Metro Herald, Tuesday, September 16, 2014 by Metro Herald

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Exploring the business of space pAGE 17

Microsoft coughs up €1.2bn for Minecraft pAGE 3

The pick of tonight’s essential TV crop pAGE 16

STormonT BidS farewell To PaiSley pAGE 5

dog’S dinner of owner’S ThongS

Backpacker pair are murdered on beach

pAGE 7

Hunt for ‘friend’ who fled after bodies were found

Bludgeoned: Tourist David Miller

TWO BAcKpAcKeRS bludgeoned to death on an idyllic island in Thailand may have been murdered by a friend, police said last night. Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, both British nationals, were yesterday discovered half-naked on a beach on Koh Tao island with deep wounds to the head and face. police believe the pair were attacked with a garden hoe found with their blood-stained clothes. They suspect Ms Witheridge had been raped. Officers said they needed to urgently talk to one of Mr Miller’s friends, who left the popular diving resort on the first ferry to the mainland yesterday. police col Songsak said: ‘We wish

by niCole le marie to interview David Miller’s friend but we cannot give out his details at this stage. His name has been circulated. We need to talk to him as a matter of urgency.’

‘It’s gruesome, this was a cruel crime’ Another of Mr Miller’s friends was earlier arrested because of injuries to his hands, but later released after giving a ‘satisfactory explanation’. col prachum Ruangthong said: ‘The man was chopped in the back and

New arrival: Hannah Witheridge had been travelling with friends on the side of his head, while the woman was chopped in her face. It’s very gruesome. This was a very cruel crime.’ The victims were at a beach party on Sai Ree Beach with about 50 other overseas revellers. Their bodies, which will be sent to Bangkok for forensic examination, were found about 100m away from the party. Ms Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was with four friends and arrived on the island last

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Wednesday where she met Mr Miller, from Jersey. He had been there since August 25. One employee said the bodies were found behind large rocks near the bungalows where they were staying. ‘It was the first time this has happened on the island, I have never seen anything like this,’ she said. Islanders reportedly blockaded Koh Tao’s pier in a bid to prevent the killer escaping, but boats did later leave the island.

METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tuesday 16/09/14

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Weather Today Max: 21°c

10kph

Fog and low cloud will lift soon after dawn today and any patches of drizzle will soon die out. Sunny breaks will develop as the day goes on and it will feel warm in most places. Winds will be light to moderate, easterly and temperatures will rise to between 17°C and 1°C.

Derry

17˚C

Donegal

21˚C

10kph Belfast

Cavan

10kph

17˚C

15kph

Galway

Athlone

Dublin

17˚C 15kph

21˚C

Tipperary Waterford

Tralee

Cork

15kph

Tonight

18˚C

20kph

Sunrise: 7.10am Sunset: 7.48pm

Min: 9°c

Mainly dry, with variable cloud cover. Misty in places, with fog patches and with the risk of some dense pockets. A few isolated spots of drizzle may occur also. Minimum temperature 9°C to 1 °C, with light to moderate easterly winds.

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Mainly dry, with sunny spells and just a very slight chance of an isolated light shower. Highs of 17°C to 1°C, coolest on eastern coasts, with moderate east to northeast winds. There is a risk of fog overnight.

15kph

18˚C 17˚C

20kph

21˚C

20kph

19˚C

18˚C 17˚C

21˚C 19˚C

25kph Max: 21°c

Athens

28 °c

Barcelona Berlin

27 °c 24 °c

Brussels

24 °c

24 °c Geneva 26 °c London

29 °c Paris 27 °c Rome 27 °c

Madrid

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

Lady Mary: Gamers’ backlash as Microsoft buys Minecraft creator Mojang I tell fans I’m Beverly Hills Britney It’s a world-changing deal: Scenes from the hit game Minecraft and inset, founder Markus ‘Notch’ Persson

DOWNTON Abbey star Michelle Dockery has revealed she pretends to be a wealthy American when fans pester her in the US. The actress (pictured) says she adopted the persona as she used to be nervous when people approached her. Dockery, 32, admits she tells them she is ‘rich Britney from Beverly Hills’ who happens to look like her character Lady Mary Crawley in the UTV series. ‘It’s a silly spoof, but it passes the time. We’re always sending ourselves up,’ she told the UK’s Radio Times. ‘Sometimes they want selfies and I’ve said “no” occasionally, although you don’t have to be rude.’

iPhone 6 orders hit record 4m

FIRST-DAY pre-orders of the next generation of the iPhone have broken company records, Apple announced yesterday. More than four million were reserved in the first 24 hours of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus going on sale on Friday – twice the number for the iPhone 5. However, demand for the new models has outstripped supply, with the tech giant saying some devices may not reach customers until next month. CEO Tim Cook said the figures demonstrated the enduring popularity of iPhones, adding: ‘We are thrilled customers love them as much as we do.’

€1.2billion minefield

SOFTWARE giant Microsoft came under attack yesterday after buying one of the world’s most popular video games for €1.2billion. The three founders of Minecraft quit when the deal was confirmed, with one telling fans: ‘It’s not about the money, it’s about the sanity’. One critic called the deal ‘pure evil’, while another predicted it will ‘kill the gaming community’. More than two billion hours of play have been logged on the Xbox 360 version of Minecraft since 2012, convincing the US software firm to add the title to its stable. It is the most popular PC game of all time, having sold 54 million copies worldwide and been downloaded more than 100 million times since its launch in 2009. The online sandbox game, which sees players build virtual worlds using Lego-style building blocks, has also spawned versions on Apple’s App Store, Android’s Google Play

by wiLL sTOnE and Sony’s PlayStation. As fans took to online forums and social media to register their anger at the deal, the founders of Swedish-based independent game studio Mojang, assured gamers ‘everything is going to be OK’. One founder, Markus ‘Notch’ Persson, announcing his departure online, wrote: ‘I love you. All of you. Thank

It’s like selling Super Mario

you for turning Minecraft into what it has become.’ He went on: ‘In one sense, it be-

FOR gamers, Minecraft ‘is this generation’s version of Super Mario,’ said gaming journalist David Jenkins. Many gamers fear new owner Microsoft will insist all future versions of the title should only be made for Xbox and Windows – and not its rivals, he added. ‘Whether that will cause a fan revolt, it’s impossible to say,’ he said. ‘But Microsoft are clearly willing to bet serious money that Minecraftmania will last a long while yet.’

longs to Microsoft now. In a much bigger sense, it’s belonged to all of you for a long time, and that will never change.’ But many fans aren’t convinced by his reassurances, or Microsoft’s vow that it will continue to make Minecraft for all its platforms. One Minecraft Forum user, who calls himself MafooRocks11 wrote: ‘Not only will it cost more money to play the game, it will cost people their jobs too. ‘Many people play Minecraft and upload it to YouTube as their career, but if Microsoft takes over, there will for sure be copyright issues,’ he added.

METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Find your new roomie quick

calliNG all students, lodgers and wannabe sub-letters. Taking tips and the lead from the speed-dating format, a new event is being launched to help househunters match with their perfect room-mate. room mates Dublin, taking place in the Waterways Building in Grand canal on September 24, aims to save time searching online and separate the roomie wheat from the chaff. Tickets for the first Dublin outing are priced at €12 and are available from www.roommatesdublin.com

Injuries Board pays out €141m SOme 6,374 personal injury awards were handed out in the first six months of the year, totalling up to €141million, up 22 per cent. The average amount per claimant was €22,000, according to the injuries Board, the state body with responsibility for injury claims in the areas of motor, employer and public liability accidents over the last ten years – to free up the courts system. in Dublin, 2,122 claimants were awarded. Nationally, 76 per cent were for road traffic accdents.

Concern over fake references on CVs

THE number of Irish people providing false references to potential employers is a major cause for employer concern, a leading financier of small and medium businesses said. In a survey of more than 700 enterprises across the UK and Ireland, Close Brothers Commercial Finance found that as many as one in three companies here have received a falsified reference. Out of those polled, about 56 per cent said that such incidences have occurred between one and five times over the course of the last five years. Six per cent said they have received more than ten dishonest job references in the same time period. Harry Parkinson, managing director of Close Brothers Commercial Finance, said he was surprised by

by LukE HOLOHAn

the scale of the practice. ‘The scale of reference falsification across Ireland is quite surprising – but also alarming.

‘Employee fraud could pose a serious threat to businesses’ ‘Employee fraud could pose a significant threat to a small business in terms of its image, reputational damage and ultimately its entire financial wellbeing.’ Speaking about the reasons potential employees might use fake references, he ex-

plained: ‘An artificial reference could be used to exaggerate experience, cover up breaks in employment, or to conceal an otherwise poor recommendation from a former employer.’ The Close Brothers Business Barometer also found that more than half (58 per cent) of Irish employers are unaware of the existence of websites that offer fictional references in return for a fee. Mr Parkinson added: ‘It’s not difficult to imagine how hiring someone who has in some way deceived you about their work history could potentially cause serious issues down the line. ‘Managing the risk of employee fraud should be high on the list of priorities for all Irish businesses,’ he warned.

Average pay falls by 0.7% to €35,830 AVERAGE annual earnings decreased by 0.7 per cent last year, according to CSO figures. The average annual salary fell from €36,079 in 2012 to €35,830 in 2013 (-€249). The figure follows an increase between 2011 and 2012, from €35,905 to €36,079. The figures, which showed the annual change for earnings and labour costs, also showed other labour costs increased by €21 to €5,603 in 2013 from the previous year (a 0.4 per cent increase). Annual average total labour costs fell by 0.5 per cent between 2013 (€41,433) and 2012 (€41,661). Total annual earnings at €56.1billion were up 1.4 per cent in 2013, from €55.3billion in 2012. In the four years to 2013, total annual labour costs have decreased by €4billion.

Botox maker to cut 25 jobs

PharmaceuTical giant allergan is to make 25 job cuts at its main irish operation. The maker of cosmetic drug Botox is seeking redundancies at its Westport facility where it has a workforce of 900. allergan said: ‘in light of the global restructuring announced in July, the management in ireland has confirmed that the overall headcount impact for the irish business will be limited. about 25 permanent positions will be impacted at the Westport site.

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Penalty points scandal rains on first new Garda parade PEOPLE should not jump to conclusions ahead of a report into new allegations penalty points were cancelled by gardai for friends and family, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said. Garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe made fresh claims over the weekend that gardaí are still cancelling penalty points for friends and co-workers – despite new regulations being introduced in June. The first group of 100 students to begin training in the Garda College since 2009 were welcomed yesterday to Templemore by the Minister for Justice and the interim Garda Commissioner when they were asked about the scandal. Ms Fitzgerald said the allegations are under investigation by the Garda Ombudsman and the Garda

Professional Standards Unit and people ‘should not jump to conclusions’. Sgt McCabe was due to meet last night with high-ranking gardaí to discuss the newest claims. Last night, interim Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan said the timeline was very important, as only three people are now able to cancel penalty points since June’s changes. She added that she has also started an audit of the penalty points system. The new dossier of claims reportedly includes gardaí having points cancelled on the basis they were driving ‘emergency vehicles’ when they were in their own cars. A number of the cases refer to points cancelled after ‘no address could be found’ for the driver – a serving garda.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

Judge criticised over rape comments A FORMER High Court judge has come under fire after he said some rapes were ‘less violent’ than others. Speaking to RTÉ Radio One’s Seán O’Rourke yesterday, Barry White said: ‘You have to look at the particular circumstances of the act of rape. There can be some very violent ones, there can be less violent ones.’ Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop criticised the remarks, she said: ‘Rape is an inherently violent act. There is no such thing as a “less violent rape”.’ She said her organisation’s

City Hall: People queue to sign a book of condolence for Ian Paisley in Belfast picture: pa

Stormont bids final farewell to Paisley

NortherN Ireland’s First Minister Peter robinson yesterday paid tribute to the late Ian Paisley as the undisputed leader of unionism. Political parties from all sides offered heartfelt thoughts of the churchman and politician’s legacy at a special sitting of the Stormont Assembly as the family held a private funeral in Belfast. Mr robinson said the founder of the Democratic Unionist Party was head and shoulders above all others. ‘Ian Paisley was a remarkable man whose long career in public life has left an indelible mark on all of us who knew him,’ he said. ‘the “Big Man” as he was known, provided firm and decisive leadership when unionism lacked it most and needed it most.’ Mr robinson said the task of remembering and paying lasting tributes to Mr Paisley was daunting and that no words could properly do it justice. the Paisley family held a private service at their home on Cyprus Avenue in Belfast yesterday morning before burial in Ballygowan, Co Down. A public memorial service will be held later in the year, the family said. Books of condolence were opened in City hall in Belfast and also at Stormont. Mr Paisley died last Friday at the age of 88. the former first minister and former unionist leader was a firebrand fundamentalist Protestant preacher and polaris-

by ED CARTy

ing figure whose vehement opposition to dealing with the IrA and extreme antiCatholic rhetoric was legendary. the bellicose symbol of unionist defiance was famous for bellowing ‘never, never, never’ during a mass protest against Irish government involvement in Northern Ireland affairs in the 1980s. he helped wreck earlier attempts at political accord, became the ultimate protest figure and promised to smash Sinn Féin. But, in a potent symbol of the ground covered by political negotiations which largely ended violence, he entered government with republicans in 2007 as Stormont’s first minister after they lent their support to the police. eventually his partnership with the former IrA commander and current Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the head of government led to them being dubbed the Chuckle Brothers. Mr McGuinness said his professional relationship and friendship with Mr Paisley – the source of much irritation in some sections of unionism and republicanism – should provide food for thought with the Stormont executive dogged by political stalemate. the Sinn Féin chief said he would leave history to determine Mr Paisley’s legacy.

‘His long career in public life left an indelible mark’

believe judges needed training to understand the impact of rape when sentencing in cases of ‘a sexual nature’. ‘There may be judges who are inexperienced in dealing with crime who find themselves sitting in the Central Criminal Court Radio from time to time.’ interview: Mr White added: ‘Most judges Barry who sit in the Central Criminal White Court have had long criminal experience and have had 24-hour helpline had received a number of calls from victims and substantial criminal practices over protracted periods of time the public who were upset over and they are fully aware as to the his comments. parameters within which a In the interview, Mr White, sentence should be imposed.’ when asked, said he did not

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METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Ashya starts treatment for tumour

Ray of hope: Brain tumour patient Ashya King arrives yesterday at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, where he will have 30 treatment sessions picture: epA

Rescue of aid worker ‘off until we can find him’ THE SAS will be sent in to rescue captured British aid worker Alan Henning – if his whereabouts can be verified, the UK government hinted last night. British Foreign Secretary Philip Vigil: Mr Henning Hammond was asked why special forces, already thought to be in Iraq, could not snatch the former taxi driver threatened with execution by Islamic State. He said: ‘Because we don’t know where he is. It’s as simple as that. Obviously if we knew where they were it would be a different story.’ Intelligence sources believe that the father of two is being held along with about 20 other foreign hostages in the Syrian city of Raqqa. US drones have flown overhead since it was seized by militants in June. But IS are thought to be holding hostages in a network of tunnels and safe houses.

Coalition vows ‘to pursue IS’ A COALITION of 30 nations vowed to suppress Islamic State militants ‘by any means necessary, including military assistance’ at a peace and security conference in Paris yesterday. As French president François Hollande declared there was ‘no time to lose’ in making a global response to the IS threat, his Iraqi counterpart,

Snowden says NSA still spying on New Zealand

by DOMINIC YEATMAN

Mr Hammond said: ‘We understand Mr Henning’s family are going through hell. We are doing everything we can to protect him, but they understand the limitations of our abilities and that we are dealing with a very barbaric organisation whose values are completely different from ours.’ It has emerged that Mr Henning was captured 30 minutes after arriving in Syria, as his convoy of aid vehicles delivered medical equipment to the border city of Idlib in December. Nicknamed ‘Gadget’, the 47-year-old was making his third delivery to Syria in 18 months. Friend and fellow aid-worker Kasim Jameel said: ‘He loved the cause so much that when he went to Turkey on holiday with his family, he had a big tattoo across his arm saying “Aid for Syria” – he was that dedicated. The cause had literally changed his life around – it meant that much to him.’ Friends and relatives were due to hold a candlelit vigil for him last night in his home town of Eccles, Manchester.

Fouad massoum, called for regular airstrikes on the militants’ strongholds to continue. ‘We must pursue them wherever they are,’ mr massoum added. ‘We must cut off their financing. We must bring them to justice and we must stop the fighters in neighbouring countries from joining them.’

BRAIN tumour patient Ashya King has begun proton beam treatment in Prague. His doctor has given him a 70 to 80 per cent chance of survival and yesterday’s session was the first of 30 he will face. The first 13 will focus on the brain and spine, to ensure the tumour he had removed has not spread. The remaining 17 will irradiate where the brain tumour once was. The programme is expected to cost about €88,000. ‘There is now every reason to hope that he will make a full recovery,’ said radiation oncologist Dr Barbora Ondrova. The five-year-old’s parents removed him from Southampton General Hospital 20 days ago, triggering a police hunt. A High Court judge approved the move to the Czech Republic after they were freed from custody in Spain.

Whistleblower: Former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden appears via video picture: Ap

FORmeR National Security Agency (NSA) systems analyst-turned-whistleblower edward Snowden has said the US agency is collecting mass surveillance data on New Zealanders through its XKeyscore system. Speaking via video link from Russia to hundreds of people at Auckland’s Town Hall, Snowden also claimed the NSA has set up a facility in the South Pacific nation’s largest city to tap into vast amounts of data. Shortly before mr Snowden spoke, New Zealand’s prime minister John Key issued a statement saying the country’s spy agency, the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), has never undertaken mass surveillance of its own people. mr Key said he had declassified previously secret documents that proved his point. ‘Regarding XKeyscore, we don’t discuss the specific programmes the GCSB may or may not use,’ mr Key said. ‘But the GCSB does not collect mass metadata on New Zealanders.’ mr Snowden, however, said mr Key was carefully parsing his words, and that New Zealand agencies do collect information for the NSA and then get access to it.

DO YOU HAVE TIME TO

VOLUNTEER? Are you interested in joining the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre as part of our Volunteer Service? We currently NEED VOLUNTEERS to train as:

• Telephone Counsellors to staﬀ our 24-hour Counselling Line outside office hours. • Support Personnel who will be available on a rota basis to attend the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Rotunda Hospital. Our volunteers come from every walk of life – no previous experience or training in this field is required as full training will be given. Applicants must be a minimum of 25 years old and reside in the ‘01’ telephone area. Please contact Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, 70 Lr. Leeson Street, Dublin 2 for application form. Tel. (01) 661 4911 or email: volunteerservices@rcc.ie

Closing date for Applications – Friday 26th Sept, 2014

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

The mutt who made dog’s dinner of owner’s thongs by G. STRinGG a dog obsessed with eating thong underwear had to have an emergency operation to remove one of his lacy snacks – only to eat another pair of pants days after he recovered. Brian, a four-year-old samoyed, has developed a taste for silk and lace thongs, especially black and bright pink ones, according to his owner Kaye Banks. Ms Banks said Brian has also been eating her daughter Charlotte’s pants at his home near Rotherham, south Yorkshire. she said he has taken a thong from out of an overnight bag and has even stolen them from the bathroom floor while she was having a shower. although the first pair of pants went right through Brian, another had to be removed from his stomach in a two-hour long operation at abbey Vets in Barnsley. Ms Banks said that, despite a four-day stay at the vets, he returned home from the operation only to eat another thong out of a laundry basket. This time the vets were able to get him to regurgitate the offending underwear. Ms Banks, who lives in Brampton Bierlow, near Rotherham, said: ‘We just couldn’t believe that after an operation and four days at the vets he comes home and does it again. ‘From now on all underwear is put straight into the washing machine. He’s a lovely dog but he’s into everything.’ Tony duffy, of the nearby abbey Vets, said: ‘It never fails to amaze me what dogs will swallow, but swallowing three thongs in such a short space of time must beat them all.’

Irish girls pick clean homes over hot dates MORE than half of Irish women (57 per cent) would rather a clean house than a romantic night in with their partner. However, romantic Irish blokes (65 per cent) would choose the date night instead of a pristine home. The survey of more than 1,000 adults in Ireland – by Proctor and Gamble, the makers of home cleaning products – showed that meal times are the most valued moments Irish adults spend with their family (48 per cent). Family holidays came in second place (33 per cent) followed by playtime (13 per cent) and bedtime stories (three per cent).

Cancer teen raised €6m for charity

New diet: Samoyed dog Brian with his owner Kaye Banks with a pair of the delicious pants PICture: PA

Convicted killer Pistorius ‘free’ again to compete in Olympics he’s free (to compete),’ OScAR PISTORIUS is free South African Sports to run for South Africa confederation and again – as long as it does not Olympic committee cEO go against the ruling of a Tubby Reddy said. Doublejudge. The athlete, who is to amputee Pistorius, the be sentenced next month world-famous ‘blade after being found guilty of runner’ who competed on culpable homicide over the carbon fibre prosthetic fatal shooting of his legs,faces jail after killing girlfriend, could compete at Runner: Pistorius girlfriend Reeva any time because the South Steenkamp. But, there is no African Olympic committee has no regulations preventing someone with minimum sentence for culpable homicide in South Africa and he a criminal record from representing may get a suspended jail term. the country. ‘As he stands right now,

Speaker is named next prime minister of Poland Polish media is speculating Poland’s president has that popular foreign minister appointed parliament Radek sikorski will be speaker Ewa Kopacz to be promoted to parliament the next prime minister and speaker, the nation’s secondgiven her the task of most powerful position, a assembling the new cabinet. move which would be Ms Kopacz succeeds donald Tusk, who resigned expected to help the ruling coalition in elections next year. as government leader after The new cabinet is to be being chosen to head the Leader: Kopacz sworn in on september 22 and European Council. then will need to obtain the parliament’s Ms Kopacz said yesterday she will compose a ‘good government’. she has backing – probably at a session on september 27. two weeks for that.

now I’m a Minnie me

A SUPER-SLIMMING bride shed more than seven stone in 18 months after being ordered off a ride at Disney World – for being too fat. Becky Hames, who tipped the scales at 17st 4lb at her heaviest, was shamed into losing weight after lifeguards at the theme park in Orlando, Florida, told her she could not ride a water slide in case she got stuck. ‘It was horrible, humiliating... the worst thing that has ever happened to me,’ said the 25-year-old. ‘It was then I knew I had to do something about my weight.’ When she returned home from her holiday in 2011, the hairdresser joined Slimming World and ditched her unhealthy diet. Too ashamed by her size 24 bulk to try on wedding dresses, she successfully slimmed down to 10st 2lb to get married in her dream size 12 gown. ‘I didn’t want to be a fat bride but the incident What a difference: Super-slimmer at just tipped bride Becky Hames at herme heaviest over the (right) and above, having lost lost edge,’ 7st in 18 months PICtures: News teAm INte she said.

THE mother of teenage cancer victim Stephen Sutton has said she is ‘immensely proud’ of her son’s achievements after it emerged he raised almost €6million for charity. The 19-yearold inspired the biggest fundraiser the UK’s Teenage Cancer Trust Positive: Stephen has ever had. Stephen, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged just 15, exceeded his bucket list ambition of raising €12,500 for charity, to raise millions of euro by the time of his death.

China opens first mobile phone lane TaKInG a cue from an american TV programme, the Chinese city of Chongqing has created a smartphone sidewalk lane, seemingly offering a path for those too engrossed in messaging and tweeting to watch where they’re going. But the official responsible says it’s intended to be ironic – to remind people that it’s dangerous to tweet while walking the street. ‘There are lots of elderly people and children in our street, and walking with your cellphone may cause unnecessary collisions here,’ said nong Cheng, the local area manager.

METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

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Homophobic swipe at critic lands Snoop in the dogghouse Rapper’s fans anger at antigay picture SNOOP DOGG angered his fans when a homophobic post appeared on his Instagram account. The rapper’s stream featured a black and white picture of two men cuddling in bed in an apparent sideswipe at a critic. It was captioned: ‘U n ya boyfriend since u like Jumpn on my page disrespectn bitch boy go suck ya man n get off my line f**.’ The post remained online for his 3.5million Instagram followers for 40 minutes and was tweeted to his 11.6million Twitter followers before it was deleted yesterday. Snoop, 42, has not said if he posted the image but soon felt the heat from outraged fans. Lauren Besset wrote: ‘After being the self-appointed @SnoopDogg Instagram publicist, I unfollowed him tonight because of a

gross homophobic post. You should too.’ Another follower commented: ‘snoop dogg’s homophobic now? didn’t see that coming’. Last year, Snoop appeared to have changed his mind after earlier saying the rap world was ‘ready for an openly gay rapper.’ He said: ‘I don’t know if it will ever be acceptable because rap is so masculine. It’s like a football team.’

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Selfie queen Kim Kardashian has found herself an unbearably cute friend to pout with for one of her many instagram snaps. The 33-year-old rubbed noses with a koala bear while visiting Australia Zoo, near Brisbane, with Kanye West, 37, and daughter North. ‘So many good memories,’ the socialite tweeted. later, she told radio listeners in Australia that she and Kanye were already planning a second baby. ‘We’re trying... i guess it’s, like, all in God’s hands,’ she said.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

Will he find a gap in the market with ‘dope’

RAPPER Will.I.Am is set to unleas h his ‘dope’ futuristic shades on fans after unveiling his debut eye-wear collection, ill.i optics. The Black Eyed Peas star’s new frames have been inspired by pioneers from the 1980s hip-hop scene and ‘memorable moments’ in the 39-year-old’s earlier days. Will talked about his new collection saying: ‘When you fund and design something yourself you give birth to something that’s an extension of you.’ ill.i optics are set to arrive in retailers today. The pop geek is also a creative director at chip company Intel.

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RY BIG BAnG THEoRY m Bialik has star Mayim singled out Ariana Grande Dirty work but Rachel’s happy... in an opinion piece about SoundS like Rachel Stevens needs the S the sexualisation of Club 7 reunion to happen sooner rather women. The actress took than later after the singer signed to be the face offence at billboard of dettol cleaning products. ads of 21-year-old Grande posing on a stool in underwear FREDDIE and heels. ‘I FOX has taken have no idea aim at Benedict who she is or Cumberbatch for his what she does,’ poor-little-rich-boy-style Bialik, 38, wrote on complaints. Jewish parenting site The 25-year-old actor – who a has Kveller. ‘If she comes from the Fox acting talent, then why dynasty which includes father does she have to Edward, sister Emilia and cousin in sell herself Laurence – is unimpressed that lingerie?’ But the Sherlock star, 38, whinges she later about people harassing him over backtracked, his ‘posh’ background. tweeting: ‘A load of b******s. I mean, Ben’s ‘nothing doing all right, isn’t he? It’s not like too l persona many people are hating him in against Ariana Hollywood!’ The Riot Club actor Grande or (pictured) blasts in the latest edition .’ sexy women of Radio Times.

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Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

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60 seconds Mailbox

you, I don’t think it’s that hard. There was a scene in a pub that was a hard scene to shoot. We tried to find the point when it turns from a bunch of guys being bloody rude to her feeling sexually threatened.

What do you think is the message of the film? I think it’s

about social injustice. What these boys do is almost forgivable when you look at them as just young lads who have taken a lot of alcohol and drugs, and things spiral out of control. But it’s what they do, mixed with their political viewpoint. That’s what’s quite scary, when you think that this is a privileged class of boys pushing each other into positions of power. If they’re in the position of ruling an entire country, how are they going to have empathy with a different class?

When did you last laugh really hard? I laughed so hard my

really well and we well together.

You have great chemistry with him in the film. It’s not

hard. You just have to have rather sparkly eyes.

Send your photos to pictures@ metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best each day in the paper

What do you get up to when you go out with your mates?

Usually it involves going out for dinner and going back to someone’s house and sitting on the floor drinking wine, listening to music. no one ever sits on the sofa.

when I was at you slightly psychotic What gets your the Donmar when you’ve been on goat? My mate Warehouse for a and I were walking the same thing few months and down the street and I’m a gym club all day some guy followed us member. How boring. on a bike, being sexually threatening. Then a guy shouted Do you go to the gym a at us out of a van, then another one lot? I never bloody go. It’s a shouted at us down the road and complete waste of money. I used to what did we get called? a slut, or a go swimming before school. I was bitch, for not turning round. You disgustingly motivated back then, forget it exists, then that happens but for the last year I haven’t actually used it. I enjoy jogging. I’ve and you think: how is that possible? are you not embarrassed with got quite addicted to jogging. yourself for doing that?

How was working with Max Irons? Max is lovely, we got on

HAZY DAY: Reader Ian McColl sent us in this picture of lock two of the Grand Canal at Percyy Place Pl in Dublin 2, where he was soaking up the late Sept September sun yesterday

belly hurt after a whole day of press. I couldn’t formulate my words over the phone to my mate, the phone call just descended into ten minutes of me going BLLLLWWWW! [blows a raspberry]. It’s like your tongue needs a warm down, it sends you slightly psychotic when you’ve been on the same thing all day, so hysteria comes out.

“

really. It was necessary for them to feel a sense of camaraderie. They’d be chatting in the back of the car about what they were doing at the weekend and they were like: ‘oh, do you want to come?’ and it’s like: ‘It’s oK, guys, this is some process you need to go through as a group for this movie.’ They could not be more opposite to the guys they were playing, they’re so sensitive, lovely.

Facebook.com/ metroherald

@metrohnews #metromailbox

Quick pic

What gets you excited? When I’ve not had a day off for ages and I wake up and have that sort of anxious feeling of what time is it? What am I doing? oh, nothing. [cackles]. and seeing my mum when I haven’t Have you ever been seen her for a while. a member of a also starting a job It’s like club? I was a you’ve member of a your tongue needs a that prepared for so you private dive right in. warm down, it sends members’ club

Did you hang out with the boys during the shoot? not

Text: ‘Mail’ to 53131*

*Please include a name and location. Emails with attachments cannot be received. Texts cost €0.30 per message + standard network charges. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, 4th Floor, Malt House North, Grand Canal Quay, D2. Customer service number 0818286606

holliday grainger, 26, wowed audiences in The Borgias and Great Expectations. Now she’s playing Max Irons’ love interest in The Riot Club

Congratulations, you’re one of the most likeable characters in The Riot Club. Yeah, mind

Email: mail@metroherald.ie

What’s coming up work wise?

I’ve got Cinderella, I’ve got Tulip Fever, it’s about love, lust and desire, set against the backdrop of the tulip trade. Then I’m doing Lady Chatterley’s Lover and a film called The Finest Hours about coastguards.

You sound busy – nicely busy or manic busy? Yes, nicely busy

until you look at your schedule. People are like: ‘are you going to book that horse riding lesson in?’ Literally, I’ve just been in Toronto, give me a minute! For the first time ever, I thought: how much is a Pa?

Did you hire one? nah, I’ll go on

to my phone’s calendar.

anna smith

The Riot Club is out on Friday.

dole takers should give back to society

oan Burton is proposing offering financial incentives to get people back to work. While I’m sure her intentions are good, she is wasting her time. This was done before, it was called the Back to Work allowance and all it did was encourage people to work and claim benefits. as soon as the benefits started to reduce, most of them suddenly found themselves out of work again and back on benefits. When people get used to receiving a lot of money for nothing in return they find it very hard to give that up. Perhaps Joan Burton needs to consider alternatives, perhaps even asking them to give something back in return. There are so many people out

there living on benefits who would be in a position to provide free childcare to working people. Perhaps training these people and a roll-out of free childcare places to all working people would be a fairer approach with more long-term effects. DSP worker

to the rebels in Syria to fight off IS which the US trained in Jordan? The weapons will be besieged by IS and they’ll get stronger. add petrol to fire and see what happens. The best solution the US could find to stopping terrorism is to stop creating terrorists. Chiko

■ Disgruntled pig, actually the whole country has tap water not fit for consumption due to the Government’s continued inclusion of a toxic chemical into our water. Fluoride in scientific studies has shown to be as bad for humans as lead and asbestos, yet we are the only country in Europe that continually includes it in our drinking water. Why isn’t this being brought up as an issue in Irish media? Tony, Swords

■ nearly half of young people did not bother registering to vote. at least a third of voters will not bother to vote. If you do not vote, you are leaving decisions to others. Many in the world would give a lot to be able to vote. Many of our forebears died to give us the right to vote. There is no excuse for not voting. A Leavy

■ So, obama is giving weapons

good on ya

● Watching the @TheXFactor here and that Jay James lad was pure class and he looks like Kevin Costner aswell #XFactor #jayjames #lovehisvoice @pauldonnelly21 ● Good on ya Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council – not often I say things like this, but you followed up my complaint to Irish Water efficiently and fixed the leaking pipe at my house. You also did a neat job filling in the manhole afterwards. Good work. Impressed

random acts of kindness

■ Paul, banks did their business. an unsecured loan is not guaranteed. The Government forced the guarantee afterwards. Barry

yeh big ride

● To the woman in the orange blouse and beige trench coat with the flame red hair out giving your Red Setter a run in Herbert Park, Ballsbridge yesterday afternoon, you were a vision in copper! I loved it. Bring on the autumn I say :) Over The Indian Summer

your rush-hour crush

in the know, on the go

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

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14 METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

food

The world is your oyster Food lovers are travelling the globe in search of inspiring gastronomic adventures. Chloe Scott picks the best autumn foodie pilgrimages

SNIFF OUT THE WHITE GOLD IN ITALY AND CROATIA

Woods: The search is on for valuable truffles in Tuscany

A rite of passage for any self-respecting foodie in the autumn is seeking out the stinky white truffle. It is the most expensive ingredient in the world – a tiny one kilo piece of fungi can sell for €207,000 – and so heavenly to eat you can become addicted (I genuinely am). The town of Alba in Italy’s Piedmont is the truffle-eating mecca where the Alba International White Truffle Fair takes place from October 11 to November 16 (fieradeltartufo.org) although Tuscany is quieter. WHERE? Serious gluttons don’t just eat it, they hunt for it with an expert ‘Trifulau’ and his dog. Dreamy farmstead Fattoria Barbialla Nuova near Tuscany’s San Miniato has rustic accommodation and truffle hunts (from €100 for a one-bedroom self-catering pad and €60 for a two-hour hunt, barbiallanuova.it). If you want to go seriously off the beaten track, head to the Istria peninsula in Croatia. The local’s hot spot is the forest of Motovun and in nearby Livade every October there is a vast truffle fair (coloursofistria.com). WHEN? The season starts now and continues until spring.

PARTICIPATE IN A BASQUE íA IN SPAIN SIDRER Most who head to San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque country think of its

globally famous restaurants such as Mugaritz and Arzak. But just beyond, in the lush green hills, is a rural gem most tourists don’t reach – the sidrería or cider house, where making and pouring cider is an art form. Along with the cider and feasting, the rhythmic shouts of ‘ay, ay, ay, ay’ as another chap pours the cider from a barrel five times the size of him are all part of the noisy brouhaha. After much shrieking (and drinking), lunch commences. This normally consists of cod omelette, then a steak grilled over fire called ‘chuletas’ (cuts of meat) and regional unpasteurised sheep cheese such as Idiazábal. Everyone eats on long tables that you share with cheerful Spanish neighbours. WHERE? Head to the village of Astigarraga to one of the oldest sidrerías in the Basque country Gartziategi (gartziategi.com), where around €30 will get you a day of feasting and shrieking. Or go to the town Hernani for the sleeker sidrería Altzueta (altzuetasagardotegia.com) WHEN? January until April, when the sidreria season ends.

SCOFF NEW YEAR DUMPLINGS IN CHINA Any food geek will obsess about regional Chinese fare. One such distinctive delicacy

are the xiao long bao soup dumplings of Shanghai and, as dumplings are one of the most important foods in Chinese new year, it’s worth making a beeline there in February. I u Dian, while there are street stalls n Shanghai, tourists line up in front of Nanxiang Mantou selling it too. ei has said that WHERE? Revered Shanghai food critic Shen Hongfei iao long Fu Chun is the closest you can get to an authentic xiao bao. It’s so authentic the staff only speak Mandarin (650 Yuyuan Lu, near Zhenning Lu, Changning district). WHEN? Chinese New Year is February 19, 2015.

Tasty treat: Shanghai is home to the xiao long bao soup dumplings

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

features@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

Beer Watch Jameson Aged Pale Ale Jameson has teamed up with Cork micro-brewery Franciscan Well to create this smooth and flavoursome pale ale. Rich copper in colour, the six per cent ABV beer has notes of honeycomb, citrus, oak and the balanced sweet hint of whiskey – the benefit of a cross-blend barrel maturing process. It’s currently only available in a selection of Cork bars – but watch this space... Crustacean: Dive for the elusive king crab in Kongsfjord

DIVE FOR YOUR SUPPER IN NORWAY A once-in-a-lifetime experience for the gutsy among us is diving for the

king crab in Norway’s wilderness near Russia. Barren, wild and remote, Norway’s Finnmark coastline boasts dive centres with trips where you can catch the elusive crabs and eat them. WHERE? Dives can be organised through Kongsfjord International Scuba School (dive-and-sea-the-arctic-ocean.com), the world’s northernmost dive centre, which also offers Arctic diving. Stay at Kongsfjord guest house, a budget spot with incredible views (from €127 per night, kongsfjord-gjestehus.no). WHEN? King crabs migrate to the area throughout winter.

Blue Moon Lost Wednesdays The beloved American beer Blue Moon has hooked up with the Royal Hibernian Academy for a new series of live music events. Taking place every eight weeks over the next year, the first Blue Moon Lost Wednesday will kick off next week and features DJ sets from Nialler9, This Greedy

Guinness newcomers Two new beers from Guinness’s The Brewers Project hit our shelves this month. Dublin Porter and West Indies Porter are based on recipes from the Guinness archives. The West Indies variation has added hops to give it a more mellow flavour but beware: it packs a punch at six per cent ABV. From €2.50. www.guinness.com

Tankardstown Treats

Food News…

Robbie Krawczyk (left), the new head chef at Tankardstown House in Co Meath (formerly of The Chop House in Waterford), has introduced a tempting series of tasting evenings at the hotel’s Brabazon restaurant. Every Thursday, guests can opt for the five-course seasonal menu (€45pp) where the emphasis is on local and foraged ingredients. Meanwhile, The Friday Night Project, which starts this week will see Robbie create another bespoke tasting menu, with the emphasis on a different local producer each week (from €55pp). www.tankardstown.ie

Euro-Toques Young Chef Of The Year

Niagara: Hunt for frozen grapes

FIND THE ICE WINE IN CANADA Ice wine (or eiswein) is an expensive and

om the sought-after sweet vino, made from grapes frozen on the vine and left to rot. It’s normally supped with a sweet dessert indoors but another seriously exciting way to sample it is outside in the snow under the moon. WHERE? The latter you can do in Canada’s Niagara region, once the temperature has dropped to -8C and the grapes are perfectly frozen. At the Icewine Festival in January you can sample the pricey drink aplenty, as well as eat Icewine-inspired culinary creations. niagarawinefestival.com/icewine-festival WHEN? Jan 9-25, 2015.

Pig and Sally Cinnamon, with live music in the gallery from Dublin-based Let’s Set Sail (pictured), among others. Price includes three complimentary Blue Moons Sep 24, Royal Hibernian Academy, 15 Ely Place, D2, 6pm to 9pm, €15 (from website or on the door). www.rhagallery.ie

Would-be Donal Skehans and Domini Kemps are invited to don their cook’s fatigues and limber up for this year’s Euro-Toques Young Chef Of The Year. The competition is open to entrants aged 18 to 26 and is sponsored by Euro-Toques Ireland, the country’s foremost culinary body. The overall winner will receive an all expenses paid tenure at the world-renowned The Square London, where they will work under the direction of two-star Michelin chef Philip Howard – this year’s guest judge. Last year’s winner, Mark Moriarty, is pictured Shared Party Nights from below. Closing date Sep 30. www.youngchef.ie Package Include: » Prosecco reception on arrival rson » Sumptuous five course banquet meal per pe » Christmas decorations & party novelties » “The Scene” Band will be rocking it old skool » Followed by DJ ‘til late » Late Bar ‘til 1.30am When booking use promo code

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16 METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

s ’ T H g i TOn

v T

3 Later… Live With Jools Holland Ryan Adams features

0 1 P O T

4 Champions League Live Can Liverpool overcome Ludogorets Razgrad?

1. BAD EDucATiOn

BBC3, 10pm Jack Whitehall’s knockabout school comedy returns for a third term and, though it’s no classic, it’s several league tables above Big School. As if Alfie (Whitehall) didn’t have enough to deal with, now he’s lumbered with his dad (Harry Enfield) as new deputy head. Mathew Horne’s marvellous hair steals every scene.

2. HAvEn

Syfy, 9pm There’s an awful lot of supernatural oddness going on in the small but imperfectly formed Maine town of Haven. This is the fifth series to feature FBI agent turned Haven cop Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) unravelling spooky secrets personal and professional. As we return, an evil spirit has possessed our heroine.

Bad Education Jack Whitehall’s comedy is back

Haven Emily Rose investigates…

5 EastEnders It’s not going well for Alfie (Shane Richie)

3. LATER… LivE wiTH JOOLs HOLLAnD

BBC2, 10pm There was a chorus of alt-who? when Leeds based indie band alt-J won the Mercury Prize with their debut album An Awesome Wave in 2012. But they’re now a top name and follow-up This Is All Yours is top of the year’s most eagerly awaited list. Modern soulsters Jungle, up for this year’s Mercury, also guest, alongside Ryan Adams and California Banks.

4. cHAMPiOns LEAguE LivE UTV, 7.30pm

Liverpool’s opening Champions League opponents Ludogorets Razgrad hail from a small Bulgarian town and their home stadium has a mere 8,000 capacity, so simply getting this far is a sporting fantasy. Liverpool watch out: Ludo’s Romanian defender turned goalie is a one-man legend, saving penalties at one end, scoring them in the other. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

5. EAsTEnDERs

BBC1, 7.30pm You have to feel for Shane Richie and Alfie Moon. Once they were both king of the Square, now Alfie’s on his

Carol Carter YOuR guiDE TO THis EvEning’s EssEnTiAL viEwingBy& Keith Watson uppers and forced to watch as Danny Dyer’s Mick Carter wins all the awards he used to win and falls over at awards ceremonies. Tonight Alfie sinks yet lower. The life of a Moon is a harsh mistress.

6. THE LEfTOvERs

Sky Atlantic, 9pm Now here’s a title that doesn’t translate for an Irish audience – hands up who didn’t think of food? The Leftovers in this US postapocalyptic drama refers to the humans left behind after their loved ones disappear one spooky day in October and the emotional fallout

that follows. It’s moody and atmospheric, if not a little baffling. Justin Theroux stars.

7. DOMEsTic DivAs RTE1, 8.30pm

Aisli Madden and Cat Lawlor come to the aid of Mark, who leaves the housework to his flatmates, and help him curb his spending on convenience meals by teaching him to cook.

8. MOunT PLEAsAnT

Sky Living, 9pm Heavens, are we already on to season four of this amiable comedy drama

centred on the cul-de-sac that’s home to happy loving couple Lisa and Dan (Sally Lindsay and Daniel Ryan) and their eccentric circle of family and friends? We’re in for a shake-up as the long-time lovers await the arrival of their longed-for baby.

9. TODAY’s fiLM: THE LAsT PicTuRE sHOw: DiREcTOR’s cuT

Sky Select, 1.35am Life in a no-hope Texas town in the 1950s is caught in exquisite monochrome in Peter Bogdanovich’s timeless classic from 1971. This is

the director’s cut, leaving all the more time to wallow in desolate nostalgia as ambitious young Cybill Shepherd dabbles dangerously with the local rich kids.

10. MAiA DunPHY’s wHAT wOMEn wAnT RTÉTwo, 9.30pm

With more and more Irish women turning to cosmetic treatments, Maia Dunphy, recently turned 38, wonders if she can find a way to age gracefully and naturally in a youth obsessed culture where an ageing face is increasingly viewed as a ‘chemically treatable disease’.

tech

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

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Space: The private frontier

XCOR

Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is just one of a number of projects turning the space race into a battle of companies, not countries. By James Day

The commercial space race ‘We’re at the dawn of the second space age,’ says Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides – and the British firm hopes to launch on Christmas Day with Sir Richard Branson its first passenger. Virgin Galactic uses a rocket plane carrying six passengers, accelerating upwards into the atmosphere after a second carrier craft releases it at the right altitude. Newlyweds Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are among those paying $250,000 (€190,000) each to blast off from the Mojave Spaceport in New Mexico. US-based XCOR is offering spaceflights in its Lynx Rocket for $100,000 (€77,000). The company promises a space shuttle take-off, views of Earth, and passengers play the role of

Michael ‘Sooch’ Masucci has gone from Top Gun to zero gravity by becoming a Virgin Galactic pilot. The US Air Force Academy (USAFA) graduate has flown combat missions in F-16 fighter jets and the U-2 spy plane, which he describes as ‘having a little fun before going into space’. Have you always wanted to be an astronaut? I’m a space geek who grew up on Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica. I got an astronaut engineering degree but once you go to USAFA, they offer you the chance to fly a plane so I became a pilot. You don’t see ‘astronaut’ listed in the job centre – how did you get the gig? It was actually advertised. I flew private charter jets and I think Virgin realised I had experience looking after important passengers.

co-pilot. Training takes place in the Netherlands with an advanced motion simulator called ‘The Desdemona’. Flights will launch from the Caribbean island of Curaçao by 2016. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos owns Blue Origin, one of two companies competing for a Nasa ‘space taxi’ contract to transport its astronauts to the International Space Station – the US currently pays Russia $71million (€55m) per seat for the privilege. Blue Origin carries four astronauts into orbit before its rocket module separates and lands autonomously back on Earth. Also competing for the Nasa deal is SpaceX, funded by billionaire Elon Musk. It delayed tests of its Falcon 9 reusable rocket, due to take place last week, after a

systems failure. ailure. The Falcon 9 transports ts a Dragon capsule containing aining passengers into orbit. Space Adventures dventures is a galactic tour operator or offering orbital flights, visits its to the International Space Station tion and even spacewalks. Missions to o the moon are expected by 2017. So far, ar, seven passengers have blasted off. The company uses the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, Boeing’s CST-100 and Armadillo rockets flown autonomously from a mission control centre. If you’d rather fly business class, Astrium is a European project from plane manufacturer Airbus, which is developing a private jet fit for space. It aims to take off and land from conventional airports and tickets would cost around €200,000.

Astrium

SpaceX

Blue Origin

Ask the astronaut… How fast and high will you been going? Upwards of 2,800mph but it’s a logical step from being a pilot, it’s just this plane happens to have a rocket on it. We’re aiming for altitudes of 360,000ft. Luckily I’ve had experience flying the U-2 at over 70,000ft. It’s quite an outlay. Do your family get a staff discount? Not that I’m aware of, but you can charter the entire vehicle for yourself and some people have done that. How long does the flight take? You’re in space for around

20 minutes but train with us for three days. People ask if there is a height or a weight limit – we evaluate everyone individually who comes to us and says ‘I want to become an astronaut’.

Virgin Galactic

Will you experience zero gravity? Yes, and we teach you how to get out of your seat quickly. You wear a flight suit, not a space suit, and the seats flatten so they don’t get in your way. Because you’re weightless, there’s a lot more usable volume to float around in. Have you been checking out the commercial competition? I haven’t but we wish everybody luck because the commercialisation of space has to be done. The more companies trying to do it, the sooner federal agencies understand we’re going to access space without government involvement.

Space Adventures

18 METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

travel

Windy City will blow you away Cool Chicago: The biggest city in America’s midwest is swinging again this autumn, writes Lisa Scott

GETTING THERE

Lost Girls Vintage A 1970s orange-and-white camper van called Mini Winnie is the newest addition to the Lost Girls fleet, a vintage shop that tours Chicago crammed with designer clothing, including Diane Von Furstenberg shirts, Issey Miyake pleated trousers and Manolo Blahnik pumps. Mini Winnie has a loungestyle dressing room and will be ‘less business, more party’, says co-founder Sarah Azzouzi, who studied fashion at the School Of The Art Institute of Chicago. She runs Lost Girls Vintage with friend Kyla

Embrey and says the city’s weather dominates the city’s sense of style. ‘It gets ridiculously cold here in winter and even though most Chicagoans have never milked a cow or worked an assembly line, there’s definitely a sense of practicality that influences our fashion because we are in a region known for farming and industrial manufacturing,’ she says. Mini Winnie will be premiered on Chicago’s streets next month. lostgirlsvintage.com

Soho House Chicago The club for cool creatives has unveiled its 12th and largest house yet in the shell of a former belt factory. The sprawling six-floor warehouse in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighbourhood has a lobby bar, two public restaurants, a Club Bar, screening room, a Cowshed spa, 25m rooftop swimming pool,, 1,100sqm gym that pays tribute to the 40 bedrooms and a city’s pugilistic history with its own boxing ring. Peer closely and you will notice the brand’s usual lavish touches: crystal decanters filled with rum and antique armchairs sourced from Europe. sohohousechicago.com

Aer Lingus flies Dublin to Chicago . (O’Hare) daily. www m .co us aerling

Geek Bar Chicago It is well accepted that the nerds won a long time ago. Geek is well and truly chic and you can raise a glass to the one-time outsiders in small geek bars around the States, including the Geek Easy, which recently opened in an old comic store in Florida. Next month, a world first will be unveiled in Chicago’s Lincoln Park: a geek community centre. The industrial space will have three dining rooms, a lounge-style basement, two private video game

rooms and enough space for discussions, workshops and geek-themed events. The bar food is designed to be eaten with one hand so guests can continue playing their board game or Xbox while eating and the drinks menu will feature a heavy fantasy theme. ‘The cocktails will really focus on Game Of Thrones and will include “Stark Family drinks”,’ said Geek Bar Chicago founder Ryan Bond. geekbarchicago.com om

A Virgin hotel Taste Talks

It has been a long time coming, but the first Virgin Hotel will open in December in the city’s East Loop district. Virgin Hotels bought the towering 27-story Old Dearborn Bank three years ago and has been transforming it into a 250-bedroom hotel with 40 one-bedroom suites and two ‘rock star suites’. Since the announcement of the opening, speculation about Sir Richard Branson’s first hotel has been rife. Rumours veer from the silly to the ridiculous, with some stating a spaceport will be installed on the roof, Branson will serve as the penthouse suite butler and that the suite taps will have hot, cold and champagne settings. virginhotels.com

Do you know what your air carrier should do for you if your ﬂight is delayed or cancelled?

The Windy City, traditionally a steak town, is now home to o one of the most exciting food scenes in the US. Award-winning chef Paul Kahan, who runs Chicago’s Blackbird restaurant and counts Michelle Obama as a fan, is one of the culinary creatives leading the city’s new epicurean charge. In recent years, Chicago has seen the arrivall of a host of independent independen restaurants, artisan tisan butcher shops, speciality food stores and a responsible farm-totable movement. Inspired by the city’s food revolution, Taste Talks, the revered symposium on taste that started in Brooklyn in 2013, is launching in Chicago in autumn. Here food lovers can join discussions, workshops and dinner labs led by local and international chefs and a host of food and drink experts. From €80, October 3 to 5, taste-talks.com

Do you know if your tour operator or travel agent is licensed and bonded?

ﬂightrights.ie www.aviationreg.ie

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

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Lose yourself in a tropical paradise Queensland’s Lady Elliot Island is a hidden gem that’s not to be missed, writes Isabel Conway

QuEEnSLand’S high rise buildings – shimmering glass and concrete towers of donald Trump-style grandeur and glitzy shopping mall developments – are left behind as our single engine Cessna skims northwards over a vast ribbon of deserted golden beach, mountainous breakers, dunes and coastal bush land. The territory appears remote, even by australian standards. Captain Cook believed he had found an island here, naming the wild headland we see below us jutting out from the main land double Island Point after encountering its hostile rugged cliffs towering above a savage foaming sea. away to the east the hazy outline of a heavily-forested island soon looms up like a glittering atlantis in the early morning sunshine. It is Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand bar, frequented by migratory nature lovers craving escape from australia’s third biggest city, Brisbane – Queensland’s capital – to enjoy miles and miles of empty beaches, rain forest and more. Fraser’s densely-wooded interior was an

important place for initiation ceremonies and other important rituals for indigenous peoples in years gone by. We are on our way to the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef to visit Lady Elliot island, a beautiful pristine coral cay at least 3,500 years old, and a 90-minute flight from Brisbane. Lady Elliot (www.ladyelliot.com.au) is one of the best diving and snorkelling locations anywhere with manta rays and turtles galore among its stunning 1,500 species of marine life and corals. Staring down at the huge ocean I wonder about resident sharks. Fellow passenger

Clinton – a Lady Elliot eco resort guide – used to travel to Ireland with stallions to sire mares at studs in Co Kildare. He confesses that he was often a lot more afraid of the stallions than sharks he has encountered. But sharks are forgotten as we catch our first glimpse of Lady Elliot Island, a fabulous castaway paradise of bleached white coral, azure ribbons of sea and low-rise resort buildings well hidden among its lush vegetation. We are soon touring the waters around Lady Elliot, admiring manta ray and turtles swimming beside our little glass bottom boat. We go snorkelling and see brilliantly coloured

TRAvEL

TRAvEL DEALs Of THE wEEk n Destination: Orlando Parks and Beach Holiday. Price: €699pp. Details: May/ June 2015, return flights ex. Dublin, 12 nights total, 3 day carhire, taxes and charges. Prices based on two adults and two children sharing. Contact: American Holidays, tel: (01) 6733894 www.american holidays.com. n Destination: New York City. Price: €616pp. Details: 11th December, return flights ex. Dublin, 3 nights in a 3* hotel, accommodation on a room-only basis, taxes and charges. Contact: Gohop, tel: (01) 2412389, www.Gohop.ie. n Destination: Cuba. Price: €1615pp Details: April-October

2015, 10 nights in total, return flights ex. Dublin, accommodation as stated, all transfers, taxes and charges. Visa not included. Contact: tel: (01) 2412340, www. cubatravel.ie or call. n Destination: Dominican Republic. Price: €1399pp. Details: December 2014, Return flights ex. Dublin with Virgin Atlantic, 7 nights all-inclusive, return airport transfers, taxes and charges. Prices based on two people sharing. Contact: Travelmood, tel: (01) 4331023, www.travelmood.ie. n Destination: Kusadasi, Turkey. Price: €329pp. Details: 14th September 2014, Return flights ex. Cork, 7 nights self-catering, return transfers, taxes and

charges. Contact: Wingsabroad, tel: (01) 8719444, www.wingsabroad.ie. n Destination: Chicago. Price: 2 adults sharing, €799pp. Details: Nov 2014, direct flights, taxes and accommodation 3 nights, inc continental breakfast. Contact: www.sunway.ie or 01 2311800 n Destination: Barbados. Price: €1299pp. Details: December 2014, return flights ex. Dublin to Barbados with Virgin Atlantic, 8 nights at 4* resort on a roomonly basis, return airport transfers, taxes and charges. Prices based on two people sharing. Contact: Travelmood, tel: (01) 4331023, www.travelmood.ie.

South AfricA

Gohop.ie will be hosting a free Southern Africa Travel Information Evening on Thursday in the Tropical Medical Bureau Clinic on Grafton Street. Destinations including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique will feature, with accounts of the many tours, safaris and places to go. Thu, Top Floor, Tropical Medical Bureau, 54 Grafton Street, D2, 6.15pm to 7.30pm. Email andre@gohop.ie to book a place

marine life. Then we witness a monstrous humpback whale jump high out of the water just yards away. The thrilling flight over the South Pacific to get here pales in comparison... and that’s saying something.

GETTING TO LADY ELLIOT ISLAND: Daily flights from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and other points. See www.ladyelliot.com.au for day tours, overnight and longer stays. Emirates flies daily from Ireland to Brisbane via Dubai. See www.emirates.ie. Return flights Dublin to Brisbane from €941.

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puzzles

METROSCOPE by Patrick Arundell

NEMI by Lise

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20

Your intuition can be spot-on. And it’s worthwhile moving out of your comfort zone. This may be the best way to achieve a personal hope. In addition, the Sun and Venus in Virgo can trigger a desire to better organise key areas of your life. For your forecast, call 15609 114 70

Taurus Apr 21 – May 21

Spend time rethinking a home situation or the direction you want a relationship to take. Later, the Quarter Moon can get you thinking about how much you’ve invested in a key project – and whether it’s worth it. For your forecast, call 15609 114 71

METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging. For solutions, visit Metro.co.uk/metroku

Gemini May 22 – Jun 21

Partnership affairs can develop in strength the more you’re willing to explore fresh options and opportunities. In particular, the presence of Mars in Sagittarius can bring about a desire for challenges, making this a fine time to test yourself out. For your forecast, call 15609 114 72

Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23

Use the blend of astral energies to organise your thoughts and get a plan together that can help you achieve a long-term goal. An idea you’ve been nurturing may also deserve more serious consideration. For your forecast, call 15609 114 73

Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23

A partner, romantic interest or playful friend can make today special. Current influences suggest that getting out and enjoying life could help you forget any taxing issues you’ve been dealing with recently, giving you a needed break.

PEARLs BEFORE swINE

For your forecast, call 15609 114 74

Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23

A goal seems in reach. Persevere and you may be surprised at the amount of progress you can make. Yet, regarding a key relationship, try not to hold things inside; it’s best to talk it over with the person in question, or with an old trusted friend.

ACROSS 1 Combine (10) 7 Elevate (5) 8 Cultivation (7) 10 Traveller (8) 11 Uncivil (4) 13 Collision (6) 15 Decline (6) 17 Cupid (4) 18 Arbiter (8) 21 Defraud (7) 22 Motionless (5) 23 Contrition (10)

DOWN 1 Friendliness (5) 2 Suspension (8) 3 Collect (6) 4 Masculine (4) 5 Vilify (7) 6 Muscularity (10) 9 Voters (10) 12 Editing (8) 14 Supply (7) 16 Fault (6) 19 Subject (5) 20 Rim (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions Across: 6 Refrain; 7 Diary; 9 Hit; 10 Reverence; 12 Paradoxical; 15 Break the ice; 17 Affronted; 19 Ray; 21 Remit; 22 Produce. Down: 1 Begin; 2 Dry; 3 Size; 4 Timepiece; 5 Crucial; 8 Remove; 11 Maladroit; 13 Attend; 14 Proffer; 16 Fancy; 18 Earn; 20 Ode.

This can be a good day to write letters, deal with minor issues or perhaps iron out a holiday plan. Plus, with Mars now in your communication zone, you’ll feel more confident when tackling discussions with others. For your forecast, call 15609 114 76

scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

If you can avoid letting your heart dictate monetary decisions and use your head, you may have something to celebrate later on, even if it only means avoiding a small loss. Your social life could be in the spotlight for a while. For your forecast, call 15609 114 77

sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21

Involve others in your plans, as things may pan out better if you work as part of a team. Social activity provides an outlet for ideas and opens you up to fresh possibilities, particularly if you move in new circles. For your forecast, call 15609 114 78

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20

It’s important to stay sharp-minded,

as even the most casual exchange has the potential to open doors to fresh inspiration. On another note, the focus on your exploration zone suggests you’re in a learning curve. For your forecast, call 15609 114 79

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19

Allow yourself to be swept along on a wave of enthusiasm, as activities that are fun encourage you to express yourself, while providing a touch of romance too. If you’re going out and about this evening, make sure you have a plan B. For your forecast, call 15609 114 80

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

Today’s Quarter Moon suggests a family get-together or social occasion might not be your thing, yet can still be enjoyable. Relationships will go a lot more smoothly if you avoid touchy subjects. 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 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

QuIz

Crossword No. 1056 See next edition for solutions

– Oct 23

ENIGMA Area where people choose To leave stuff they no longer use. Also how you say goodbye To former apples of your eye. WHO AM I? A pianist, I was born in London in 1944. I made my debut at the Royal Festival Hall aged 19. I was made a CBE in the New Year’s honours list in 2005.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? WHO… was the Corsica born military leader who rose to prominence in the French Revolution? WHAT... was the world’s first public railway? WHERE... is Mount Ossa the highest peak on that island? WHEN... was the National Ballet of Ireland established?

QUIZ ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Dump. WHO AM I? John Lill ; WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Napoleon Bonaparte; Stockton and Darlington Railway; Tasmania; 1998.

QUICK CROsswORd

For your forecast, call 15609 114 75

Libra Sep 24

SCRIBBLE BOX

20 METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

gaa

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD

brogan to make Dubs decision ‘by christmas’ by pAuL kEAnE Veteran Dublin forward alan Brogan will hold off on any decision about his county future until Christmas, when he’ll know if he’s ‘really, really committed’ to another season. the former Footballer of the Year missed all of 2013 with a hip problem, but won back his place this season and lined out in the all-Ireland semifinal defeat to Donegal. It was reported soon after that the 32-year old had retired, though he moved quickly to clarify that wasn’t the case. He now says he will take the coming months to consider his options and after losing forward colleague Paul Mannion to a year studying abroad, boss Jim Gavin may be keen to keep Brogan on board.

Learning curve: GAA star Alan Brogan says there were lessons to be learnt from Dublin’s semi-final defeat to Donegal

gOLf Two-time

major winner Greg Norman (right) is expected to make a ‘full, speedy recovery’ after injuring his left arm in a chainsaw accident over the weekend. The 59-year-old Australian underwent surgery in a Florida hospital to repair ‘some minor nerve damage’, and specialists predict there will be no permanent ill-effects. A statement on Norman’s website, www.shark.com, read: ‘Norman elected to undergo surgery while in the hospital to repair some minor nerve damage. According to the specialists who tended to Norman, he will not sustain any long-term, permanent damage to his left arm.’

gyMnAsTics The Irish Senior

focused on attack. Brogan appeared to agree that they got things wrong at the back. ‘there’s some small things that, if we were to play the match again tomorrow, we’d change,’ he said. ‘We probably left ourselves a little open at the back.

‘and I think if we were to play again, we would learn some lessons with that. Look, there’s a learning curve that comes out of every game you play. ‘We’ll certainly sit down over the next few months and analyse where we went wrong and how we fell down so badly on the day.’

Horschel right behind Tom on Ryder Cup snub Fedex Cup champion Billy Horschel insists he does not deserve a place on America’s Ryder Cup team, despite being the hottest golfer on the planet. Horschel held off Rory McIlroy and Jim Furyk at the Tour Championship to clinch a €8.7million payday at east Lake on Sunday. It followed success at the BMW Championship last week and a second place at the deutsche Bank Championship earlier this month. The remarkable run ensured the 27-year-old ended top of the Fedex Cup rankings and led many experts to question uS captain Tom Watson’s decision not to make him a wild-card selection. But Horschel feels Webb Simpson, Hunter Mahan and Keegan Bradley were all more deserving. ‘My season wasn’t good enough,’ he told the Golf Channel. ‘Guys have worked two years to be on

spORT DigEsT Norman to make ‘a full recovery’

Seven-medal haul for Irish gymnasts

‘It’ll be a big decision, but I’ll take my time with it’ ‘I’ll take some time off now, sit down with family and people I trust over the next few months and make the decision before Christmas,’ said Brogan. ‘Obviously the amount of time that goes into it, you have to be really, really committed. It’s not something you can do in half measures, so it’ll be a big decision, but I’ll take my time with it.’ a picture of Brogan and his child both in tears after the Donegal game appeared to sum up the scale of the defeat for Dublin. ‘It was obviously difficult at the time,’ accepted Brogan. ‘time heals wounds like that. It’ll certainly be tough watching next weekend, watching the all-Ireland final but, as I said, time heals those wounds. We’ve got to move on and get on with things.’ Dublin manager Jim Gavin was widely criticised by pundits after the game for not giving more protection to his defence and for being too

golf

Laughing all the way to the bank: Horschel shows off both the FedEx Cup and Tour Championship trophies this team. For me to only play two or three really good weeks

and be part of team would take away from what they’ve done

over a two-year period. even at this stage I don’t feel like I’m deserving of being on the Ryder Cup team.’ Horschel may not have been able to play at Gleneagles next week anyway as his wife is heavily pregnant. ‘I honestly wasn’t going to play the Ryder Cup if we couldn’t induce labour early,’ he added. ‘The birth of my child – my first child – I wanted to be there for her and be there for our baby girl. ‘Obviously I wasn’t picked and it’s going to work out perfectly after all.’

A fEw MORE Of spORT’s biggEsT pAyOuTs €778,000 For each of the starting XI of the Stanford Superstars after their T20 win over England

€2.3m Banked by both Marin Cilic and Serena Williams for winning the US Open singles titles

€25m For Floyd Mayweather Jr (right) after he beat Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas on Saturday

Men’s Gymnastics Team have rounded off an impressive medal haul of three Gold and three Silver at yesterday’s apparatus finals at the 2014 Northern European gymnastics Championships in Denmark. These medals are added to the historic bronze won in the team competition yesterday behind Sweden & Denmark and are a good lead into the final preparations for the 2014 World Championships in October, the first stage of Rio 2016 Olympic qualification. This result is all the more impressive after Team Ireland lost key member Chris O’Connor half way through the competition after he was forced to withdraw through a knee injury. It was an Irish one and two on Floor, Rings & High-Bar with Andrew Smith taking Gold on Floor with a score of 14.9 and Rohan Sebastien taking Silver with 14.1. Rohan kept the momentum going for the Rings final where he clinched Gold with 14.3 just ahead of teammate and Irish Olympian Kieran Behan who took the Silver.

19 Age of German Pascal Wehrlein, who has been named as back-up driver to Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at Mercedes. Wehrlein has impressed in the German Touring Car Championship. Flesh of indecency cycLing The uniforms worn by a Colombian women’s cycling team that make them look like they are naked are ‘unacceptable’ according to the president of the International Cycling Union. Brian Cookson called the outfit, worn by IDRDBogota Humana-San Mateo-Solgar riders at the Tour of Tuscany at the weekend, ‘unacceptable by any standard of decency’. The flesh section appears between the stomach and thighs, and the British official added: ‘To the many who have raised the issue of a certain women’s team kit, we are on the case.’

22 METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

championship

football

Picture: Action imAges

Big Mo-ment: Diame nets against his old club to put Hull ahead last night

LEAGUE TABLE P Chelsea 4 aston Villa 4 Swansea 4 Southampton 4 man City 4 Tottenham 4 arsenal 4 liverpool 4 man utd 4 Hull 4 everton 4 leicester 4 West Ham 4 Stoke 4 Sunderland 4 QPr 4 C Palace 4 Burnley 4 West Brom 4 newcastle 4

Ready for a scrap: Adams

Adams: We will beware Bees’ sting Norwich manager Neil Adams does not need reminding how dangerous newly promoted teams can be ahead of the trip to Brentford. The relegated canaries lost their opening game of the season at last term’s League one champions wolves but have since collected four wins and a draw to move up to second in the table. Next, though, they visit a Bees side who won their first home match of the campaign at Griffin Park on Saturday against Brighton. Adams said: ‘They’re another team

1 Defeat in their first six

Championship matches for Brentford, who are sixth

similar to wolves and we know what happened with that game. ‘They were promoted last season, they’re on a roll and they’ve started really, really well. ‘They are not here to make up the numbers. They’re tenth in the table, they had a good win against Brighton on Saturday and they’re a very dangerous, attacking team. ‘we’ll treat them with the [same] respect we treat every team.’

Hamburg in kit of bother with airline German side Hamburg have been warned unless they pull their socks up, they could find themselves looking for a new kit sponsor. The Bundesliga outfit only just escaped relegation last season by scraping though a play-off and they are again struggling this term, something that has not gone unnoticed with sponsors emirates. The airline’s executive vicepresident Thierry antinori said: ‘The performance on the pitch has to be right. The second league is not for us because as an airline we fly in the first league.’

W 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0

D 0 1 0 1 1 1 3 0 2 2 2 2 1 1 3 0 2 2 2 2

L 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 2 2 2

F A Pts 15 6 12 4 1 10 8 5 9 8 3 7 7 4 7 7 5 7 7 6 6 6 5 6 6 3 5 5 5 5 9 10 5 4 5 5 6 7 4 2 3 4 5 6 3 1 9 3 5 8 2 1 4 2 2 7 2 3 9 2

New boys are more than Abel in four-goal thriller who says west ham are boring under Sam Allardyce? The hammers boss promised a more eye-catching style after coming under fire last season and there were plenty of thrills and spills during last night’s 2-2 draw at hull. Twice they came from behind with Enner Valencia and curtis Davies’ own goal cancelling out efforts from Abel hernandez and, inevitably, Mo Diame against his old club. But, with

PREMIER LEAGUE HULL ..................2 WEST HAM .......2 by john payne Stewart Downing pulling the strings, some of the disappointment fans felt at failing to take all three points was tempered by the fact their 1980s-style

ODDBALLs

Short change: To mark Oktoberfest German side 1860 Munich are to take to the field in this check shirt/ lederhosen ensemble.

shirts were not the only reminder of the west ham of old. The visitors would have been ahead in the first half had Allan McGregor not made a stunning save to deny Diafra Sakho. Moments later, though, £10million deadline-day signing hernandez put hull in front with a tremendous header from Ahmed Elmohamady’s cross. west ham’s equaliser was even more special. There seemed no dan-

ger when Valencia, also making his Premier League debut, collected the ball but he unleashed an unstoppable 25-yard shot into the top corner. hull were handed the lead back when west ham’s Aaron cresswell inexplicably took a throw-in to Diame, who sidefooted home. But the hammers deserved their second equaliser, Sakho’s shot from Downing’s pass being turned into his own net by the unlucky Davies.

Strange stories from the world of sport

JOSe LuiS Sanchez Sola, manager with Mexican side Puebla, has had his players train in wolf masks in an effort to give them a little extra bite. Sanchez Sola, who is more commonly known as Chelis, has only recently returned to the club after a four-year stint with MLS side Chivas uSA and has brought back with him a few new ideas to fire up his charges. Chelis’ apparent aim is to get his players fighting like wolves, an idea he credits to Atletico

Rogerio keeps on scoring

Barking-mad boss is out to be fang-tastic Madrid manager Diego Simeone, although the masks are a nice touch of his own. ‘i saw a video of Simeone doing what we did without masks, with all the intensity of recovering the ball,’ Chelis told the club’s official website. ‘it’s

Sao Paulo’S rogerio Ceni celebrated the 120th goal of his career on Sunday when he fired home a 36th-minute penalty against Cruzeiro. nothing too surprising except Ceni is the Sao Paulo

sending the message with an anchor, the anchor is the mask. ‘To understand that every time you go to play a ball and anchors you in the idea, remember you’re a dog, i have to go for it, fight it, steal it and defend it.’

goalkeeper. Ceni’s remarkable record is all down to the fact he is the team’s set-piece expert. The 41-year-old, has played more than 1,000 games for the Brazilian outfit since making his debut in 1993.

football champions league borussia Dortmund v Arsenal KEY bATTLE HENRiKH MKHiTARYAN v PER MERTEsACKER

ARSENAL have made giant strides to fix an attack often accused of failing to make the most of its chances by signing Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck for a combined £46million this summer. But it is the Gunners’ defence which still needs correcting as the only clean sheets they have kept in six matches this season have been in the two Champions League qualifying outings with toothless Besiktas. Centre-half Per Mertesacker has been the glue which holds the Arsenal back four together and he was influential as Germany won the World Cup in Brazil. He will be eager to mark his return to his homeland with a clean sheet, but the Gunners must keep Mkhitaryan quiet in order to do so. The Armenian midfielder scored 13 goals in all competitions last season, including his first Champions League goal for the Germans against Arsenal in a 2-1

D Pictures: getty

7.45pm

CHAMPIONS League winner Paul Scholes believes Liverpool could be a good outside bet to win this season’s competition. Scholes, a member of Manchester United’s 2008 winning team, said: ‘Liverpool are the dark horse this year. Brendan Rodgers has done a fantastic job. The style of play he’s adopted is exciting to watch and the players seem to have taken to him. ‘The big advantage they have is a home crowd. Anfield is always a hostile place to go, which is something Manchester City lack.’ But Scholes (pictured) doubts Arsenal have the fortitude to seriously challenge for the trophy. He said: ‘They always qualify and always seem to get through the group but when they meet top teams, they don’t seem to have the consistent level of mental strength to get through it.’

TAKE ADVANTAgE Of DEPLETED DORTMuND

Dortmund miss several key players through injury including Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan, jakub Blaszczykowski, Oliver Kirch and Nuri Sahin. Arsenal’s main concern is at right-back. with first-choice Mathieu Debuchy missing, Calum Chambers will start if fit, but has tonsillitis and missed training yesterday – he is rated as 50-50 by wenger to play. Theo walcott is not quite ready, while Olivier Giroud is a long-term casualty.

Did Arsene wenger drop a hint about tonight’s line-up when he was pictured with a sheet revealing the teams for a nine-a-side friendly in training aining yesterday?

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger is ready to throw rookie right-back Hector Bellerin into Champions League action tonight. Bellerin, whose solitary Gunners appearance came in last season’s Capital One Cup, will face Borussia Dortmund in their Group D opener if Calum Chambers fails to recover from tonsillitis. Although regular right-back Mathieu Debuchy was already banned, the ankle injury he suffered at Manchester City on Saturday has been compounded

‘he lacks experience but has personality’

12 Career clubs for former

by Chambers’ illness, Wenger rating him just 50/50 to recover in time for tonight’s game. That leaves the way open for 19-year-old Bellerin, signed from Barcelona in 2011, to step up. ‘The Debuchy injury has put us in a position where we don’t want more injuries,’ Wenger said. ‘Bellerin is now ready to play. He’s a boy with personality who isn’t fazed by the pressure. ‘That’s a very important quality when you’re a young boy playing

did you? Knowchester

Man FORMER -mates Danny m a e United t eck and Shinji ad-to Welb ill go he fter w a w a g a Ka t weeks head jus g their Old makin d exits. Traffor

3rd

TIME Arsenal an have been drawd Dortmund in the group st n together ag seasons. Arsen es in four al have won twice, Dortmun d with one draw once, in th previous four e games. words by Daniel Griffiths

Wenger placing a Hec of a lot of faith in bellerin at a big club. His transition game is fantastic. He lacks a bit of experience as a defender, but is very dangerous going forward.’ Wenger also makes a change at left-back. Nacho Monreal did not travel because of a back problem so Kieran Gibbs takes his place. As the Gunners prepare for their fifth meeting with Dortmund in three years, Wenger downplayed the benefit of having Germans Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski in his ranks. ‘It’s not an advantage to have three German players in the squad as we know Dortmund anyway – we play them each year,’ he said.

fOOTbALL DigEsT Scholes: Reds can win it but Arsene won’t

win at the Emirates. Dortmund must continue to find goals from other areas after striker Robert Lewandowski’s move to Bayern Munich.

POssibLETEAM??

by JOHN PAYNE

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 METRO HERALD 23

Klopp to keep Kagawa waiting ShINjI KAGAwA is not an automatic starter for Borussia Dortmund in tonight’s Champions League opener against Arsenal, despite scoring on his return to the German club. The 25-year-old (pictured), who spent two disappointing seasons at Manchester United, starred in the 3-1 win over Freiburg, but boss jurgen Klopp is keeping his options open. ‘For a first game back it was an extraordinary one,’ said Klopp. ‘A decision whether he will play tomorrow will be taken tomorrow morning.’

Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka, who has joined Mumbai City in the Indian Super League

new watford boss in chest pain scare WATFORD manager Oscar Garcia will miss tonight’s Championship trip to Blackpool after suffering minor chest pains. The Spaniard was admitted to hospital 24 hours after his first game in charge of the Hornets, Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Charlton. Garcia, 41, had further tests yesterday and assistant coaches Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira will take charge at Bloomfield Road. A statement on Watford’s website read: ‘The club wishes Oscar a speedy recovery and will keep supporters fully updated about the head coach’s condition.’

Kaboul wins Spurs TOTTENHAM boss Mauricio Pochettino has appointed Younes Kaboul his new club captain, with Hugo Lloris and Emmanuel Adebayor as vice-captains. French defender Kaboul, 28, said: ‘I am delighted to have been given this responsibility, it is a fantastic honour.’

fixTuREs (7.45pm unless stated) Champions League Group A Juventus v Malmo ................. Olympiakos v A Madrid ........ Group B Liverpool v Ludogorets ... TV (ITV) Real Madrid v Basle......... TV (Sky Sports 1) Group C Benfica v Zenit St Petersburg Monaco v Bayer Leverkusen. Group D B Dortmund v Arsenal ..... TV (Sky Sports 5) Galatasaray v Anderlecht ..... The Sky Bet Championship Birmingham v Sheff Wed ..... Blackpool v Watford ............. Bolton v Rotherham .. (8pm) Bournemouth v Leeds .......... Brentford v Norwich ............. Cardiff v Middlesbrough....... Charlton v Wolves................. Huddersfield v Wigan ........... Ipswich v Brighton ................

Reading v Millwall ..... (8pm) Sky Bet League 1 Colchester v Sheff Utd .......... Doncaster v Crawley Town ... Gillingham v Peterborough .. MK Dons v Bradford.............. Notts County v L Orient ........ Port Vale v Bristol City .......... Preston v Chesterfield........... Rochdale v Walsall ................ Scunthorpe v Coventry ......... Swindon v Oldham ............... Yeovil v Crewe ....................... Sky Bet League 2 AFC Wimbledon v Burton .... Bury v Stevenage .................. Cambridge Utd v Exeter ....... Cheltenham v Southend ....... Mansfield v Morecambe ....... Northampton v Hartlepool ... Oxford Utd v Accrington S.... Plymouth v Wycombe .......... Portsmouth v Dag & Red ...... Shrewsbury v Carlisle ........... Tranmere v Newport County York v Luton ..........................

SPOrT

24 METRO HERALD Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Training day: Balotelli will need to use his European experience to help his new Liverpool teammates tonight pictUre: pa

Brogan to decide on his Dublin future by year end

«See page 21

Rodgers has faith in main man Mario Balotelli will relish role leading Liverpool attack, says boss Brendan BrEnDAn rODgErS believes mario Balotelli will relish being the side’s senior striker when the reds return to Champions League action after a five-year absence tonight. The italy international, a £16million signing last month, is the main man up front in the absence of Daniel Sturridge, who is out for at least another fortnight with a thigh strain. Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets present ideal opposition for Balotelli to get his Liverpool career up and running and rodgers believes he will embrace the challenge. ‘The boy is only just in the door,’ said rodgers. ‘The best players enjoy that responsibility and i am sure it is one he is relishing, but on the training field he is going to work hard to accept that responsibility knowing he has been

Group B Liverpool v Ludogorets

by jAck fOx brought in here to do a job which is to create and score goals. ‘He was unfortunate he was ill last week and it was only on the morning of the game [Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa] that he declared himself fit to play, which shows he really wanted to play here.’ rodgers’ primary aim is to ensure

‘Mario knows he is here to create and score goals’ qualification for next year’s Champions League, but at this stage he is not setting his sights too high in terms of this year’s competition. ‘my main priority was to get the club back to this level because as a club it needs to be at this level for itself and football in general,’ he said. ‘i think success is about qualifying from the group. We will take one game at a time: we are at home and we aim to perform well and get three points, but we will respect them like we would if we were playing real madrid.’

Tonight’s anfield clash is Liverpool’s first Champions League tie since a 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina as they went out in the 2009/10 group stages

Bowled-over duo return to fold for trip Down Under

Speedy pacer: Peter Chase

EmErging seamer Peter Chase and fit-again Alex Cusack are both part of an 18-man ireland squad bound for Australia and new Zealand this month. Veteran medium-pacer Cusack is back after a season curtailed by injury to join the trip Down Under as ireland step up their preparations for next year’s World Cup, also in Australia and new Zealand. William Porterfield’s team will travel without experienced batsman

Ed Joyce, who is instead to be given time to recover from an arduous domestic season with Sussex.

‘Cusack has been one of our best bowlers’ Coach Phil Simmons outlined the timetable for Cusack’s return to action. ‘Alex Cusack has been one of our best limited-overs bowlers in the

last six years,’ he told Cricket ireland. ‘Although he’s been out of competitive action since early may, the plan was always to take him on tour as long as he had recovered from injury. ‘He has been in a long period of rehabilitation and is fit to train now. He will be back training and bowling this week – and part of his continued rehabilitation will be in Australia, with the hope he is able

to play towards the latter half of the tour in new Zealand.’ ireland will play eight 50-over fixtures between September 30 and October 23. Ireland squad: (to travel to Australia and New Zealand): W Porterfield (Captain), A Balbirnie, P Chase, A Cusack, G Dockrell, J Mooney, T Murtagh, A McBrine, K O’Brien, N O’Brien (wkt), A Poynter, S Poynter, M Sorensen, P Stirling, S Thompson , A White, G Wilson (wkt), C Young