Happy Birthday David Bowie

First published on Studenty.me on 8 Jan 2012.

It's a God-awful small affair to the man with the mousy hair. Or is it? The 65th birthday of David Bowie seems to be all over the news these past few days, as the rockstar officially becomes a pensioner.

Glam rock would never be the same without this London-born icon who has sold over 140 million albums worldwirde, since he smashed his way into the 60s charts and thrilled the world with his countless hits.

This icon has gone through a number of ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, his most famous years being the Ziggy Stardust years in the 70s, in which he experimented with costume, wigs, and make-up, shocking his audiences with his style. He certainly was an unusual star in his youth, but an unforgettable one none-the-less.

image: google

There's a starman waiting for the bus, and he'll be able to ride it for free with his new bus pass. The megastar will now be entitled to a number of benefits in the UK, including a state pension worth a whopping €100. That will certainly add some spare change to his €120m fortune.

Bowie is surprised to still be around, however, as he said back in 2004: "I had this poetic, romantic, kind of juvenile idea that I would be dead by 30.

"But you get past it and suddenly you're 30, and you're 40 and you're 50 and 57 and all that - and it's a new land."

And now he's 65 and still going. His birthday is to be celebrated by thousands. Irish fans will party it up Bowie-style, with wigs, fancy dress, and make-up to do Ziggy Stardust proud on 14 January at a birthdya bash in Dublin's Grand Social venue, where a tribute act, Rebel Rebel will perform some of his hits.

This hero shares his birthday with various other celebrities. On 8 January in various years, other legends were born, including Elvis Presley, Shirley Bassey, Stephen Hawking, and Butterfly McQueen. 8 January certainly is a day for legends.

8 Jan 2012

by Jessica Thompson

Grandmaster Flash Set for Galway

First published on Studenty.me on 7 Jan 2012.




Hip-hop legend, Grandmaster Flash is set to play a gig in the Roisin Dubh on Saturday 28 January, which just so happens to be the birthday of yours truly!

DJ Grandmaster Flash and his group, the Furious Five, have been areound since the 70s, and are recognised in the music business as hip-hop's greatest innovators.

image: google images

Grandmaster Flash is probably one of the best-known and most iconic names in hip-hop. Along with the Furious Five, he helped develop the genre. In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five became the first hip-hop act to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five are hip-hop personified, and contribute to the definition of what the genre is. Without Grandmaster Flash, there would be no hip-hop.

The group's most significant hit was The Message in 1982, featuring the well-known story of inner city violence and poverty. Grandmaster Flash, though credited on the records doesn't appear on The Message, Freedom or many other songs by the Furious Five. He provided the central element of the Furious Five's sound, and gave the group its name, but there wasn't much room for turntablism in the early singles.

Grandmaster Flash now owns his own clothing line, "G.Phyre", has released a memoir The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats, hosts weekly shows on Surius Satelite Radio, and even appears in the very populat videa game "DJ Hero".

A DJ Hero, he certainly is. Hip-hop is one an extremely popular music genre today, so next time we're busting our moves to the latest beats, let's remember that hip-hop would not exist without Grandmaster Flash.

To see Grandmaster Flash in the Grandmaster Flesh, come on down to the Roisin Dubh on Saturday 28 January. Doors open 9pm, tickets cost €18/€16.

7 Jan 2012

by Jessica Thompson

Dead Whale to be Left on Beach

First published on Studenty.me on 7 Jan 2012.

THE CORPSE of a large sperm whale is likely to be left on the beach of Omrey Island for another week, according to Galway County Council.

Sperm whales are among the largest mammals in the world, and the 43 foot long sperm whale in question is thought to have died at sea.

The whale, which has been on the beach at Omey Island near Claddaghduff in Connemara since last week has caused no concern to the environmental officials, who have not yet come to a decision on the disposal of the body.

Senior Executive Engineer Tony McInerney confirmed that no plans had been finalised for the removal of the body.

"To be honest, it's not causing an obstruction or anything so it's not at the top of our priority list," said Mr. McInerney, speaking to the Galway Independent this week. "There are a few options open to us for disposing of the remains, so we are looking at those and hope to make a decision later in the week."

The most likely options for the removal of the body of this 43 foot long sperm whale are a burial close to where he was beached so that it can decompose naturally. The other option is that he will be removed in three sections to High Island, further west.

The burial would mean heavy machinery will need to be used on Omey Island, and this could cost approximately €3,000 to €4,000. However, the removal of the corpse to High Island would cost significantly less, coming in at under €2,000. Alternatively, the bones of the sperm whale can be worth about €500 and harvesting the bones could mean lowering the cost of removing the body to High Island.

Naturally, a mammal as huge as this has attracted thousands of onlookers to Omey since it was beached last week, and hundreds more are expected before the body is removed.

The whale has also received some unwelcome visitors since it was beached last week. It has emerged that the whale's teeth have been removed at night while the beach was secluded.

7 Jan 2012

by Jessica Thompson

How to Shift that Christmas Fat

First published on Studenty.me on 27 Dec 2011.

So, Christmas is over now, and once you’ve scoffed that last mince pie, finished off the pudding, devoured the Christmas cake, polished off that remaining box of chocolates, and filled yourself to bursting point with various alcoholic beverages, its time to make the usual New Year’s Resolution - to be Healthy.

Yes, I know you made the same decision to be healthy this time last year. You took to the water. You exercised. You did anything you could to shift that Christmas podge! Its hard, but there are ways to improve your health.

image: fugly.com

The old proverb tells us: “Your health is your wealth”, but can this proverb be taken literally? After all, healthy food can cost quite a bit more than the unhealthy alternative - especially for us students? Its cheaper to bulk buy the Tesco instant noodles, and that delicious pasta to which you just add water.

But can we really put a price on our health? I spoke to nutritional therapist, acupuncturist, and bio-resonance practitioner, Laura Thompson, from Healthy Options, Longford, on the subject, and she gave me quite a bit of useful information, which I shall pass on to you presently!

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. “The body is like a network of tiny engines,” Laura tells me, “with some working in unison and some independently. All are on call for 24 hours a day. If these engines are to function correctly, they must have the right fuel. The wrong fuel will cause the engine to sputter and lose power. No fuel at all and the engine will stop. Likewise, if we want to be healthy with an abundance of energy, we must be selective of the type of fuel we feed our bodies.”

Every year, obesity becomes worse and worse. Ill health and weight problems are linked to the amount of junk and toxic-laden foods we consume. To stay healthy, we need to discipline ourselves to eat a varied diet - pizza, beans on toast, fry-ups, none of these foods, no matter how quick, cheap and easy, will do our bodies any favours. Self respect is vital. If you respect your body, you will want to nourish it.

So what about vitamin supplements? When I asked Laura what the best supplements to take would be, she recommended a good multi B complex. “Your B vitamins are very important for your energy levels, but they’re also very important for your mental energy as well, and obviously being a student, you’re going to need to be able to concentrate. They’re also very important for the conversion of fat into energy, so they play a role also in your metabolism, and they also help you to absorb iron. The problem with B vitamins is they tend to be water soluble, so the body doesn‘t store it, so you need to get it into your system on a regular basis.” So, if you want to take a supplement, and only one supplement, go for a multi B complex.

Winter is here in full force, and the immune systems of many have been attacked by the stress of exams, cold weather, and poor health. I asked Laura her advice on getting our immune systems boosted and ready to fight off further colds and flus that are sure to be waiting on the sidelines. “Your vitamin C is probably the most popular vitamin,” says Laura. “you can actually buy a mega B complex which also has 1000mg of vitamin C as well.” So, this has not only the B vitamins our bodies crave, but vitamin C too, which will help us fight off bugs in the winter months, and this is also quite affordable for students.

image: datenokuni.com

“Obviously your diet is very important, and its important to eat hot foods,” Laura continues, “try to have lots of soups and casseroles and stews. I know students generally don’t like cooking, but you could always make a really big pot of soup, or casserole, and have it over a period of a few days.”

Exams may be over for many colleges but there are some, unfortunately, who are studying throughout the Christmas, their holidays ruined by the piles of notes that restricts their activity. I asked Laura for her advice on combating stress, and her advice is not only useful for those who are still awaiting the dreaded exams, but also for those of us who would like a boost in concentration. Again, the magical B vitamin is advised, as it helps your mental health, but if you want a little extra coming up to exam time, try some fish oils, such as omega 3. “We’ve all heard of the salmon of knowledge,” Laura tells me, “and there’s a lot of truth to the story. Fish oils are very important for your memory and concentration, and they also help your recall. People have a lot of knowledge in their heads, but trying to recall it when you’re under pressure can often be difficult. So taking your fish oils is very important. Omega 3 is also a feel good fish oil. They make you feel happier in yourself, and help prevent depression. That would be my favourite one for students.”

There are some vitamin supplements designed specifically for exams, and one of these is called Balance for Nerves. But what is it? “Balance for Nerves,” Laura informs me, “is made up of amino acids and B vitamins, and its really to help your concentration levels when you’re stressed. You can have great concentration and great recall, but add a bit of stress to that and it becomes difficult to get that information from your head and onto the paper.” And some extremely important advice when taking these: “Don’t wait until the day before your exam to take it. Now is the time to really start looking for these things and get a build up of them in your system.”

So, what I gathered from this interview is basically the following: take vitamin B!! It converts fat to energy, it helps concentration, it gives you energy for exercise, it helps your metabolism, and in turn your weight, it prevents depression, there’s one kind that has vitamin C which helps the immune system, its affordable, it combats stress, and the best part? Its not even a drug so its perfectly safe to take!

So let’s get cracking on the diets, guys, God knows we’ll need our health to get us through the coming semester!

Laura’s top tips for a healthier lifestyle:

image: healthyfoodsite.com

• Eat a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. This is essential for a healthy body. Try to add fruit to your daily diet - even if its just a glass of fruit juice or a topping for your cereal.
• Try to cut out all highly processed foods, which contain a high amount of hidden salt and sugar.
• Look for foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, seeds and some grains. These are vital for healthy brain function, good metabolism and great skin.
• When looking for a good source of energy, turn to the wholegrain variety of carbohydrates, instead of energy drinks, chocolate or sugar.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Try to have a wholegrain cereal such as oats or wheat. Avoid the over-processed sugary cereal such as the frosted or chocolate varieties.
• Stay away from the frying pan and stick to grilling and steaming. This will help prevent obesity or disease.
• Cut down on salt as it causes fluid retention and high blood pressure.
• Protein is vital for proper muscle and growth development, and should be consumed daily. Good quality sources of protein are met, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds.
• Another vital element to a healthy body is exercise. Try to be as active as you can and exercise daily. Try walking or cycling to college if you live nearby, rather than driving. Join a sports club, or go for a 30 minute walk in the evenings. Not only will exercise keep you in shape, it will also increase well-being, elevate moods and reduce anxiety and depression.

27 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Christmas in the East End

First published on Studenty.me on 27 Dec 2011

With higher ratings than Downton Abbey's Christmas Special, Eastenders has succeeded in being the most watched show on Christmas day. Clearly, people enjoy the mayhem and misery of Walford, as 9.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the episode.

The marriage of Zainab and Yusef proved to be more interesting then the long- and anxiously-awaited engagement of Lady Mary and Matthew. This marriage was a long time coming, but we all knew something was wrong the day Yusef knocked Zainab to the floor when she was having second thoughts about marrying him. Later, she had second thoughts about moving to Pakistan and taking everything from Masood.

And it turns out she feels more than pity towards her ex-husband. On Saturday, the two were caught kissing at the front door of Zainab's house, by Masood's girlfriend, Jane. Eastenders wouldn't be right without a bit of drama, however, and Jane provides this by getting drunk and spilling the beans to Yusef.

Yusef's anger at this information has the audience on the edge of their seats, expecting him to run inside and beat Zainab, leaving her body more bruised and battered than before, while she weeps in fear.

image: google

There is a very interesting turn of events, however, when Zainab hears that Masood has rescued Kamil. Knowing her baby is safe gives Zainab a new lease of life and she hits Yusef before he can hit her, and continues to do so until he is curled up against his car, crying like a baby.

The story is far from concluded however, as despite everything, Zainab still accepts tea from Yusef when they get back inside - Yusef who has been drugging her since long before they were married. Yusef who kidnapped her baby and brought him far away so she couldn't find him. Yusef who beat her and humiliated her, scared her and manipulated her.

Passed out from drugs, it looks like Zainab is going to be dragged to Pakistan - concsious or not. Afia, however, has reluctantly told Tamwar the whole story, so the rest of the family - Syed and Amira included - burst through the door to catch Yusef. Afia, with conflicting loyalties, lets her father out the back door rather than see him arrested.

This brings us to Monday's episode. After a long conversation with Masood in Kim's B&B, Yusef knocks Masood out, and sets fire to the room. I find the fact that Masood had such a long conversation with the man who should have been arrested hours earlier quite bizarre to say the least, but anything goes in Eastenders! Soon, however, disaster strikes - the type of disaster that can only be expected in a soap such as Eastenders - a fire!

After knocking Masood out, Yusef sets the room alight, resulting in a major panic. When the fire is put out, however, one cannot help but laugh at the reaction. There are people still in the house - Masood, Denise, Phil - yet everyone heads over to the Queen Vic, including Zainab, who was screaming with panic only minutes before, and can't even wait for the love of her life to get out of the house.

There's some divilment going on throughout the night, however, as Patrick and Anthony are dealing with fireworks, conveniently left in the house, and ready to explode at any moment. As it is Eastenders, that's exactly what happens, trapping Masood, Denise and Phil inside. Well, they should have gotten out, and waited for the firemen to declare the house safe to go into!

pic: google images

Funnily enough, after Yusef gloats to Zainab, and she so cruelly tells him Afia is in there, both he and Tamwar are able to get inside the house, even though nobody is able to get out. There is a touching moment where Masood does his best to rescue Yusef from the fire, despite him screaming like a madman and puting his own life in danger for his daughter.

Here's where the drama gets even thicker. Masood, Phil and Denise get out safely, though Phil takes a heart attack once he saves himself and Denise from the flames. Tamwar, eventually gets out, though not so safely as it seems he is very badly burnt. Yusef, after hearing Afia screaming to him from outside, realises that she is safe. The floor colapses beneath him, and it looks as though he's done for.

So the time draws near. We'll soon find out whether he lives or dies. Will he die and free Zainab from their marriage so she can be reunited witht he man she truly loves? Will he live and torture her again, ruining her life and manipulating her? Perhaps his body won't be found. Maybe he'll have freed himself and disappeared for a while, only to return in a month's time and cause more trouble. This would certainly provide some interesting drama in Walford.

Then there's the fact that whatever happens to him, and Tamwar, is on Zainab's conscience. She's the one who lied and said Afia was in the fire. If Tamwar dies, how will she live with herself? How will her family forgive her? How will Afia react? And if Yusef does come back, will his daughter's loyalties lie with him, or her husband's family, whether Tam is alive or not? I personally can't wait to see what happens.

27 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

It'll Be Lonely This Christmas Without Galway

First published in Studenty Galway on 21 Dec 2011


President Michael D. Higgins has admitted that he feels a bit homesick in the Aras, saying that he found it "a bit tough" to leave his native county, Galway.

After the election, Higgins had to leave his home quite quickly and move into Aras an Uachtaran, as there was a very short period between election result and inaugration.

"I left Galway quite suddenly," Michael D. told Vincent Browne this morning, "because the election had been pushed out a week because of the referendums and that meant you had a shorter period between the result of the election and the inauguration than you’d normally have. So I just really hadn’t a chance to pack very quickly."

Image: Journal.ie

His wife Sabina, however, has settled into her new life in her new home quite quickly, saying she was eased into it by the staff: "We were eased into it by all the staff. The house has a life of its own, an activity and a rhythm all of its own, and it’s all geared towards the Presidency….Michael was missing Galway a lot because I had a bit more time. I didn’t realise it at first that there was a part of the house that was our house, private, you know. And that would be our home and Michael must think of coming home to there."

Michael D. Higgins has returned home since, to attend two matches. He found these occasions to be very valuable to him: "I was down in Galway since for a Galway United match, about which we won’t say much...and for the Connacht Toulouse Heineken cup match, and they were very valuable."

So Christmas at the Aras, with its large rooms, and impressive demeanor, may be slightly sad for our new President. He may be on the other side of the country, but that can feel like the other side of the world if its not home.

Lets hope he settles in soon, and enjoys his Christmas. But then again, who wouldn't miss Galway?

21 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Pickpockets Travel From Dublin to Target Galway Shoppers

First published on Studenty Galway on 20 Dec 2011.

TWO PICKPOCKETS were jailed for seven months yesterday, following a number of thefts on Galway Shoppers.

Stanka Deneva (21) and Mariyana Petrova (33), from Bulgaria, claimed to be staying in a hostel in Dublin city.

The two were caught on CCTV stealing women’s purses in discount stores in Galway city.

The first incident was on December 13 in the €2 shop, Englington Street. One of the women distracted a shopper, while the other stole her purse, which was worth €10 and contained €200.

The two women returned to Dublin that evening, travelling back to Galway the next day, where they reversed roles, and stole another purse worth €50 and containing €240. This incident occurred in the €2 at Mainguard Street.

The two women are professional pickpockets, and are part of a wider pick-pocketing organisation. Both women claim to have children in Bulgaria, and said that they came to Galway to find work.

Judge Mary Fahy sentenced the two women to a total of seven months in prison.

Shoppers should be aware of their belongings at all times. Do not keep purses in pockets or bags that you can’t see, and be cautious in large crowds of people.

There are a number of professional pickpockets on the prowl, especially at this time of year, when people are doing their Christmas shopping. They mainly target busy shops, and prey on unsuspecting people.

Similar incidents occurred in the first week of October, on the University Road. The targets were NUIG students, and predominantly female. A large number of purses were stolen, and on one day alone, the number of stolen purses came up to 14.

Earlier in the month, Gardai advised Galway shoppers to be extra vigilant with their belongings, and alerted the public that opportunistic thieves are on the move.

The public would do well to heed this warning while doing their last-minute Christmas shopping.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Image: Google Images

Baby Jesus Found in People's Park

First published on Studenty Waterford on 20 Dec 2011

THE STATUE of the Baby Jesus which was stolen from an outdoor crib in Waterford City was recovered earlier today.

The statue was stolen in the early hours of yesterday morning from the crib outside the Cathedral on Barronstrand Street.

A similar statue to the one in question.
Image: Journal.ie

Local clergy appealed for its return earlier this afternoon, and a big search was carried out in the city.

The statue was found at the People’s Park, about 1km away from the crib from which is was stolen. It is said to have been badly damaged.

The Baby Jesus, which was found by a passer-by, was handed in to the police and was broken in a number of places.

Local priest, Fr. Gerry Langford  said that somebody may have stolen the statue in “a moment of madness”, and earlier appealed for its safe return, promising that “no questions would be asked”.

The open-air crib had been built by local FAS workers, and was opened two weeks ago. This was the city’s first time to display an outdoor crib.

Gardaí were earlier checking CCTV footage in an attempt to find out who had stolen the statue.

Attempts will be made tomorrow to but the statue back together and return it to it’s crib.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Baby Jesus Missing in Waterford

First Published on Studenty Waterford on 20 Dec 2011

Gardaí have launched an investigation into the theft of a life-sized statue of the Baby Jesus from a public crib in Waterford City.

The Baby Jesus was stolen from his crib between Sunday night, and early Monday morning, in what the local priest calls a “moment of madness”.

Fr. Gerry Langford is appealing to the thief for the safe return of the statue, which was blessed on December 8 before being placed in it’s crib, following a ceremony.

Image: RTE

The crib, along with the figures in it, were made by local FAS workers.

It was decided that the Baby Jesus be put in the crib before 25 December, as there was such a great reception from the public.

This is the first time the city has ever had an outdoor crib. It was officially opened on 8 December, and was left unprotected.

It is possible that the theft was merely a prank, and that the statue was taken in good fun, and the church have a “plan B” if the statue is not found.

However, the Cathedral would like to have the original statue back by Christmas Eve.

Gardaí are examining CCTV footage from the area, in the hope of finding out who is behind the theft.

20 Dec 2011

by Jessica Thompson

Album Review: It’s Time by Oddsocks Revival

First published in Sin Newspaper on 14 Nov 2011

“Album reviewer urgently required! Due this evening,” said our editor. Soon enough, I found myself leaving her office with the album in my hand. And man, was I blown away when I plugged in my headphones and had a listen!

The album in question is none other than It’s Time by a band called Oddsocks Revival, based in Sligo. The band has been going since 2003, and combines a variety of music genres, making a deliciously original blend of humbucking blues, dirty funk grooves, and classic rock. The line up is Anthony Mannion (lead guitar/vocals), Luke Mercer (lead guitar/vocals), Michael Conefrey (bass/vocals) and Eoghan O’Kelly (drums/vocals). Oddsocks Revival have a unique sound that sets them apart from the rest of the music world – and in the best way possible. With twin lead guitars that emit the most amazing and complex riffs, powerful four part harmonies, funky bass lines, damn good drum beats and, of course, a truly amazing lead singer, this band is bound to keep you entertained.

Image: Google Images

It’s Time blew me away with its catchy melodies, funky bass lines, and epic choruses. What is really impressive about this album, and the band in general, are the huge four part harmonies that remind me of classic rock bands of the 70’s and 80’s – decades which were nothing short of spectacular in terms of rock. That spectacular element has been brought into the current decade with Oddsocks Revival. The song, ‘East of Jackson’ has an intro to rival the likes of Status Quo, vocal harmonies that recall Kansas in ‘Carry On My Wayward Son.’ This isn’t the only song on the album that made me thing of some of the world’s most loved rock bands and performers! ‘Stiletto Heels’ is quite redolent of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, with its cool, laid-back, blues rhythm and the excellent rock voice of the lead singer. Though there is a feel for numerous amazing bands of the past, and a blend of fantastic music styles, this album shows Oddsocks Revival’s unique style and originality. Oddsocks Revival are definitely a band worth listening to, and will be playing here in NUIG on 29 November in the College Bar, all thanks to the lovely people at Rock Soc. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are only €5 and are available from the Socsbox, or at the door on the night.

If this review hasn’t convinced you, check out their official website:
http://www.oddsocksrevival.com/

14 Nov 2011

by Jessica Thompson