Thursday, March 20, 2014
French Courses Easter Term 31 March – 31 May 2014
Toddlers, Children, Teenagers and Adults
Language. Culture. Our Business. The French Language & Cultural Centre in Dublin, 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 www.alliance-francaise.ie
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Dead to the world, live on the web A NEW online service has been launched to allow Irish emigrants to ‘attend’ family funerals over the internet. Members of the diaspora who are unable to travel to pay their respects will be able to log in to a special private weblink and stream coverage of services, including burial. Web-based Funerals Live will broadcast live or offer mourners the option of a video recording within two hours. Founder Alan Foudy says it will also allow people to pay their
by eD carTy respects from sick beds in hospitals, or from nursing homes. ‘Wherever in the world our client may be, whether it is in Australia or the United States, this service provides them with private weblink to a live stream of a funeral service or the option of a video recording of the entire service, including the burial, within two hours of its conclusion,’ he said. ‘The general feeling was that a live webcast or a delayed broadcast of
the service would be a better option rather than having to wait up to two weeks for a DVD to arrive by post.’ Mr Foudy said the idea came from a request to make a DVD of a funeral for relatives who could not attend. He plans to employ ten people over the next 18 months. It is thought to be the only service of its kind in the UK and Ireland and mourners will be charged from €350, with streaming costing up to €850. Mr Foudy said some of the online streaming will be dependent on quality broadband in some areas.
Ireland rugby player Mary Louise Reilly and Dublin Gaelic footballer Kevin McManamon saddled up with Alice Brannigan, Eamha Ledwith and Jake Harris in the Italian Quarter yesterday to prepare for the arrival of the Giro d’Italia, the second biggest cycling event in the world and of which Metro Herald is media partner, which travels from Belfast before arriving in Dublin on Sunday May 11 picture: conor mccabe »p20
Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it
METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
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People caught using their mobile phone while driving between March 14 and 17, while 51 drivers were not wearing a seatbelt Ireland’s rate of newsprint recycling is now up to 79%. Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you.
Today is... International Day of Happiness Yay!
From the archives (2009): Knicker thieves not yet nicked
Police in Texas are still looking for thieves who snatched €2,500 worth of panties from a Victoria’s Secret shop. Three people stuffed 225 pairs of panties into a bag while employees were distracted. A brief police statement said the case lingers on.
Win a €1,000 holiday voucher See next weeks Metro Herald for more details
Today’s birthdays William Hurt, actor, 64; Holly Hunter (pictured), actress, 56; Paul Merson, former footballer, 46; Alex Kapranos, singer/guitarist (Franz Ferdinand), 42
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Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD
The prehistoric ‘chicken’ that was never likely to end up as a deep-fried snack...
Look out Colonel Sanders by DANIEL BINNS
WHY did the giant prehistoric chicken cross the swamp? Probably to launch a merciless and terrifying attack on another dinosaur – and then eat it for breakfast. The 3m tall monster ruled the roost 66million years ago, according to researchers who have discovered the previously-unknown species. It was a giant raptor like its cousin the T. rex – but had feathers, poultry-like feet and a comb on its head. ‘We jokingly call this thing the chicken from hell and I think that’s pretty appropriate,’ said Dr Matt Lamanna, of the Carnegie Museum of
‘We’re calling it the chicken from hell…’ Natural History in Pittsburgh. The king-sized chicken has been named Anzu Wyliei – after a bird-like demon in Mesopotamian mythology – and weighed about 227kg. It is the largest example of the oviraptorosaur type of dinosaur to be found in America. Three of the species were identified from fossils found in the Hell Creek rock formation that runs from North to South Dakota. Two showed signs of injury, suggesting ‘violent encounters’ either with prey or each other. A fearsome killer that looks as if it would be at home in a farmyard may be an odd sight to behold. But if it came back to life and stumbled into KFC, it could swiftly avenge the deaths of smaller descendants who’ve been southern fried. ‘It would be scary as well as absurd to encounter,’ said the University of Utah’s Dr Emma Schachner, who co-authored a paper on the discovery, published in journal Plos One.
Cock of the walk: An artist’s impression of the ‘chicken-like’ Anzu Wyliei – well, it has feathers and scaly feet at least... PicTure: PA
Picnic reveals variety of acts and ticket prices
Heaven sent: St Vincent for Picnic
ELECTRIC Picnic is back and we have the official line-up. With names like Portishead, Outkast, Beck and Pet Shop Boys, it’s certainly a varied year, with plenty to dance, sway and sing along to. And as the festival enters its second decade of life, Outkast celebrate their own 20-year anniversary (that should make you feel suitably old). The headliners include Foals, Paolo Nutini, Beck, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Lily Allen, St
Vincent, Simple Minds, London Grammar and Metronomy as well as others. And of course, attractions like the Salty Dog stage, Mindfield, the Comedy Tent and the magical Body & Soul arena return for another year of festivities. Once again, if you can prove you’ve been three times before you’ll be able to get a cheapie ticket. Between now and April 18, tickets are €154.50 if you can prove you’ve been to at least three
Picnics, €174.50 if you can prove you’ve been to the Picnic once or twice before and €194.50 if you haven’t been before. Two kids are permitted per adult free of charge on the family camping weekend ticket. Sunday-only tickets are €90 (no camping). From April 19, prices increase to €194.50 for weekend tickets, and after midnight on July 4, weekend tickets will cost €229.50. For more information check out www.electricpicnic.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie.
The full line-up Portishead, Outkast, Beck, Foals, Pet Shop Boys, Paolo Nutini, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Lily Allen, St. Vincent, Simple Minds, London Grammar, Metronomy, Slowdive, Laura Mvula, Annie Mac, Flume, The Stranglers, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Blades, The Wailers, Omar Souleyman, White Denim, Temples, Sohn, Jungle, Fka Twigs, Bicep, Kaytranada, John Withers
METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
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Market Bar fined for smoking ban breach
Break-in at DJ’s home as he is on air A DUBLIN radio host believes his home may have been broken into and ransacked because of his show. Classic Hits 4FM talk show presenter Niall Boylan’s home in Swords was broken into during his live show yesterday. He got the news when he received a distressed call from his wife who is thought to have disturbed the break-in. He had been hosting a show asking if a bad upbringing is an excuse for crime when he received the call. Mr Boylan, seen as a controversial host, says he is concerned he was targeted due to the pull-no-punches nature of his radio show.
‘Strike’ legal costs to be paid by Siptu THE High Court has ordered Siptu to pay the legal costs incurred by Dublin Airport Authority and Ryanair after the union was forced to cancel its planned four-hour work stoppage at airports across the country last Friday on foot of a temporary injunction. Yesterday, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan ruled that Siptu must pay the costs, but he put a stay on the orders pending the outcome of the dispute. The judge said Ryanair and DAA were entitled to their costs. Siptu argued that awarding costs against the union would not be helpful to a harmonious resolution of the pensions dispute.
Rents still rising fast in Dublin RENTS in Dublin are continuing to rise, according to the Private Residential Tenancies Board. Research compiled by the Economic and Social Research Institute as part of the Quarterly Rent Index shows rents rose by 2.1 per cent in Dublin during the final quarter of 2013. Outside the capital, rents dropped by 0.9 per cent. Rents in Dublin rose by 7.6 per cent in 2013 and the rental rates for apartments were up by as much as 10.5 per cent from the beginning to the end of the year. In Dublin the average rent for a house was €1,168, while for an apartment it was €1,070.
Bourke: In court
A DUBLIN pub co-owned by celebrity restaurateur Jay Bourke and Electric Picnic founder John Reynolds has been hit with fines for breaking the smoking ban. The Market Bar, which was at the centre of RTÉ’s Fade Street reality series, was prosecuted after it was been inspected by a HSE environmental health officer. Mercroft Taverns Ltd, which operates the Market Bar in the city centre, faced two counts under the
Public Health Tobacco Act and was ordered to pay €750. The HSE had summonsed the company, which has a business address at Molyneux House, Bride Street, following complaints from the public about smoking at the restaurant and pub which has seating capacity for about 300 people. Mr Bourke attended the hearing at Dublin District Court in which his company was ordered to pay the fines within three months and to cover the
HSE’s costs in bringing the case. Senior environmental health officer Michael McAleer told the court that he inspected the bar last year and found the first floor smoking area was ‘effectively an enclosed room’ except for a slightly opened skylight and the ground floor smoking area was ‘completely covered’. The bar has since undergone modification, there is no smoking allowed upstairs and the pub is compliant with legislation.
Gang robbed and beat date site victims of ‘honey trap’ by BRiAn McDOnALD TWO members of a violent ‘honey trap’ gang were given suspended sentences yesterday. The four-member gang used dating websites to lure two Dublin men on separate occasions to remote parts of the West before attacking them. Roscommon Circuit Criminal Court heard one of the victims had contacted a girl called ‘Emma’ over the internet in June of last year, but when he arrived at the remote location near Strokestown around 9.30pm, a man appeared and asked him what he was doing with his sister. A number of other men appeared, armed with a baton, hammer and baseball bat. The victim was attacked and hit over the head, had his hands tied behind his back and his head covered. His wallet and iPhone were taken and he had to give the gang his PIN number. He was bundled into the boot of his own car and taken to a forest before one of the gang went to an ATM to withdraw money. The gang member returned a couple of hours later without getting any money. A handgun was produced and the victim was taken to another ATM but he could not get any money out either. He was later allowed drive away. A 17-year-old schoolgirl, who cannot be named, and Anthony Carolan, 21, from Strokestown, pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment, assault and robbery of the first man on June 18 last year. The schoolgirl also pleaded guilty to the charges in relation to a second man later last year. ‘If this case demonstrates anything, it demonstrates the need for caution with the use of the internet for social activities,’ Judge Tony Hunt said.
Tuning up Myles Williams and Carmel O’Farrell on cello and Luke Dowdall on trumpet celebrate the launch of the ESB Feis Ceoil, which will take place at the RDS from March 31 to April 11 Picture: Leon FarreLL
Mortgage scheme has Judge calls for reform in negotiated 97 AIB deals ‘drug mule’ sentencing THE Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation has experienced a dramatic rise in the number of people seeking its assistance, cofounder David Hall has said. The service, set up with the aim of facilitating independent debt resolution between lenders or creditors and mortgage holders, has negotiated 97 deals for AIB customers which included some form of debt write-down. One case in Cork led to an agreement with the bank where it wrote off €195,000 in debt and the family remained in their home. The
homeowners originally had a mortgage of €478,000. AIB recently introduced a splitmortgage scheme involving automatic debt write-down. ‘This is a ground-breaking scheme,’ Mr Hall said. ‘The bank will recover more money by leaving the person in the home than they would in a fire sale on a reprocessed home where the family has been made homeless.’ Mr Hall said the organisation is currently dealing with 2,000 clients from AIB and EBS as well as 360 KBC bank customers.
A JUDGE has called for the reform of drugs legislation which has seen so-called ‘drug mules’ charged with more serious offences than major players. Judge Tony Hunt was commenting yesterday at the sentencing of former soldier Joseph Farrell. Farrell, 46, of Funshinagh, Four Roads, Co Roscommon, admitted having cannabis and cocaine valued at more than €200,000 for sale or supply on May 11, 2007. Two drug mules, acting on Farrell’s behalf, were each previously sentenced to four years in prison.
But Roscommon Circuit Criminal Court heard that, while the two men were sentenced under legislation carrying a mandatory sentence, Farrell, who was running the operation, had been charged under similar legislation which did not carry a mandatory sentence. ‘It cries out for reform in my view,’ the judge said, expressing his concern at the ‘warehousing’ of people at a lower level in drugs cases. Judge Hunt adjourned sentencing of Farrell to the May sitting of the court.
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Missing plane: Fury as families dragged from press briefing FURIOUS relatives of missing flight MH370’s passengers were dragged screaming out of the daily press briefing yesterday after they demanded the truth. The mother of a man on board the Malaysia Airlines jet was knocked down in the mêlée after she tried to talk to journalists in Kuala Lumpur. ‘We don’t know how long we will be waiting. It’s been 12 days, where’s my son? Why aren’t you giving me any answers?’ she cried, before being carried by police into another room. Another female relative’s bloodcurdling screams filled the air as she too was forcibly removed. She shouted: ‘They give different messages every day. Where’s the flight now? Find our relatives. Find the aircraft.’
Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD
by SHAROn MARRiS Many of the loved ones involved in the chaotic scenes at a hotel in the Malaysian capital were Chinese. Of the 239 on board the flight, 153 were from China, and the anger at how the investigation so far was summed up by a banner unfurled at the briefing. It read: ‘We protest against the Malaysian government for hiding the truth and for wasting time in finding the passengers. We want our MH370 loved [ones] to be returned to us.’ However, acting transport minister Hishammuddin Hussein said: ‘I fully understand emotions are high. It is heart-wrenching – even for me.’ Meanwhile, a Taiwanese student has reportedly found an image using
Delirious: A female relative of a mising passenger is hauled out after her protest yesterday picture: epa
Another guess: The image of a plane spotted on the Tomnod website picture: rex
the Tomnod website satellite imagery of a jet flying over jungle, with speculation that it could be the missing plane. The BBC said sources had told them satellite transmissions from the missing plane could only have come from a moving aircraft. It was also reported the FBI was to help analyse files deleted from the pilot’s home flight simulator.
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METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
Housing benefit: Jacob Zuma upgraded his home
Zuma built private pool for ‘security’ SOUTH Africa’s president had an amphitheatre and swimming pool built at his home as part of a taxpayerfunded ‘security upgrade’, it emerged yesterday. Jacob Zuma also added a cattle enclosure during the €16.5million project at his homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal. He should repay a ‘reasonable part’ of the cost of the renovations, public protector Thuli Madonsela said. ‘The president tacitly accepted the implementation of all measures and has unduly benefited from the enormous capital investment,’ she added. It comes as a fresh blow Mr Zuma ahead of May elections.
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Reeva ‘was standing up in cubicle’ when she was shot
by NiCOLE LE MARiE
oSCAr pIStorIuS’S girlfriend was standing up in a toilet cubicle facing a closed door when she was hit by the first of four bullets fired by him, a court heard yesterday. reeva Steenkamp fell back on to a magazine rack after being struck in the hip, police ballistics expert Capt Christian mangena said. ‘I’m of the opinion that after this wound was inflicted she dropped immediately,’ he told the judge. the 29-year-old model slumped into a ‘seated or semi-seated position’, the court in pretoria heard. A second bullet missed her and ricocheted off the wall before breaking into fragments, he added. miss Steenkamp was hit in her right arm and in the head by the third and fourth shots. one of the bullets went through miss Steenkamp’s left hand before penetrating her skull as she held it over her head. Describing the damaged caused by the hollow point bullets fired, Capt mangena said: ‘It hits the target, it opens up, it creates six talons and these talons are sharp. It cuts through
Shooting: Oscar Pistorius is on trial for murder over the death of Reeva Steenkamp PICTURES: EPA/STR/AP
the organs of a human being.’ pistorius, 27, is charged with premeditated murder over the shooting on Valentine’s Day last year. the South Afri-
can ‘blade runner’ says he shot miss Steenkamp, 29, by accident after mistaking her for an intruder at his home in pretoria. prosecutors allege the
wholly thursday
double amputee killed her after a heated argument that caused her to hide in the toilet. the case continues.
Having the temerity to want his own money, KEN ROGAN runs into the financial firewall that is banking customer service
‘C
dividend’ sense, they literally won’t omputer says no.’ Wait, hold on – this is pay me for the work I do. they’d like to, it’s just my IBAN number Ireland. When the computer says no, the is… well, computer says no. But I really must insist. At which customer says ‘so?’ – point let’s call her ‘mary’ from and then (very quickly): ‘can we not make an exception?’ thus is customer service suggests that one solution might be for me to open a our great little nation daily new bank account. marvellous. conveyed past the trials and And maybe next time I run out of tribulations of having rules and regulations. But the damn computer petrol I’ll buy a new car. In the still says no. And it’s an Irish bank’s computer too – who even owns that? Germany? Germany again? Warren Buffett? Can you believe there’s no deli on Wall Street called Warren’s Buffet? Now there’s a gap in the market the size of the hole in this bank’s balance sheet. Ah yes, that’s right It’s me who owns the bank. the ‘royal’ me. But they still won’t pay me. Seriously. And not in some makebelieve ‘social ‘Mary’: She’s here to help
Irish bank, which is completely meantime, let’s stay focused on your end, ‘mary’. Because it is different. Like last week when I went online to see if I had paid an your system. It’s not my system. If old bill (I was late getting paid, it was my system, I would can’t remember why) and I ran into definitely pay myself. I do own the a new ‘security’ feature that bank remember. ‘mary’ assures me that the issue prevents me from seeing transactions that happened before has been escalated. Sighs of relief all round. escalation is impressive. my last paper statement. terror threats get escalated. But not to worry, they’ll text me tensions in the ukraine get the unlock code. Guess what didn’t escalated. happen next? By now my banking So I ring the codes must be a helpdesk, and no – priority for at least This message no I hadn’t signed three intelligence up for the phone agencies and a betrays a culture text service, and dozen diplomatic where it’s OK to try no, I was not cables. surprised to learn It has to be and mislead your that it would take something that’s customers three to five way beyond my working days to security clearance arrive if I did register. anyway, because By now, though, my nobody has gotten back to spider sense was tingling. me. Complete radio silence. I once had a similar conversation And it has been almost a month now and my employer is looking to with upC, and I suspected that registering for texts would pay me again, could you credit. Which you literally couldn’t, if you automatically cancel my paper statements. were my bank. I put this to ‘mary mk 2’ then again, maybe it isn’t my bank’s fault. they really aren’t very triumphantly and she acknowledged I was right. In my good. You can tell because they pomp I puffed: ‘You mean I have to went broke and we paid for their suffer a diminished online service mistakes. No, I’m with another
“
because I want to get postal statements?’ She gave me a bald, unapologetic ‘yes’ and I couldn’t tell which bit incensed me more – that she had tried to trick me, or that once rumbled, the subtext to her one-word answer was ‘go and procreate with yourself’. It feels (barely) unfair to single out the ‘marys’ of this world for just doing their jobs, but this is how the untouchable and virtually unaccountable corporate beast keeps us at bay – by erecting a depressing human firewall of turgid dissatisfaction that you have to engage with when you have the temerity to ask why the system isn’t working – and to which it essentially spits back: What? What is it now, peasant? this implicit message, delivered by one of your fellow peasants, betrays a culture that surely seeps down from the top, where it’s oK to try and mislead your customers, because well, what are they really going to do about it? Indeed, there are so few consequences to the mistakes that banks make that you really have to wonder if ‘mistakes’ is the right word. ‘Insults’ is probably more accurate. @kenrogan
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Enemy at the gates of Ukraine by DOMinic yEATMAn UKRAINE has announced plans to withdraw troops from Crimea after Russian forces stormed its navy headquarters and arrested its commander yesterday. The move came after masked militiamen pulled down the gate of the compound and raised the Russian flag in Sevastopol as the US warned Moscow it faced international isolation. It followed a gunfight a day earlier in which two Ukrainian soldiers died defending a military base outside the Crimean capital, Simferopol. US vice-president Joe Biden condemned the ‘naked aggression’ of the attack as he toured Russia’s increasingly nervous neighbours. Speaking in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, he said: ‘As long as Russia continues on this dark path, they will face increasing political and economic isolation.’ The Ukrainian navy chief was taken prisoner by Alexander Vitko, the commander of Russia’s Black Sea fleet and
Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD
Soldier dies in air strike
ISRAELI air attacks on Syrian military posts in the Golan Heights have killed one soldier and wounded seven others. Yesterday’s jet strikes came in retaliation for a roadside bomb blast that wounded four Israeli soldiers the previous day. Syrian military chiefs said a repeat of the hostilities would
endanger stability in the entire Middle East. In response, Israel warned Syrian president Bashar al-Assad that he would ‘regret his actions’. The raids targeted three military positions, including an army headquarters, near the town of Quneitra on the edge of the Israeli-occupied zone.
crop failures spark suicides AT LEAST seven farmers have killed themselves in western India after unexpected hailstorms and heavy rain destroyed their crops. They saw freak weather wreck rice, wheat, cotton and onion crops in Maharashtra in the past three weeks. The losses would have left the smallholders heavily in debt to banks or loan sharks.
Troops to leave Crimea after Russian attack
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one of 21 Russians and Crimeans named on an EU sanctions list. Oleksander Balanyuk, a Ukrainian sailor at the base, said: ‘They stormed the compound. This thing should have been solved politically. Now all I can do is stand here at the gate – there is nothing else I can do.’ The US sent a destroyer armed with guided missiles to the Black Sea as attempts to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis continued. British prime minister David Cameron called for discussions on expelling Russia from the G8 permanently, saying failure to act would only result in ‘a very high price in the longer term’. UN general secretary Ban Ki-Moon is due to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin today.
Turned away: A Ukrainian serviceman is told to leave the naval base Pictures: ePA
Toyota to pay $1.2bn penalty THE US government has announced a $1.2billion (€868million) settlement with Toyota and filed a criminal charge alleging the company defrauded consumers by issuing misleading statements about safety issues. Attorney general Eric Holder said it is the largest financial penalty ever imposed on a car company. ‘Rather than promptly disclosing and correcting safety issues, Toyota gave misleading public statements and
inaccurate facts,’ Mr Holder said. The action concludes a four-year criminal investigation into the Japanese car maker, which focused on whether Toyota was forthright in reporting problems related to unintended acceleration troubles. ‘In the more than four years since these recalls, we have gone back to basics at Toyota to put our customers first,’ said Christopher P Reynolds, legal officer of Toyota Motor North America.
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Harry Styles and Liam Payne share a double date... with a dog. The One Direction pair were treating two American sisters to a rooftop meal at the Sanctum Soho Hotel in London. They beat 1.8million fans to meet the boys in a competition as the stars attempt to raise €600,000 for cancer charity Trekstock. At the hotel, they were joined by the charity’s mascot Serge. The 1D boys were ‘perfect gents’ and stayed off the booze. ‘The girls weren’t even star-struck as Harry and Liam put them at ease with their charms,’ a source said Picture: exPosure
Will George of the jungle be tamed by his latest lover? G
eorge CLooNeY has gone wild with a new lover. The screen heartthrob took lawyer Amal Alamuddin on an African safari – snuggling up to the 36-year-old as they strolled through the wilderness together in Tanzania. ‘His arm was around her shoulder and she had hers around his,’ said a witness. ‘They just seemed very, very together.’ It’s easy to see how Clooney fell under the spell of legal eagle Amal, who made a ‘sexiest lawyers’ list after representing Wiki-Leaks founder Julian Assange in his fight against extradition. Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor has turned on the style for his new girl – taking her to
by ANDREI HARMSWORTH the Seychelles after leaving Tanzania, and wining and dining her in New York this week. But friends say it’s not just Amal’s long legs and pretty face that have caught the attention of the serial dater. ‘She’s very smart and can hold a conversation,’ said one. ‘He likes having her around.’ Clooney, 52, has not wasted any time moving on from his last squeeze, former wrestler Stacy Keibler – who didn’t hang around either when they called it a day in July. The 34-year-old has just wed tech entrepreneur Jared Pobre in Mexico and is pregnant.
Revolving door: Clooney’s new flame Amal sPlash
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Lohan’s long list of lovers is Blooming Lindsay Lohan’s list of famous hunky conquests has grown after Orlando Bloom and Danny Cipriani fell for her charms. The 27-year-old actress’s love life has been laid bare in a list of her lovers compiled by In Touch magazine. As well as 37-yearold Bloom and rugby ace Cipriani, 26, Lohan has also reportedly got up close and personal with Ashton Kutcher, Ryan Phillippe and Benicio Del Toro. It goes on... NHL star Aaron Voros is also believed to be a notch on Lohan’s creaking bedpost. ‘Lindsay loves being linked to goodlooking, famous, successful men,’ a source told the magazine. The Canyons star Lohan penned the list during a boozy session with friends at the Beverly Hills Hotel in January last year, according to reports.
Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD
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Ashton Kutcher may be a modern man but he showed he also has some old-fashioned ways. The Jobs star reportedly asked Mila Kunis’s father Mark for his blessing before asking the Black Swan and Friends With Benefits star to marry him.
Kylie: I want to be somebody else... T hese days Kylie Minogue may spend her time curled up on the sofa watching Gogglebox but she hasn’t given up on resurrecting her life as a movie star. The Voice UK coach told me how she needs to act to escape the mayhem of Kylie world. ‘I love being on set, it was my first job, and I love the opportunity to not be “Kylie”, to be someone else,’ the 45-year-old sighed. her bid to escape came as the sizzling video for her single sexercise debuted online, showing her reinvented as a sex kitten who could give Rihanna a run for her money. But fans of the former Neighbours star’s acting will have to wait. ‘At the mo-
Sex kitten: Kylie in the video for her new single Sexercise Picture: Warner Music
by SEAMUS DUFF
ment it’s parked, but it’s something I’ll always have a little pilot light for,’ she lamented. Finding an escape is something she isn’t good at on her own, revealing scissor sisters’ Jake shears was her ‘naughty brother’ while working in LA last year. ‘he’s the kind of guy who’ll get me to do something “normal,” like go to the movies, when I feel like I should stay home. he’ll say, “I’m coming to pick you up at this time, I’ve got the tickets, and we’ll just go”,’ she explained. she’s relished being on The Voice but Kylie may find herself tested in the live finals. ‘I’m normally more reactive, or I go with the flow, I don’t like decisions – which is quite odd now I’m on The Voice which is decisions all day but I like to kind of feel my way,’ she said. The Voice’s first live round is on BBC1 on saturday at 6.45pm.
Rolling Stones rallying around Jagger after L’Wren Scott’s death
Coldplay on The Voice gets a cold reception Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is risking a backlash by joining The Voice USA as a mentor. The 37-yearold will help judges Usher, Shakira, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton measure talent during the battle rounds stage of the NBC show. But the announcement didn’t go down well with fans, with one writing on Twitter: ‘The Voice? No!’ Another posted: ‘Chris Martin joining Voice USA. I don’t know if this is cool or upsets me.’
Heaton is celebrity mum of the year Michelle Heaton has been crowned Disney’s Mum Of The Year – after her daughter was sick over her on the way to collect her award. The former Liberty X singer – who became a mother for the second time two weeks ago to son AJ – came a cropper when two-year-old Faith became ill during the car journey. Heaton said it had been a pleasant surprise to win, having been up against Abbey Clancy and Davina McCall.
homeware sale The Rolling stones are rallying around their ‘soul brother’ Mick Jagger as he struggles to come to terms with the death of his girlfriend L’Wren scott. The rock icons paid tribute to the fashion designer, who was found hanged in her luxury apartment on Monday, admitting they are ‘completely shocked’ by her suicide. Ronnie Wood, 66, said: ‘This is such terrible news and right now the important thing is that we are all pulling together to offer Mick our support and help him through this sad time.’ echoing Wood’s sentiments, drummer Charlie Watts said: ‘We are completely shocked but our first thought is to support Mick at this awful time.’ Guitarist Keith Richards, 70, added:
‘No one saw this coming. Mick’s always been my soul brother and we love him. We’re all feeling for the man.’ The band cancelled their Australian and New Zealand tour, due to kick off last night, following the news of the 49 year old’s death and despite their ‘disappointment’ they have promised fans they will reschedule. Reassuring fans Watts, 72, said: ‘We intend to come back to Australia and New Zealand as soon as possible.’ Richards added: ‘We really hate to disappoint our fans but we’ll see everyone really soon.’ An article in the New York Times claimed that Ms scott took her own life just two days before she was planning to go public with the news that her fashion label was to be discontinued.
Mariah Carey celebrated her Irish heritage by donning a skimpy green bikini for St Patrick’s Day, but was quick to point out the shamrock on her breast is not permanent
BrowN Thomas visit bROWNTHOMAS.COM/liviNg
10 METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
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news@metroherald.ie
Video clips that may give us the GIF of the gab W
HEN words were not enough, we used to say American researchers are cataloguing thousands things with flowers or greetings cards. of animated GIFs in an attempt to turn the But, in the online age, we are more likely to popular looping images into a useable language. express ourselves using state-of-the-art techROSS McGUINNESS asks if the greatest GIF of all nology… invented in 1987. On the internet, could be a new method of communication... retro will always be cool. If you want to indicate your happiness, shock or sense of humour today you turn to three letters: GIF. Why tell someone website asks users to identify which ones speak to them the your feelings when you can express it in the shape of a cease- most. They hope their results will spawn a GIF translating service, allowing us to communicate in images; the team’s ambilessly looping image of a cat falling off a car? In theory, GIFs should have gone the way of the dodo when tions even extend to turning Shakespeare’s sonnets into GIFs. There is a drive, then, to use GIFs for more than merely the internet shaped up and Web 2.0 kicked in around the turn of the millennium. Twenty years ago, GIFs were fun – you showing a dog hitting a fence or a toy Elmo leaping to his could use them to animate flames in an online forum, causing death, entertaining as those might be. many to wonder if man’s invention of actual fire had been herEB sharing giant BuzzFeed deals in all those alded with the same fanfare. And no self-respecting web desilly things, of course, but even it is trying to signer in the 1990s could do without the classic ‘under conexplore new uses for GIF grabbing, using struction’ GIF, a slightly shifting yellow icon that indicated them lately to explain both the politione thing: this blog will never see the light of day. cal situation in Ukraine (through Invented in 1987 by Steve Wilhite at US online service CompuServe, the graphics interchange format, or GIF, can hold up to 256 colours and eight bits per pixel. An animated GIF is an It is no longer the image encoded using the sharpest tool in the Graphics Interchange photo format box, but it Format. Multiple frames has endured. In the are combined into a The format supports up to 8 bits mid-90s, the animated single image file and a per pixel and a palette of up to GIF was born with the web browser will help of the Netscape automatically play those Navigator browser and, images back in sequence 20 years later, these colours simple but effective The GIF format was moving images still introduced by US online rule the web, thanks to service CompuServe in sites such as Reddit, Imgur and Tumblr. They even have their own awards Despite the and invented by Steve ceremony. In Janu- advancements Wilhite. The first ary, a mocked-up made in video, GIFs GIF was of an GIF of US chat remain popular aeroplane show host Oprah thanks to websites Winfrey unleashing such as Imgur, bees on her audi- Reddit and Tumblr ence was named GIF of the year at the first ever GIFYs. But are GIFs changing the way we interPopular GIFs in the 1990s act? This question is at included animated flames the heart of a research project at MIT and the ‘under University in the US – through GIFGIF, construction’ graduate students Travis Rich and message, popular Kevin Hu are trying to build a dataon the holding base of moving images which we pages of half-finished can use as a new language. websites. GIFs became They believe a ‘reaction GIF’ can popular on MySpace pages paint a thousand words and their
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reality TV show The Hills, naturally) and the recent spell of bad weather. ‘We’re trying to step it up a level,’ said Alan White, breaking news reporter at BuzzFeed’s UK arm. ‘It’s not the first time we’ve done that, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.’ He said that, when it comes to GIFs, you can’t go wrong with a sloth, a cat or a dog. GIFs also tend to appeal to our sense of schadenfreude. ‘Failure is often a running theme and that’s often why slapstick works,’ said White. ‘We can all relate to those little moments in our life where we tried and didn’t succeed – it’s something we can bond over.’ And, despite their brevity, White insists GIFs can still produce some great storytelling. ‘You’d be amazed how much narrative you can pack into a couple of seconds,’ he said. ‘Many of the best have a beginning, middle and end: quite often that end is an unexpected denouement, usually slapstick in basis. The best GIFs are the ones where you don’t know what’s going to happen next.’ Rob Manuel is something of a GIF guru – he is the co-founder of humour website B3ta.com and editor of UsVsTh3m.com. ‘Even in 2001, it was this retro, weird format,’ he said. ‘It’s always been this mainstay of B3ta – we were flying the flag for GIFs whilst the mainstream lost their enthusiasm.’ Manuel said animated GIFs tap into the ‘increasingly labyrinthine ways of expressing approval’ and that their lack of sound – and lack of a ‘play’ button – makes them less intrusive than a video. He suggested the GIF’s natural home is in the realm of the light-hearted but that doesn’t mean it has a dumbingdown effect. ‘It’s widening your vocabulary if you can express yourself using words, reaction GIFs, using Emoji,’ he said, referring to the emergence of a new breed of emoticons from Japan. ‘We might end up in this preposterous thing where I can talk to a Japanese person in Emoji and reaction GIFs and make myself understood. ‘Maybe that’s what kids will be doing, but that’s got a weird kind of Orwellian newspeak quality to it.’ Dancing is popular in GIFs – from the Dancing Baby in Ally McBeal through to dancing hamsters and bananas and a hip-swivelling JeanClaude Van Damme
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A mock animation of talk show host Oprah Winfrey releasing bees on her audience was crowned GIF of the Year at the first ever GIFYs
1987
‘Gif’ ‘Jif’?
or
The pronunciation of ‘GIF’ is a topic of hot debate. We’ll let you decide Google’s list of the most searched GIFs in
2013
included GIFs of Grumpy Cat, Loki from The Avengers movie, Jennifer Lawrence and twerking
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After three months behind the scenes, playful polar bears come out to make zoo debut and say hello to the world Cheeky! One bear sticks out its tongue to make a lasting first impression
Playing dirty: The cubs mess about in mud at the Munich zoo
Pictures: reuters
boars sometimes see their offspring as a threat and eat them, say experts. Yoghi is ‘somewhat unhappy’ with being sent away, said zoo director Dr Andreas Knieriem, but will return. Meanwhile, the cubs – a boy and a girl born in December – have passed their first medical check-ups with flying colours, said Dr Knieriem. They are first polar bears cubs to be born at the zoo for 20 years, said curator and biologist Beatrix Koehler. ‘The two rascals voice their anger with very loud screaming when they fight over milk or step on each other’s heads,’ she added. The female is stronger, weighing 5.4kg (12lb) while the male weighs 4.6kg (10lb).
IT’S nerve-wracking meeting new people but these polar bear cubs had no problem playing up for cameras when they made their zoo debut. Messing around in muddy puddles, the cubs seemed to revel in their moment in the limelight, as one even stuck his tongue out at photographers in his first public appearance. The 14-week-old cubs, which have yet to be named, were pictured getting used to their new surroundings at Munich’s Hellabruun Zoo in Germany. But mother Giovanna, seven, kept them under close watch as the cubs frolicked in their enclosure. The cub’s father, 14-year-old Yoghi has been transferred to Stuttgart Zoo, as
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VIRTUAL reality has been billed as the future of video games for decades, with films like The Lawnmower Man showing us what a 3D world could bring. Now Sony has unveiled a headset for the PlayStation 4 that can immerse gamers without the need for a TV screen. Project Morpheus – named after the Roman God of Dreams – has a camera, an accelerometer and a gyroscope so virtual worlds rotate when players do. It could be a threat to the Oculus Rift, a head-mounted display that goes on sale later this year. But the Rift, which was crowd-funded on Kickstarter, will be used to plug into a PC rather than a console. Metro UK GameCentral editor David Jenkins said: ‘The problems remain as boringly mundane as ever: the price and the fact you look like an idiot.’ Project Morpheus, featuring a HD display and a 90degree field of view, made its debut at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California. Sony president Shuhei Yoshida said: ‘This technology will deliver a sense of presence, where you as the player feel like you’re inside the game and your emotions feel that much more real.’ Even though Project Morpheus has been in development for more than three years, it is only a prototype at this stage. Mr Jenkins added: ‘The concern for gamers is whether VR becomes a distraction from Sony making new games.’ Level up: Project Reports suggest Microsoft is Morpheus is set to focusing on augmented reality transform how games are played goggles similar to Google Glass.
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The good, the bad and the grand marshall’s daily duties
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ow that the St Patrick’s festival is over and the dust is settling on the event, is anybody else left with mixed emotions? I was proud to see so many families enjoying the carnival feel and felt privileged to come from a country that, despite its size, punches well above its weight in terms of global recognition. And then there was the waste left behind. on St Patrick’s night as I waited at my bus stop, ankle deep in discarded pizza boxes, snack boxes and beer cans, I wondered how people could celebrate the country one minute and defile it the next. In ten minutes I watched six different people, sadly all Irish, throw their rubbish on the ground. Two roared at the triumph of their actions. St Patrick may have driven the snakes out of Ireland, but there are still a lot of animals out there. Albie ■ The parade, SH, was the first in a threeyear theme of Ireland’s past, present and
future. I would assume that this year’s parade was about the past, so that might have been why Stephen Roche was Grand Marshall. Maybe someone who was involved would confirm that? otherwise, like you say, that is a bit disappointing. K, Bray ■ SH, the duties of the Grand Marshall extend beyond marching in the parade itself. There are events in the lead-up to the festival such as photocalls that require his or her attendance. Naturally, BoD has been preoccupied recently, putting his body on the line for Ireland one last time, and what a fine job he did. It might have been nice to have the whole team march down the parade with the trophy though. RK ■ So, Crimea was Russian in the past, and should be again, eh? President Putin, Japan called. They say they want South Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands back. And while you’re at it, you could set Tannu Tuva free again. Telling it like it is, Dawson Street.
Quick pic
IT’S IN THE BAG: Reader Gráinne O’Callaghan sent us this picture of her daughter Alannah, who was grateful GoMetro.ie saved the day when her schoolbag broke Send your photos to pictures@ metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best each day in the paper
gOOD ON yA
yEH big RiDE
● Thank you to the person who handed in my wallet to the driver of the 130. You are a gent and made my weekend. M Glackin
● To the girl with the long black hair and penchant for black clothes who walks along Baggot Street every lunchtime sipping coffee, you, ironically, light up my life. Besotted Brian
● Thanks to the Russian guy who said ‘bless you’ (in Russian, then English) when I sneezed on the bus. Nice to see good manners are still around. Runny Nose Rose
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Was Maddie victim No.13 of Brit villa sex prowler?
World Berlusconi ban from politics is confirmed
iTALy: The country’s highest appeal court has upheld Silvio Berlusconi’s two-year ban from public office. The court of cassation’s ruling follows the former prime minister’s conviction for tax fraud. Berlusconi, 77, will now not be allowed to stand in the European elections in May. He was barred from parliament in November after being handed a four-year term for fraud, later reduced to 12 months.
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digest
‘stressed’ gunman Blogger sent to jail kills six workmates for ‘insulting’ posts
TuRkEy: A gunman killed six of his colleagues after taking them hostage at a statistics agency. Veysi Erim, a 33-year-old sociologist, then shot himself, officials said. They denied reports that Erim had been sacked and said he was being treated for ‘stress and psychological problems’. About 40 staff were working at the TUIK government office in the city of Kars at the time of the attack.
viETNAM: A blogger was jailed for 15 months yesterday for posting online criticism of the government. Pham Viet Dao, 61, wrote dozens of articles that ‘vilified and smeared’ senior leaders, a Hanoi judge said. After the verdict, Human Rights Watch called for his immediate release. Dao, who was accused of being a danger to society, is the second blogger to be jailed this month.
Party island’s tourism film angers officials
Case: Madeleine and an image of a top said to be the offender’s Pictures: ePa, Pa BRITISH police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are looking for a man who sexually assaulted girls at holiday resorts in Portugal. Detectives say they have uncovered 12 cases in which a suspect entered villas used mostly by British families on the Algarve from 2004 to 2010. In three break-ins, between 2004 and 2006, a lone child was sexually abused by the man, who officers say has ‘a very unhealthy interest in young, white, female children’. In another case, the offender attacked two girls in the same apartment. All victims were between seven and ten, the Metropolitan Police said. ‘While not identical, there are many similar aspects to each of the incidents,’ a spokesman stated. ‘In most cases, there were no signs of forced entry to the property, nothing was taken and the intruder appeared in
by DANiEL BiNNs the early hours of the morning – between 2am and 5am.’ On each occasion, the man fled after being disturbed by a parent or from the child waking. He was seen twice in a burgundy long-sleeve top. One victim said it had a white circle on the back. Madeleine was three when she vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz on the Algarve in 2007. Portuguese police have made little headway in solving the mystery. The Met, which launched its own investigation last year, described the suspect as having ‘dark, tanned skin and short, dark unkempt hair’. Det Ch Insp Andy Redwood said: ‘We need to establish the identity of this man. We also need to eliminate this man from our inquiries and ascertain whether these offences are linked to Madeleine.’
sPAiN: A raunchy tourism video featuring semi-naked men and excessive drinking has upset officials in Ibiza who want to rid the island of its party image. The film, made by the Balearic government, was insulting and sabotaged efforts to attract more families and upmarket visitors, said critics. But the industry minister Vicente Roig said the film was the best way of attracting gay tourists. n A GerMAn police officer has been charged with murder over the death and dismemberment of a man he met online. He was arrested on suspicion of killing a 59-year-old who had fantasised about being killed and eaten. He maintains that the victim, who was strangled, killed himself. Police say there is no evidence the man ate parts of the victim and he denies doing so.
CHiNA: The driver of this Mercedes-Benz makes what promises to be an embarrassing phone call for help after getting his €58,000 car stuck in concrete in Foshan, Guangdong province Picture: rex
and finally... ROMANiA: Cop a load of this... policeman Andre Petre is a man you can’t keep down. He broke the world record for the most back handed push-ups. The judo champion, 37, managed 630 in 15 minutes in the city of Cluj.
‘An Entertainment Phenomenon.’ Daily Telegraph
iMF head Lagarde in court over €400m corruption case THE head of the International Monetary Fund has appeared in court over her alleged role in a €400million corruption case. Christine Lagarde, who is not seen as an official suspect in the case, is accused of abusing her old position as French finance minister to help a
controversial businessman. The 58-yearold allegedly helped Bernard Tapie, who believed he was defrauded by a state bank after he sold adidas, the sportswear Office: Lagarde
company which he majority owned. A Paris court is investigating whether the payout he received was too generous as Tapie backed
Nicholas Sarkozy’s bid to be French president. Also in court is Stephane Richard, the CEO of mobile phone group Orange, who was Lagarde’s chief of staff during her time in office. Lagarde and Richard deny wrongdoing at the Court of Justice of the Republic.
Wed 26 Mar - Sat 26 Apr 2014 0818 719 377 www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie Booking fees may apply
14 METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
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Life television WHaT I’m WaTCHINg helen skelton the vampire diaries
I’m not normally into the supernatural or some genre, but for reason I love this. I think it’s because it has good stories, it’s comical, and you never know what’s going to happen next. And the people in it (Nina Dobrev, pictured) are really good looking...
sunday brunCh
I’m terrible at cooking, r but I do really like watching this – the presenters Tim Lovejoy (pictured) and Simon Rimmer have good, current guests and everyone has a bit of a laugh; it’s not too structured. It’s pretty easy watching for a Sunday.
the walshes RTÉ1, 10.15pm In tonight’s final instalment of this Graham Linehan penned sitcom, the Walshes are getting ready to leave the house for a night out at their favourite restaurant. But mobilising five people at the same time can prove tricky. No sooner are four of them ready to step outside then something has distracted the fifth. Rory becomes obsessed by a strange photograph and starts to question everything he’s ever believed. Ciara and Graham’s perfect ‘never had a fight’ record is tested, while Tony wrestles with something that’s been on his mind. And with the early bird half-price menu deadline looming, the clock is ticking.
film of the day (500) Days of suMMer, filM4, 7pM A recent breath of fresh air in the increasingly tired romcom genre, and aimed at groovy twentysomethings, rather than desperately seeking thirtysomething singletons, this stars Joseph GordonLevitt as Tom, a frustrated greetingscard copywriter, moodily looking back on his 500-day romance with a girl named Summer (Zooey Deschanel, pictured with Gordon-Levitt). Summer is a kookily stylish cynic who doesn’t believe in love but she does believe in fun. Their tribulations will strike a familiar chord with anyone who’s tied themselves in knots over a commitmentphobic lover. An indie soundtrack featuring the likes of The Smiths sets the tone of who the target audience is here. A sharp, original, in some ways anti-romcom of a romcom that will appeal equally to both sexes.
the great british sewing bee
I love host Claudia Winkleman (pictured), I think she’s really funny, but I’m not always sure the contestants get her sense of humour. I do think the contestants are really that interesting, though. And I haven’t learn much about sewing – I can’t even sew a button on.
turks & CaiCos BBC2, 9pm If you’ve been wondering what became of Johnny Worricker, the world-weary mI5 man wonderfully played by Bill Nighy in spy thriller page Eight, here’s the answer: he’s been twiddling his poetic thumbs in an obscure corner of the Caribbean, waiting for the whistleblowing dust to die down. Writer David Hare serves up a starstudded sequel with Christopher Walken, Winona Ryder (pictured with Nighy) and Helena Bonham Carter among the cast of enigmatic characters drawn into Johnny’s circle.
the takeover RTÉ2, 9.30pm Norah Casey returns for a new series where business owners step aside and leave their employees to run the show. Tonight Colm and Audri Herron of the Hillgrove Hotel in Co Monaghan leave the staff in charge for two weeks. Will their renovation of the games room to exploit the hotel’s eccentric decor boost the midweek bookings?
my favourite tv CharaCter
Pamela from Gavin And Stacey (Alison Steadman, pictured). She’s exactly like my mum in that she’s good fun and really loves her children. So much so that my brother and I call mum Pamela – we mean it as a compliment, but she takes it as an insult.. Sharon Lougher
arena: whatever happened to spitting image? BBC4, 9pm This 30th anniversary celebration of the classic latex puppets features archive clips, together with anecdotes from puppet masters peter fluck and roger law. polarising opinion as forcefully as Margaret Thatcher’s government did, spitting image regularly attracted 15 million viewers at its peak in the 1980s.
Helen Skelton is a presenter for BT Sport, a regular contributor to BBC1’s Countryfile and copresents BBC1’s Holiday Hit Squad, which airs on Thursdays
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Rewriting the rules on logos Branding used to be associated with crass overstatement – but designers are giving it a witty and fresh twist, says Naomi Mdudu Word on the street: Georgia May Jagger wearing Alexander Wang picture: getty
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hen Georgia May Jagger stomped down the runway at the Alexander Wang SS14 show in new York last September wearing the designer’s Parental Advisory top, I was sold. I wasn’t the only one. The mesh and jersey top – which imitates the ‘explicit content’ CD stickers from the 1980s – have already sold out at countless stores and online retailers such as net-A-Porter. The high street is awash with versions, too. Like everything Wang turns his hand to, strong typographic logos feel very much of the time but my affinity to them left me confused. everything about them goes against the minimalist aesthetic resurrected by Céline’s Phoebe Philo – a sensibility that has dominated the fashion agenda for half of the past decade. Logos fell out of favour with the onset of the recession. Labels known for their distinctive branding, such as Gucci, Louis
“The past 12 months have also seen typography [used] for pastiche Vuitton and Burberry, went to great pains to tone it down. It all looked a bit crass and a reminder of the excessive culture of consumption that helped get us in trouble in the first place. Understatement became the statement. But designers are now approaching logos and branding in a different way. What we are seeing are fun and witty slogans and branding instantly attributable to a label but not in the brash way of the 2000s. As fashion’s spotlight continues to shine on daywear, these pieces are becoming the way to demonstrate your membership of a fashion tribe. Paul & Joe, Jeremy Scott, Missoni and Sibling are just a few who did it. Marc Jacobs even sent model edie Campbell down the runway naked save for Stephen Sprousedesigned Louis Vitton logos across her body. ‘They offer customers the chance to buy iconic pieces from luxury brands at an affordable price,’ says net-A-Porter’s buying manager Ben Matthews. Think of it as a descendant of the statement knit but with a focus on catchy typography rather than imagery.
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he look owes its prevalence to a renewed love of 1980s and 1990s street culture, an aesthetic stamped in the consciousness of many of today’s young designers, Wang included.
on our radar BOOHOO BIGS IT UP
Boohoo has launched its first plussize range. The debut collection features quilting and jacquard in key season co-ordinates along with knitwear and shift dresses in prints and plains. Culottes and skorts play a significant part, in pastels, bights and monochrome, as well as illusion dresses, tops and jumpsuits (pictured, white jumpsuit €38, mid heel courts €30). Sizes range from 16 to 24. www.boohoo.com
The 30-year-old was a child of logo mania. At his show, he spoke of feeling nostalgic for a time when fashion felt fun and less serious. It saw him brandishing his name on to lasercut leather. Kenzo designers humberto Leon and Carol Lim moved away from their evil eye and tiger motifs in favour of typography. The slogan ‘no Fish no nothing’ was added to a top to highlight the threat caused by overfishing. Christopher Kane, who has used prints of Frankenstein’s monster in all shapes and colours on his garnments, also embraced typography this season. ‘As streetwear continues to be one of our most rapidly expanding categories, we’re buying more and more into cult, branded product,’ says eleanor Robinson, menswear buyer at department store giant Selfridges. ‘We’re interested in the idea of word-ofmouth labels – those types of collections that develop from street culture and quite niche beginnings but go on to experience meteoric rises.’ hood By Air is one such brand. First championed by A$AP Rocky and Kanye West and now seen on then likes of Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna, the label was on the backs of many of the men attending new York fashion Week in February. It was launched in 2006 by designer Shayne Oliver and its offering is vast but items with
FOOTLOOSE
Say hello to comfortable footwear with the arrival of Birkenstocks at Arnotts Shoe Garden. The collection ranges from the old-school sandals with wide, chunky, minimalist designs to chic metallic and printed city styles. We have our eye on this Florida pair (pictured, €49.99). In store from April.
its hBA logo on the front still prove the most popular. Fans wear them almost like a badge of honour, in the way some would wear a football, basketball or baseball shirt. ‘With labels like this, having a strong visual identity is everything,’ Robinson says. It’s part of the reason Selfridges has recently snapped up similar cult menswear labels such as Pigalle and Off-White this season. And it doesn’t end there. The past 12 months have also seen the rise of brands using typography for pastiche. Saint Laurent made headlines for not selling its collection in much-loved Parisian boutique Collette after the store sold T-shirts saying: ‘Ain’t Saint Laurent without Yves’ in reference to the label’s late, great founder. LA-based designer Brian Lichtenberg has done the same thing with his cheeky sweatshirts that play on brand names (hermès to homies; Balmain to Ballin’). ‘This is more than a trend,’ Robinson says. ‘It’s a style statement that harps back to the golden age of hip-hop, which is never a bad thing.’
FEELING NAUTY?
Is it too early to think about bikinis? How about this for some motivation – Accessorize Nautical Stripe Bandeau Top €23.50, brief €21.50.
ONE TO WATCH
Create a unique watch with Marc Coblen, a Dutch brand newly arrived in Ireland. Simply choose a basic model (prices
Word up: The high street has also embraced the trend with (clockwise from left) Laredoute, River Island, Next, Boohoo and Penneys, while Kanye West dresses in a hip Hood By Air sweater from €159 to €299), switch the strap (from €28) and replace the rim (from €18). We like this army olive green model (pictured, €319).
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Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD
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coast spring/summer
DRESS TO IMPRESS: Yellow dress, €195; Mint lace dress, €148, pink shoes, €70, rope necklace, €45, graphic bag, €58; Monochrome dress, €195 picTures: Leon FarreLL
cLObbER bLOggER This week resident blogger Whisty talks transitional trends Luckily, it seems to Now Monday’s wearing of the green have escaped my outfit choices so far, is over for another year it’s time to but pale blue skinny jeans are on my readdress spring shades. With the lust-list this spring. Teamed with that recent glimpse of sunshine and the silk M&S blouse, these Love Label promise of a great summer to come, skinnies from Littlewoods Ireland transitional trends are what to (€32, pictured) are affordable and buy now. absolutely essential. Layering is always key in spring Whether you choose to wear them and this year it’s all about with classic pumps, your favourite concentrating on classic, investment Converse or a pair of two-strap flats, pieces and wardrobe staples that will these two wardrobe staples need one translate into summer this year and final layer – a classic throw-on coat beyond. In 2014, it’s all about with a distinctive print. Prints are wearing those standard big again this season, from pieces just right. Orla Kiely animals to The classic white shirt was seen at The crisp white shirtt SS14 shows last autumn, from remains worn Bottega Veneta buttoned up to the to Balenciaga and Saint neck in spring 2014, Laurent – the as it has been for the latter worn with a black leather past few skinny tie. Never a seasons piece to ever really fade from the fashion radar,, the crisp white shirt orn buttoned up remains worn to the neck in spring Lanvin 2014, as it has blooms. been for the past This few seasons. Topshop. Wear a sleek com coat silk version (€69, pictured) under a mintall-over has an all-o green soft owl print and is sweater. This collarless and lightweight, M&S one making it the perfect transitional (€135, pictured) spring layer layer. is sartorial Buying and adding layers to your perfection. wardrobe makes already established w I thought double-denim shopping in between the seasons the ving a bit of a re-run this was having most exciting time of year. spring/summer when I saw a few fashion features focussing on it. whistywordpress.com
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bEAuTy… with Emma Henderson REVIEW: Voya Organic Purifying Defence Facial The seaweed-based beauty industry has exploded in recent years. Given we’re literally surrounded by the stuff, it’s no surprise that the Irish are leading the pack. Brands like Seavite, Green Angel and Mungo Murphy’s seaweed are all making the most of our mineral-rich, skin-softening algae – but Voya are leading the way. This award-winning, family-run brand started life as a seaweed bath house in Sligo. It now offers a wide range of organic seaweed-based products for use at home, or in more than 40 spas and salons. I took myself off to the Therese R Wellness And Beauty day-spa at Rochestown Lodge in Dún Laoghaire to experience the range. With my combination skin acting the maggot, the Purifying Defence Facial balanced and soothed. The peaceful décor put me at ease straight away and I indulged in a spot of robe-clad lounging (and tea drinking) in the comfy relaxation area. Then it was on to one of nine candle-lit treatment rooms for 75mins cocooned in a blanket on top of a heated bed. We begin with a deep cleansing back treatment, before going on to the facial itself. Using a series of luxe-feeling products, my rebellious skin is coaxed back towards better behaviour. Ritzy Spritzy toner feels lovely as it’s misted lightly across my face, and the Bright Eyes treatment is so refreshing I buy it later on. There’s lots of massage, which I love – as the tension is eased from my neck, shoulders and scalp, I relax into the tiniest nap. Finally, handharvested seaweed strips are applied to my face, which hydrate and purify. I float out to show off my fabulous post-facial glow. It’s all very decadent and delicious, but more importantly, it works – a week later, my skin is still brighter and healthier, and breakouts are kept at bay. The Voya Organic Purifying Defence Facial at Rochestown Lodge is €100 for 75mins. voya.ie; check out the Therese R Wellness and Beauty Facebook page. Find Emma @fluffyblog
puzzles
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METROSCOPE
by Patrick Arundell
NEMI by Lise
Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20
Today can be like a rebirth. You may feel like skipping into action, particularly concerning dreams you’ve been nurturing. There’s also an air of passion around, as a Scorpio Moon encourages you to channel feelings into making a decision. For your forecast, call 15609 114 70
Taurus Apr 21 – May 21
Gemini May 22 – Jun 21
sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21
The Spring Equinox, coincides with the movement of the Sun into Aries, giving your social sector a lively boost. If you feel motivated to join up with like-minded people, doing so could offer you new friends and activities. For your forecast, call 15609 114 72
The Sun swings into your sensitive eighth house, while a Scorpio Moon lingers in your communication sector. There may be an intensity to the day, that pushes you to make a decision or to take problem-busting action. For your forecast, call 15609 114 75
Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23
If you’ve been meaning to tell someone how you feel but have been putting off the moment of truth, the
For your forecast, call 15609 114 79
It’s a great day for broadening your social horizons, strengthening ties and seeing where friendships might lead. You’re not so much in a romantic mood, as determined to forge new connections that could lead to exciting projects.
For your forecast, call 15609 114 80
Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20
You may be open to other people’s energies and moods. It’s possible you’ll be moved by their happiness, sadness or even feel the pain of a good friend’s situation. Getting some space to yourself or relaxing in a warm bath can ease tensions and help you unwind. For your forecast, call 15609 114 81
For a live one-to-one consultation with one of my gifted psychics, call 15809 113 68 or 1800 719 688 to book using credit card
QuIz
Astrology calls cost 1.27 euros per min from a BT landline. Live Services cost 2.40 euros per minute. Calls from mobiles/other networks may cost more. Callers must be 18 or over to use this service and have the bill payers permission. For entertainment purposes only. All calls are recorded. PhonePayPlus regulated(ComReg in ROI) UK SP: StreamLive Ltd, NR7 0HR, 08700 234 567. ROI SP:Moveda, 1 Courtyard Business Park, Orchard Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 0818 241 398
ENIGMA In Cockney rhyming slang ‘– and flute’ Means quite simply one man’s suit. Football referees use same To call a stoppage in the game. WHO AM I? A film director, I was born in New South Wales in 1962. I wrote a one-act play called Strictly Ballroom. which was staged in 1986. My films include Moulin Rouge.
WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? WHO… overthrew the Girondists in the French Revolution? WHAT... is the study of crops and soils called? WHERE... was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires? WHEN... did Harold Ross found the US weekly magazine The New Yorker?
QUIZ ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Whistle. WHO AM I? Baz Luhrmann. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Jacobins; Agronomy; Istanbul (Byzantium/Constantinople); 1925.
QUICK CROsswORd
Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20
Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19
For your forecast, call 15609 114 74
Yesterday’s Solutions Across: 1 Modest; 4 Stable; 9 Miscellaneous; 10 Lingers; 11 ether; 12 Sever; 14 Users; 18 Strip; 19 Deprive; 21 Entertainment; 22 Desert; 23 Chaste. Down: 1 Mumble; 2 Disintegrates; 3 Sieve; 5 Tenders; 6 Brotherliness; 7 Ensure; 8 Close; 13 Emperor; 15 Ascend; 16 Ideal; 17 Settle; 20 Pinch.
For your forecast, call 15609 114 78
Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23
Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23
DOWN 2 Violent wind (7) 3 Alleviate (7) 4 Ill-health (13) 6 Racing dog (7) 7 Clipper (7) 8 Disclose (6) 13 Opponent of the Crusaders (7) 14 Ejecting (7) 15 Mission (6) 16 Unfavourable (7) 17 Envelop (7)
Creativity, romance and leisure options may tantalise. Yet, a more introverted mood could encourage time for reflection. Today, a Scorpio Moon links with Jupiter and Pluto, hinting time alone might allow healing insights to trickle into your sights. You may have some big ideas but they could be a tad unrealistic now. Yet, even though Mars is retrograde, take the initiative. You might feel it’s time you spent something on yourself – a special treat can be snaffled.
A plan or budget might make it easier to stay in control. Meanwhile, the arrival of the Sun in Aries, may lend energy to a travel plan or encourage further study. Later, a conversation could see a change of heart.
ACROSS 1 Vigorous (8) 5 Possesses (4) 9 Boast (4) 10 Sticky (8) 11 Rash (5) 12 Slumberer (7) 13 Some time (6,2,5) 18 Check (8) 19 Depravity (4) 20 Italian wine (7) 21 Sag (5) 22 Near (4) 23 Replied (8)
For your forecast, call 15609 114 77
If you’ve been looking at a problem in the same way, today’s fresh perspective, spotlighted by the Sun’s move into Aries, could provide a chink of light. If it concerns a key goal, perhaps you’ll be motivated to give 100 per cent in order to make positive progress.
For your forecast, call 15609 114 73
Crossword No. 937 See next edition for solutions
scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22
A little mystery could add pizzazz to a relationship. Yet, it’s not all play, as your lifestyle and job sector get a lively boost. The motivation to get fit, look fabulous and feel wonderful might set you thinking about diet plans.
Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23
PEARLs BEFORE swINE
For your forecast, call 15609 114 76
You may doubt your sixth sense, particularly as Mercury’s move towards Neptune, could fudge an issue. Today’s Scorpio Moon, might help you spot a hidden agenda, saving you from potential problems. For your forecast, call 15609 114 71
METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging. For solutions, visit Metro.co.uk/metroku
movement of the Sun into Aries from today, could intensify your resolve. At the very least, it might be time to adopt a firmer approach.
SCRIBBLE BOX
18 METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
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books
Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD
TAkE 3 Coming of Age
Sister’s disappearing act
ThirTy Girls by
iAndoddS.Co.uk
A father’s bizarre experiment rips his family apart in Karen Joy Fowler’s comedic yet tragic tale, writes Tina Jackson
T
olstoy’s Anna Karenina begins with the saying that each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Karen Fowler’s We Are All Completely Beside ourselves is a family narrative which takes that to new heights of oddity, to the extent that its narrator, Rosemary, ducks out when a group of her peers argue about who comes from the weirdest background. Had she joined in, she’d have trumped the others effortlessly. Rosemary’s family background is so odd, and has left her with a legacy of such profound loss and grief, that the once talkative child has turned into a young adult who has largely stopped talking. Rosemary is one of three siblings but it quickly transpires that her brother, lowell, and sister, Fern, are missing from the picture. the reasons why, and the traumatic aftermath of their disappearances, are unravelled in the course of a novel that is, by turns, comic, informative, insightful, bizarre and desperately sad. From the very first page, it’s deeply involving.
we are all ComPleTely Beside ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler Serpent’s Tail HHHHI
EnglIsH author gK Chesterton had sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s sherlock Holmes stories in mind when he created the character of Father Brown, a dumpy, unkempt Catholic priest whose day job gives him rare psychological insight – a handy attribute for a supersleuth. originally published in 1911, The Innocence Of Father Brown (Penguin) is the first of five covetable new pocket editions designed by award-wining animator and illustrator Matthew young. the hero outs a police chief as a murderer, then turns a master burglar into a sidekick when he nabs him pinching cutlery from a posh london hotel. the addictive riddleand-reveal formula to each tale depends on a closing speech from Brown to shed light on a conundrum that flummoxes everyone else. the highly prolific Belgian writer georges simenon took a different tack in his novels about
Susan Minot (Fourth Estate) Inspired by the real-life kidnapping of schoolgirls by the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda in 1996, this harrowing portrait of a war-torn part of Africa is told from two perspectives: Esther, a kidnapped girl forced to stay with the rebel army and endure appalling brutalities, and Jane, a US journalist who travels to Uganda to interview escaped child soldiers.
The FollowinG Girls
It transpires that Rosemary’s father, a behavioural psychologist, involved his family in a bizarre 1970s experiment. the repercussions are deeply disturbing: the Fern-shaped hole in Rosemary’s life is such an aching void that the questions surrounding her absence and possible whereabouts affect all her relationships. lowell, in the meantime, has gone underground, wanted by the FBI for acts of domestic terrorism. Us author Karen Joy Fowler is best known for her reading-group favourite the Jane Austen Book Club but for anyone expecting something
sHELf spAcE CLASSiC SLeuTHS reviSiTed
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similar, this is a dark, intelligent revelation. It coats uncomfortable questions in the sugary pill of a novel that immediately draws in its reader and keeps them glued to the page. Rosemary is an exuberant, engaging narrator. Her shield of silence is dropped when she meets a fellow student called Harlow, who reminds Rosemary of her missing sister, Fern. their subsequent adventures bring Rosemary to the point where
she can confront the hard truths about Fern’s disappearance. Fern is spontaneous, smart, deeply loving and loyal, and Rosemary’s bond with her is entirely convincing and immensely touching. In a novel that tackles injustice and discrimination, no one is more a victim of either than lovable Fern. If ever there was a popular novel – or at least, one that deserves to be – that blends comedy and tragedy, this is it.
by Louise Levene (Bloomsbury) Schooldays are not the happiest days of 16-year old Amanda Baker’s life, and home, with her uptight father and sanguine stepmother, isn’t much better. This reflective, bittersweet and frequently funny coming-of-age story about growing up in the 1970s asks some uncomfortable questions about peer pressure and the nature of in-crowds, teenage friendships and family expectations.
Children oF Paradise
pipe-smoking Parisian police inspector Jules Maigret, less a detective than a vessel to contain all the misery of northern Europe. First published in 1930, The Hanged
Man Of SaintPholien (Penguin, in a new translation by linda Coverdale) has Maigret uncovering a deadly pact among a group of former art students after he stalks a commuter who kills himself over a lost suitcase. In the very first Maigret story, Pietr The Latvian, also from 1930 (simenon was a fast and hugely prolific writer), it’s a murdered American millionaire and a Baltic fraudster who keep the laconic inspector from his wife’s stews. the finest writer here is sicilian writer leonardo sciascia, who, like simenon, died in 1989. In The
Day Of The Owl (granta), first published in 1961, a northern carabinier gets up the nose of the Mafia and local deputies while investigating a double shooting in sicily. the more abstract Equal Danger, from 1971, follows a cop on the tail of a serial killer targeting judges in an unnamed country. sciascia was writing about a violent, disunited Italy, corrupt and riven by party politics after World War II. His floating point of view shows us the perpetrators as well as the detectives, and the absence of a grand reveal focuses our interest on the battle of wits between the two. there are no good guys but nor do strong-arm tactics seal it for the police – the crooks freely dismissing them as communists and ‘polenta-eaters’. Anthony cummins
On My E-READER dAvid preSCoTT Gilead by Marilynne Robinson our team in oxford was ‘hero-ing’ gilead as part of our ‘if you liked Stoner’ booktree. Like Stoner, it’s a story of a quiet American and a quiet life, in this case reverend John Ames. The story is told as a letter written to his young son, where he reflects on his life, his forebears and his faith. it may not sound riveting but is so beautifully
written, and every word so perfectly weighted, that you can’t fail to be engaged by the story, regardless of whether you share the protagonist’s beliefs or not. The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence This is the current choice of the book club i’m a member of. it is a fantastic example of how to deal with heavyweight subjects (in this case assisted suicide) with a deftness and lightness of touch. it is both funny and
by Fred D’Aguiar (Granta) D’Aguiar has previously written a booklength poem, 1998’s Bill of Rights, about the Jonestown tragedy in Guyana in 1978 when 912 people died from drinking cyanide-infused KoolAid. Although he never mentions Jim Jones by name, events in this lyrical, haunting book reflect those of Jonestown as they move towards their terrible climax. It tells the story of young girl Trina and her growing awareness of life in their jungle community under The Preacher.
moving. definitely recommended, although i may now be disbarred from the club for giving my opinion publicly ahead of next month’s meeting. E Street Shuffle by Clinton Heylin As a Bruce Springsteen fan, this is the perfect tome. The access Heylin got to those closest to The Boss means you can be confident it was how he says it was. He’s also not afraid to expose the great man’s flaws and criticise his choices, which gives a balanced feel. David Prescott is the CEO of Blackwell’s, official bookseller for the Oxford Literary Festival, which begins on March 22.
20 METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
rugby six nations
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Few chances for new blood ahead of 2015 – Schmidt pictures: inpho
by DAnny HOgAn The big 5-0: Stephen Roche is counting down the days to the Giro
Country gearing up for three-day giro festival TODAY marks 50 days to go until Ireland hosts the first three stages of the world’s second largest bike race, the Giro d’Italia. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Dublin City Council is urging people to ensure they are part of the action from May 9 to 11, to plan ahead and book accommodation before it is too late. Speaking ahead of the build-up, cycling legend Stephen Roche, one of only two cyclists to win the triple crown of victories in the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia stage races, plus the World Road Race Championship, said: ‘It’s incredible to think the sporting moment of 2014 is only 50 days away.’ The festivities will kick off on the evening of Thursday, May 8, with the Team Presentation in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, when the nine riders from each of the 22 teams will be
presented, along with a range of entertainment to celebrate the Big Start in Belfast. Day one of the action on May 9 will be the Team Time Trial, starting from the slipways at the iconic Titanic Belfast and ending at Belfast City Hall. The following day will once again start from Titanic Belfast before heading north towards the Causeway Coast and back. Famous attractions along the 218km route will include the Old Bushmills Distillery, Giant’s Causeway, Carrickfergus Castle and the Glens of Antrim. The final day’s action will start from Armagh, with the 187km cross-border route going to Dublin. For further details or to attend the Giro d’Italia ‘Grande Partenza’ contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on www.discover northernireland.com/giro2014 and by using hashtag #girostart2014.
IRELAND only have five realistic chances to blood new players ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2015 runin, according to boss Joe Schmidt. The RBS Six Nations champions have ten Test matches before the traditional summer World Cup warmups, and the tournament proper starting in September 2015. Head coach Schmidt believes the relentless Six Nations schedule offers no opportunity for squad rotation. The former Leinster coach remains unfazed by the challenge to anoint Brian O’Driscoll’s successor for Ireland’s No. 13 shirt in that time-frame, with the talisman centre retiring at the end of the season. ‘There are ten Tests to go ultimately towards the World Cup, five of those are the finals we play week to week in the Six Nations,’ said Schmidt.
‘You don’t even get a chance to catch breath’ ‘For us personally the Six Nations is massive, because it happens every year and that’s the one tournament you’ve got to be repeatedly good at. ‘The World Cup is once every four years. ‘It’s got to be kept in mind because it’s the peak, but those five Six Nations Tests, it’s probably the amount of pressure for those, it’s hard to go outside of the players who are in form and to keep continuity because it’s played over seven weeks. ‘So you don’t even get a chance to catch breath. ‘I thought that we would have been able to give a little more opportunity without losing continuity during the Six Nations. ‘If we hadn’t played people against Italy they would have had two full weeks off, and that wouldn’t have been the best preparation for the deciding game against France.’ Rejecting outside accusations of Leinster bias, Schmidt said he never even considers provincial back-
Centre circle: Jared Payne is one of many in line to succeed O’Driscoll ground when selecting Ireland said Schmidt. ‘We would have discussed 55 to 60 squads. Buoyed by the return to fitness of names, now you can’t select that Stephen Ferris, Tommy Bowe and many but they are certainly part of Donnacha Ryan, Schmidt said he discussions. ‘We are very open-minded, and we would not rule out taking Johnny Sexton on the summer’s Argentina want there to be real competition for places, and we want to be able to tour. Robbie Henshaw, Darren Cave and keep an open mind in so far as the even Jared Payne, who qualifies form of some of those younger playthrough residency in November, can ers. ‘I don’t think the Argentina tour is fight to succeed O’Driscoll next the only time to try things, we will term, said Schmidt. The Kiwi coach said there is still have the Guinness Series that follows time for fast-developing provincial it too. ‘They are the five Test matches that stars like JJ Hanrahan at Munster to force their way into the picture ahead really give us an opportunity to get together a squad to try to defend the of Rugby World Cup 2015 to boot. ‘I don’t think the circle is as tight as Six Nations now we’re in that posipeople probably perceive it to be,’ tion.’
Banned Hogg issues another public apology
In gear: Irish Women’s rugby player Mary Louise Reilly, Alice Brannigan and Eamha Ledwith are ready for the Giro’s arrival in Dublin
SCOTLAND full-back Stuart Hogg has apologised again for his red-card shame in Wales after he was handed a three week-ban. The 21year-old was sent off after smashing his shoulder into the jaw of
Wales fly-half Dan Biggar 23 minutes into the Millennium Stadium clash in Cardiff on Saturday. He has been suspended until April 7. Hogg said sorry to Biggar, his team-mates and the referee and issued a press
release apologising to the Scottish support. Now the British and Irish Lion has made a second public apology. Hogg said: ‘I’m very sorry, I have let people down. I am disappointed but fully Hogg: Out until April 7 respect the decision.’
cricket twenty20
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Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD
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spORT DigEsT
Injured: Out of Arnold Palmerhosted event
Palmer: 18 majors ‘tough’ for Woods gOLf Injury has prevented Tiger Star turns: Ed Joyce, left, and captain William Porterfield run between the wickets during their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match against United Arab Emirates
ireland shine before lights go out on uAE
by RyAn bAiLEy
Although there was a floodlight failure and a storm in Sylhet, the lights didn’t go out on Ireland’s ICC World twenty20 campaign as they overcame all variables to defeat united Arab Emirates by 21 runs on the Duckworth/lewis method to move top of group B. For two-thirds of the game everything was going according to Phil Simmons’ script as the decision to deploy four seamers paid dividends as his bowlers executed the plans to perfection with another disciplined and unyielding display. having restricted the uAE to 123/6, William Porterfield and Ed Joyce then combined to knock off the runs with minimal fuss until two quick wickets preceded the power outage as the players were
forced off the field with Ireland 103/3 in the 15th over. Play resumed ten minutes later but when the stadium was cast into darkness for the second time, the rain followed and proceedings were ground to a halt. With Ireland well ahead of the par score of 80 at the time, they were awarded the points and now just need to beat Netherlands in their final group game tomorrow to secure a berth in the business end
Stretch: Andrew Poynter dives to stop the ball in a strong field display of the tournament where Sri lanka, New Zealand, South Africa and old foes England await. one blemish on the card for Ireland was the sight of Paul Stirling retiring hurt early in the run chase. the destructive opener suffered a nasty blow to his right elbow. his departure did little to curb the momentum, however, as Porterfield and Joyce proceeded to put on 80 with a flawless partnership that included a combination of deft
stroke play and bludgeoning blows. Joyce was on 43 from 41 balls when he was undone by Asadullah’s slower ball and when Andrew Poynter followed Kevin o’Brien, who picked out the fielder at square-leg, back to the pavilion in quick succession, the Irish dugout wasn’t sitting comfortably until the game was brought to a premature conclusion. the uAE got off to a positive start but when tim Murtagh, who was recalled to the side, ran out Faizan Asif, a cluster of wickets followed and curbed uAE’s impetus and allowed Ireland to take a stranglehold. All that matters now, however, is the fact that it’s two down, one to go for Phil Simmons and his side.
Team Sky withdraws rider over altitude blood tests cycling
Further tests: Henao lives and trains at altitude in Rionegro
TEAM SKY has withdrawn Colombian rider Sergio Henao from racing to conduct further tests after its monthly review provoked questions over his blood values. The 26-year-old, who was born at altitude in Rionegro and lives and trains in the region will be subject to an ‘altitude research programme’, Team Sky has announced. Henao has been withdrawn from racing for eight weeks, meaning he is unlikely to start
the season’s opening Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia, which begins in Belfast on May 9. Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford said on teamsky.com: ‘Our experts had questions about Sergio’s out-ofcompetition control tests at altitude – tests introduced this winter by the anti-doping authorities. We need to understand these readings better. ‘We want to be fair. It’s important not to jump to conclusions.’
Tour de France winners Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome have trained at altitude to improve performance – but the longer-term effects are not clear. Brailsford added: ‘Our own understanding is limited by a lack of scientific research into “altitude natives” such as Sergio. It is the second blood anomaly Team Sky has been part of. Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, the 2012 Tour of Britain winner, faces disciplinary action over his blood passport data.
Woods from seeking a record ninth title at Bay Hill this week – and tournament host Arnold Palmer believes the world number one will also find it ‘tough’ to match Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors. Woods announced on Tuesday that continuing back problems would prevent him from playing the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tournament he has won eight times. The 38-year-old has played just three times in 2014, missing the cut in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines and then withdrawing after 13 holes of the final round of The Honda Classic. A week later, Woods again complained of lower back pain during the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship. ‘It’s going to be tough to keep the concentration and the game necessary to win majors,’ said Palmer, who also said Woods had lost the ‘fear factor’.
Murray and Lendl end partnership TEnnis Andy
Murray believes the success of his twoyear partnership with coach Ivan Lendl will stand him in good stead for more grand slam success in the future after announcing the end of their partnership by mutual consent. The British number one (pictured) made the surprise announcement via his official website yesterday and will now consider his options with regard to Lendl’s successor. Murray’s link with eight-time major winner Lendl corresponded with the start of the best period of his career, winning an Olympic gold medal in London before breaking his own grand slam duck at the 2012 US Open and becoming the first British men’s winner of Wimbledon in 77 years. .Murray said: ‘I’m eternally grateful to Ivan for all his hard work. I’ll take time to consider the next steps.’
Warburton in wars Rugby Wales skipper Sam Warburton is likely to miss ‘several months’ of action after dislocating his shoulder against Scotland, his club side Cardiff Blues have announced. The flanker suffered the injury in the closing stages of Saturday’s clash as Warren Gatland’s side ran up a record-breaking 51-3 win at the Millennium Stadium. Warburton will miss the rest of the RaboDirect Pro12 season after it was confirmed he would undergo surgery this week.
22 METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
Touting his wares: Van Gaal
Louis lurking with dream of a move to England
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Van Persie to the rescue for United LAsT 16, 2nD LEg
ManCheSTeR UniTeD..........3 OlyMpiakOS ......................... 0 (UniTeD Win 3-2 On agg)
by jAMEs bOyLAn robin VAn PErSiE’S hat-trick and a vintage ryan Giggs display eased the pressure on David Moyes as Manchester United fought their way into the quarterfinals of the Champions League. With fans calling for Moyes’ head after Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool, the Scot earned himself some breathing space last night, with his decision to start 40-yearold Giggs and persevere with an out-ofform Van Persie vindicated by the break. An early Giggs cross was flicked onto a post by Wayne rooney. And in the 25th minute, a sweetly flighted Giggs pass to Van Persie prompted Jose Holebas to clatter into the Dutchman and concede a penalty, which Van Persie despatched. Giggs was again the instigator when he
Louis van GaaL has again cranked up the pressure on Tim sherwood and David Moyes by declaring himself eager to move to the English top flight after the World Cup. The Holland coach will leave his post once the Brazil tournament is over, and has already been linked with taking charge at Tottenham, where sherwood’s brief reign is floundering, while some reports suggest he could replace under-fire Moyes at Manchester united. van Gaal, 62, told German paper
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Champions League appearances for Ryan Giggs – two short of ex-Real Madrid star Raul’s tournament record
‘I want to win a league in a fourth country’ Bild: ‘My ambition is to coach a top Premier League team. ‘i have never experienced the atmosphere in England. ‘Having won titles in Germany [with Bayern Munich], spain [Barcelona] and Holland [ajax and aZ] i want to win the league title in a fourth country. ‘That’s my objective. Either that, or i will retire and move with my wife to Portugal.’ van Gaal said he had no desire to return to Germany, adding: ‘of course, i like the Bundesliga a lot, but i have already won the German title. i now want to win a major trophy in another country.’
What a Roo-lief: Van Persie gets a hug from strike partner Rooney after levelling the tie
picturE: rEutErS
picked out rooney with another brilliant delivery, before Van Persie side-footed the England man’s low cross home to level the tie on the stroke of half-time. Van Persie then curled a free-kick past the strangely statuesque roberto to complete the fightback in the 51st minute. it was far from a smooth passage for United, especially in the first 45 minutes when Hernan Perez hooked over from close range and David de Gea produced a brilliant double save to deny David Fuster and Alejandro Dominguez. There was more nervy defending after Van Persie’s third but United held on to keep alive their hopes for silverware.
fOOTbALL DigEsT Fifa to grill members over vote £30,000 Gerrard aids Sterling work FiFa’S chief investigator Michael garcia is expected to interview all remaining executive committee members who took part in the vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Only 11 of the 24 members – plus Fifa president Sepp Blatter – who voted in December 2010 are still on the committee, with the others having either retired, been banned or resigned while under investigation. last September, garcia said his probe into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process would see
representatives of every bid team interviewed. Fifa sources say garcia is set now to interview 12 executive committee members who are still in office and look into any allegations of wrongdoing and breach of bidding rules, including collusion between bids. it comes after a report the FBi is investigating alleged payments from a company owned by Qatari Mohamed Bin hammam to fellow former Fifa member Jack Warner and his family. Both left Fifa after a 2011 corruption scandal.
Football Association fine for Newcastle’s Dan Gosling after he admitted multiple breaches for misconduct in relation to betting rules
RaheeM STeRling has heaped praise on liverpool captain Steven gerrard for helping him turn around his season. The 19-year-old (pictured) has flourished since returning to the Reds team in December. ‘i couldn’t ask for a better captain,’ the teenager said of gerrard. ‘To have someone like that to encourage you is great.’
Unpicked Adam moans at big-club bias SUnDeRlanD’S adam Johnson has warned his fellow england hopefuls they have little chance of being selected if they are not at a topeight club. The 26-year-old, left out
of the squad for the recent friendly with Denmark, said: ‘it was almost all top-eight [players]. i don’t think it really matters how well you are playing, it’s who you play for.’
football champions league
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Thursday, March 20, 2014 METRO HERALD 23
EuROpA LEAguE
Sherwood: i’ll be here next year TIM SHERWOOd still believes he will remain as Tottenham manager next season, as he takes his Spurs team to Benfica tonight in hope that they can come back from a 3-1 hammering at White Hart Lane. The first-leg loss to the Portuguese giants was sandwiched by defeats to London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, which killed off any hopes Tottenham had of securing a top-four finish. Qualifying for the Champions League was Sherwood’s primary objective when he replaced Andre Villas-Boas in december and there has been speculation he will be replaced in the summer. However, the Spurs manager said: ‘My future’s out of my hands. I believe I’ll be here next year. I’m planning for next season.’ Tottenham’s chances have been hit further by a injury list with 11 first-teamers, including key striker Emmanuel Adebayor and all first-team centre backs, failing to make the trip.
pREMiER LEAguE
Hazard: We need to bounce back
RESULTS
CHAMPIONS LEAgUE LAST-16, SECONd LEg
B Dortmund ........1 Zenit St P ...........2 (Dortmund win 5-4 on agg) Man Utd ..............3 Olympiakos...... 0 (Man U win 3-2 on agg)
LEAgUE TWO
Newport Co .........1 Dag & Red .........2
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
Motherwell ........ 2 Inverness CT ..... 0
Hat-trick hero: Van Persie slides to his knees after fireing home a free-kick to complete the comeback at Old Trafford last night
picture: pa
Fernandinho: Derby key but focus on Fulham
Focused: Fernandinho
MANCHESTER City midfielder Fernandinho believes next week’s derby at Old Trafford is a game which ‘can change everything’ but insists they must remain focused on this weekend’s visit of Fulham. Fourth-placed City play one of their three matches in hand on leaders Chelsea when they take on United next Tuesday. ‘That game can change everything,’ said the Brazil international. ‘I hope our team will be ready and we can walk the streets without any problems and that our fans can give us some hugs afterwards. ‘When you win these games, you can walk
down the street but not when you lose. The derby is important for the players, fans and the city, and of course it will be special for everyone. ‘Both teams will be motivated. They [United] have a lot of things to be motivated about and
‘When you win these games you can walk down the street’ we are motivated about the title race. ‘Right now we need to think just about Fulham, to beat them at home and play well, so we can take some confidence into next Tuesday.’
EDEN HAZARD hopes Premier League leaders Chelsea can make amends for last weekend’s defeat at Aston Villa and see off fellow title rivals Arsenal in Saturday’s crucial derby. The Blues responded to their controversial Villa Park defeat with a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday, putting them through to the last eight of the Champions League. Now thoughts return again to the title race, with Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th game as Arsenal manager coming against old sparring partner Jose Mourinho – Wenger has never beaten a team led by the Portuguese in ten previous meetings. Hazard (pictured) is determined to help Chelsea thwart Wenger and Arsenal again, saying: ‘The game against Arsenal comes at an important moment because it follows a league defeat. We are going to do our best in front of our own supporters in what is a big derby game. There is no better one to win.’
24 METRO HERALD Thursday, March 20, 2014
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Schmidt bemoans lack of time to blood new players into squad
«see page 20
pORTERfiELD DOEsn’T cARE HOw iRELAnD win As LOng As THEy quALify
On form: Ed Joyce, who, along with Porterfield, led Ireland into a convincing lead before the game’s premature end
« MaTch reporT – page 21
At this stAge of a World Cup campaign, the result far supersedes the means and despite a farcical end to yesterday’s game, ireland captain William Porterfield was pleased with his side’s performance against United Arab emirates, writes Ryan Bailey. ireland were coasting to victory when a combination of floodlight failure and rain brought a premature end to proceedings in sylhet. it wasn’t enough to deny Phil simmons’ side a deserved victory as they ran out 21-run winners on the Duckworth/ Lewis method having been ahead of the required rate and Porterfield admitted it was an unusual conclusion. ‘it was a strange end to the game with the lights going out twice before we went back out for two balls but picking up the points is the most important thing,’ the irish skipper, who scored an unbeaten 33 said. ‘it was a fantastic team performance overall as the bowlers went out and did everything we talked about beforehand, which was extremely pleasing.’ Porterfield, along with ed Joyce, took ireland to the cusp of victory after Paul stirling was forced to retire hurt. subsequent scans showed there was no lasting damage to his elbow and he should be fit for tomorrow’s final game against holland. ‘We know there is a lot at stake because if we win we go through but it won’t be easy as the Dutch have played some really good cricket so far.’
Moyes has high praise for spirited comeback by pADRAic MORgAn
Good night: David Moyes wanted to give the Old Trafford faithful an uplifting evening against the Greek champions pic: action images
ManCHESTER UnITED manager David Moyes praised his side for the spirit they showed, especially after a difficult couple of days following the Liverpool defeat. ‘The way the players responded after Sunday’s defeat (was most pleasing),’ he said. ‘I did say to them on Monday morning that we’d have to win 3-0 and give crowd something back. The crowds have been incredible. They deserved it. They deserved a good night because we’ve not given them many good nights this season. ‘We looked to get behind them. The players were incredibly committed.
They are hurting as well, they know we are not doing as well as we should be doing. ‘We didn’t play well in Olympiacos. Tonight they put it right – they deserved it. The players gave everything and never left anything behind.’
‘The players were incredibly committed’ Defeat to Liverpool had led to more questions over Moyes’ position, but he denied he felt any pressure that he might lose his job. ‘‘“People will probably think it’s a turning point in people’s careers. I didn’t see it that way because I know
the club have got here and the club know what they’ve got here. ‘I see myself here for a long time but I’ve got a big job and there are a lot of things I’ve got to do and I’m not going to be able to do immediately. ‘I’m not feeling any pressure from inside the club. It’s all coming from you people. Everybody is fine, we know the job I have to do. It’s a big job, probably bigger than we all expected when I first came in. ‘We’ve had a great result and we’re going to try and keep going in the competition. We know it is going to be a struggle. We’re looking forward to whoever we get in the draw.’
« van persie – pages 22-23