysts determine is a way of distancing oneself from a crime if someone is guilty, what do you say to that?
It was fruit and nuts apparently, a common evening snack with wine, especially for a French person.
I have no comment to make on that, clearly she was a victim and clearly there are other victims, like the family and I would say Jules, our families and myself.
I also saw in the crime scene photos a knife stuck halfway through a loaf of bread, that could indicate she was in the middle of making something. What would you say to Sophie’s Also in the statement the family and the public? “....a mystery blue car which first guards on the scene was seen speeding away from the direcindicated that the blood I’m totally sympathetic tion of the crime scene at around 7.30 am on her body wasn’t to Sophie’s family, but I congealed, indicting that had nothing to do with on the morning of her murder...” her death may have been the cause of their suffering. I later that suspected. think it’s just the saddest, saddest tragedy. I know there are people here in I think it could indicate that it was around 7am; that ties Ireland who know I have nothing to do with it and wish with a sighting of a mystery blue car which was seen they had the courage to come out and acknowledge that speeding away from the direction of the crime scene at I was the innocent party who was cast in a false narrative around 7.30 am on the morning of her murder. What would you say to the Gardaí? Who do you think may have played a part in her death? Just to have the courage to admit the truth and acknowledge it wasn’t me. Don’t know, but you may well ask who benefited. Her estranged husband, I was told by French journalists at the time was in financial difficulties and a costly divorce was on the horizon, he didn’t come to Ireland with the 25
Screen Scene The King’s Man ***
The Shrink Next Door ****
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans Run Time: 115 mins In cinemas from: 26 December
Starring: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn. Streaming on: Apple TV+ Run Time: 7 x 49 mins. Available to stream: Currently
In this, the third installment in the Kingsman film series, which is based on the comic book ‘The Secret Service’ by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons we observe a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions and one man must race against time to stop them. This film is a prequel to 2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service and 2017’s Kingman: The Golden Circle. Great cast, including Ralph Fiennes and Gemma Arterton. If the period action spy genre is your thing you’ll enjoy this - but perhaps not one for younger members of the family due to graphic violence.
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Inspired by the true story of Marty and the therapist who turned his life around .... then took every aspect of it over! When he first meets Dr. Ike, Marty just wants to get better boundaries - learn to say no and stop himself from being taken advantage of. Over the next three decades, he’ll learn all about boundaries - and what happens when they’re crossed..... by the man he’s paying for advice! Addictive viewing but unnerving that a man holding such power over another man’s mental wellbeing could exploit that power unchallenged.
Dive **** Starring: Vanessa Schaefer, Shauna Kavanagh and Emmet Ryan Streaming: Prime Video Run Time: 90 mins Available to stream: Now When an 18-year-old Irish schoolgirl who’s on the brink of competing at the Olympics discovers she’s pregnant, she must make a life-changing decision. Dive takes a balanced look at one of the most debated issues in our country and through the eyes of Schaefer, Kavanagh and extended cast we live the anguish involved in such a choice. The film highlights the pressures imposed on Irish women seeking abortions in the first half of 2018 and prior and whilst the issue is polemic, it’s an important watch whatever side of the abortion line you stand on. Well written and directed and superbly acted.
Ozark (Season 4 - Part 1) **** Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney Streaming: Netflix Run Time: Not yet released Available to stream: 21 January 2022
For those who haven’t watched the first 3 seasons, Ozark is Netflix’s critically acclaimed crime thriller that takes place in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks and follows the seemingly normal Byrd family’s personal and professional dramas - except, the dramas that play out in Ozark aren’t exactly normal. You see, the Byrdes have been uprooted from their home and relocated to the Ozarks by the head of the family, Marty (Jason Bateman), who is a husband, father, and financial advisor. Marty is also a money launderer for one of the biggest drug cartels in Mexico. Season 4 has been hotly anticipated for so long now that I think we’ll all have to binge the last few episodes of season 3 before we dive in! Sadly the Byrdes’ journey is coming to an end in 2022 with the first half of the two-part final season out on 21st January and the other half later in the year.
Laochra Gael *** Starring:N/A Streaming: TG4 Love Actually**** Run Time: 9 x 52 mins Available to watch: From 13 January 2022 Starring: Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon Streaming: Prime Run Time: mins. Laochra Gael129 returns for a 21st Series with the extraordinary story of Antrim hurler, Terence “Sambo” McNaughton. As a boy, Sambo suffered abuse and exclusion because of his speech impediment. He found release on the playing field, but the life of a hurler was perilous in the North in the eighties. Because of his fame as a player, he was targeted for assassination by the UDA. In spite of all of this, Sambo became the heartbeat of the team that pulled off the biggest shock in the history of Gaelic Games, a team that will be remembered forever. Well worth a watch.
We’ve followed the family and every season they’ve dug themselves deeper and deeper into the cartel that they’re money laundering for ..... what can possibly go wrong next? TV brilliance!
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Proud Supporters of Ireland’s Big Issue and Homeless Street Leagues Download our new app Dublin Rough Sleeper Alert
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Issues: Sport
Irish Homeless Street Leagues News FAI Women’s National team to provide kit for Homeless Women’s team. In association with Sky Ireland, the Irish Women’s Kavanagh and the numerous volunteers who are helping National Team will provide training tops, shorts and to change people’s lives for the better. Football can bring socks from the current Umbro Ireland range, as well as the best out in people, teach them about teamwork and Umbro footballs to the Irish instil positive values that Homeless Street Leagues for they will carry for the rest the female players aiming to of their lives, the Irish make the 2022 Irish Homeless Homeless Street Leagues World Cup squad. are facilitating that so this is just a small token of our The Irish Homeless Street support.” Leagues look to create positive change by motivating, inspiring Irish Homeless Street and developing people who Leagues founder Sean have experienced homelessness, Kavanagh said: “We have alcohol and substance abuse, always maintained that or are ex-offenders, long-term sport can change lives and unemployed and refugees. This inspire people to be the results in increased positive best version of themselves. outcomes, which challenge the stigma and perceptions often “The Support of the related to people with these Football Association of social issues. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Women’s The Homeless World Cup is National Team validates an annual tournament with the efforts our players over 50 countries participating. have put in over the years. Players representing Ireland The donation of kit and are selected, not just for equipment is very much their footballing ability; their appreciated and I’m sure commitment to our training it will inspire our players programmes, positive attitude, to replicate the excellent Tara McNeil (IHSL) and Katie McCabe (Captain) teamwork, discipline, health performances of our Ireland’s Senior Women’s International team and wellbeing play a role in national sides.” their selection. These are the attributes that empower them to move on in life. Representing their country is Tara McNeill, who was captain of Ireland’s Homeless validation of that and is life-changing. World Cup team in 2017, said: “Representing Ireland in the Homeless World Cup is Norway in 2017 was a proud Ireland WNT captain Katie McCabe said: and life-changing moment for me. Having the support “We are fully aware of our status as the Republic of Ireland’s Senior Women’s team going forward will of Ireland Women’s Senior Team and the encourage more women like me to build their confidence responsibilities that come with being part of that. One of and realise their dreams.” those responsibilities is helping others to reach the next level in any way that we can, whether that is through For more information or to support, visit inspiration or support. This is why we have linked up www.irishstreetleague.com with the Irish Homeless Street Leagues. “We simply want to add to the fantastic work being done by Sean 29
Issues: Life Issues
Dangers of Fatphobic Hate Speech
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hen a child is exposed to hate speech, it has far-reaching consequences for their psychophysical development. This also applies to overweight children, who may feel insecure, ashamed and guilty about their bodies as a result of other people’s words and actions. This often leads to them withdrawing, experiencing feelings of inferiority and not accepting their body and appearance. Their suffering is often compounded by sadness, depression and anxiety. Shefkiye Alasani-Dika reports.
Insults and the use of hate speech against overweight people, and especially women, is a very common phenomenon in our society. It often takes the form of people being referred to with offensive words such as “fat”, “cow” and “whale”. Hate speech happens both on a face-to-face basis and it also happens online. Most of us have witnessed the use of such language and may have been shocked at the vitriol directed towards those that are overweight. Do we really have a right to judge?
“I will never help you get employment because you look like that. It is not the way a girl should look,” Cvetanoska recalls. “When I asked him what criteria he used to evaluate what a person should look like, he replied: ‘Certainly not like you’. Afterwards, I looked in the mirror and said to myself that I was OK, and not lacking in anything; I was just overweight. I thought to myself about it and Photos by Kristina Zaturovska decided that there was no need for me to change just because someone believed that I needed to change; instead, it was the world around me that needed to change its attitudes towards me.”
Vesna Cvetanoska has been struggling with excess weight since “I’m telling childhood, you, it’s for but that did your own not stop her good” from being a successful woman at work and in her community. She Social media and technology have taken hate speech tells us how difficult it was for her to integrate into society against overweight people to another level. Kika Averio is because of her appearance. She says that hate speech famous influencer on social media. She promotes positive towards overweight people is very values and wants to encourage “ a public common among young women women who do not feel official said to me: “I will never and girls. Even though it is comfortable with or inside help you get employment because you look the 21st century, she feels their body to feel more like that. It is not the way a girl should that people still have a lot of positively about themselves. look,” limitations when it comes to their She says that the saddest thing is mindset and general thinking. that a good part of the public seems to think that obese, plus size or overweight people should not live “I experienced a case where a public official said to me: their lives like everyone else does. 30
“No matter what photo is published, whether it’s a simple portrait or a photo taken to remember a life achievement, the conversation in the comments is focused on the weight of the person,” Averio sighs. “Many people confuse attraction and respect. They respect what is attractive to them, and they think that everything else deserves rudeness or to be made fun of. Much of this hate speech is masked by false health concerns: ‘I tell you this for your own good;, someone might write. The truth is that it is very easy to determine which comments are hate speech, and which, really, express care about the health of the individual.”
and to feel special, powerful, beautiful and attractive. As a child, Gagovska was overweight and for years was forced to follow endless diets to meet the beauty standards set by society. She confirms that if a person falls outside these standards set by society, they will be discriminated against in different ways. “I can only confirm that overweight people, both men and women, have a problem with discrimination in our society,” Gagovska tells me. “Lately, women are maybe louder in defending their rights than men. Overweight people are also often doomed to wear the clothing that is available on the market, which is often not what they want it to be.
“When I lived in Spain 13 to 14 years ago, a lot of famous brands had not yet arrived in Macedonia [so I didn’t have much Sizeist choice when it came to discrimination my clothing],” Gagovska continues. “My roommate Hate speech on asked me why I was social media is wearing skirts so often, spread not only instead of jeans. I simply in comments, replied that there was no but also in the size for me. We went [to posts themselves. a shop] together to ask Some time ago a about this issue, and the young girl posted first thing I expected was a Tweet: “You for the saleswoman to can never be fat look at me in a strange and handsome; everything has its limit!” she wrote. way, but that did not happen. On the contrary, everyone Her Tweet attracted numerous reactions, especially went looking to help me find a suitable size – unlike in from young girls. Many of the young girls expressed Macedonia, where people look at you in that, “there is their disgust with such prejudiced views. nothing for your size here” sort of way [when However, in wider society, the you walk in]. And that, literally, is For her, definition of “beauty” discrimination – right at the beauty means that you love yourremains more static. entrance of the store.” self. This enables you to feel beautiful in your own skin; to be confident, to believe in your abilities Anita Gagovska, Fat shaming just makes and to feel special, powerful, beautiful and secretary of “Poraka things worse attractive. Nova” – an organisation from Struga, sees the beauty that exists beyond School psychologist Ana Poprizova believes that the people’s physical appearance. For her, beauty means that problem of overweight people is both a social problem you love yourself. This enables you to feel beautiful in and an individual problem too. She tells me that it’s a your own skin; to be confident, to believe in your abilities very complex issue. Being overweight is usually treated as 31
an individual problem linked to the person in question, but if we look at the factors that influence body weight more broadly, we come to the realisation that it is an economic, social and health problem. “When a child is exposed to hate speech, it has farreaching consequences for his or her psychophysical development,” Poprizova says. “This also applies to cases of overweight children. The victim feels insecure, ashamed and guilty that they cannot deal with this problem. It often leads to withdrawal and feelings of inferiority and of not accepting one’s own body and appearance, [along with] sadness, depression and anxiety.” In such cases, she adds, the child’s social contacts are reduced, and there is often a lack of support from family or the child’s school. The side effects associated with being overweight include diabetes, heart disease, etc.
same or different age-group to say to a child, ‘You are fat!’. This has far-reaching consequences for the child’s self-esteem, self-image, self-acceptance and self-care. The child will feel that they are not good enough to be accepted by their parents, teachers or other people. “Due to a lack of support and their inability to cope, the child will be more likely to fall into the trap of overeating to reduce emotional strain,” Poprizova continues. “Or the child will start indulging in ‘unhealthy dieting’, which can lead to anorexia or bulimia and other eating disorders, especially in girls. Boys will often devote themselves to demanding and exhausting physical exercise.” Translated from Macedonian by Jorgo Tashkov Courtesy of Lice v Lice / International Network of Street Papers
“There is a perception that labelling someone as fat, and especially overweight children, can prompt them to eat nutritiously and to exercise,” Poprizova explains. “It is common for parents, sports teachers or people from the
Word Power O
ver the next few issues we’ll be attempting to increase your word power. Have a look at the words below and afterwards see if you know their meaning.
Word Pronunciation
Answers
1. Aberrant Uh-ber-uhnt 2. Ballyhoo Bal-ee-hoo 3. Cache Kash 4. Dastard Das-terd 5. Ebullient Ih-buhl-yuhnt 6. Fastidious Fa-stid-ee-uhs 7. Gumption Gump-shuhn 8. Hyperbole Hi-pur-bol-ee 9. Indign In-die-n 10.Juxtaposition Juk-sta-puh-zish-uhn 11.Kitsch Kich 12. Lustre Luss-ter
1. Deviating from the ordinary, usual or normal type; exceptional; abnormal. 2. A clamorous and vigorous attempt to win customers or advance any cause; blatant advertising or publicity. 3. A hiding place, especially one in the ground, for ammunition, food, treasures, etc.: 4. A mean, sneaking coward. 5. Overflowing with fervour, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited: 6. Excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: 7. Initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness: 8. Obvious and intentional exaggeration. 9. Obsolete, unbecoming or disgraceful. 10. An act or instance of placing close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast. 11.Art, decorative objects, or design considered by many people to be ugly but enjoyed by other people, often because they are funny 12. The brightness that a shiny surface has or content created to appeal to popular or undiscriminating taste.
U score? O Y id d w o H rfection!6-9 – Pe 10 or more Brilliant. ne. 3-5 Well do o better. 0-2 Must d
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The Podcast Review W
e attempt to bring you the best selection of podcasts each issue. This time we bring you The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, The Guardian’s Today in Focus, The DropOut: Elizabeth Holmes on Trial and We Can Do Hard Things with best-selling author Glennon Doyle.
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett (Business/Personal Development)
The Dropout: Elizabeth Holmes on Trial (True Crime) Money. Romance. Tragedy. Deception. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos is an unbelievable tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong. How did the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire lose it all in the blink of an eye? How did the woman once heralded as “the next Steve Jobs” find herself facing criminal charges — to which she pleaded not guilty — and up to decades in prison? How did her technology, meant to revolutionise health care, potentially put millions of patients at risk? And how did so many smart people get it so wrong along the way?
A few years ago Steven Bartlett was a penniless university dropout, living in one of the worst parts of the UK alone, with nothing but a laptop & a dream. Fast forward a few years, the 29-year-old is the ex-CEO of one of the UK’s fastest growing companies: Social Chain. Bartlett’s world is intense, sometimes crazy, always challenging and always unpredictable. This podcast is simple, every week he shares insights from guests with different backgrounds, experiences and learnings, giving the listener a look into what it’s like behind the scenes, being an entrepreneur. The podcast isn’t scripted which gives a real spontaneity. Well worth a listen and there’s almost 150 episodes to binge on.
We Can Do Hard Things (Self Help)
Today in Focus (News) Hosted by Nosheen Iqbal and Michael Safi, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this brilliant podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. With episodes like ‘Is Vladimir Putin planning to invade Ukraine?’ and ‘Do Covid vaccine mandates work?’ you’re bound to find something topical to interest you. 33
Glennon Doyle, the author of Untamed – the book that was released at the very start of the pandemic and became a lifeline for millions co-hosts this selfhelp podcast with her sister, Amanda. In We Can Do Hard Things (the mantra that saved her life 20 years ago) Doyle illustrates how we all do hard things every single day – things like loving and losing, caring for children and parents; forging and ending friendships; battling addiction, illness, and loneliness; struggling in our jobs, our marriages, and our divorces; setting boundaries; and fighting for equality, purpose, freedom, joy, and peace. Really good podcast for those who love self-help books and with singer Adele being Doyle’s number one fan, you just have to give this a try! How to: You need to download an app like Acast from Google Play (if you’ve an Android device) or the App Store if you’ve an Apple device. Once the app has downloaded you can search for any topic that interests you & there will be a podcast that’s right up your street!
Issues: Environmental
Sea Superfood: Can seaweed help solve Ireland’s cow methane problem?
C
ould seaweed be a solution to Ireland’s cattle climate-warming methane output, Conor Humphries reports.
Scientists are combing Ireland’s west coast for seaweed to feed to cattle and sheep after research showed it could stop them breathing out so much climate-warming methane. The project, coordinated by a state agriculture body, is tapping into the country’s growing seaweed harvesting industry, which is seeking new markets as it revives centuries-old traditions. But some are sceptical that the seaweed feed additives - or any quick technological fix - can sidestep the need to reverse a surge in Irish cattle numbers if the country is to reduce Europe’s largest per capita methane output by 2030.
“We have identified some brown seaweeds that are very positive and they’re producing results,” said Maria Hayes, coordinator of the SeaSolutions project, whose team has achieved methane reductions of between 11 per cent and 20 per cent in early trials. “The reductions aren’t going to be a silver bullet ... but it can significantly reduce emissions,” said Hayes, who works for Teagasc, Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority.
Around 20 species of seaweed, most from Ireland’s windswept Atlantic coast, have been tested by researchers while dozens more have been collected by the project’s partners in Norway, Canada, Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom. Scientists in the United States and Australia have already demonstrated dramatic methanereducing qualities from one seaweed type - Asparagopsis when small quantities are added to feedstock.
instead, even though the researchers admit they are unlikely to match the reduction in emissions of over 80 per cent shown with Asparagopsis.
Researchers are also working on how to integrate the feed additives into Ireland’s predominantly grass-based cattle farming system.
On a farm outside Hillsborough, southwest of Belfast, researchers use treats to coax cows to poke their heads into a “The reductions aren’t solar-powered machine going to be a silver bullet ... but it that measures the level of can significantly reduce emissions,” methane on their breath. They will test them again using seaweed additives, said Sharon Huws, Professor of Animal Science and Microbiology at Queen’s University Belfast.
But they have struggled to scale up production of the seaweed and to curb harmful side effects. The Irish project aims to find abundant native seaweeds to use
“The levels that are used to feed ruminants are very, very 34
small so you don’t need to get a lot of it in order to get an impact,” she said. Political pressure The technology has caught the imagination of farming groups and politicians, who insist that stringent targets for cutting greenhouse gases like methane should not mean a reduction in the size of the Irish farming sector.
the target. “Scaling up these solutions takes time. We don’t have time,” said Sadhbh O’Neill, lecturer in climate policy and environmental politics at Dublin City University, a vocal critic of industry attempts to rely on technology rather than address the sustainability of Ireland’s agriculture model. Scaling up
After growth of over 10 per cent in the past 10 years, Ireland has 7.4 million cattle and is one of the largest exporters of beef and dairy in Some harvesters, Europe. who serve organic food and cosmetic Its per capita markets, doubt the output of feed additives will be methane - which sufficiently lucrative has a higher heat-
The Irish researchers have tapped into a network of seaweed harvesters who are reviving a tradition mentioned in monastic writings as far back as the 5th century.
trapping potential than CO2 - is by far the highest in the European Union, according to the Climate Watch database.
But they do not yet have a plan to scale up production if tests are successful.
The colourless and odourless gas leaks from waste dumps, oil and gas infrastructure and the digestive systems of cattle and sheep. At the COP26 UN Climate Change conference in Glasgow, Ireland signed up to a pledge to cut global output of methane by 30 per cent by 2030 from 2020 levels.
plenty of opportunities elsewhere.
Some harvesters, who serve organic food and cosmetic markets, doubt the feed additives will be sufficiently lucrative with
“It’s a huge market at the moment, seaweed is really thriving,” said Evan Talty, managing director at Wild Irish Seaweed, who has revived harvesting techniques used by his grandfather and focuses on food and skin care products. The methane additive market is “not on our radar”, he said.
But government ministers insist that will mostly be achieved through a 50 per cent cut in non-agricultural methane, with a reduction of just 10% in agricultural methane by 2030. They point to seaweed feed additives as a way to curb emissions without downsizing the herd - with a reduction in the average age of slaughter of beef cattle and genetics research as other possible solutions. Chemicals company Royal DSM says a rival food additive it produces can cut methane output by around 30 per cent. The company said it had received regulatory approval in Brazil and Chile and is seeking approval in the European Union. But not everyone is convinced the technology can meet 35
Others are more hopeful. “Everyone keeps an eye on it,” said Jenny O’Halloran of Bláth na Mara, a small-scale hand harvester on Inis Mór island off Ireland’s west coast. “Maybe the future of that is actually farming seaweed, which I think has to be part of the conversation when it comes to the future of seaweed in Ireland,” she said. Courtesy of Reuters / International Network of Street Papers
Issues: New Book Releases
Patricia Scanlan’s Book Club Patricia Scanlan was born in Dublin, where she still lives. She is a #1 bestselling author and has sold millions of books worldwide. Her books are translated in many languages. Patricia is the series editor and a contributing author to the award winning Open Door Literacy series.
This issue, Patricia brings her favourite books of the moment. The Presidents’ Letters: An Unexpected History of Ireland Edited by Flor MacCarthy – New Island Books A treasure trove of letters to and from our nine presidents from 1938 to the present day. With over 400 letters, memos, cards, telegrams, drawings, notes and photographs, The Presidents’ Letters reveals a personal and unexpected story of Ireland since the inauguration of our first president, Douglas Hyde. They are letters of congratulations, of resignation, of sympathy. A handwritten note from a president to a queen, a message sent to the moon, a fond farewell from a poet. There are letters of joy and loss, begging letters and threatening ones, sent from palaces, parliaments and prisons, from war zones, refugee camps and homeless shelters. The Presidents’ Letters is a beautiful homage to the art of the letter, exploring how each of our presidents defined their eras and how they strengthened the relationship between Ireland and all who identify as Irish. Contributors include: David McCullagh, Martina Devlin, Samantha Barry, Joseph O’Connor, Harry McGee and Justine McCarthy.
Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan – Faber & Faber It is 1985, in an Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, faces into his busiest season. As he does the rounds, he feels the past rising up to meet him - and encounters the complicit silences of a people controlled by the Church. The long-awaited new work from the author of Foster, Small Things Like These is an unforgettable story of hope, quiet heroism and tenderness.
We Don’t Know Ourselves - Fintan O’Toole –Head of Zeus We Don’t Know Ourselves is a very personal vision of recent Irish history from the year of O’Toole’s birth, 1958, down to the present. Ireland has changed almost out of recognition during those decades, and Fintan O’Toole’s life coincides with that arc of transformation. The book is a brilliant interweaving of memories (though this is emphatically not a memoir) and engrossing social and historical narrative. This was the era of Eamon de Valera, Jack Lynch, Charles Haughey and John Charles McQuaid, of sectarian civil war in the North and the Pope’s triumphant visit in 1979, but also of those who began to speak out against the ruling consensus - feminists, advocates for the rights of children, gay men and women coming out of the shadows. We Don’t Know Ourselves is an essential book for anyone who wishes to understand modern Ireland. 36
Everyday Cook: Vibrant Recipes, Simple Methods, Delicious Dishes - Donal Skehan – Hodder & Stoughton Donal’s 10th cookbook offers a collection of simplified and doable classic recipes to help you reclaim your kitchen without sacrificing time or flavour. With 15/30 minute meals, one pot wonders, meals to prep ahead, recipes to batch cook and freeze, and dessert classics, these recipes will help you to manage life, while still managing to pull together meals that are nourishing, vibrant and delicious. Recipes include Crispy Duck Hoisin Lettuce Wraps, Oven Roasted Ratatouille, Crispy Egg Fried Rice Bowls, Smokey Fish Pie with Velvet Mash, No Cook Lemon Cream Pie and Boozy Brownie Meringue Cake. Armed with meal planner suggestions you’ll find a helpful routine and ways to make your kitchen work for you.is just like, ‘Fooooooock!’
The House in the Woods- Zoe Miller – Hachette Books Ireland When actress Evie Lawrence is injured in a shocking hit-and-run accident, she wants nothing more than to retreat to her woodland home in Wicklow to recover. But when she’s forced to admit that she needs help, she reluctantly opens up her solitary life to allow her grand-niece Amber, practically a stranger, to move into Heronbrook to take care of her. Evie, who has been estranged from her sister’s family for many years, vows to keep Amber at a distance so her secrets - and the truth of what happened at Heronbrook years ago - stay buried. When unsettling incidents begin to make Evie’s secluded home feel less peaceful and more dangerously isolated, Amber starts to suspect that what happened to Evie wasn’t an accident at all - and the person responsible still has Evie in their sights. But can Amber persuade Evie to confront the past and get to the truth before it’s too late?
Tree dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature – Manchán MANGAN – Gill Books ‘In Irish there are so many great rain words and magic words and highly specific natural words (such as the material put on the hooves of donkeys to stop them slipping in ice), or words to communicate with animals, or evocative plant words, or the gorgeous words for different amounts of light in the sky, or words that hint at different ways of seeing colour, or twilight words.’ Having enjoyed huge success with his bestselling book Thirty-Two Words for Field, Manchán now brings his infectious wonder and enthusiasm for the Irish language to a younger audience. When you see the world through Irish, you see the world differently. Get ready to share the magic with this delightful book for readers of all ages. And for the kids (and not so little kids) who still have their Christmas Book Vouchers to use.
A Dublin Christmas - Nicola Colton – Gill Books To Orla, Christmas means Gran, so when it looks like Gran won’t make it this year, everything feels a lot less festive. And with Christmas spirit everywhere at an all-time low, the whole of Dublin is in darkness. But then the fairy lights on Orla’s Christmas tree come to life and take her on an enchanting adventure to the National Library, Grafton Street, Stephen’s Green and the GPO. Together, Orla and her new friends attempt to restore the meaning of Christmas and holiday cheer… A heart-warming festival story that brings Dublin at Christmas to life.
Evie’s Christmas Wishes – Siobhán Parkinson - Little Island Books. Christmas is coming and Evie is getting excited! There’s a lot to be done to prepare for the big day. She helps her mammy and daddy to make the pudding, ice the cake, and decorate the tree, and rehearses with her class for the Nativity play. As she partakes in all the festive fun, she makes a series of wishes, which suddenly begin to come true: just not in the way she expects! 37
s e k o J
Because laughter is the best medicine!
After a Beer Festival in London, all the brewery presidents decided to go out for a beer. Corona’s president sits down and says, “Señor, I would like the world’s best beer, a Corona.” The bartender takes a bottle from the shelf and gives it to him. Then Budweiser’s president says, “I’d like the best beer in the world, give me ‘The King Of Beers’, a Budweiser.” The bartender gives him one. Coors’ president says, “I’d like the best beer in the world, the only one made with Rocky Mountain spring water, give me a Coors.” He gets it. The guy from Guinness sits down and says, “Give me a Coke.” The other brewery presidents look over at him and ask, “Why aren’t you drinking a Guinness?” and the Guinness president replies, “Well, if you guys aren’t drinking beer, neither will I.” Farmer Jake had a nagging wife who made his life miserable. The only real peace that he got was when he was out in the field ploughing. One day when he was out in the field, Jake’s wife brought his lunch to him. Then she stayed while he quietly ate and berated him with a constant stream of nagging and complaining. Suddenly, Jake’s old mule kicked up his back legs, striking the wife in the head, and killing her instantly. At the wake, Jake’s minister noticed that when the women offered sympathy to Jake he would nod his
head up and down. But when the men came up and spoke quietly to him, he would shake his head from side to side. When the wake was over and all the mourners had left, the minister approached Jake and asked, ‘Why was it that you nodded your head up and down to all the women and shook your head from side to side to all the men?’ “Well,” Jake replied, “The women all said how nice she looked, and her dress was so pretty, so I agreed by nodding my head up and down. The men all asked, “Is that mule for sale!?” With four daughters and one son always dashing to school activities and part-time jobs, our schedule was hectic. To add to this, we kept running out of household supplies. I instructed them all to let me know when they used the last of any item by writing it down on a notepad on the refrigerator. As a reminder, I wrote at the top: “IF WE ARE OUT OF IT, WRITE IT DOWN.” When I checked the pad a few days later, to my delight I found the following message: “MOM, YOU MAY BE A BIT OLDFASHIONED, BUT YOU ARE NOT ‘OUT OF IT.”’ Three buddies die in a car crash, and they go to heaven to an orientation. They are all asked, “When you are in your casket and friends and family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say about you? The first guy says, “I would like 38
to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man.” The second guy says, “I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher which made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow.” The last guy replies, “I would like to hear them say, “Look! He’s moving!” Real Things Said In Court. Q: Now doctor, isn’t it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn’t know about it until the next morning? Q: The youngest son, the twenty-year old, how old is he? Q: Were you present when your picture was taken? Q: Was it you or your younger brother who was killed in the war? Q: Did he kill you? Q: How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision? Q: You were there until the time you left, is that true? Q: How many times have you committed suicide? Q: She had three children, right? A: Yes. Q: How many were boys? A: None. Q: Were there any girls? Q: What is your date of birth? A: July fifteenth. Q: What year? A: Every year. Q: How old is your son - the one living with you. A: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can’t remember which. Q: How long has he lived with you? A: Forty-five years.
D is c o u n
t Corne
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Is í ár dteanga féin í. It’s our language.
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