The Suss - Issue 5 - Vol II

VOL: 2 ISSUE: 5 02.12.15

THE COLLEGE VIEW

THE SUSS

Art Angel: An ode to Grimes

Feature

BY REBECCA KEANE

The Genesis of Grimes W

hen Claire Boucher was a neuroscience student in Montréal, she discovered grime music on MySpace, and little was she to know that it would change her life. After listening to many different artists of the genre, it inspired the birth of her identity as the singer/ songwriter/producer/director that we now know as Grimes.

Hailing from Vancouver, it was while attending McGill university that Grimes began to be influenced by Montréal’s underground music scene and began producing her own form of experimental music. Her unique sound covers many different categories, erring on electronica pop while borrowing synth beats and carrying many R’n’B tones. It is her extensive knowledge of sounds and tones that bring together an eternal sense of unpredictability to her music, keeping fans guessing and sometimes overwhelmed.

Grimes’ singles ‘Genesis’ and ‘Oblivion’ from her 2012 album Visions were undeniably her first hits, with our very own Irish company Eircom using ‘Oblivion’ for their television advertising campaigns in 2012. That wasn’t the start of Grimes’ musical career though - that came two years before, in 2010.

The release of her first album Geidi Primes in January of that year marked an

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eerie, tribal beginning to her music. Tracks from Geidi Primes such as ‘Rosa’, ‘Caladan’ and ‘Beast Infection’ showcased her subdued whispery vocals and provided a small glimpse into the dark wonderland Grimes can expose us to.

Impressively, Grimes released her second studio album Halfaxa in October of the same year. ‘Halfaxa’ brings a more upbeat tone to Grimes’ collection with dreamy synth and keyboard mixes bringing an ethereal vibe to her music which can still be heard in her music today. Songs such as ‘My Sister Says The Saddest Things’ and ‘Rasik’ show the dark, ominous tone that Grimes’ music is acclaimed for. ‘Devon’ and ‘Dream Fortress’ bring a fairylike quality to the album, with beautiful falsetto and catchiness to the songs ensuring that Grimes cannot be confused with any other artist.

The foundations of dark tones and dreamy synth Grimes lays in Geidi Prime and Halifaxa marry flawlessly to produce a significantly stronger, more confident and recognisable sound that is her third album Visions. Grimes’ third musical production exploded onto the scene in 2012, kickstarting rapid ascent in the music industry. She earned major recognition at the end of that year when Pitchfork named ‘Oblivion’ Best Song

of 2012.

The self-directed music videos accompanying ‘Genesis’ and ‘Oblivion’ ensure that the audience remains encapsulated in the weird and wonderful world created by Grimes. Other strong forgotten hits on Visions include ‘Be a Body’ - an ethereal explosion of sounds – and ‘Nightmusic’ – a strange, robotic disco.

Without Grimes’ incredible vocal range, it’s apparent these songs would be an incomprehensible mess however she brings a selfassurance that guarantees every song is addictive and unforgettable.

2014 release ‘Go’ – a pop song originally meant for Rihanna - initially disappointed fans, but Grimes bounced back with a bang in 2015, with hotly anticipated album Art Angels.

Keeping her experimental roots and synthy reputation intact, Grimes reminds us of the gaping hole she left in the music industry while she

“Grimes has said she has many musical influences, including Dizzee Rascal, Brooke Candy, aphex Twin and Nine Inch Nails.” was gone and returns with a resounding bang. ‘Venus Fly’ features Janelle Monaé and combines Grimes’ usual synth with drum and bass, creating a phenomenal dance tune.

‘Kill V Maim’ is reminiscent of a supercharged Gwen Stefani, resulting in a quick, fire thrower of a song and ‘World Princess Part 2’ reminds us of the Alice In Wonderland-esque vibes that Grimes provides. ‘RE-

Photo Credit: Front page: songkick.com; Page 2: girlhq.com; Page 3: blog.ticketmaster.co.uk, comingsoon.net; Page 4: giveusthenight.com; Page 5 Ros Kavanagh; Page 6: Emma Duffy, Chai Brady; Page 7: Talkofthetown, seventeen, foodnetwork; Page 8: David Clarke, Kirstin Campbell

ALiTi’ - previously released in demo form - is polished and reworked to create a perfect dreamy pop tune.

Fans of Grimes will be able to recognise her new album is a slight deviation from her eerie, haunting roots but Art Angels could well be a strong contender for one of the best albums of the year.

Grimes has said she has many musical influences, including Dizzee Rascal, Brooke Candy, Aphex Twin and Nine Inch Nails, and these are on display in her overall sound that is chaotic and cantankerous and not to be messed with. Fans are continuously left bemused by the music of Grimes, but there always seems to be an element of Grimes bemusing herself too.

Fans of Gwen Stefani, Karen O and Crystal Castles will adore Grimes, and she plays the Olympia, Dublin on 15th March 2016 - a date absolutely not to be missed.

REVIEW: Adele — ‘25’ ‘2

5’ has been one of the most anticipated pop albums of 2015, putting an end to the four-year wait for a new Adele album.

Her last album, ‘21’, took the public by storm producing ballad after ballad, number one after number one. It was an album that defined a generation of break-ups, and painted Adele in a new light - someone who could turn their pain into power with songs like Rolling in The Deep but still show her vulnerable side with Someone Like You. Four years on, the subject matter hasn’t changed, heartbreak being the central theme, but where ‘21’ was a young woman’s breakup record, ‘25’ is - in her own words - her “make-up record”.

Overnight sensation and lead track Hello is the perfect appetiser for the rest of the album. A ballad to the core, the lyrics matched with the power in her voice will have you missing people you’ve never met. Beautifully produced, Hello is expected to go down as another Adele classic.

Send My Love (To Your New Lover) follows and is an acoustic goodbye to a former flame. I Miss You is the opposite; haunting back-up vocals, heavy on the drums and more rough than smooth in her vocals.

When We Were Young looks set to be the album’s next release with acoustic versions already circulating online, a nostalgic look back at what used to be.

Adele herself described it to Graham Norton as “a happy

song sang in a sad way”.

The deeply personal and reflective Million Years Ago is evocative on CD, but when she performs it live it will be monumental. River Lea steers away from her usual powerhouse chords and complements Million Years Ago as a nod to where she came from.

Sweetest Devotion closes the album brilliantly - the happiest most upbeat track, the piano builds with her voice, a culmination of growing up and how far she’s come.

The beauty of this album is that while listening to it, you can picture her face and exactly how she’s feeling.

Her voice is simultaneously powerful and vulnerable you find yourself connecting with emotions you’ve never felt.

BY ALISON RING

‘25’ has come under criticism that in comparison to ‘21’, Adele hasn’t tried anything new. It’s the same old tale of heartbreak and nostalgia. But as a stand-alone album, it’s still brilliant. It’s beautifully written and has been carefully crafted over the last four years, no song gets lost in

REVIEW: Brooklyn

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he big-screen adaption of Colm Toibín’s novel ‘Brooklyn’ would be easy to describe as heart-warming, but the storyline, acting, and intelligent script deserve more praise than that.

The simple yet powerful story begins in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Irish viewers will be relieved to see that the the Irish scenes (and accents) are not dressed in inaccurate stereotypes but rather in simple, vibrant

visuals.

It is not long until protagonist Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) is on her way to America through arrangements made by her sister and Brooklyn based Irish priest Father Flood.

This is where the story really gets started. Though Eilis’ heart is still in Ireland, the scenes become busier and faster paced as the backdrop of Brooklyn overwhelms the shy and

the production.

Adele, with her three albums ‘19’, ‘21’ and ‘25’ has crafted a timeline of emotions, her adult life through song. Go out, buy ‘25’, sit down and listen to it. If you’ve ever had a broken heart, you’re about to remember it now.

BY MEGAN ROANTREE confused young girl. The scenes of homesickness are heartbreakingly genuine and are one of the best examples of Ronan’s brilliantly understated acting.

One of the film’s richest gems are scenes in the house in which Eilis lodges hardly a surprise given that Julie Walters plays landlady Mrs Keogh. The house is filled with other young women who are much giddier and cheekier than Eilis.

Their scenes around the dinner table are dressed in warm humour and familiar Irishisms, something seldom portrayed in film, particularly by a cast of predominantly strong women including Nora Jane Noonan of The Magdalene Laundries and Eve Macklin of Love/ Hate.

In a scene deserving of mention, Eilis helps out at a Christmas Party for Irish

“The scenes of homesickness are heartbreakingy genuine and are one of the best examples of Ronan’s brilliantly understated acting.” emigrants. The weatherbeaten hard-working faces of these nameless members of the cast is a testament to the film, specifically when one man sings Casadh an tSúgáin in perfect sean-nós style, which older Irish viewers will appreciate.

When Eilis meets a goofy yet charming young Italian man named Tony (Emory Cohen), the story changes

and the romance slowly but surely improves her confidence. This leads to a gradual transition into adulthood and is perfectly highlighted through Ronan’s subtle expressions and slight variations to her costume.

Viewers will find themselves emotionally invested in Eilis’ choices throughout the film as she is faced with ultimatums under unfortunate circumstances.

From start to finish the film is a masterpiece with its array of emotions, witty lines and subtle yet powerful acting which carry the story of Toibín’s original novel perfectly, but the novel’s intense sense of being torn between two decisions is watered down, giving the ending a slightly more Hollywood feel than the unsure tragic decision in which the book ends.

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Feature

BY STEPHEN KEEGAN

Dublin After Dark: Dublin’s licencing laws and club culture I

t’s half past seven on the first night of the Metropolis festival at the RDS and many people are sitting comfortably in the ornate Concert Hall, listening to legendary Dublin DJ Billy Scurry decry Ireland’s licensing laws. He says that despite the victorious marriage equality campaign, “we still have to be out of here by half twelve tonight – what’s that about?”

Scurry is onstage with Bodytonic founder Trevor O’Shea, journalist and producer Emer Nic Aodhain, DJ and journalist Mark Kavanagh and Rory O’Neill, Queen of Ireland and owner of Pantibar. They’ve been brought together for a conversation about Dublin’s club culture, under the banner of Dublin After Dark.

“What’s happened in Ireland up to now is, successive governments and agencies like the Gardai and other individuals like the right-wing press have all conspired to make it taboo to have a conversation about liberalising licensing laws,” their mediator on the night, Tonie Walsh tells me over the phone.

Tonie is a former DJ and promoter, and is now a historian, and alongside designers Niall Sweeney and Richard Seabrooke, he is part of the team behind the Dublin After Dark project, which aims to gather people’s stories about Dublin’s

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“Despite this new era of clubbing ministers, Ireland’s clubs still have the shortest operational times in Europe.” club culture in a book, “a collection of oral histories” as Tonie Walsh puts it.

The Dublin After Dark project stands alongside other ventures such as DJ Aoife Nic Canna’s radio documentary series Folklore From The Dancefloor and Rabble magazine’s James Redmond’s film As

An Talamh: Notes On Rave in Dublin as proof that people are starting to break the taboo and talk about club culture and the effect licensing laws have had on it. But Tonie says that club culture is still not getting the “respect, kudos and fulsome analysis it deserves.”

“Historically, the people we serve, who we open our clubs to… they’re passive consumers of the entertainment, but when it comes to action, trying to use their power as consumers to affect change, it rarely happens,” Tonie tells me, while also pointing to a conservative legislature “that would never set foot inside a bar or a club.”

Things are changing on

that front though, Tonie says, pointing to the “most spectacular situation” of the Taoiseach’s appearance in Pantibar during the Marriage Equality campaign, while Minister for Health Leo Varadkar was recently spotted with friends in Mother.

“When I started clubbing in 1976 it seemed like an oxymoron, the idea of a clubbing politician”, Tonie laughs.

Despite this new era of clubbing ministers, Ireland’s clubs still have the shortest operational times in Europe and the Government has failed to liberalise licensing laws - Alan Shatter’s Sale of Alcohol Bill was shelved when Frances Fitzgerald became Minister for Justice.

Sunil Sharpe is a DJ and the head of the Give Us The Night campaign, who have been rallying against the present laws since 2004.

Was it frustrating for him to see the Government put the issue on the long finger again? “It wasn’t frustrating really as I am quite used to it and knew quite some time ago that it wasn’t on their agenda” he tells me by email.

“I think what is frustrating is the amount of divide

in opinion on the whole subject of opening hours, and how alcohol plays such a central role in it. The bill is a hot potato that no party or politician really wants to touch. It is frustrating that the industry and our music scene is so heavily hampered by this issue” says Sharpe.

In September in a blog post on giveusthenight.com, Sharpe said that “it appears that the will of nightclub owners to lobby is at an all-time low”. Why does he think that is?

“I think the Irish Nightclub Industry Association have come up against a brick wall with the government too many times... In my opinion a very big part of the problem is the lack of drive in nightclub owners as a whole,” he says.

“We were the ones that made this an actual news story, we were the ones that campaigned outside the Dáil, but very very rarely have any nightclub owners stepped up and spoken out against the current legislation. I think many club owners are scared of the consequences should they speak out publicly.”

REVIEW: Swan Lake at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

BY MICHELLE TOWNSEND

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hey say that to see a ballet performance live means that you are truly in the presence of grace and elegance. This could not be more true regarding the incredibly talented Perm State Ballet Company’s recent production of Swan Lake in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. The extraordinary dancing, accompanied by stunning music played by the RTE National Symphony Orchestra as well as the impressive costumes and set design made for an extravagant night of beautiful ballet.

Swan Lake is a classic tale dispersed over three mesmerising acts which tells the story of Prince Siegfried, a young man who falls in love with Odette, a young woman who was cursed with a spell which makes her a swan by day and a human by night. The Perm State Ballet, which trains in Russia, delivered this story to the audience effortlessly without the use of dialogue, just body movements and classical music.

The costumes and set design transported the audience back to the 1800’s, and also helped them to feel the emotions that the dancers were expressing.

The white leotards, tutus and headpieces worn by the female cast members were stunning to look at, and clearly conveyed to the audience that these women were portraying swans.

The set design combined with the outstanding use of lighting helped to create various atmospheres - at times lively and cheerful, and at others dark and mysterious - and bring them alive in the room to the extent that they were almost tangible among the audience.

It is worth noting how well the RTE National Sym-

“To conduct an orchestra performing such iconic classical music must not be an easy task; however Platonov did so effortlessly.” phony Orchestra played the score, originally composed

by Pyotr Tchaikovsky in the 1800’s. Award-winning music director Valeriy Platonov took on the role of principal conductor. To conduct an orchestra performing such iconic classical music must not be an easy task; however Platonov did so effortlessly. The beautiful music was just as enchanting as

the dancing.

The star of the show was without a doubt the fantastic ballerina Natalia MoiseevaPoleschuk, who played the role of Odette. Natalia joined the prestigious ballet company in 1988, and her undeniable talent shows no signs of letting up. The highlight of the show occurred in Act II when Natalia portrayed the character of Odile, an evil

maiden who tricks Prince Siegfried into thinking that she is Odette. Natalia’s solo dances in this scene were nothing short of pure brilliance – she particularly impressed the audience by doing 17 perfectly executed fouette turns in a row.

Nikita Chetverikov played the role of Prince Siegfried, and he too attracted a great deal of attention from the audience due to his remarkable ballet skills. Nikita joined the Perm State Ballet company in 2011 and was immediately promoted to Principal Dancer, a true testament to his talent. His ability to execute incredible grand jetes across the width of the stage in Acts I and II won him praise among the audience.

Overall, this flawless production of Swan Lake

was nothing short of sheer brilliance for ballet fans, attracting a varied audience with young and old people alike enjoying the performance. The cast, crew and orchestra undeniably all worked extremely hard in order to stage a truly breathtaking and stunning show. After tumultuous rounds of applause and various standing ovations at the end of each act, it is clear to see why the Perm State Ballet Company has an excellent reputation and is considered to be one of the best in the world. The audience’s energy could almost be felt when the show ended, and it was fair to say that everyone left the theatre feeling completely satisfied with this truly memorable performance.

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Travel

Experiencing the dam

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ccording to Katie Melua, ‘there are nine million bicycles in Bejing.’ Amsterdam must rank a pretty close second.

A city full of cyclists, canals and charm, the Dutch capital is the ideal place for a weekend getaway at any time of the year.

After hearing numerous recommendations from friends to visit ‘The Dam’, I boarded the hour and a half flight to Schipol Airport to see what the fuss was about. It definitely lived up to every expectation I had, there’s something for everyone.

From the typical tourist attractions like The Heineken Experience to the more eye-opening Anne Frank House, you won’t be left

BY EMMA DUFFY twiddling your thumbs.

The Anne Frank House was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. At only €9 it’s a must-see when in the city, but go early to avoid the queues.

Take a stroll through the beautiful Vondel Park.

However aesthetic it is in November, I can only imagine it when the tulips bloom in spring.

The weather is crisp and cold at this time of year, so a warm coat and wooly hat are advised. The canal cruise is an ideal opportunity to sit back and take in the outstanding architure, colourful buildings and overall buzz of the city despite the cold.

It’s quite an easy city to navigate, with most of the main attractions within walking distance of each other. The hardest part about getting around is trying not to be run over by trams and cyclists.

Bars and restaurants are affordable and the food is sublime, from dinners to smaller treats like pancakes

“The Red Light District is like nothing you’ve seen before.” and waffles. Accommodation also suits a student’s budget, with most hostels costing about €20 per night.

The nightlife is quite different to Ireland. It’s more laid-back and puborientated, not your usual city nightclub scene. Various

pub crawls run on an nightly basis, a perfect way to make lifelong friends and memories.

The infamous liberty of the city is insane. From the eccentricity of the renowned Red Light District to the coffee shops and the over-

Things to do in the Capital this Christmas

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ith the lights switched on in the city centre, the Late Late Toy Show done and dusted, and the DCU MPS 24 Hour

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the festive season.

On December 5th & 6th, Smock Alley Christmas Fayre will see the theatre’s spectacular Banquet Hall brimming with market stalls selling everything from crafts and jewellery to clothing and books. There will also be readings by lamplight and Christmas film screenings of Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life.

For 28 days in the Broadcast just around the lead-up to Christmas corner, it really is the season from November 26th to be jolly. Dublin promises until December 23rd the I to be a hub of activity and BELIEVE Christmas Village excitement in the run up to will ignite the Christmas

whelming smell of marijuana everywhere you go, you have to experience it firsthand to believe it.

The Red Light District is like nothing you’ve seen before. Contrary to the preconceptions that it’s rough and frightening, the only one word I’d use to describe it is bizarre.

Travel broadens the mind, and it’s all about experiencing new things.

Amsterdam is the perfect destination to do so.

BY ALISON SPILLANE

spirit at Custom House Quarter in the heart of the city. There will be a magical world-class Christmas Village market experience which focuses on Irish food, drink, craft, design and horticulture.

Get your skates on because Ice Skating Blanchardstown is back again this year at the Millennium Park beside the Blanchardstown Centre. Dundrum on Ice is also set to return to Dundrum Town Centre.

If you want to connect with your inner child, pantomime season is just around the corner and there are plenty of shows to

tickle your fancy in the capital this Christmas.

Freezin’ the Panto is set to grace the stage at the Olympia, Little Red Riding Hood will run at the Gaiety, while Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Helix and Beauty and the Beast is at the Tivoli. Mary Poppins the musical runs at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and it promises to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

So dust down your Christmas jumper because it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Feature

Working in retail at Christmas

BY AMY LAWLOR

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ith the cold weather biting and the twinkly lights glowing in the dark nights, you know it’s that time of year when you have to start buying gifts.

You dread the thought of trekking through the busy crowds in search for that perfect present for your loved one.

When you finally decide what to get them and travel to the shop, you’re greeted by the smiley retail assistant who has long forgotten the magic that Christmas brings. Instead of being a member of the busy crowd, they have to assist the eager, rushing customers, all the while keeping that big grin on their faces.

“Retail at Christmas time isn’t for the fainthearted,” said Shauna McDonnell, a retail assistant at Penneys Blanchardstown. “There’s an overwhelming amount of people in the store during Christmas and we have to try and meet their large demands,” she continues.

Although Christmas is

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BY AOIBHEANN DIVER

hristmas is a time to spend with the family, decorating the house, dancing to Christmas songs and munching on the turkey, ham and selection box chocolates. For me, it i also a great time to catch up on baking. Cinnamon biscuits and Christmas fruit cake are my personal favourites but if you’re not in the mood for some hard-core baking, here are a few simple recipes for Christmas treats that the whole family will enjoy.

hectic and its’s easy to forget the magic that Christmas brings, “there’s a great buzz about the place”.

Even though our minds are solely focused on ticking off every box on our Christmas list, it’s important to remember that those working behind the counters are facing the same dilemma.

They have to find the time to buy their Christmas presents just like the rest of us.

Retail workers have to endure a lot during Christmas from shop standards to delivering excellent

customer service. This is often difficult on an average shopping day but becomes almost impossible during Christmas. Some workers love the buzz that Christmas brings while others can’t bear the thought of it.

It’s important that consumers acknowledge the hard work that goes into bringing them their perfect Christmas gifts and thank retail workers for their help.

Without these people there would be nothing but empty boxes underneath the Christmas tree.

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Marshmallow snowmen: All you need is a bag of white marshmallows, some skewers and a variety of sweets. Place three marshmallows on each skewer to make the snowman’s body. Dip the sweets in melted chocolate and stick onto the marshmallows to make eyes, a nose and buttons.

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Strawberry Santas: Cut the stalk off a strawberry so it will sit flat. Half the strawberry and squirt some fresh cream on the base. Place the pointed half on top of the cream to make Santa’s hat.

Squirt a dollop of cream on top of the hat. Place two chocolate chips on the cream for his eyes.

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Candy cane marshmallow treats: For this one, stick a marshmallow onto the bottom of a candy cane and dip into melted chocolate. Sprinkle some crushed candy cane over the chocolate for an extra festive effect.

I strongly recommend complimenting these treats with a big mug of hot chocolate. For the perfect hot chocolate: use milk instead of water, add some mini marshmallows, fresh cream or a dash of cinnamon.

Decorating your college room for Christmas T

here is no reason for student accommodation to remain gloomy and dull this holiday season. A simple string of fairy lights can be all any room needs to add a touch of Christmas cheer. Clearing away the saucepan you ate your cereal out of this morning can also help too.

While most student apartments look like the Grinch’s cave at the best of times, a few straightforward pieces can transform your domain with minimal

effort.

Adding Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa decorations to your accommodation can also prolong pangs of homesickness in the run up to the end of college, a time when most students are really looking forward to getting to spend a few weeks at home with their families.

Hosting a mini Christmas dinner with your housemates or doing Kris Kringle with your classmates can also keep the Christmas

spirit going through the haze of assignment deadlines and can help minimise the longing to get to the cinnamon scented decked halls of home, whether that be as far away as Barcelona or Ballina.

The first port of call for holiday decor is the holy grail of cheap and cheerful, Penneys. Here you can pick up strands of tinsel, fairy lights and all manners of other decorations for a measly €1 each. Dealz and other discount stores

BY SARAH MAGLIOCCO also offer a selection of Christmas decorations that are well suited to a student budget.

Another less well known gem is the clearance section of TK Maxx, where otherwise expensive Christmas decorations including mini trees, wall hangings and candles can be found at a fraction of the original price.

The old primary school favourites, paper chains and cut out snow-

flakes can also be hung about the place with only a smidgen of effort and can look just as festive as shop bought decor.

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Fashion

BY AOIBHEANN DIVER & GARY GRIMES

Street Fashion with DCU Style DCU Style hunt down the most stylish students on campus.

Joanna Kuchta “l like to think my style is cute.

The outfit I’m wearing is from American Apparel, eBay and Lazy Oaf. My style icon is me.”

John Clarke “My style is pretty generic. I got this jacket when I was climbing Kilimanjaro. I would say River Island is my favourite shop and David Beckham is my style icon.”

Léa Julienne “My outfit is from Asos but Zara is my favourite shop. I love Alexa Chung’s style. I would describe my own style as pretty normal.”

Give a little more this Christmas C

hristmas, the most wonderful time of the year.

Is there anything better than opening presents, eating a lovely big turkey dinner and then falling asleep on the couch in front of a roaring fire?

But as some of us wake up to a bundle of gifts, others wake up to an empty sitting room. When we rip open our expensive new possessions, we should think of the other families who can barely afford to put food on the table, never mind spoil their children with the latest gadgets and toys.

While we tuck into our juicy turkey and ham, there are children in third

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world countries who haven’t eaten for days.

And as we sit down in front of that fire and throw a blanket over our legs, there are people just outside our homes who only have a damp cardboard box and an old sleeping bag for comfort on the rough streets.

Charity is important all year round however, at Christmas, we should lend a hand to the less fortunate and appreciate how lucky we are.

If you would like to help out this Christmas, here are a few ways you can: To help a family make Christmas a little bit happier, you can make a financial donation at www.svp.ie. You

can also send a virtual gift which ranges from a teddy bear for €5 to a Christmas dinner for €150, and everything from a bike to a Christmas tree in between.

To help feed a starving child this Christmas, you can run a ‘Goal Mile’ which are held country-wide every Christmas morning. You can find your local mile at www. goalglobal.org. Goal works in some of the poorest countries in the word such as Kenya, Honduras and Uganda.

Alternatively, you can send the gift of a cow or trees along with many other options to a suffering community through www.bothar. ie.

BY CLÍONA NIC DHOMHNAILL

If you would like to help out with the growing homelessness crisis in Ireland, you can make a single or monthly donation to www. focusireland.ie or take part in one of their many fundraising events held across Ireland.

It is also important to remember that although many

have crossed the border, there are still thousands of refugees in need of assistance and now is not the time to forget about them.

Donations can be made at www.redcross.ie.

Please give generously this Christmas.