Image Credit:IMDB
Vol. 1. Issue 11. 18th April 2018
Music
The Weeknd mourns past relationships in new album
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Aine O’Boyle reviews the ‘Starboy’s’ new album filled with heartbreak.
he Weeknd returns to his more mysterious, brooding roots with his most recent album release, My Dear Melancholy. The R&B singer has been criticised in recent years for compromising his original sound for a highly commercialised version of himself with more tightly produced, mainstream pop music that appeals more to the masses. The Weeknd’s broke into the pop industry with his song ‘The Hills’, becoming a household name and essentially sparking his chart-topping success. This album marks a rebirth of his humble beginnings. The singer began his career as an anonymous YouTube account, posting mixtapes under the name of The Weeknd. The smooth and sensual voice of this singer rose rapidly to stardom and people were eager to discover the face and name behind the singer. My Dear Melancholy resonates
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more closely with the original mixtapes, ‘House of Balloons’ and the ‘Trilogy Tapes’ that The Weeknd anonymously posted to YouTube at the beginning of his career. The sound is experimental and cleverly produced to create a sense of lost love and longing in his music. The tone is gloomy in a sense, with rhythmic beats that make the songs capable of chart success.
“The 21-minute-long album is a breakup album, exploring the love and loss, where at times The Weeknd seems to be pleading for a chance to reignite a lost bond and at others simply acknowledging a loss and looking for blame to place.” The Weeknd’s beginnings were raw and perplexing, yet his album ‘Starboy’, released in 2016 can be described as heavily produced chart-
topper and a far cry from his early experimental style. The Weeknd’s relationship with model Bella Hadid ended in November 2016, with him then dating singer Selena Gomez until October 2017. These relatively recent relationships are speculated to be a huge muse for this album. Since the beginning of his music career, The Weeknd has raked up a net worth of $92 million and has had high profile relationships which speculated to refer to Selena Gomez and their wasted relationship. Gomez is also believed to act as inspiration for the song ‘Privilege’, in what seems to be an ex-lover’s final goodbye. The 21-minute-long album is a breakup album, exploring the love and loss, where at times The Weeknd seems to be pleading for a chance to reignite a lost bond and at others simply acknowledging a loss and looking for blame to place.
seemingly feature as inspiration for his current album release. The six-track album delves back into a darker R&B style, with his lyrics exploring lost love and broken relationships. The Weeknd’s relationship with Hadid is presumed to feature in wasted times, with reference to her past as an equestrian. He refers to the ‘Wasted times I spent with someone else/ She wasn’t even half of you’. This lyric is s Image Credit: XO/ Republic Records
Despite the album being hailed as a less pop R&B style of music, it still managed to secure its position in the number 1 place on the Billboard 100 chart, an ode to the popularity of The Weeknd and his huge fanbase. The album explores The Weeknd in a difficult headspace, unsure of how to heal the wounds of love he has been left with and anxious not to open himself up to pain and suffering.
Turntables and timetables
Roisín Phelan explores the lives of Student DJs and how they work their craft.
tudent DJs are taking Dublin by storm. With dedication and a love for the craft, some of these students are drawing impressive crowds and making a serious name for themselves. One of the hardest things that young DJs’ face is trying to get established. Improvement comes with experience, but experience can often be difficult to come by. Many young DJs start to gain momentum when they begin attending college. DCU is home to several examples of DJs that have used college as an opportunity to further their music. Even still, establishing and developing a brand, getting hired for gigs and earning a profit requires investment in a lot of time. Rossa Doherty is a first-year student at DCU and an up and coming DJ. In just eight months of living in Dublin he has played at Everleigh, Wah Wah Club and the A+F ball. When asked about his quick success Doherty said: “I’ve gotten
really lucky, that’s my honest answer, I’ve gotten lucky with good contacts and my producing helps too I suppose”. For student DJs balancing college work and their profession can be a challenge. “It’s been tough,” said Doherty. Second year DCU students and members of the DJ collective RESET, Colin Feeney and Cian Charlton both said that DJing is their priority right now. “I knew it would get in the way of a lot of things, especially college but it wasn’t even a decision for me, I was still going for it no matter what,” said Feeney. “DJing over college any day,” said Charlton. RESET has had enviable success and are soon to play at Hangar and The Button Factory with PAWSA. Charlton and Feeney credit the support of their friends and fellow DCU students for helping them achieve this success. “It’s so nice to have the support in our college and without it RESET
would never have taken off the way it has,” said Charlton. RESET utilise social media massively when it comes to promoting their events, but they said it is “word of mouth” that gets the word around most effectively. This seems to be a reoccurring trend in the promotion of successful events. “We want people saying, ‘come on lads RESET tonight, it’ll be fun’ not just posting it on social media,” said Charlton. DCU’s DJ Society contains some of the colleges most talented DJs. Chairperson of the society Andrew Colgan has been a member since 2015. Colgan said that he has seen an increase in “active members” since he has joined. This year, many of these active members took part in several DCU events. Colgan said this was because of the inclusion of electronic music in such events as the hugely successful ‘MiSoc’ event ‘Bets n’ Boogies’ in February and again, the A+F Ball. Overall it seems that student DJs,
particularly in DCU, are making waves in Dublin, due to their innovative promotion, hard work and the support of other students and college groups.
“I knew it would get in the way of a lot of things, especially college but it wasn’t even a decision for me, I was still going for it no matter what”
Music
Irish artists to look out for: Kevin Smith aka Kojaque
The Dublin based hip hop star who explores ‘taboo’ topics such as mental health and sexuality.
ublin born hip-hop artist. Poet. Filmmaker. Visual artist. Producer. Founder of his own record label Soft Boy Records with friend and co-producer Kean Kavanagh. Kojaque has got it all going on right now and has grown from strength to strength since the launching of Soft Boy Records back in 2015. This February saw the release of ‘Deli Daydreams’ which captures a raw and honest look at the average week of a deli worker in Dublin. The video for ‘Bubby’s Cream’, which was recorded in a Cabra shopping Centre carpark, features Kojaque talking about love and heart break in a desolate setting while reflecting critically on himself, This approach to hip-hop goes against all the stereotypical misogyny and seemingly
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emotionless bravado that has come with the genre in the past. Throughout the video Smith is pictured in a white Soft Boy t-shirt to emphasise that. The other video that has been released is ‘White Noise’ which was dedicated to Coolock’s Paul Curran – a spoken word artist whose pieces such as ‘Dear James’ inspired Kojaque greatly. ‘White Noise’ deals with other peoples’ perceptions of us because of where we come from and gets very political in parts when Kojaque mentions ongoing abortion debates in Ireland at the moment, rapping “Sovereign State they’d rather see my mother bleed out than build a clinic/ you
leave abortions to the backstreets”. men who may feel socially obliged to This is a very powerful piece of act in a macho fashion and feel like music and voices the feeling of injusthey have nobody to turn to in times tice felt by many young people in this of heartbreak or struggle. generation in Ireland. Kojaque’s take on hip-hop is Smith is a graduate of DIT fresh, honest, and conceptual, Dublin School of Creative Arts taking inspiration from the likes and winner of the 2017 RHA of Kendrick Lamar Graduate Studio and DanielOG. This approach to Award which This humble gave him access hip-hop goes against young man from to a studio space Cabra has said it all the stereotypical for one year. feels “very odd” to The winning misogyny and seemingly see people now entry ‘Love in emotionless bravado wearing the Soft Technicolour’ merchandise that has come with the Boy was displayed at as this all started the Visual Arts with “a few friends genre in the past. Awards RDS last who had similar October. tastes and talents” It was a short including Sam film put to poetry Smyth who shoots many of Kowhich explored the issues of jaques music videos. masculinity, love and identity in a Kojaque has been announced for very graphic and true to life format Indiependence this summer and after wherein Smith was pictured downing just finishing up his Deli Daydreams cans of lager alone until he vomited, tour with a sold-out gig in Button Facshaving his head bald and drawing tory Dublin on March 28th, there’s no a smile on his saddened face in the doubt that there are amazing things mirror with his beloved’s red lipstick. in store for this Soft Boy. It portrayed the fragility of young
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Marianne Foody
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This summer’s sizzling hot festivals Sarah Barrett gives you all the details on where to bop this Summer.
he days are getting longer, and festival season is nearly upon us. An opportunity for many to let their hair down and a chance to embrace what the Irish music festival scene has to offer. Start getting out your tents and organising your festival wardrobe. Something different for everyone from electronic dance to rap, indie and contemporary dance. Dublin Dance Festival will be running across many venues from May 2nd to May 20th, bringing together dance artists and choreographers from at home and abroad. Dance artists are coming to share their contemporary dance with audiences in Ireland. Some shows include ‘Street Dance Battle’ on May 6th in Meeting House Square, cost €12 and Dancing Artificial Intelligence taking place in The Science Gallery at Trinity College from May 9th to May 13th, admission is free. Ireland’s biggest electronic dance festival, Life, is back this year from May 25th to May 27th boasting a line-up with Fatboy Slim, Wiley, the EDM beats of Arman Van Helden and Jax Jones and 100’s more acts over the 3 days. If you are looking for something
laid back and low key with a diverse sound and visual arts, Vantastival is for you, it will be taking place over the June Bank holiday weekend from June 1st to June 4th at Beaulieu House – Drogheda, Co. Louth. This festival, the only of its kind in Ireland, will be hosting live musical acts all weekend including Le Galaxie, Emma Langford and the Rebel Souls. The festival also hosts other attractions like festival traders and arts and crafts. Weekend Camping tickets are on sale for €120. Forbidden Fruit Festival is taking place this year from June 2nd to June 4th at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The line-up includes Vince Staples, Grizzly Bear, Loah, Justice and The War on Drugs. Weekend Tickets on sale from €162.50. Malahide Castle will host acts ranging from rock and roll to disco soul including LCD Soundsystem and Lykke Li on June 5th, Kodaline on June 8th,
Gorillaz on June 9th, Liam Gallagher on June 15th and Nile Rodgers and Chic and Craig David on June 16th. ‘Longitude’ returns this year with an array of acts with urban sounds, DJs and many acts
from the hip hop and rap scene. From July 13th to July 15th in Marlay Park, the lineup includes Solange, Migos, Post Malone, Diplo, Travis Scott, Tyler the Creator
and Big Shaq. Tickets priced from €69.50 for a day ticket and €189.50 for a weekend ticket. For those who are into the indie genre featuring some dance acts too, Indiependence Festival will provide the sound you’re looking for, whatever your taste may be. Taking place on August 3rd, 4th and 5th in Deer Farm Mitchelstown, Cork. Lineup includes Sigala, Jake Bugg, Primal Scream and Walking on Cars. Electric Picnic is on from August 31st to September 2nd, the genre this year is a variety and diverse ranging from acoustic to hip hop artists. The line up includes headliners Kendrick Lamar, Dua Lipa, Cigarettes after Sex, Wolf Alice, NERD, George Ezra, Ben Howard and many more. Tickets are currently sold out.
Television and Movies
“Take Your Pills” documentary
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Aoibhin Bryant looks at the new Netflix series that suggests Adderall is the defining drug of this generation.
he style of the documentary can only be described as incredibly flashy. Effects, graphics and cartoons bounce around the screen at a distracting rate and the templates of borders used for featured videos seem experimental, more suited for a music video rather than a documentary. Within ten minutes, this proves to be an irritation as the documentary jerks from one cutscene to another. This style may have been attempted to perhaps mirror the effect your brain has on Adderall or perhaps how a person with ADHD feels – it’s not exactly clear. The first half of the educational film is repetitive
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Adderall is merely a smaller dosage of the illegal and highly addictive crystal meth.
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as we watch person after person praise the medication to the high heavens. Testimonials of how one girl wouldn’t have gotten her 4.0 GPA if it weren’t for Adderall, an NFL player who thanks his success to the stimulant drug, a financial analyst who states that he takes Adderall to merely keep up in his cut-throat office, they all read like an advertisement. One person describes Adderall side effects include “being awesome at everything”. One is tempted to go on the dark web and purchase a few bottles of the pills themselves. Or even book a psychiatric appointment and fake their way to a nice, gift wrapped diagnosis and prescription. They make it seem so easy. The latter part of the Netflix series touches upon the dangers of using the drug, such as an increased temper and one side comment about liver problems later in life that isn’t explained in further detail. The brief mentions of the side effects come across like the tiny terms and conditions font found in the We Buy Gold ads that beset television screens during the economic crisis. There is no real conclusion from many of the interviewees, who either hope they won’t need Adderall once leaving education and entering the workplace or they’ll just continue to use it. Another worrying problem is the blatant information many of the interviewees spread which doesn’t go contested. Both the artist who gave the documentary its namesake, only referred to as Jasper, and a psychotherapist talk about how Adderall is merely a smaller dosage of the illegal
and highly addictive crystal meth. They are not describing Adderall, which is an amphetamine, but the methylphenidate Ritalin which can also treat ADHD. The film even explained this earlier on but decides to ignore the truth in favour of a good soundbite from sources posed to be reliable. This documentary fails to properly explore the full story behind Adderall, and we are led to believe that the main abusers of Adderall are many who don’t live with the condition ADHD. Instead, it is described as a super drug that is going to give you a leg up against all your peers. The people interviewed with ADHD never talk about how Adderall has helped treat their symptoms or what it’s like to operate with the attention disorder without the use of medication. It also doesn’t explain the dangers of acquiring these “study pills” illegally and without a prescription. “Before I was prescribed anything I had to have a thorough check of my heart to make sure I had no underlying problems” says Callum Flynn, an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD. “It can put such a strain on your heart that if you have a small, unnoticed problem, it can suddenly become deadly.” “I had near constant heart palpitations on [Adderall], that’s how bad it was and while that was more manageable for me than my ADHD, if people don’t know all this and jump into taking these meds just like any other prescription, it could really damage them”. There has been very little research into the abuse of “smart drugs” in Ireland, the only report conducted was a joint UK and Ireland survey in
2014 by the London School of Economics and Kings College London on college students. It found that 9% of students had taken stimulant enhancers such as Adderall, Ritalin and Modafinal. With UCD being the only university in Ireland to have a policy against these type of drugs, it’s still a problem that has gone relatively undiscussed. Which is why Take Your Pills is such a let-down, they had the opportunity to educate and properly inform citizens the dangers of Adderall abuse, to start an informed conversation. Instead they opted for lazy journalism and made the decision that the look of the finished product was more important than the content.
Television and Movies
Ricky Gervais provocative as ever in new Netflix special fter a seven-year hiatus from stand-up, Ricky Gervais is back with his new Netflix show; Humanity. Gervais’ enthusiasm for stand-up is clear, acting as though he has rekindled an old flame. The tone of the show is made clear from the get-go, with a skull emblazoned lectern against a dark, foreboding, starry backdrop. Gervais is not here to commend humanity, he’s here to critique it. Gervais begins the show as if he’s catching up with old friend. He opens with the classic Gervais inverse self-deprecation, boasting about his wealth and power. He follows with some rattling off of some of his Golden Globes material from 2016 regarding Caitlyn Jenner, but contextualises it within the subsequent controversy. The material feels quite dated, and Gervais’ critique of Jenner and social justice culture around her is nothing new. His reliance on tweets sent to him by social justice warriors to elaborate on ideas such as ‘confusing the subject and the target of the joke’ feels easy at times, and has arguably been done better by comedians such as Frankie Boyle. While the Gervais’ character is supposed to be smug, his attempts at intellectually dismantling postmodernist philosophies such as transgender identities with analogies to chimps feels easy and at times, rather laborious.
Quite a few of Gervais’ jokes feel like that, as if they should have come to the punchline five minutes earlier. However, his style of comedy does tend to create bits that somewhat meander to the point, which sometimes work, but sometimes it doesn’t. The misanthropic aspect of his character is
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At his best, Gervais feels like a workingclass, pub philosopher that has somehow made it to the top.
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David Kelly reviews Gervais’ first Stand up special in seven years, Ricky Gervais: Humanities
present throughout, as he attempts to reconcile his reluctance to have children with societal expectations thrust upon him. This bit is perhaps one of the show’s highlights, as he contrasts his current fortunate circumstances with his rough upbringing. At his best, Gervais feels like a working-class, pub philosopher that has somehow made it to the top. When he boasts about his luxurious home in Hampstead, it feels earned. His working-class background contrasted to his current celebrity
status makes his somewhat alien life feel relatable, like one of the lads made it big. While some bits do tend to mix into each other, Gervais does manage to tie them into each other nicely, usually near the punchline, in a sense creating inside jokes with audience. This technique makes Gervais’ routine feel more like a casual conversation with each joke, adding to his anecdotal style. While Gervais does shoot down easy targets such as Twitter SJW’s, he admits that he enjoys his role as a social media provocateur, and this theme recurs throughout the show, serving to enhance the misanthropic tone inherent to his view on humanity. Admittedly, some of his funniest bits come later into the show when he explores modern phenomena such as ‘opinions being worth as much as facts’. This segment of the routine shines as Gervais lampoons ideologies such as fundamentalism, in a particularly hilarious bit regarding Satan. Gervais’ incredible ability to normalise what should be dark, surreal situations propels the show to a satisfying finish, and while it may not be the best stand-up show on Netflix, Gervais has crafted a harrowingly honest stand-up show, and that in itself should be applauded.
Love, Simon: The high-school movie we deserve
Payu Tiwari discusses the heart warming charm present in this cheesy teen rom-com.
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ver come across a generic pop song that gets stuck in your head on a loop and stays there? You know there’s better songs, under -appreciated musicians out there that deserve your time and ears. Nevertheless, this one song inspires you despite yourself. There are countless movies that fit this description and act as chicken soup to your soul for unfathomable reasons. But normally when a new one comes out, it’s met with eye rolls. ‘Love, Simon’ is one of these movies- but in this case, it’s ability to come across as commonplace is what makes it so special. However, it’s the first major studio backed teen comedy featuring a gay protagonist. Based on the book ‘Simon Vs the Homosapiens Agenda’ by Becky Albertalli, it revolves around 17-year old Simon Spier, who has a picture-perfect life - doting parents, lifelong friends and zero street cred. The only problem is, he’s harbouring a secret regarding his sexual orientation. His “normal” life starts skidding when a foe leaps past the concept of privacy and uses his secret as blackmail. Directed by Greg Berlanti, the film features a cast as good looking as it’s rosy premise, with Nick Robinson (Simon), Katherine Langford (Leah), Alexandra Shipp (Abby) and Logan Miller (Martin), all pitching in. The “cool” parents are played by 6 Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel.
Robinson is convincing as an upper middleclass teen facing a crisis, while the actors that play his supportive friends are charming as well, capping the movie with a Nora Ephron like glow. But the best scene in the movie, which closely trails one of the most remarkable scenes in Oscar nominee Call Me by Your Name, is championed by Jennifer Garner. In a film that circles around the protagonist’s reflectiveness and social connections, Simon’s interactions with his family establish soft dominance and stand out. The movie is not without its faults, and plot inconsistencies feel like tiny smudges dirtying the otherwise perfect frame. The supporting actors, especially Langford’s Leah, have some great potential but don’t get the screen time they deserve. The thing is though, rom-coms can make you look past some glaring problems in anticipation of the euphoric endings- and Love, Simon manages just that. Quite simply, the movie is like a ride on the Ferris wheel, it’s predictable and you’re there to have fun. Its achievements are not confined to be a conventional film on a subject that has always been treated differently - for better or for worse. It’s also gently conveying the thought
that coming to terms with who you are is a hard task, even in a non- hostile environment. Some people must go through a life-altering process that others have the privilege of skipping past. Love, Simon belongs on the shelf with movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and Mean Girls. It’s the one millennials will come back to while they’re in the middle of their mid-life crisis to help themselves to some nostalgia. The movie’s tagline reads “Everyone deserves a love story.” It’s a heart-warming message, and when you leave the theatre, it might just convince you to believe in it too.people must go through a life-altering process that others have the privilege of skipping past. Love, Simon belongs on the shelf with movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and Mean Girls. It’s the one millennials will come back to while they’re in the middle of their mid-life crisis to help themselves to some nostalgia. The movie’s tagline reads “Everyone deserves a love story.” It’s a heart-warming message, and when you leave the theatre, it might just convince you to believe in it too.
Books & TV
When is the pen mightier than the camera?
Aoibhín Bryant analyses both the strengths and weaknesses found in books and cinema.
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e all have that friend, you know the one. The one that upon leaving the dim cinema theatre, bleary eyed from the sudden exposure to fluorescent lighting, scoffs that the “book was so much better”. In fact, we have all been that friend at some stage, perhaps trying to subtly brag that yes, we were aware of the story before it got turned into a massive motion picture. Maybe we did just genuinely find the novel version more enriching and enticing. It’s time to answer to the century old question, “Was the book better than the movie?” The main advantage of the novel is the fact that you aren’t merely witnessing the story and the emotions the characters are feeling onscreen, but you are experiencing them yourself. The novel encourages you to use your imagination, there’s no limit to how long a book can
expand unlike a film that must be cut to stay concise. The main reason that many harbour attachments towards the book over the film is probably due to the novel’s ability to deliver deep insights into the characters thoughts and feelings. We live through the intricacies of the world that the author has kindly gifted us. Take Les Misérables, the nearly three-hour long movie musical is still a shell of its 1,300-page literary form. When reading the novel version, affectionally dubbed “The Brick”, you learn that characters that did not speak a word to each other in the film are siblings and characters that go nameless have whole chapters dedicated to them.
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The main advantage of the novel is the fact that you aren’t merely witnessing
the story and the emotions the characters are feeling onscreen, but you are
With a novel, we are allowed the chance to empathise with the story and as we read on, we feel it’s as if the characters are dear friends. There is nothing more gratifying than the almost empty but satisfied feeling one experiences after reaching the end of a novel. However, the film cannot go underestimated, as directors are able to bring beloved stories to life on the big screen. It’s no denying that films are more entertaining than novels, with action films ten times more enjoyable to witness than an action scene in a book. Looking at Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s “A Clockwork Orange”, seeing the protagonist Alex commit the atrocities on screen is far more horrifying to view than it is to read. In fact, it is perhaps Kubrick’s liberal adaptation of the novel that makes the film so great. It is its own narrative and a film shouldn’t stick to the rules of a novel’s storytelling. Something even the most loyal book fan must grudgingly admit. To conclude and to answer the question of whether the book or film is better, it depends on what story you are willing to tell and what audience you have in mind. Some stories benefit from the deep and explorative dive of a novel, others are better off packaged to be short and sweet.
“ Wild, Wild Country a real life horror story experiencing them yourself.
Sarah Barrett looks into Netflix’s “Wild, Wild Country” and the dangers of cults.
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etflix’s latest release directed by Chaplain Way and Maclain Way entitled Wild Wild Country, tells the tale of a self-proclaimed and controversial Indian guru’s plans in 1981. The plan to build a 64,000-acre utopian city in rural Oregon in the United States. The spiritual guru’s teaching was based on enlightenment and spiritual awakening, he amassed over 250,000 followers during the peak of his popularity. He attracted so many followers through his unique way of meditation and his practice of free-love. A small town called Antelope, closest to the site of the Rajneesh ranch becomes the focal point of conflict in this gripping six-episode docu-series that details charming Bhajwan Shree Rajneesh and his flamboyant followers. It bears an intellectual theme and contains many twists. The six-episode documentary details the cult’s endeavours and chronologically showcases over 250 hours’ worth of footage including interviews with Ma Anand Sheela, Rajneesh’s charismatic personal assistant and Rajneesh’s attorney Paul Morantz. Executive producers Mark and Jay Duplass (Duplass Productions) remind audiences of a forgotten momentous event in American history.
Episode one explores Rajneesh’s establishment of his commune in Oregon and his assistant Sheela’s overseeing of the operations of the commune. As the series progresses we are given insight into how life was in the town of Antelope through the combination of footage and interviews. The viewer is left questioning why the town’s citizens are suspicious of Rajneesh’s followers and most of all what did the Rajneesh do? One of the excellent things about this series is that interviews feature people from both sides of the story. The town’s citizens, governmental figures and pivotal figures in the Rajneeshi movement including Sheela. Rajneesh is central to this gripping tale but Sheela is also a compelling character at the best of times in this story. Instead of a one sided story, the viewer receives all sides which helps create the bigger picture. Leaving the audience shocked at the developments and outcome of what became one of the biggest
immigration fraud cases and bio-terror disasters in US History. It’s debilitating to hear the town’s citizens say things like “We have to make sure that evil does not win the battle”. We see the town of Antelope’s opposition develop through the creation of 1000 friends of Oregon. Under Sheela’s guidance the actions of the Sanyassians lead to disastrous outcomes. As the story develops we learn that Bhagwan Rhajneesh has built up followers from rich and intellectual background and even some celebrity followers. Long bearded and god-like to his followers, Rajneesh owned 93 Rolls Royces, he was dubbed by US media as the Rolls Royce Guru. With Nike Co- founder Bill Bowerman even making an appearance in this documentary, the crazy progression left a feeling of fascination for Rajneesh, his teachings and his followers way of living. Most definitely one to watch for those of you
Art & Theatre
Divisive work of Emile Nolde at the National Art Gallery
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Aine O’Boyle discusses Emile Nolde’s exhibition at the National Art Gallery furthers the question of whether we should separate the art from the artist
he German-Dutch painter, watercolourist and printmaker made his debut in the National Gallery of Ireland in an exhibition running from 14th February to 10th June The Colour is Life exhibition features the highly acclaimed work of the artist, with various themes displayed in collections throughout the spacious and airy rooms of the National Gallery. The artist was born in Nolde on the Dutch border of Germany in 1867, growing up at a time of political upheaval throughout Europe. His first experience of art was as the apprentice of a furniture maker and woodcarver. As a young adult, Nolde spent much of his time travelling throughout Germany, particularly Berlin, working in furniture factories. His time in Berlin is particularly evident in the paintings of vivid city life, using bold colour combinations and expressive brush strokes to paint the varying scenes of city night life and café culture. Nolde had a fascination with dancers and the beautiful way in which they used their bodies as an artistic tool, this fascination is evident in the exhibition as a running theme as he daringly painted scenes of dancers performing at a cabaret or caught up in movement on stage.
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Nolde had a fascination with dancers and the beautiful way in which they used their bodies as an artistic tool, this fascination is evident in the exhibition as a running theme
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Growing up at a contentious time in the social history of Europe, Nolde’s career as an artist was in full swing when Nazism emerged and gained momentum.
Nolde personally agreed with the views and policies of the Nazi’s and was a member of the party but they condemned his work as being unreflective of the vision of Germany that they were trying to build and hailed it as ‘degenerate’. During this time period Nolde painted a collection of art that, in its entirety is known as his Unpainted Pictures. These pictures are ironically known as a symbol of resistance of the Nazi regime, despite his known affiliation to the party. A huge running theme in the exhibition were the times that Nolde spent in the South Seas. Nolde was fascinated with the distinctive build and style of the aboriginal people of countries such as Papa New Guinea. In his painting of aboriginals, Nolde stated that what he was doing was in fact revolutionary for the art world and that the only artist he knew doing anything similar in nature was Paul Gauguin. He painted both scenery and people. In his landscape paintings he cleverly used dark colours in the sky with areas of light and brightness to break up the image and give the impression of the early light of day or the approaching darkness of night. In his later, more mature works Nolde moved slightly away from the abstract, expressionist art into a more confined version of himself.
DCUDrama takes a stab at Sweeney Todd
Orla Dwyer cuts into
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Nolde belonged to the expressionist movement and took inspiration from artists such as Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. At times, the work of the artist would look strikingly familiar to that of those he was inspired by, with his self-portrait being reminiscent in style to that of Van Gogh’s.
ttending the tale of Sweeney Todd in St. Patrick’s Auditorium, Drumcondra was a delightful fright from beginning to blood-soaked end. The production was performed by DCU Drama from the 3rd -5th April. The director, Jack Reardon, made certain changes from the average production of Sweeney Todd, mainly by including much more blood than normal. The dramatic blood drop at the climax of act two was the perfect end to the consistent flow throughout the show. The lighting was very moody and set the scene for the dark production from the beginning of act one. Harry Delaney played the main character of Sweeney Todd. His icy yet charismatic portrayal of the infamous barber worked excellently and his immense singing skills also shone through. The real star of the show was Mrs. Lovett played by Niamh O’ Connor. Her bold, powerful voice resonated with the audience long after each song ended. The chemistry between these two characters was tangible and wonderful to watch. Sweeney’s frosty, calloused demeanour contrasted perfectly with Lovett’s excitable and entrepreneurial spirit. Watching Sweeney silently make a small mud hut on the ground while Lovett gleefully sang ‘By the
DCUDrama’s producion of
Sea’ couldn’t have epitomised it better. The relationship between Anthony and Johanna (played by Donncha Tynan and Alissa Keating), on the other hand, was a breath of clean air from the toxic, acrid fumes emanating from other characters. Their hilariously fast blossoming
relationship, even by musical standards, brought some more tension to the show once the malicious plan of Judge Turpin (coolly played by Enda Molloy) was revealed. The chorus were almost completely naked and covered in mud, blood and chalk for the entirety of the show. They clambered into scenes, stepping
the musical Sweeney Todd
over each other to prove themselves the dirtiest of the lot. The scene where they ate flesh from troughs perfectly displayed their animalistic and ravenous personalities. Nobody could avoid the drool and force feeding, no matter how hard they tried. Once the first murder takes place, a wonderful sequence of killings unfold as the audience witness chorus member after chorus member being ‘slit’ in the throat and fall to their death. Adolfo Pirelli (played by Nathan Mannion) flourished as the rival Italian barber to Sweeney who turns out to be a lad you would find in Santry. Pirelli brought some animation to Sweeney’s solemn character. The show had plenty of comical moments to keep the audience satisfied between murders. Toby, Pirelli’s barber apprentice played by Ben Lebofsky, brings a magical hair elixir to the filthy chorus members. If their reactions to this exciting development are not Tony-worthy, I’m not sure what is. Beadle Bamford, Judge Turpin’s henchman played by Conor O’ Reilly, also made a comedic outburst with a stunning and seemingly infinite song about the twelve bells in the tower of Bray. The production was a success filled with
Health & Beauty
Overtraining isn’t just for elite athletes?
Overtraining isn’t just for elite athletes but for gym bunnies and passionate runners too, Lorna Lawless gives us the details
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round this time every year you will see plenty of people in the gym striving for their killer summer bodies, just dying to get ripped for their holidays abroad. One thing most of us don’t think about is overtraining. Pushing your limits too far can actually inhibit your progress. Hard training breaks you down and makes you weaker. It is rest that makes you stronger in the long run. You will not improve while training if you do not give your body time to recover and build itself back up before the next session. This, you could say, is common knowledge for people who exercise regularly however, you see people in the gym or on the running track exerting their bodies to the point of total burnout. If exercise is good for you, more must be better, right? Everyone can experience burnout at some stage but, have you ever thought that overtraining may be prohibiting your overall performance? Your body can be put under a severe amount of pressure with a high amount of training causing strain on all of your muscles. One of the most important things when training is to take days off, which are just as important to see improvements and changes in your body. When athletes do not respect the balance between training and recovery, overtraining can occur. It is a condition of chronic fatigue, underperformance and increased vulnerability to infection or/and injuries. It can lead to severe weight loss, and can cause extreme damage to your muscles. You might think overtraining is just for elite athletes but in a lot of cases it
is just as common for the regular gym bunny or passionate runner. Carl Foster from the Milwaukee Heart Institute stated in a study of monitoring training in athletes that in cases where fatigue resulting from overtraining is responsible for transient performance incompetence, high level increases in training load are arguably the single most inappropriate response an athlete could make.
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If exercise is good for you, more must be better, right? Everybody can experience burnout at some stage but have you ever thought that overtraining may be prohibiting your overall performance?
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This time of year people suddenly opt for a major change in training ses-
sion and extreme change in diet which can cause major stress on your body. Yes this combination may cause you to lose weight fast but it is bad for your body. Instead add small consistent changes to your training plan. According to the American Council on Exercise the (ACE) there is a “dose-relationship” when it comes to exercise. It states that the more you work out, the more benefits you will achieve, but there is a tipping point beyond which the amount of exercise you perform can do more harm than good. This point can be reached by one or both of the following two ways: Too much exercise without enough recovery or chronic underfueling. This tipping point is known as overtraining syndrome (OTS) which leads to a decrement in fitness level and a high chance of injury. So you can see how this could affect your long term goal of getting fit but also, could just stop your fitness journey temporarily altogether. Every single training session you do adds stress and strain to your body. It is only through rest that our bodies get time to rebuild muscle and take a welldeserved rest after being exerted from long periods of training. In some cases overreaching can be confused for overtraining. In a journal article conducted by the NCBI they state that “Overreaching is considered as
accumulation of training load that leads to performance decrements requiring days to weeks for recovery. However, if overreaching is extreme and combined with an additional stressor, overtraining syndrome may result.” Physical symptoms include persistent muscular soreness, increased frequency of viral illnesses, and increased incidence of injuries. A review of overtraining syndrome by the British Olympic Medical Centre shows that people who over train are usually people who are “highly motivated, conscientious individuals who have responded to their lack of form by increasing the training load, leading to a vicious cycle of fatigue and underperformance”. It goes onto to say that these type of athletes are characterized by their reluctance due to their own ambition and determination sometimes combined with pressure from the coach, fellow athletes and parents. The treatment for the overtraining syndrome is rest. The longer the overtraining has occurred the more rest you are going to need. You need to take care of your body and if you want to get shredded for summer make small consistent changes to training and diet. All you need to do is stay consistent and you should see the results you want over time. Mind yourself and your body you only have one for life.
Health & Beauty
The cruelty free skincare you need to try
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Amy Murphy checks out what all the fuss is about with skincare brand Ordinary, a cruelty-free skincare brand that’s cheap as chips but is good enough for Kim K
e all know being a student can take its toll on your bank account, but what about the effect it can have on your skin? Between partying, studying and working, it’s easy to let your skincare routine fall by the wayside, or become non-existent altogether. But caring for your skin no longer has to break the bank or involve a time consuming 20 step regime, thanks to The Ordinary by Deciem. Although it’s been around since 2016, The Ordinary has recently hit headlines and quickly made a name for itself worldwide after receiving backing from companies such as Estée Lauder and being praised by skincare professionals and celebrities alike. Kim Kardashian, who is known to be a huge fan of Guerlain’s Orchidee Imperiale La Creme, which goes for an eye watering €350 per 50ml jar, said she swears by The Ordinary’s Retinoid Emulsion which costs a €10 mere per 30ml bottle. So with that in mind, I decided to put The Ordinary to the test and really see is it worth the fuss. The brand currently does not have any physical stores in Ireland but it’s available on a number of websites such as Cloud10, Asos, Arnotts, and of course, the brand’s own website. When you visit The Ordinary’s website you can go onto the regime guide section and find out which products you should combine to suit your wants and needs. Being a stressed out college student with acne/blemish prone skin, I opted for the regime designed for “signs of congestion & the look of blemishes”, which consisted of three products: ‘Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%’ which cost €5.90 for a 30ml bottle, ‘Salicylic acid 2% solution’ at €5.30 for 30ml, and ‘100% Plant-derived Squalane’ at €7.20 for 30ml. The products come in dropper style bottles and the packaging is extremely minimalistic. Overall the look of the products are very clinical and look like they come directly out of a lab, as their website says “no frills, no fuss”.
It’s super easy to read the very short ingredient list, which is stripped right back to contain as few ingredients as possible. The products don’t contain any additives, fragrances or dyes either. The brand is vegetarianfriendly and also doesn’t test on animals at any stage of manufacture, and do not physically stock their products anywhere that would require registration, and therefore animal testing by law, for example, China.
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Kim Kardashian, who is known to be a huge fan of Guerlain’s Orchidee Imperiale La Creme, which goes for an eye watering $455 per 50ml jar, said she swears by The Ordinary’s Retinoid emulsion that costs a mere $10
So, as per the regime guide, I applied the Niacinamide + Zinc all over my face in the morning and evening. The texture was very lightweight and absorbed into my skin quickly. There is no added fragrance, but there is a natural smell to the product that reminded me of plastic. When applied in the morning, this product did sit well under makeup, however I found it tended to pill if too many other products were layered over it. After two weeks of use, there is a noticeable light brightening of older acne scars and blemishes. Although it doesn’t completely prevent breakouts, I did notice a reduction in how often I broke out and when it did, it wasn’t as ‘angry’ as usual. Next was the salicylic acid. This is thicker than the Niacinamide and turns slightly white when rubbed in, but that disappears after a few minutes. During my first few days of using this product I made the mistake of applying too much and as this product contains an acid, I was left with large red dry patches on my cheeks. After that I began using a tiny amount on the areas that needed it most. This product definitely had an effect on spots, if I noticed a spot pop up before bed I would just dab a bit on and the appearance would be reduced by morning. However, I did find on some occasions when a spot disappeared I would be left with flaky patches instead. Finally, I used the Plant-derived Squalane for hydration. This product is similar to a dry oil, so initially, I was
nervous to try it, as any other oilbased face products I’ve used have caused me to breakout and given me blackheads. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It had a very lightweight feel and soaked into my skin very quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind. I found it to be very hydrating, and where the other products left me with dry patches, I would apply extra product and notice an improvement within a few days. Overall, I really like the products I used and will definitely be continuing this straightforward regime. The Ordinary is definitely a studentbudget friendly skincare company and I’m not surprised it’s gaining attention worldwide. The simple and straightforward products do exactly what they say on the tin, without the luxurious price tag that’s usually attached to good skincare.
Food
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Grub Guide: Luigi Malones Colleen Brady gives us all the details of what to expect when we are visiting Luigi’s Malones in Temple Bar.
inding a restaurant to suit everyone in the family is usually quite a challenge, and finding a restaurant that caters for everyone at an affordable price is twice the battle. Luigi Malones ticks these two boxes and despite it being around for some time, I only got the pleasure to stumble upon it recently. Luigi Malones Temple Bar is located in the heart of Dublin but without the hefty price tag expected to comes along with this. Located just behind the Central bank, you couldn’t be any closer to the hustle and bustle of Dublin’s vibrant Temple Bar giving Luigi Malones the most ideal location. Upon entering on a Thursday afternoon, expecting the restaurant to be quiet enough, I found it was absolutely packed. Immediately I knew this was a good sign. The interior is bright and modern, lined with wooden tables against a sea blue backdrop. The restaurant is open and airy with plenty of natural lighting and large windows for the all-important people watching. The menu is vast and caters for all including vegetarians, coeliacs, kids and picky eaters. It is primarily an I talian restaurant with pastas and pizzas being the stand out choice. Piz-
zas range from your classic margarita to wing sauce and pulled pork pizzas. Apart from that standard Italian food, Luigi Malones offers tastes from around the globe, supplying a wide selection of burgers, steaks, chicken dishes and fish. The buffalo chicken wings are perfect as a shared started as the portion sizes are quite generous. I ordered the chicken fajitas for my main and they certainly didn’t disappoint. The portion sizes were again huge for the main courses. There are also a varied selection of desserts including the traditions cheesecake, pavlova and apple crumble. We ordered off the early bird menu which is on offer Monday to Friday from 12pm to 7pm. This menu is ideal as it offers two courses for €20 per person or three courses for €25. The pricing is excellent considering the quantity of food you actually get and the quality and flavour of the food. I was quite surprised by how affordable it was considering we were in the heart of Temple Bar. The service was great and we were looked after from the moment we stepped in the door. Our wine and water were constantly kept topped up and we were checked up on regularly by the very friendly staff. Despite how
busy it was on a Thursday afternoon, we felt like we could make ourselves at home and didn’t feel one bit obliged to rush. The atmosphere was lively and there was a nice mix of families, younger
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The pricing is excellent considering the quantity of food you actually get and the quality and flavour of the food. I was quite surprised by how affordable it was considering we were in the heart of Temple Bar.
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people and kids which gave the whole place a really diverse vibe. Luigi Malones is a laid-back restaurant perfect for either lunch or evening time dining. Being in the middle of Temple bar also helped the atmosphere as we looked out the windows at Dublin’s capital for tourists and the vibrant bars, restaurants and shops on offer.
Ratings FOOD: 9/10 LOCATION: 10/10 SERVICE: 8/10 VALUE FOR MONEY: 9/10 OVERALL: 9/10
Matcha and Turmeric, what’s legit?
Food
Wonder what the story is with the green and yellow coffees claiming to have amazing health benefits? Béibhinn Thorsch has found out the facts
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ou may be seeing lots of small pots and bags full of oddly colored powders: green and orange, or matcha and turmeric. In the last year especially, the craze for these two has grown immensely. If you mention matcha you may be greeted with songs of praise for it and mentioning turmeric will bring an interested side-eye as people realise their mammies probably have that stuff in some of the cupboards. Matcha is a ground green tea leaf which bases all of its miracle claims in the fact that the powder created is made from all of the bits of a tea leaf that you can’t get out of loose leaf or regular green tea. Among some of the claims found on matchasource.com, though there are many more which boast the same benefits, are promises of detoxification and metabolism boosting. The powder is said to enhance mood and aid concentration and is somehow calming despite the 37mg of caffeine found in less than half a teaspoon of it. For reference, a teaspoon of instant coffee contains about 57mg of caffeine. There would be more than 74mg of caffeine in one teaspoon of matcha. However, the caffeine in matcha burns slightly slower which means it does not have the exact same effects on the body
as coffee. It also does not elevate the heart rate or raise blood pressure. Matcha also contains plenty of micronutrients including selenium and chromium, lesser known nutrients that aid in heart function and are particularly good for diabetics who may become deficient. There are differentiating claims as to the exact translation of drinking green tea compared to matcha, however it is somewhere between fiv
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The powder is said to be calming despite the 37mg of caffeine found in less than half a teaspoon
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to 10 cups of green tea in one cup of matcha, in regards to nutritional value. Neither provide calories, but have been said to burn both calories and fat, particularly with continued use. It is recommended that children and pregnant women do not consume matcha to avoid harm caused by the matcha soil absorption and that no one should drink more than four cups of matcha a day at most. The caffeine
content in matcha is one of the few negatives of the drink, as it can cause side effects when taken in excess or when withdrawing. Turmeric is up-and-coming in the health food world and can be found easily in tablet form at health food shops or in its powdered spice form at a grocery shop. Turmeric can also be drank like matcha, often as a latte and not as a tea. WebMd.com shows that there is an incredible amount of supposed benefits of turmeric, however the only proven benefits are for illnesses relating to inflammation. This includes skin inflammation and acne, as well as joint pain, arthritis, intestinal and bowel issues. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has long been us to treat inflammation issues. Turmeric tablets are also sold alongside garlic tablets, which are all said to help to treat high blood pressure. Turmeric is also said to help treat coughs and colds. However, be wary of turmeric as its side effects of overconsumption include increased menstrual flow, low blood pressure, nausea and diarrhoea. The benefits of turmeric for inflammation have been proven, and so it is easy to become overly enthusiastic. When it comes to matcha and turmeric powders, another danger is cheap replicas that are not pure.
Matcha powder particularly can reach high prices, usually €23.49 as sold in Holland and Barrett, but as less than half a teaspoon is used for each cup, it may be reasonable for some. Turmeric is sold in supplement tablets, latte powders, herbal tea and by itself. Because of this, prices come in a wide range. The best value seems to be the pre-mixed lattes where you just add some boiling water, for between €7 and €12. Supplements are likely to provide the most concentrated supply of nutrients, but are the most expensive at around €20 a bottle. Buying turmeric powder on its own the most cost effective, a bag of turmeric would run you about €5. The best advice when exploring any of the latest health fads, or in particular weight-loss fads, is to be cautious and not dive right in. Make sure to do plenty of research, start small and work your way up. Avoid drastic side effects by slowly building a tolerance and watching how your body is reacting. Often, as it has been shown with ‘slimming’ teas, side effects such as diarrhoea are what can make you think you’re losing weight. But it is more than likely that really you’re dehydrated and damaging your health in the long run. Detoxification does not equal weight loss. Keep an eye for the signs of true health, not a number
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Couples staycation
Too broke to go abroad this summer with your better half? Katie Gallagher gives you the lowdown on the best couple staycations around Ireland
he idea of a romantic getaway in a beautiful medieval castle or deluxe suite with rose petals may be your ideal couples break away, or something adventurous, cheap and cheerful could be the perfect way to spend that all important quality time with your special person. Whatever it is and of course depending on the budget, there are plenty of places right here on our doorstep in this stunning island to visit and explore as a break away. Let’s face it, as students the budget is a fairly decisive limitation but that doesn’t mean that the options are any less exciting, perhaps just a little less glamourous. The adventurous type If you and your significant other are outdoorsy or anyway up for an active weekend away full of activities and memorable new experiences, this is just the place for you. Delphi Adventure Resort is a unique getaway destination for the adventurous couple, where you and your partner could spend the day hiking, learning to surf and paddle board, taking breath taking bike rides through a scenic Connemara and ending your day off with a tasty meal and trip to the spa. This resort, located in the heart of the beautiful Delphi Valley, near Leenane, in Galway is a haven for romantic getaways. The 300 acre resort, described as a place to enlighten your lust for life and awaken your senses will allow you to escape and embrace Ireland’s lustful landscapes
and stunning scenery and all for a rea- ing of the beauty of the Wild Atlantic sonable price. Way. Whether you choose to explore A couple of campers the beautiful beaches by horseback Camping doesn’t sound all that glam- while there, taking some surf lessons ourous, but for couples on the search or taking part in some of the activities for something new and a little different organised on site this is a unique and should give it a go- however why not unforgettable way to do a staycation in step it up a notch and go glam. Glam- Ireland. ping is the new penthouse suite with The foodies rose petals... well, perhaps not that As dreamy as it is to lust for pizza in far but it is a unique way to Italy, or some fresh croissants from spend a weekend away, esa bakery in Paris, sometimes that pecially for those who like just isn’t a realistic reality. However, to be at home a different alternative Let’s face it, as with nature. for any foodie couples There’s a few students the budget is who love to spend fun ways to time either cooking, a fairly decisive explore this learning or just eating limitation but that s t a y c a t i o n doesn’t mean that the good food together is idea, whether options are any less something like some it’s glamping exciting, perhaps just cookery classes and a in a vintage weekend away as culia little less caravan, a ronary cuties wining and glamourous. mantic night dining in award wintucked away in ning locations. While a luxury treethis can be a little more house or even an upgrade to a on the expensive side depending on cosy cottage for those who aren’t quite where you go, there are some cheaper ready to commit to the great outdoors. options and group classes that are At Teapot Lane, this glamping ex- worth a try for any tingling taste buds perience is like no other with a com- and food enthusiasts. munal dining area and a cosy camp- Island to island fire at night to set the scene against One way to do a staycation on our own the stunning scenery. Situated on the soil is to explore and take in everything borders of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal the island has to offer. And what betit is a perfect location for anyone look- ter way to do that than to embrace the ing to explore the coastal scenery and islands at our feet here. While island the stunning mountains while avail- hopping in Greece may sound more
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Travel
adventurous or exciting, island hopping on our own shores is a great alternative for the time being. For any couple, students or non-students this breath taking experience is well worth the trip. Paddle through the channels, bays and explore the islands while staying camping out on one of the Islands. The Wild Atlantic Way Last but by no means least, this one of a kind adventure journey across the country’s coastline is not one to be underestimated and could be a road trip of a lifetime for you as a couple. Set aside the weekend for this stunning 2,500km stretch and take the Wild Atlantic Challenge with your loved one to explore the stunning sights from every aspect and angle. Whether you want to bike it, dive into the invigorating sea swells and shorelines or simply embrace the mesmerising landscapes at your own pace, explore and experience these 9 different counties and the breath-taking views along a truly unforgettable coastal way. So, if you are planning a cheap and memorable couple break away but can’t afford to break the bank abroad, don’t fear. Not only does Ireland have more than enough staycation destinations and locations to keep you occupied, it also boasts a little more adventure and diversity than just going sightseeing in a tourist occupied city.
Travel
The Pre-Flight go to guide
Rachel Farrell tells us about the in’s and outs with flying with certain airlines and where to find the best deals before we take off for the summer
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issing luggage and delayed flights are just some of a traveller’s worst nightmare when it comes to flying
abroad. With so many different airlines to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the right one for your holiday. New budget airlines are taking to Irish soil every year, making the decision between price and quality even harder. In 2017, Irish holidaymakers spent €4.3 billion travelling overseas, according to the Central Statistics Office. With flights to various locations across Europe starting at €9.99, it’s easy to see why. Ryanair faced backlash from customers earlier this year with its decision to stop their free bag policy. Before the change, flyers could bring both a handbag and a small suitcase. Now, they must pay to upgrade to bring on a second bag. The Irish budget airline narrowly lost out to Lufthansa as Europe’s biggest airline in 2017, carrying 129 million passengers compared to Lufthansa’s €130 million. WOW Air began flying from Ireland in June 2015. Since then, the Icelan-
dic airline has become known for its price cuts and sales to the USA. A one flight to Chicago start at as little as €150, with prices dropping to €99 during sale periods. Norwegian Air also offer reasonable flights across the pond. A spokesperson for the airline announced last week that they are hoping to secure a permanent base at Dublin Airport this year. “Norwegian opened a new pilot base in Dublin last year and has since created a cabin crew base with more than 40 cabin crew positions recruited for the Dublin base so far,” the spokesperson told The Irish Times. From April, the Scandinavian airline will offer 66,000 more seats from Dublin to New York, with flights starting at €99 one way. With
websites like Skyscanner and Kayak This allows you to fly into one airport on the rise, searching for cheap and fly home from another, with the possibility to make flights has Like with every various trips in benever been easier. Airholiday, there’s always the tween. Airlines flying lines like Brit- potential to wrong. Delayed to Asia often receive ish Airways, flights have led to missed con- the highest compliments on social American Airlines and Aer nections, bags can go missing media, like Emirates, Etihad and Singapore Lingus often and airline food can advertise Airlines. Both Etihad be hit and miss. markdown and Emirates recently prices on announced that they are trialling virtual reality services in flight-searching websites like them. their UAE airport lounges, offering an Skyscanner has become a firm favourite amongst holidaymakers exciting new experience for travellers because of their multi-trip option. during their layovers. Emirates were one of the first airlines to offer WiFi. They’re also known for their on-board cuisine, their comfort and hospitality. Like with every holiday, there’s always the potential to wrong. Delayed flights have led to missed connections, bags can go missing and airline food can be hit and miss. But each airline has its positives and negatives- it’s all about finding the right one for your price point and comfort needs.
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Essentials to pack on your holiday
Aoife O’Brien lays down the law on the absolute necessities to bring abroad this summer love them or hate them, they are an absolute essential for any summer vacation. Theft is a major problem in many tourist destinations so it is important to keep your valuables close to your person and while handbags can be cumbersome, fanny packs leave your hands free all day long. The Swimsuit When shopping for a holiday everyone has a tendency to go overboard purchasing every style bikini in every colour. However, after a couple of days indulging in all your favourite foods and drinks, body confidence is not always at its peak. Packing a
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tummy control one piece means that you will be able to enjoy your time on the beach throughout your holiday and not ruin the experience worrying about how you look in a barely there two piece. Hair When it
While it’s important to research the weather and the activities you’re likely to get up to, there are a number of rules you should follow in order to avoid over packing while still ensuring you’re dressed for all occasions.
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acking for summer holidays is always a nightmare, regardless of whether you start filling your suitcase weeks in advance or do it all the night before. While it’s important to research the weather and the activities you’re likely to get up to, there are a number of rules you should follow in order to avoid over packing while still ensuring you’re dressed for all occasions. Shoes Starting from the ground up, shoes are always the bulkiest items in a suitcase. Aim to bring no more than three pairs. Wear a pair of white runners when travelling. These will be comfy enough to wear on a day you decide to go hiking or sightseeing but the neutral colour means they can also be worn with a dress or skirt to pull off a sports lux vibe. A pair of flip flops and a comfy pair of heels should make up the other two pairs. The Bag Fanny packs have made a major comeback in the SS18 collections of designers such as Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo. Whether you
comes to hair, humidity is not anyone’s friend. With the added pressure to document every aspect of your holiday on social media no one wants to ruin their look with a messy ponytail. The solution? The magic bun maker. This hair styling tool twists and secures your hair into a
perfect French twist bun in seconds and can be used in either wet or dry hair, making it ideal by the pool or for an evening on the town. The Clothes Skirts and dresses usually account for a large portion of our holiday wardrobe, but a pair of lightweight cropped trousers are also a must. Hours walking around in the heat can lead to friction burn worse than the sunburn and trousers will provide some much needed relief. When packing tops, choose ones with thin straps, preferably in a similar style to your swimsuit so that you avoid unnecessary tan lines. While there is so much to consider when packing for holidays remember to have fun with your wardrobe and experiment with colours. For most of us it is the only time of year these clothes will see the light of day.
Travel
Michelle Townsend gives us a simple guide to discover Blackpool and everything it has to offeran unexpected location but perfect for a city break
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he idea of a weekend away with family, friends or your partner is something that is much desired by many of us. The hustle and bustle of a city break can distract us from the hustle and bustle of our own busy lives. However, excursions to hugely popular cities mean that lesser known, but just as lively, areas can be forgotten about. If you’re looking for a weekend away outside the realms of the usual favourite go-to’s, the seaside town of Blackpool in the north of England could be exactly what you’re looking for. Getting There Being a small town , there are no direct flights from Ireland to Blackpool, but it is easily accessible by Liverpool or Manchester meaning a flight from Dublin to either airport is no more than 30 minutes. On the commute to Blackpool, there’s a chance to explore the city flown into. Thankfully, Blackpool is well serviced by public transport. You will be able to arrive in the town by train and once there, you can navigate yourself around by buses or a tram which runs along the coastline. A three-day ticket is usable for both buses and trams and costs £11.50, which is a small price to pay for commuting around the town. Where To Stay Blackpool is full of bed and breakfasts and there is always one no more than a five minute walk away from any point in the city. While B’n’B’s can be cute and cosy for some, it’s understandable that they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Blackpool
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also has a Travelodge as well as Blackpool FC Hotel, which is part of their football team’s stadium. Both hotels are comfortable and affordable which is key if you wish to make your stay there more lavish. Where To Eat British food culture can be summed up in three words: fish and chips. Don’t forget pies. Or mash. These British beach favourites can be found on every corner, including more candyfloss and ice-cream than you can shake a stick of rock at. Aside from the beach time classics, Blackpool is home to exquisite restaurants. Italian cuisine isn’t hard to come by considering there are two branches of Bella Italia and a Prezzo in the heart of the town. The Wild West Diner is a barbecue lover’s paradise and offers a relaxed atmosphere and Rowley’s restaurant in FC Hotel is renowned for its gourmet meals. Blackpool contains favourites from home too such as Nando’s, Pizza Hut and KFC. Regardless of what you’re in the mood to eat, Blackpool has you covered. What To Do It’s a fact that you will never be bored spending time in Blackpool. There are endless tourist attractions which cater for everyone’s interests. From visiting Houndshill Shopping Centre, to seeing a show in Winter Gardens or simply taking a walk along the piers and amusements, there isn’t a shortage of things to do. The three most arguably popular things for tourists to do in Blackpool however, is to visit Pleasure Beach,
Madame Tussauds and Blackpool Tower. Pleasure Beach is Blackpool’s theme park which is situated beside
Blackpool may not be the most obvious choice for a weekend away, but without fail it will keep you occupied. Whether you’re with your friends, family or partner there is nothing stopping you from having an excellent time. the sea. With endless rides and attractions for all ages paired with discount entry rates for groups and families, it is a guaranteed great day out. Madame Tussauds attracts hundreds of tourists and locals everyday. The wax museum is home to scarily lifelike figures of celebrities including the likes of Ant and Dec, Ed Sheeran, Simon Cowell, David Bowie and even Marvel superheroes. It’s the perfect
place to take as many selfies as you desire with favourite stars. The iconic Blackpool Tower is what the town’s most famous for- yet it is so much more than a landmark. The Tower Dungeons are located here, as is Blackpool Circus. Visitors can also be escorted to the top of the tower (over 500 ft) and overlook the whole town. What Blackpool Tower is best loved for is the most iconic ballroom dance floor in Britain. For just £5, visitors can sit in the ballroom and watch people dance all day accompanied by professional organ players and for only £8, visitors can dance on it themselves. Be warned though- a lot of the public who dance in the ballroom are either retired professionals or soon-to-be champions, so if you’re not familiar with Ballroom and Latin dances, it might be best to watch it from the seats. Overall, Blackpool may not be the most obvious choice for a weekend away, but without fail it will keep you occupied. Whether you’re with your friends, family or partner there is nothing stopping you from having an excellent time. It may not be as popular as other holiday destinations, but if you’re looking for something different next time you go away, this seaside town is a real catch.
Festival Style Guide ith festival season coming up in only a few months, it’s that time to shop until you drop and stock up on all those summer staples and festival must-haves, yet again. With festivals such as Electric Picnic and Longitude releasing line ups hotter than the Irish summer weather this year, it’s only fair you find an outfit just as hot. Luckily, between the shops of Dublin and online shopping you can do just that and find some amazing hidden gems and high-street fabulousness that is sure to have you festival ready in no time. The Bum-bag The first must have this season that is sure to jazz up your festival wardrobe whilst still being super practical, is the fanny pack. With everyone from Kendall Jenner to A.S.A.P Rocky rocking this trend this year, this retro wardrobe essential is back with a swing and shows no sign of disappearing from the scene anytime soon. You can cop incredibly cute leather designer bum-bag dupes online at Forever 21 for only nine euro, or in your nearest Penney’s store for the same price. They also have some amazing out-there ones in Topshop, if you’re willing to shell out a little more cash. It’s not only super practical when dancing at festivals but cute and cheap too, what’s not to love.
Mesh If you’re looking to really stand out this festival season without breaking the bank, mesh is for sure the way to go. An amazing shop to get all your wild and bright festival clothes at a relatively low price is fresh in temple bar, it stocks thrasher t-shirts ,mesh crop tops and even feathered bras, meaning anything you want for your festival wardrobe, they have. Their mesh crop tops come in a bunch of different colours and are 20euro each, while their matching mesh shorts are only €12.
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is worth spending a little extra. And if you’re looking to channel your inner Rihanna, you can get a diamante bra so bright it will make sure all eyes are on you, online at Missguided for €21. Swimwear A cute swimsuit is multi-purpose for the summer season, swimwear is not just for swimming anymore. Penney’s currently has some bright and colourful one piece swimsuits for €14 and bikinis for as low as five, paired with shorts this makes a super casual and cute festival vibe. For the guys you can also go with this look and get some bright swim shorts in Penney’s for as low as €7. Places like JD or Lifestyle can get some fabulous bright branded ones for €20. The Rain Coat This one is pretty self-explanatory, as much as we would all like to believe the weather will be all sunshine and heat throughout festival season, anyone who lives in Ireland knows otherwise. A good rain coat is necessary when the weather is
With festivals such as Electric Picnic and Longitude releasing line ups hotter than the Irish summer weather this year, it’s only fair you find an outfit just as hot.
Wild Bralettes This festival season is all about a fresh take on a classic festival trend, the bralette. Throw away that boring lace bralette and switch it up for a more funky take. From diamante bras, to feather bras, there are too many options to keep it simple. The typical feather bra goes for roughly €40 in shops like fresh or online stores such as Etsy, the stunning and eye-catching look
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Festival season is only around the corner the only time we can cover ourselves in glitter even if we don’t have the weather, Clara Kelly tells us what to wear to insure we are sorted for this season
Fashion
that unpredictable, but who says a practical item can’t be a stylish one too. If you’re looking to find a way to keep showing off your outfit while still keeping dry, go with a transparent see through rain coat. They have some for roughly €30 in New Look or for €8 online at AliExpress if you’re willing to wait a while for the coat to be delivered. Or alternatively, you can embrace the raincoat look and grab a bright and colourful one in Penney’s or New Look for €20 to €30. Hawaiian or floral shirts This festival trend is one for the fellas, although an oversized Hawaiian shirt is a look many girls could and should rock to add a little flare to their festival outfit. A Hawaiian or floral shirt is a great way too add a little something to a boring festival outfit and a good way to add a little personality to an otherwise basic outfit. You can find some in most shops such as river island, Penney’s or Topman, ranging in prices depending on where you look. However, you can also find some for under €10 in many vintage or second hand shops, like Siopaella in Temple Bar. So this festival season, whether you’re looking to keep it low key and casual or catch everyone’s attention, there’s plenty of practical and fashionable options right at your fingertips, so go forth and slay!
EXPOSURE
Damn fine Street Art: Graffiti artwork on the walls of Amsterdam. Image Credit: Cait Caden
Talent scouting: Devin Toner on the sidelines of a recent Leinster match. Image Credit: Ellen Fitzpatrick
Belgian Lanterns: Indoor Street in Brussels, decorated with skyhigh lanterns. Image Credit: Alison Clair
Raining Champons: The College View Captain, Alex Dunne, handing over the Bill O’Herlihy Cup in deat to DCUfm Captain, Ian Brennan. Image Credit: Cait Caden
Showtime: DCU Drama’s sell out show Trainspotting. Image Credit: Emily Sheahan
Image Credit:
Page 1: IMDB; Page 2: XO-Republic Records; Page 3: George Voronov, Megan Hannan; Page 4: Deirdre Kelly; Page 5: IMDB; Page 6: Netflix, Pinterest; Page 7: Emile Nolde, Hanah Dowd; Page 8: Af.mil, Pixabay; Page 9: Flickr, BeautyFeatures.ie; Page 10:; Page 11:; Page 12: Failte Ireland, Page 13: PxHere, Alison Clair; Page 14: Flickr; Page 15: Pixabay, Pinterest.