Christmas gift guide
20-page supplement
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METRO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
METRO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
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METRO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
METRO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Gourmet treats...
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...books... All the usual suspects have shiny new recipe books out, of course – culinary empire builders, budding one-man brands and domestic goddesses can’t miss a golden opportunity to cash in on a nation’s love of grub at Christmas time. Gorge on Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes, Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson or Rachel’s Food For Living, by Rachel Allen, all pictured left.
George Bernard Shaw knew what he was talking about when he said: ‘There is no love sincerer than the love of food.’ Share the love this season with THÉRÈSE MCKENNA’S selection of gourmet gifts.
...foodie gifts...
Sheridans Cheesemongers have a fantastic range of hampers in stock, but a more interesting gift option on offer from the dairy doyens is membership of the Sheridans Cheesemongers Cheese Club. Membership is ¤35 per month and it entitles the holder to three seasonal, ripe cheeses, which are sent, along with tasting notes, on the second Wednesday of each month. (www.sheridanscheesemongers.ie). Olio E Farina on Camden Street and Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street are both a good bet for picking up something special if you’re in town.
The Best Of Wine In Ireland 2008 (see books, above right) recommends no less than 14 wines from Louis Albrouze, Upper Leeson Street’s specialist vintners. To celebrate, they’ve parceled most of the fêted fine wines into a hamper that you can buy for ¤200.95 at www.louisalbrouze.com. Marks & Spencer do a delicious, warming mulled wine without the alcohol, for the temperate among us (¤2.99), while you can get sozzled in style
Also, the extremely good-looking Presso Cappucino Maker (left) is on the shelves of Avoca this Christmas for ¤94.95. The beautifully designed machine is perfect for those for whom coffee is more of a religion than just a hot beverage.
Donnybrook Fair has some fancy gift packages, among which the Essential Pantry hamper looks particularly appealing. It pairs an appetising wine selection with excellent own-brand spicy tomato chutney, mint thins, cheese crackers, Christmas pudding and afternoon tea and costs ¤130. (www.donnybrookfair.ie) The new formal collection from Skelligs Chocolates is just the ticket for chic chocoholics. From ¤10; see www.skelligschocolate.com.
Foodie guides also abound – two of note for the Irish gourmet are the Dubliner’s 100 Best Restaurants 2008 Edition (¤6.99 in bookshops or from www.dubliner.ie, pictured below right) and Best Of Wine In Ireland 2008 (¤12.99, www.hughesbooks.com). Avoca is selling two modern favourites as a very attractive box-set – Tessa Kiros’s Apples For Jam (pictured, left) and Falling Cloudberries (below, left) are filled with the most sumptuous food photography, fantastic family recipes and some lovely writing. (¤49.99)
...luxury... Who can resist a bottle of bubbly, especially during the party season? Impress your loved one with this Dom Perignon Vintage ‘99, a delicate, clean and crisp bottle – and your fantastic taste. ¤149 from www.wineonline.ie
...wine... with O’Briens Festive Hamper (¤85, www.obrienswine.ie). It includes a lively La Pieve Prosecco, a fruity Rizzardi Pinot Grigio, a cheering Sierra Cantabria Rioja, some tasty Lily O’Brien’s truffles and other treats.
...all I want for Christmas is... PJ GALLAGHER: ‘All I want for Christmas is to be sitting on a beach somewhere and looking at the sea in the sunshine, but I’m from Ireland and will probably spend it sitting on the couch watching The Wizard Of Oz and eating enough selection boxes to fill up Charlie’s Chocolate Factory. It’s not so
bad in fairness; I just hope that the Curly Wurlys get back to a decent size. The only other thing I’d like is loads of Xbox games, I really love that little mysterious machine that sits under my TV and lets me be so good at sport without ever leaving the house. Physical exercise eh? Waste of time.’ Naked Camera 3 is on sale now
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Swarovski's enchanted Christmas jewellery collection (left) is the ideal gift, even for the less than angelic. Dancing hair clip, ¤60, pendant, ¤89 and necklace, ¤60, from Swarovski Crystal, stores nationwide. www.swarovski.com
The ultimate in luxury...
...for the girl who has everything...
....for her...
Diamonds, gold, cashmere...it’s the season to give, so spoil her this Christmas with some of the finest gifts. NIAMH O’DEA picks out a selection of luxurious gift ideas. Who could resist this 18ct white gold sparkler (left) from Andrew Geoghegan? It’s not cheap – but isn’t she worth it? ¤1,750 from DESIGNyard.
For extra bling, try these limited edition Swarovski Crystal embellished Louboutin Bling Bling shoes (left), ¤910 from Brown Thomas, or the Cinderella shoe (right) from former Jimmy Choo designer, Jay Valas. ¤485 exclusive to Coco Belle, Royal Hibernian Way.
True fashion contenders will be keeping it real with this Stephen Webster Thorn Cuff, an 18ct white gold cuff encrusted with 2.83ct’s worth of diamonds. Approx ¤17,000, see www.econe.co.uk.
It’s the break-through of the year; Shiseido’s Bio Performance intensive skin corrective programme (left), with the most impressive packaging around. ¤300 from Brown Thomas.
She will be seeing stars if the jolly fat man leaves her this magnificent Boodles Cabaret Necklace with matched oval aquamarines orbited by diamond set platinum stars. ¤150,000 from Boodles.
The Irish success story of the year, Pauric Sweeney is the only name you should have on the inside of your bag. Try this black bag, ¤960 from Harvey Nichols, Dundrum.
This Givenchy Studded Peep-toe shoe has this winter’s trend for all things fetish covered, and is a party-season must-have. ¤550, exclusive to Coco Belle.
Best known for the miracle face cream, Crème De La Mer’s Eye Concentrate has been making waves in the beauty industry. But don't choose between the two – this Connoisseur Collection (above) contains both. ¤410 from Brown Thomas.
Smelly soaps in baskets will be a thing of the past, thanks to the Abahna Bathing Bento Box (above). With a plant-based shower gel, hydrating body lotion, soap and a soy wax candle; the box itself is a jewellery box – very eco. ¤125 from Brown Thomas.
No wardrobe is complete without a little sequinned number, and they don't come much better than this metallic Jode dress (left), ¤719.99 from Chica.
METRO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
...on the move... Makeup junkies will love this exclusive Bobbi Brown Pink Quartz Cosmetic Trunk (above), designed to hold everything from blushes to brushes. ¤600 from Bobbi Brown counters.
A novel gift for those who never have anything to wear; the Alexander Eduard Serda-designed 365 Trouser Trunk (above), has 30 pairs of made-to-measure trousers, in denim, cashmere, silk or leather. From ¤48,000, see www.365.ms
Jo Malone’s limited edition Pomegranate Noir Trousseau is a leather jewellery box with everything from bath products to a sterling silver candle-snuffer. ¤1,200 from Brown Thomas. This Sony Vaio luxury pink T7100 is the perfect gift to bestow upon a Carrie Bradshaw-wannabe. ¤1,599.99 from PC World
Forget private jets – the Chanel Bicycle (right) is the ultimate in luxury travel. Environmentalism has never looked so chic. ¤8,900 from Chanel boutiques from early December.
Bring some bling to the kitchen with this Swarovski crystal bejeweled Nespresso Essenza machine. Available in pink and black, ¤999, from the Nespresso Boutique, Brown Thomas.
Sweating is so last year, The Power Plate is the ultimate in effortless exercise, requiring just 15 minutes a day. ¤2,000 from Brown Thomas.
...at home... Nothing welcomes your new pooch into the family like the Luxury Sofa (¤495) from Charlemont Street’s cat and dog boutique, Mutt Ugly.
...and for the man who wants everything... This Yard-O-Led Viceroy Grand highly polished silver roller ball is known for its perfect balance. Perfect for the wordsmith in your life. Approx ¤410, see www.filofax.co.uk. The sophisticated, multifunctional products in the Skinn for Men Gift Bag (left) are all soap, paraben and herbal allergen free. ¤365 from Harvey Nichols, Dundrum.
Delicious daddies shouldn’t be without the Storsak Jamie Nappy Bag (left) which includes a leathertrimmed change mat, a mobile phone holder and it fits most laptops. Oh, and Brad Pitt has the same one. ¤195 from Nelo Maternity.
The terribly stylish Knomo Hayden Messenger (above) is made of high-quality leather and will fit even larger laptops. Approx ¤260, see www.knomobags.com.
There’s nothing wrong with slippers...once they’re black velvet and monogrammed, of course, like these (left), from Shipton and Heneage. Approx ¤450 from www.shiptonandheneage.co.uk.
SHIRT 39.95 JEANS 79.95
SHOES 59.95 TEE 19.95
KNIT 69 69.95 95
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POLO 22.95
ARKLOW Bridgewater / ATHLONE Town Centre / DROGHEDA Centre / DUBLIN Blanchardstown Dundrum Centre · Charlestown · Grafton Street · Ilac Centre · Nutgrove Centre · Omni Park Centre Swords Pavillion · The Square Tallaght · Trinity Street / DUNDALK Co. Louth / TRALEE Central Plaza
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Gift sounds...
For the music lover in your life, check out our collection of the year’s essential albums. From Britney Spears to Led Zeppelin, EAMON DE PAOR gets to grips with the year’s big shakers in pop, rock and indie.
Bruce Springsteen: Magic Columbia
The Boss is back on form with Magic, a big-hearted rock album that sees the singer reuniting with the E-Street Band for his strongest LP in more than a decade
Britney Spears: Blackout Jive/SonyBMG
Just when it seemed Britney’s career was in melt-down, she’s rebounded with Blackout – a rawboned and claustrophobic ghost ride, full of eerie beats and ominous sound FX.
Eagles: Long Road Out Of Eden Polydor
Twenty two years since their last album, rock’s grumpiest cowboys
are back with another collection of dreamy country-tinged ballads. Beneath the glossy arrangements is a band with strong opinions about America and its place in the world.
Josh Ritter: The Historical Conquests Of... Independent Records
Things looked bleak for Ritter after his US record company went bust last yet but rather than sinking into despair, Ritter retreated to a barn in rural Maine and bashed out his rawest and arguably best record yet.
Jens Lekman: Night Falls Over Kortedala Secretly Canadian
Bloggers have been raving about Swedish crooner Jens Lekman for years. Now, the rest of the world is starting to recognise his mournful
genius. A purveyor of sweet confessional ditties in the vein of Divine Comedy and Magnetic Fields.
The Flaws: Achieving Vagueness Arrivals Records
If Joy Division came from Carrickmacross, they might sound a little like The Flaws. A top-ten hit upon its release, Achieving Vagueness has been praised as one of the outstanding Irish rock records of 2007.
The Killers: Sawdust Universal
Alarm bells ring whenever a band releases an odds ‘n’ sods collection of Bsides and demos. In the case of hairy Las Vegas pin-ups The Killers, though, such cynicism is unwarranted.
Duran Duran: Red Carpet Massacre SonyBMG
What happens when four wrinkly heartthrobs hook up with the hottest producer on the planet? A slinky cyber-rock album ensues, judging by this collaboration between veteran new romantics Duran Duran and r’n’b godfather Timbaland.
Sigur RĂłs: Heim/ Hvart EMI
The musical equivalent of landscape painters, Iceland’s Sigur Rós specialise in epic guitar architecture. Drawing together unreleased early material and acoustic live cuts, this double record serves as a tingleinducing introduction to their unique sonic visions.
Burial: Untrue Hyperdub
From the murky London dub-step scene comes Burial, an artist so media-shy, he won’t even reveal his true identity. No matter: Untrue is a deeply atmospheric collection of instrumentals, freighted with ghostly vocal fragments and hints of melody.
Girls Aloud: Tangled Up Fascination
Tangled Up doesn’t have a serious fibre in its body, but
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sometimes a blast of high-octane escapism is exactly what you need. We do wish Nadine would stop pulling the same cookie-cutter Lolita pout in every single photoshoot though.
Led Zeppelin: Mothership Warner
Ahead of their much heralded comeback, 1970s rock monster Zeppelin have put out a riff-soaked greatest hits bundle. You can decry their cynicism yet nobody will argue with the primal surge of Jimmy Page’s licks and Plant’s madsorcerer vocals.
St Vincent: Marry Me Beggars’ Banquet
The year’s quirky pop princess crown goes to Annie ‘St Vincent’ Clark. A protĂŠgĂŠ of Sufjan Stevens, the willowy Texan has recorded a remarkably ambitious and complex debut that tips its hat to 20th Century minimalism and church music, while always remembering to play to the gallery.
METRO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Gifts for the small screen...
Much better than a bag of nuts in your stocking is a good DVD, so do your loved ones a favour and furnish their festive fireplace with their favourite flick. LUCY WHITE suggests a few stocking-fillers.
METRO’S TOP 10 DVDS Blade Runner: The Final Cut Limited Edition Collector’s Edition (15) Warner Home Video, ¤28
Twenty-five years after its release, Ridley Scott has finally decided on a definitive cut of the sci-fi classic which here includes a whopping five discs. Set in Los Angeles in 2019, supposedly retired LAPD Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is lured back into the force in pursuit of pesky replicants.
Transformers (12) Dreamworks Home Entertainment, ¤18
While the 1986 animated version can be enjoyed through rose-tinted, mirrored sunglasses, this is the ultimate robots-in-disguise movie, pitching the Autobots against the dastardly Decepticons as per the original formula. Go, go, Optimus Prime!
Hairspray (PG) Entertainment In Video, ¤17
John Travolta dons female fatsuit – barrel of laughs or thin on jokes? Well, it worked for Robin Williams as Mrs Doubtfire. Baltimore balloon Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonksy) longs to be an all-singing, all-dancing superstar but is scuppered at auditions by skinny broadcaster wench Velma Von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer) in this remake of John Waters’s high school romp.
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix Warner Home Video, ¤21
Each installment of JK Rowling’s franchise is billed as the ‘darkest yet’ but fifth
...Top ten Christmas films ever... Bad Santa (2003)
Billy Bob Thornton (left) was apparently pished the whole way through filming this naughty crime caper as cranky conman Willie. Which is exactly why it’s worth another look with a glass (or five) of sherry.
episode, Order Of The Phoenix, really does delve further into young Harry’s worst nightmare: puberty. Bullied by his shell-suited cousin, taunted by phantoms and flailing from a foiled romance with fellow DA member Cho Chang, HP spends much of the movie looking glummer than a Mike Leigh movie. And it works.
The Simpsons Movie (PG) 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, ¤18
Springfield’s finest hit the big screen this summer, and unsurprisingly it raked in the brass after 18 years confined to telly. Homer, as always, unleashes japes, scrapes and, er, pig faeces as Lisa flexes her eco-warrior muscles. Effectively, it’s like watching three TV episodes strung together – which is ideal for Simpsons fans, and will prove as moreish as one of Homer’s donuts.
Jase continues to run from his past after a London-based reporter reveals secrets of Project Treadstone. Redefining the action hero genre, the Bourne franchise proves why intelligent thrillers are good and everything starring Steven Seagal is not.
No Message: Neil Delamere (12) RTÉ, ¤20
Titled No Message, ‘cos Irish comedian Delamere apparently has no other agenda than to tickle our ribs, this newly released DVD is a mirthsome montage of his best stand-up work to date, plus snippets from his TV appearances on The Panel and The Blame Game. Also a muchloved emcee, Delamere has performed across the globe including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Montreal’s Just For Laughs and Kilkenny Cat Laughs.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End (12A) Buena Vista Home Entertainment, ¤23
Dirty Dancing: 20th Anniversary Collectors’ Edition (12) Lion’s Gate Home Entertainment, ¤20
Nobody puts this baby in the corner. Boasting two discs, this special edition is a must-have for everyone who first bought it on video and wore it out rewinding the final dance. It’s 1963, and square-bear Baby finds love on the writhing dancefloor at Kellerman’s. The ultimate in chickflicks, Dirty Dancing made a star of Patrick ‘Swizzlehips’ Swayze and females everywhere to yearn for a Johnny on their hols...
The Bourne Ultimatum (12) Universal Pictures, ¤14
Officially the Sexiest Man Alive according to People magazine (er, has anyone ever glanced at Gael Garcia Bernal?), Matt Damon reprises his role as the brooding Jason Bourne. Directed by Paul Greengrass,
The third and final chapter of Gore Verbinski’s swash-buckling trilogy may have fallen flatter than stingray thrown from a great height, but if you have the other two DVDs... Captain Jack
It’s A Wonderful Life (1947)
The Snowman (1982)
We defy anyone’s cockles not to be warmed by Frank Capra’s timeless tale starring the inimitable Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, whose life gets turned upside down by angels.
Welsh boychild Aled Jones may have sung the soundtrack, but don’t hold that against Raymond Briggs’s enduring animation of a boy whose snowman comes to life. Aw.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Animated Tim Burton romp and cult classic starring a gourd-headed anti-hero. What’s not to love about Jack, the Pumpkin King Of Hallowe’en, and his Gothic discovery of Christmastown?
Scrooge (1951) There have been more versions of the Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol than pine needles on a tree. But it’s Alastair Sim’s portrayal of the cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge that really hits the spot.
Die Hard (1988) Cackling in the face of simpering Chrimbo films everywhere, New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) shoots, scores and sweats his way around the holiday season in pursuit of terrorists.
Tim Burton classic – again – which causes many a tear to fall in this bittersweet fairytale of a misunderstood mutant who fatefully moonlights as a hairstylist.
Scrooged (1998) Back when Bill Murray was funny, he played an embittered TV executive whose life imitated art while producing a live adaptation of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.
Elf (2003) A guilty pleasure of a yarn about an orphan (a yellow tights-wearing Will Ferrell) raised as an elf who hits New York in search of his birth father.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) It’s neither big, nor clever, but ‘tis the silly season after all...
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Sparrow (below, played by Johnny Depp) resumes his genius nautical-but-nice Keith Richards turn, as dullards Will (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) inexplicably take central stage to rescue him from Davy Jones’s locker.
Chasing The Blues RTÉ, ¤20
Amusing documentary for rugger buggers on the fate of the Irish Rugby Team. From the makers of Chasing The Lions, award-winning madcap presenter Hector Ó h’Eochagáin returns with Risteárd Cooper to delve into what went spectacularly wrong during the 2007 World Cup in France. Includes 45-minutes of bonus material including outtakes, sketches and extended interviews with George Hook, Eddie Butler, Felipe Contempomi and Gerry Thornley.
All we want for Christmas is... THE TOLL TROLLS: ‘All we want for Christmas is a life-sized picture of Derek Mooney, an electric kangaroo, a monkey, the Angelus on DVD, Britney Spears’ shaved off hair, Donna and Joe McCaul, a box of jelly snakes, four unicycles, the keys to a Dyno-rod van, Grainne Seoige’s oven gloves, a Viking longboat and a good reason for going to Leitrim. That’s all!’ The Toll Trolls CD and Box Set is on sale now
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Stocking fillers... Here are a few stocking filler ideas to inspire Santa, from handy gift cards and the usual little essentials, to a new phone or docking station for your iPod... so you know what to ask for if you’ve been very, very good this year...
Apparently, gift vouchers are one of our favourite gifts (according to research). The One4all Gift Card is an electronic version of the One4all Gift Voucher – it acts like a debit card, so you don’t need to worry about change in any of the 4,000 outlets you use it in. Various designs, from your local post office or www.giftvouchershop.ie
Forget travelling to the country – for a luxury break that's a mere taxi-ride away, try The Four Seasons Spa Break. With a welcome treat, a 55minute massage for both of you and breakfast in bed both days, it's pretty much a win-win gift to give. ¤750 from The Four Seasons Hotel, Ballsbridge.
■ Gadgets ‘n Gizmos (pages 4 and 5)
■ Luxury Gifts (pages 14 and 15)
Argos, Jervis Centre, Henry Street, D1. Tel: (01) 878 1163 Cultivate, Essex Street West, Temple Bar, D8. Tel: (01) 674 5773 Dixons, Jervis Centre, Henry Street, Dublin1. Tel: (01) 878 1515 Imaginarium, Ilac Centre, Henry Street, D1. Tel: (01) 874 7721 PC World, Blanchardstown Retail Park, D15. Tel: (01) 802 5555 Smyths Toys, Jervis Street, D1. Tel: (01) 878 2878
Brown Thomas, 88-95 Grafton Street, D2. Tel: (01) 605 6666 Boodles, 71 Grafton Street, D2. Tel: (01) 679 0203 Chica, Westbury Mall, Harry Street, D2. Tel: (01) 671 9836 Coco Belle, Royal Hibernian Way, D2. Tel: (01) 707 1818 DESIGNyard, 48/48 Nassau Street, D2. Tel: (01) 474 1011 Harvey Nichols, Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, D16. Tel: (01) 291 0488 Mutt Ugly, 39 Charlemont Street, D2. Tel: (01) 475 9449 Nelo Maternity, 39 Clarendon Street, D2. Tel: (01) 679 1336 Swarovski, 5 Grafton Street, D2. Tel: (01) 633 4303
■ Gourmet Gifts (page 13):
Clockwise from top left: Pink and grey Aristoc Angora sock set, ¤15; Black, blue and pink Radley photo frame keyring, ¤32 each; Magnetic Football, Magnetic Snakes & Ladders and Magnetic Four In A Row, ¤10 each, by Go-Play by Fridge Play; Red and cream hot water bottles, ¤14.50 each, by Natural Product; Beige Linea cashmere scarf and glove set ¤100; Pink and white Lily Pad Confetti, ¤5 each, Natural Product; Wild & Wolf Garden Tools set, ¤32. All from House Of Fraser, Dundrum Town Centre
If you’re looking for somewhere portable to dock your iPod and fill the room with your tunes, what about a Bose SoundDock Portable digital music system? Wherever you are, just dock and play for great Bose-quality sound. From ¤399, www.bose.ie.
Where to buy...
Avoca, 11-13 Suffolk Street, D2. Tel: (01) 677 4215 Donnybrook Fair, 89 Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, D4. Tel: (01) 668 3556 Louis Albrouze, 127 Upper Leeson Street, D4. Tel: (01) 667 4455 Marks & Spencer, Jervis Centre, Henry Street, D1. Tel: (01) 872 8833 Olio E Farina, 17 Camden Street, D8. Tel: (01) 475 9641 O’Brien’s Wines: various outlets – Tel: (01) 269 3139 for nearest shop Sheridans Cheesemongers, 11 South Anne Street, D2. Tel: (01) 679 3143
If you’re thinking of putting a mobile phone in someone’s Christmas stocking, try the new ultra slim Samsung u700 slider phone with chrome finish (left, from ¤109), or the Nokia N95 8GM (right, from ¤409) which is packed with features including 8GB of memory and even GPS mapping – just in case Santa gets lost. From Vodafone stores or www.vodafone.ie.
These natural, organic and scented Nádúr Candles may cost a lot, but they don’t cost the earth, as the Irish creators believe in being as ecofriendly as possible. Try the delicious French Rose Geranium or Indian Palmarosa. ¤31.99 from selected health stores or www.nadurorganics.ie.
■ Stocking Fillers (this page) Bose: Stockists include Peats, 25 Parnell Street, D1. Tel: ( 01) 872 7799 House of Fraser, Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, D16. Tel: (01) 299 1400 The Four Seasons Hotel, Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, D4. Tel: (01) 665 4000 Vodafone: various locations
...all I want for Christmas is... KARL SPAIN: ‘Not meaning to be so bah humbug, but all I want for Christmas is for January to come around. Christmas ads and decorations before Hallowe’en, it just seems to go on forever. Roll on January when the pubs are quiet again and I can sit by the fire laughing at my smoker friends outside wearing a jumper they don’t like but they HAVE to wear until February at least.’ Karl is currently touring Ireland. For further information see www.comedynight.ie
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Winning gifts for gamers... Halo 3 It’s been a great year for gaming. Nintendo with its Wii and DS are Xbox 360, ¤76 conquering the casual gaming audience, developers are making great use of the Xbox 360’s power and PS3 is finally on the market – The most hyped so it’s all looking rosy for next year. STEVEN FOX selects some of game of all time the year’s most impressive games for some winning Christmas gifts.
CONSOLE The Simpsons Game Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, ¤45 to ¤61
The funniest TV series ever finally gets a game worthy of its name. Scripted by the team at Gracie, what you get is an authentic Simpsons interactive experience, complete with an hour of original material that’s way funnier than The Simpsons Movie. The plot (also better than the film) sees the Simpsons realise they have been licensed to appear in a game, leading to in-jokes aplenty. Solid gameplay, too.
Skate Xbox 360, PS3, ¤76
Once upon a time, Tony Hawk’s skateboarding games were cool. Now they’re not. This, however, is a genuinely laudable effort to get under the skin of the skating community. The clever control method – tricks are mapped to the right thumbstick – works a treat and you will spend hours in the video editor alone. Crashing is a laugh, too.
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Combat Xbox 360, PS3, ¤76
The CoD series deserts the battlefields of WWII and gets bang up to date with amazing results. Each mission is presented cinematically, with individual credits and first-person cutscenes
creating a great mood for fighting. The single-player game may be a bit short but the online play is the best we’ve ever seen. Huge replayability.
Half Life 2: The Orange Box Xbox 360, PS3, ¤76
The latest chapter in the legendary Half-Life 2 series joins the first two installments, fourdimensional mind melter Portal and monumental multi-player shooter Team Fortress 2. It’s impossible to convey the total genius of these five amazing games on one disc for no extra cost. Best. Videogame. Deal. Ever.
FIFA 08 Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, ¤61 to ¤76
Don’t listen to any of that reactionary crap about PES2008 being better. FIFA is now the definitive football franchise, offering slick gameplay, authenticity, great commentary and a clever soundtrack. Options are as complete as ever and online play is faultless. This is the real deal.
God Of War II PS2, ¤53
The last great hurrah for the aged PS2, and the only game designed specifically for that console to make the list, the sequel to God Of War is truly epic. Genuinely interesting mythology mixes with excellent combat and some truly spectacular adventure play, including awesome boss battles.
Bioshock Xbox 360, ¤60
Genetic engineering gone bad, scary little girls with glowing eyes and a subaquatic world that takes its design cues from the lobby of the Chrysler Building – yep, Bioshock is the most unnerving game since Condemned. The decision-based progression and puzzle-solving elements give you a lot of latitude in how you progress, guaranteeing different types of gamers wildly opposing experiences.
delivers on almost every level. In HD, the graphics are sublime, with backdrops to some battles looking like master canvases. Enemy AI has been seriously beefed up and audio is superb. But it’s the online play that’s truly terrific, offering endless play with or against your mates.
MySims
HANDHELD Orcs & Elves DS, ¤45
So lo-fi and unoriginal that it’s gloriously retro. A must-have dungeon mastering adventure from the makers of Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein, O&E is as addictive as DS gaming gets, offering superb gameplay that’s not as easy as you might think.
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl DS, ¤20
Wii, ¤61
Those pocket monsters made their first DS excursion this year, and it was worth the wait.
Easily the cutest, most satisfying and creative game of the year, MySims sees you come to the aid of a town hard on its luck. Set up your workshop and build amazing houses, furniture and more so you can make life that little bit more comfortable for the townsfolk. You will lose hours of your life in the workshop, never mind completing the actual game.
Mass Effect Xbox 360, ¤60
A late entry into the list, Mass Effect is a stunning achievement – blending RPG-style action with great storytelling and affording the player with huge influence on how the game pans out. The interplanetary setting is beautifully drawn as is your quest to warn the universe that civilization is about to bite the big one.
The Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass DS, ¤45
Map mastering, artefact collection, puzzle solving and RPG hackand-slashing all the way. You can control almost everything
using just the stylus and mic. It’s just as engaging for long-time fans and newbies alike. Multi-player options.
PC Crysis ¤52
The most technically impressive – and hardware sapping – game ever made. You are part of a crack US commando team sent in the near future to tackle North Koreans and then aliens on a Pacific island. Using your nanosuit – which allows you to apportion attributes such as super strength, armour, invisibility and speed – you’re soon battling away in a jungle, on ice and in zero gravity. Awesome.
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars ¤20
Camp real-time strategy? Must be a Command & Conquer game. Featuring full-motion video cutscenes of intentional hilarity played completely straight by credible actors, Tiberium Wars doesn’t bring anything original to RTS
games but manages to be immense fun and completely engaging.
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Christmas gift guide
Well, there’s less than four weeks until Christmas. Seems like plenty of time, but with work, parties, catch-ups with overseas pals home for the festivities and possibly a hair appointment or two, well... how many actual shopping days will we have left? Worry not though – over the next 20 pages, we bring you THE Christmas shopping guide. From gadgets for the boys, luxury gifts
for the girls and suggestions for the book, game or DVD-lover in your life, we have it all covered. And not only that, we’ve included a selection of online finds if you don’t fancy leaving your desk for your shopping. We even give you a list of stockists. So there’s no excuse... Enjoy the shopping and most of all, have a brilliant Christmas, from Metro!
Stocking-fillers and Stockists.....................18
Gadgets ‘n’ Gizmos..........4
Luxury Gifts...................14
From novelty alarm clocks to digital cameras, we’ve hunted down the latest gadgets and gizmos for your Christmas list
If you think you know the girl – or boy – who has everything, think again!
Books...............................8
CDs.................................16
Games..........................19
What should you be reading this festive season? From McWilliams to Castro, there’s a book for everyone. Check our essential reading guide
Should you be putting Britney, Burial or Bruce on your Christmas list? Check out our list of the year’s biggest tunes
Check out who will be fighting who in the world of games this season – will it be God Of War vs The Simpsons, or will it be Sony vs Nintendo?
Food and Wine...............13
DVDs and Films.............17
How could you avoid it this festive season? As well as stocking the larder, what about giving a gourmet gift or two to the foodie in your life?
You might be looking for stocking fillers – or perhaps you plan to put your feet up when the festivities are over with the season’s hottest DVDs
We’ve everything ‘stocking-related’ on this page, from suggestions for stocking-fillers to a list of where to find the gifts in this guide...
What do our favourite Dublin characters want for Christmas? Look for the answers in this gift guide!
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Gadgets ‘n’ gizmos... Innovative, stylish and sure to stun even the most technophobic family member into impressed silence, THÉRĂˆSE MCKENNA picks the 12 hottest Christmas gadget must-haves...
Flying Alarm Clock A particularly inhuman gift to spoil the happiness of that special sloth in your life. As if dragging yourself out of your pit on a cold and frosty morning to sweat it out on a cramped Luas on your way to a stuffy, sniffling office wasn’t purgatory enough. Now you can look forward to dragging yourself up AND chasing a whirring propeller around the room while listening to a loud, irritating beeping noise. This evil little invention goes out of its way to deprive you of that extra ten minutes – the alarm won’t shut up until you replace the propeller that flies away when it goes off. Brilliant. ¤42 inc postage and packaging. www.boysstuff.co.uk
Diet Decision Maker If you reckon your missus might just be the vindictive flying alarm clock-buying type, you could always strike back with this shocking stocking-filler. But understand that you would, effectively, be making a declaration of war and she could have your eye out with the brazen bun. The cheeky cup-cake magnet has a go at you when you’re heading to the fridge in search of snacks. Poke its cherry and it will mock you with such pearls of wisdom as ‘those who indulge bulge’ and ‘naughty pickers wear big knickers’. Charming. ¤5.58. www.ebay.ie
...retro... Bellini Chocolate Fountain The seventies are so now, dahling. So deck the walls with brown and orange, rustle up some Crêpe Suzette, stick on the chocolate fountain and be groovy. Your strawberries will never be naked again. Around ¤40 from Dixons stores nationwide
The Xbox 360 Arcade Aimed at families, with five free games, parental control settings and family-oriented music and TV content, the Arcade comes with wireless controller, HDMI connection and 256mb of memory. The included games are Pac-Man Championship Edition, Uno, Luxor 2, Boom Boom Rocket (Electronic Arts) and Feeding Frenzy. You’ve already got RSI from whacking the Wii about the place, so time to give the square eyes a new work-out... ¤299.99, www.argos.ie
...or eco... TREAD – Handcrafted Laptop Sleeve For Mac Hurrah, you can make your Mac look even more beautiful than it already does, while keeping it safe and warm AND helping the environment. Or, at least, destroying the environment a little bit less. This rather attractive sleeve is cunningly crafted from recycled truck tyres – hardwearing, great protection and very hipsterish. You can get it from Cultivate in Temple Bar, where other eco-friendly gadget finds include handsome wind-up radio and solar battery chargers. The Temple Bar Fairtrade and Ethical Christmas market will be held there on Sat 16 and Sun 17 December – go along and spruce up your seasonal social conscience. ¤99.95, www.cultivate.ie
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...all I want for Christmas is... NEIL DELAMERE: ‘I'm tempted to go with the Miss World answer of ‘worldpeace’, but to be honest, I just want to eat enough turkey to do myself an injury. That, and have a massive row with my brothers over some stupid Trivial Pursuit answer. That’s what Christmas is all about.’ Neil's DVD No Message is on sale now
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Kodak Digital Picture Frame Ah you’ve got to get one. It’s pretty much the season’s must-have wotsit – families up and down the country will be forgoing The Sound Of Music on Christmas afternoon to stare in a postprandial stupor at the magic photo frame until it’s time to get fed again. The Kodak EX-811 has 128mb of in-built memory, plays MP3s, has a USB connection and is compatible with all memory cards, allows the user to wirelessly send pictures and video from their PC and is PictBridge™ enabled. ¤189.99, from PC World stores nationwide
...usb innovations... Philips/Swarovski Lock Out 1GB UBS Drive Get ostentatious in the office with a crystal USB key. Quite why your humble Word files and staid spreadsheets might merit such bling is surely irrelevant. Fork out on this 1GB of shiny storage for the aspiring Paris Hilton in your life. It’s made of polished stainless steel set with Silver Shade crystals and comes nestled in a pretty pouch. ¤149, www.store.apple.com
Canon Digital Cameras The new 7.1 Megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 75 and IXUS 70 digital cameras have cutting-edge features which should improve your Christmas photos. Face Detection Technology recognises faces in a picture and sets the camera for optimal results, while Red-Eye Correction detects and removes red-eye. Built-in software also allows you to change different colours in your photos. IXUS 75 ¤299 and IXUS 70 ¤279. Free 1GB SD card and carry case if purchased before 31 December from selected stores
...for the kids... Mo1 Imaginarium is that cute kids’ shop in the Ilac centre with the amusing miniature door for miniature people alongside the normal-sized entrance. I’ve been daring myself to duck in the tiny gate for ages. I’d probably get stuck... So, they have this special, safe mobile phone for tots – a one-of-a-kind in the world, apparently. It has very basic functions, big buttons with pictures rather than numbers and the contact list is controlled by mum and dad on their computer. Text messages can’t be sent and they can only be received from contacts chosen by the parents. Incoming calls too can only be received from chosen contacts. ¤99, www.imaginarium.ie
Roboquad There’s always a favourite robot of the season and shop shelves are currently piled high with this sleek, swift and spidery critter that can identify motion from 10ft away and then react quickly and sensitively to pursue the moving object. Makers WowWee claim Roboquad can even determine the size of an object and can detect finer details in its environment, such as the edges of doorways. Cute and clever. ¤89.99 from Smyths Toys, www.toys.ie
USB Doorbell Annoy the neighbours and alienate your friends with a doorbell that lets you dictate what the ring will be. Ah, the endless possibilities. The hilarity. Don’t let this get into the wrong hands, seriously. What you do is stick it in the USB port of your computer, upload 30 seconds of sound, any sound, as a WAV or MP3, disconnect and then wire it up to your existing doorbell. It’s not compatible with Macs though. ¤75, www.iwantoneofthose.com
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For the bookshelf...
In a year when Dubliner Anne Enright took the Booker Prize and no fewer than six Irish authors were nominated for the prestigious IMPAC award, native authors continue to make waves at home and abroad. DARAGH REDDIN highlights this year’s must-have fiction and non-fiction, both national and international.
The Gathering by Anne Enright
...Booker winner...
Jonathan Cape, e19
Few Booker-prize winning novels have proved as divisive as Dubliner Anne Enright's The Gathering – a dark, complex and brave take on the disintegrating-family genre.
Luck And The Irish by Roy Foster
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan
Allen Lane, e30
Jonathan Cape, e19
Foster’s new book examines Ireland’s growing prosperity since the 1970s in terms of economics, the North-South divide, culture and religion, with emphasis on key figures from Charles Haughey to Mary Robinson.
Judging Dev by Diarmuid Ferriter Royal Irish Academy, e41
Diarmuid Ferriter’s pictorial record of the first Taoiseach features a host of materials including family photographs and private letters, which proves there was more to De Valera than his dour public image suggests.
The Táin by Ciaran Carson Penguin, e24
A Spanish Gran Reserva at a price that won’t make you see red.
Belfast poet and academic Ciaran Carson gets to grips with the old Irish epic of Queen Medb, The Brown Bull Of Cooley and the fearless warrior Cúchulainn. An earthy and compelling translation.
The Generation Game by David McWilliams Gill & MacMillan, e30
Popular economist and broadcaster David McWilliams takes an in depth look at the winners and losers in the Irish property game, examining everyone from the ‘Jagger Generation’ to the ‘Jugglers’ and drawing some surprising conclusions.
Walk The Blue Fields by Claire Keegan Faber, e16
Claire Keegan follows up her award-winning Antarctica with a flawless, lyrical and limpid collection of tales set in rural Ireland. A must for fans of John McGahern.
30,000 Years Of Art Phaidon, e44
An impressive doorstopper and possibly the ultimate introduction to the world of creative endeavour, featuring a vast selection of art works from the prehistoric to the modern day. Perfect coffee table book.
The Granta Book Of The American Short Story, edited by Richard Ford
Castillo de Alcoy
Only 7.99 If you want to sample a real taste of Spain, drop into your local Londis and pick up a bottle of Castillo de Alcoy Gran Reserva for just €7.99. A price that will keep you firmly in the black.
Close to you for fine wines Offer represents a saving of €6 off normal RRP of €13.99. Promotion runs from 3rd December while stocks last. Please enjoy Londis wine sensibly.
Granta, e37
Americana fans will rejoice in Richard Ford’s superbly edited collection of short stories featuring the works of such short story stalwarts as Eudora Welty and John Cheever, as well as gems from lesser-known authors.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid Hamish Hamilton, e22
A masterful short novel about Pakistani-born Changez, a Princeton graduate who lives the American Dream until 9/11 alters his world view. A powerful dissection of US materialism and a genuine page-turner.
July 1962, and Edward and Florence have just married after a loving but chaste engagement. So begins Ian McEwan’s short, sharp novella of sexual repression which was short-listed for the Booker prize.
The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane Granta, e29
A lyrical account of the natural landscape from the Coruisk Basin in Scotland to The Burren in County Clare, Robert Macfarlane’s The Wild Places is the year’s most important natural history.
Tree Of Smoke by Denis Johnson Picador, e26
This mammoth, sometimes exasperating book, part ‘Nam novel, part spy thriller, centres on CIA operative James Skip Sands and his relationship with his unhinged uncle Colonel Sands. Recalls the work of Norman Mailer and Don DeLillo.
Jude: Level 1 by Julian Gough Old Street Publishing, e12
A riotous satire involving hapless orphan Jude. Parochialism, the sway of the Catholic Church, venality and corruption are just some of the themes in Gough’s scabrous, laughout-loud novel.
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones John Murray, e19
Lloyd Jones’s awardwinning tale set on a South Pacific island where Mr Watts, the only white man, instills a love of Charles Dickens – and specifically Great Expectations – in the young Matilda. A captivating tale of one girl’s thirst for knowledge.
Michael Collins: A Life In Pictures by Chrissy Osborne Mercier Press, e25
Michael Collins’s biographer Chrissy Osborne provides a candid collection of photographs and memorabilia which offer a unique perspective on Collins’s life, both public and private.
My Life by Fidel Castro Allen Lane, e40
Ignacio Ramonet was granted 100hrs of interview time over several months with the Cuban comandante – the result is a fascinating account from the 81-year-old Castro (below, left) who has survived nine US presidents and several assassination attempts.
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