Richelieu Reviews

The ghost of Victoria's secret topmodel Karen Mulder

2009-07-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Karen who was dubbed 'The Blonde with Class' by Vogue Magazine is now coming back to haunt Paris like a freaky nightmare from the dark by world of the over extravagant batman years of the 1990's. Poor France having to sweep up the model mess left after all those years of ruling the fashion world. The beautiful models entering its airports and train stations to march on towards the fashionable 8th arrondissmeent. Thin faces and little necks straining and aching to look at the stern and steely faces of the privileged pack of Gods beauties stride down the catwalks.
The fun begins to dwindle as the hangover seeps in after all those years of forgotten personal insecurity, hazy drug dependence and unloved relations. As age creeps in and people forget your name the old dumped fears come crashing back. Depression worsens, exaggeration has no boundaries and hurt is an everyday word.
The obsession of beauty and control of it, constantly play with the emotions and natural insecurities of woman. Like a disregarded bowler hat thrown aside models reach maturity and can face the most oddest of consequences. In Miss Mulder's case - anorexia,drug abuse, rape and assault allegations, a psychiatric hospital, plastic surgery, suicide attempts and prison. Pretty distressing and a sad reflection of a woman who's face has graced hundreds of magazine covers and whom women all over the world idolise.
Offstage she was made up and pampered, On stage she walked with a power into the camera flash, to be gazed and adorned and consumed upon by a hungry public. Like the haze of cigarette smoke as it disappears quickly and to her final breaths and gasps, she clings to the fame she once knew amid her many claims of dislike. Viva la altered beauté -blemishes brought on by age and the art of plastic surgery and it's reversals.

Michael Dwyer

2009-04-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to figure out how Michael Dwyer got involved in an alleged plot to assassinate the Bolivian President Evo Morales? I doubt his family will ever find out the truth.Was he set up or was he an aware and willing participant? It would send shivers down my spine if I was approached to participate in a killing of a president.It would just seem impossible to get away with. I'm not scared of guns or of death but of getting caught. With today's technology and intelligence systems someone somewhere will know something.
I wonder how Michael met Eduardo Rozsa Flores? On a train, in a nightclub or through work?
What motivation would Michael have to be so closely connected with Flores?
Michael's photos show that he did immerse himself into the Bolivian way of life and love and Flores clear desire was to defend the land of his birth. But how does this equal to a proposed plan and acceptance towards assassination? Did Flores an established correspondent use his words to inspire Michael towards recognising the insecurity of a people under threat from a socialist government?
If you were presented with the opportunity to be involved in something direct, immediate and to help humanity even at the cost of your own life how many people out there would take the risk?
Waiting in Cairo International airport in 2002 on my way back from Israel I met a young man called Ken O' Keefe who was organising a Human Shield Action to Iraq.
At the time I was Michael's age, 24 and living in London. It was from here in two weeks time that three buses were leaving to travel across Europe to pick up close to 500 volunteers to help protect the Iraqi people against attack from the Americans. I found Ken interesting, passionate and focused towards his dream of saving humanity.I agreed with his theories, felt compassion for his cause and understood the need to help others less fortunate than ourselves. I felt a mixture of adventure, danger and importance. I had travelled throughout the Middle East and am fascinated with its history, culture and music.
I kept the card and over the next few weeks thought about it. But never did anything. I was selfish and felt that I wanted to look after myself before others, but i was intrigued by the project as it would have been a unique experience, but maybe just a little too out there even for someone like me. I also thought would these people really want me getting involved in their lives?
Michael did get involved. I don't think to achieve a personal goal or be part of something big.I'm guessing he was too young to understand the seriousness of the situation. He wanted to help a cause because he was selfless and believed in helping others and admired Flores dedication and stories. How he ended up in his bad company is baffling but all it takes is just one conversation.

Good Friday, should it be a day of the past?

2009-04-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Good Friday needs to be reviewed under today's circumstances.
We are in a midst of a recession. The government are actively trying to encourage everyone to spend money.
So, can we give Good Friday a break?,even for a few years until we can get ourselves sorted financially.
Even for the sake of religion, can we change it to a Good Monday?
Having a Friday when every bar and niteclub in the land is closed is annoying.
Everyone looks forward to a Friday night out, it's the end of the week, you just want to let your hair down and party.
Potentially we could of spent hundreds of euros tonight
but sadly not, we drove around the city looking for some sign of life
along with numerous other taxi drivers driving aimlessly like butterflies towards the city lights.
We all headed home.
A Good Monday instead would make a lot of sense. Mondays are days of rest after the weekend,you have time to think and ponder about life and religion.
It's a good evening to spend time with your family.
A Good Monday after an Easter Sunday makes you even feel good,
like a new week to look forward too.
Work on Tuesday would record no sick days
and summer feels positively closer.
It would be a step in the right direction.

Former First Family find fun ways to finance their future

2009-04-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

Dubya moves to Dallas
and begins his new career as a celebrity speaker.
The ex-President with the worse approval ratings on record
is only charging $150,000 per speech which is great value for a night of comedy.
It's a lot less than Tony Blair's £240,000 which wouldn't be half as fun.
Bill Clinton made over £11 million from 91 speaking events, eat your heart out Bertie!
Sadly for Dubya there are no publishers banging his door down yet for a glimpse of his memoirs.To help fill the family coffers, Laura Bush has stepped in to secure a multi-million dollar book deal to write about being a mother . This is guaranteed to be a hit as mother/daughter books are always best sellers.

Weekend drugs struggle to remain high

2009-04-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

The cocaine trade is seriously showing downcast results.
Prices are plummeting as dealers outside
The White horse stare in dismay.
A line of coke is cheaper than a pint of beer
yet takers are low on the ground
as the weekend becomes one night.
The Katie French affair dampened coke sales too,
with purity levels continuously declining.
The heroin market is still afloat
and guaranteed to be pretty stable
due to it's high addiction rates.
Alcohol is cheaper to buy up north,
and cigarettes are too damn expensive to contemplate.

2004 Carole Coleman and George Bush Interview for RTE

2009-04-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Carole Coleman's probing TV interview of President Bush led to complaints by Bush and his press officers for the disrespectful manner of Coleman who interrupted the President several times. Even though the questions were approved by The Whitehouse press office beforehand, The Whitehouse made a complaint to the Irish Embassy.RTE stood by the conduct of the interview and Carole's journalism.
Carole's account of the interview is documented in her book America Alleluia. In it, she explains how the press office corps informed her that "The President leads the interview". She replied "I don't agree, it's the journalists job to lead the interview".It was also suggested that perhaps Carole could edit the tapes to take out the interruptions-but she made it clear that this would not be possible.Further co-operation with The Whitehouse proved difficult, with a promised Laura Bush interview being suspended.
Carole's questions were honest, well thought out and simple, what the ordinary Irish people wanted answered. I admire her tenacity to pursue with the questions and search for answers to the dismay and fustration of Bush, while maintaining control.
This interview was never aired in the US.

Jeremy Paxman Fan #1

2009-04-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

As a teenager I remember watching Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight.I liked his voice.He has a great presence on camera.He makes me laugh.How he challenges his interviewees and never backs down, just like my brothers, drives you around the bend.He turns political interviews into a spectator sport.His facial expressions convey such incredulity and contempt at every turn. Fine displays of mischievous- and he gets away with it.I miss him. Some of his best interviews include:
George Galloway with whom he asks "Mr Galloway,are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?
Former Home Secretary Michael Howard was asked 12 times "Did you threaten to overrule him?"
Condolezza Rice was asked "Does Donald Rumsfeld make you cry?"
and Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy was asked about his drink problem." Do you drink privately, by yourself a bottle of whiskey late at night?. This line of questioning was condemned at the time but proved prescient when Mr. Kennedy subsequently resigned over the issue.
Pure Paxman

Kenny escapes The Late Late Show

2009-03-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Late Late lost it’s status as a serious Friday night viewing spot when the ZZZ list celebs came crawling through the doors, English trash gives the Irish a rash. Mountains and mountains of newly self created authors found a platform from which to spread the good word- From dealer to healer - the story of an entrepreneur etc. This is a new product I invented…..bla bla bla…..People in Switzerland love it-who is to argue. No wonder Poor Pat looked so bored out of his tree half the time, with endless heads clucking around the Late late Farm one after another to show the Irish viewers their reason for being before getting back into the RTE chauffeur driven car, most probably directing the driver towards Lillies to continue their last pitting of fame before the massive book launch.
The Late Late has become boring, uninteresting and C-grade. When was the last time you heard the question “Did ye see the Late late last night?” Probably when Pat was confronted by a gatecrasher. That was odd viewing. Ha ha. But memorable. And that’s the point, The Late Late has lost it’s memorable aspect. It’s become a public relations showcase probably run by the folk in The Communications Clinic, under Terry Prone’s whip. We can get you the publicity that you crave, we can put your image into thousands of heads, which they did. But you never went to bed after the Late Late thinking, that was fantastic viewing with feelings of euphoria and a sense of learning. Pat Kenny wasn’t arsed to google a Pete Doherty song which shocked viewers and this unbeatable tit bit of news made the papers and it was confirmed in writing that the Late Late still existed on a Friday night.
So, after a ten year stint, Kenny is leaving to present a new current affairs show. Something that could be called a step in the right direction. Kenny was never light entertainment material, but he does a good interview when he wants to, as seen on his radio show.
As Gloom TV becomes the new ratings winner, Kenny will be in his element. Current Affairs is King. The never ending banking and financial crises dominate the headlines. The unlikely Hobbs, Williams and Lee are on a roll. Will ‘Kenny unravels the Economy’ become compulsive viewing?

Working Woman, Student Ways

2009-03-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday evening myself and Dan went up to the Stillorgan shopping centre to buy a squash racquet and some food. Walking around the deserted centre we were shocked. Late night shopping and nobody was around. It was eerie. A modern day ghost town. I remember for years walking the promenade with the bustling shops and the sounds of laughter and loud voices. Sitting on the bench and watching the world go back. Stillorgan Shopping Centre always held fond memories for me. I loved the selection of shops, the outdoor market and the shape of the centre. You know where the shops are and you can never get lost.
As we approached Lifestyle, we found that it was closed down. Imagine that? No sports shop. Even the health food shops had gone. All of Arnotts was closed for revamping. (I hope). It was a pretty desolate site. I don't know how many shops lay empty- seven or eight?? I lost count.
We ventured into Tesco's and bought the same food that we buy every week.
1 bottle of white wine (A different brand every week)
3 pasta dishes
2 jars of Tikka Masala
Potato salad
Chicken breast
Chocolate
Bread
Evian
Yogurt
Jaffa Cakes

Walking back to our car, we walk past Mc Donald’s and the place is brimming with people. We get into the car. “F**k it, let’s go in and buy a Mc Donald’s, but what about our food? We can eat it later." So we both head in. Families, groups of students and suits reading 'The Times' occupy the seats. It was like the old days again- I had forgotten- since the last few years I found I couldn’t walk into a Mc Donalds due to the smell-no way was that fast food smell getting on my designer dresses. I had been dining In It’s a 4, Rolys and Fire-little food for more dough.
I’m back to the old McDonald’s days- the student days. 3 times so far this week and counting.I’m expecting to hear Oasis on the sound system again. That one euro burger is damn good. Cheap burgers and expensive cigarettes. Mayfair 100’s might be a better buy.
On a lighter point, myself and the girls hit Dundrum Shopping centre tonight. It was pretty busy. Most of the shops I could see were still there except Principals. And all the damn colours were in winter hues. We are in Spring. You can see that there is a serious overload of stock needed to be sold. The only bright colours were orange and lemon yellow and you don’t need to be a genius to know that these colours really don’t suit the Irish palate. Coast informed us that the bridal season wear will be in stock mid May- a bit late for a June wedding I thought.
Harvey Nicholls was seriously overstaffed and under shopped. I could hear my own voice echoing as I called the girls. We headed off to Mao for a bite and the place was tight. Lots of parents and kids-it’s the upmarket Mc Donalds-we even left a tip.
All in all, We left Dundrum empty handed along with a lot others.
The only bags I seem to see these days are Penneys.

CV's and Show reels

2009-03-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Seriously is there anyway a 32 year old restaurant manager will ever become a TV presenter? Or am I really fooling myself. Four months ago I did have the confidence, I did the show reel. I looked at myself in the mirror and said "Yes, you can do it", and I walked down O' Connell street with a cameraman and felt in my element.
But now I feel like a scared person without confidence. This is so morally bad and I don't know when this crept up on me. I hate this feeling of despair and rejection, frustration and pity. Everyday is like a long tunnel to walk through dreary and depressing. To look at me, I look full of joy but I am screaming inside. I want to cry always and do cry non stop and try to keep myself busy so things will miraculously turn around, and so I can forget about these feelings. How did it all happen?
I bundle all my CV’s and show reels into the boot of the car. Make my boyfriend shower and come with me. We drive around town to all the production companies. I burn my jeans on a heater in a Ranelagh hairdressers asking for directions and now I have a burned mark right on the back of my jean leg. I am lucky I survived. The place was worse than the David Daven-Power freak show at the recent FF Ard Feis.
Dropping in my CV’s has made me ultra sensitive now, regarding peoples names whom I have addressed my letters to, as I now find that those people have left. Some letters I have addressed to people as Managing Directors (apologies Dennis O’ Brien!). Seriously Marie!
In a matter of 5 minutes back in the car I no longer look so pretty, carefree and joyful. I manage to start a row, cry again and nearly crash the car. I drive to the nearest Tesco’s and buy cigarettes -’So you can forget about the bloody squash racquet we’re saving for - I’m spending all our money on smokes‘. I drive Dan home, row and leave. All I eat all day is one biscuit and 4 cigarettes.
I head off to Mums and give her the weekly Spanish lesson and take the dart to Raheny. After crying so much my contacts are so cloudy and of course I can’t see a bloody thing so I end up winking at everybody to try and clear my eyes. The guy in front of me thinks I’m as odd as anything. I get off and wait for my Uncle Martin to start our canvassing. A car comes by flashing its lights and as I walk towards waving like a lunatic I realise that it’s not him! Martin is in the car behind. Getting over my mistake we head towards our destination- canvassing heaven-houses houses and more houses to drop in our leaflets and tell the world about insulation grants! Unfortunately I never changed my shoes and end up walking in 3 inch heels around estates for 3 hours! My poor blue suede shoes are knackered.
I love canvassing and meeting the people, seeing the gardens and feeling the air.
My dad collects me at the Burlington Hotel and we have a wonderful father-daughter chat for ten minutes on the drive home.
After the morning I put myself through I am thoroughly rejuvenated.
This whole depression crying thing is a nightmare. It does absolutely nothing. Now I am rejoicing and ready to tackle the world like a new woman. Dan is relieved. Not only do I hurt myself and hurt him but it is not good for both of us. I hate moaning but I hate this poxy self pitying more.
Roll on presenting here I come…………

Recession blues for Poster boys

2009-03-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

If recent whisperings are to be believed, It's the big boys of the Celtic boom era that I would be feeling sorry for. Stories of debt collectors, Russian mafia and toilet lock In's and bruising are doing the rounds on the cocktail circuit. Security has been beefed up and divorce papers handed down. Some are facing disputes against former business partners and others proceedings against relatives and others most certainly will be handed the 'Go to jail card'. A few have taken far more brutal acts.
The wealthy and ambitious tigers have been vilified in public, spat at and sneered on.

For the fast majority of us at least we can still go to work happy. We pay our taxes and are spending our money, if not on 09 cars then by recent reports on botox against the recession wrinkles! Daytime TV is attracting record audiences and our electricity and food bills are down.
Isn't it good to be normal-no chance of losing millions or billions!

Fianna Fail Canvasser uncovered

2009-02-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

Canvassing is not an easy job these days but Martin Mc Gettigan is a man with a mission. A former mayor of Raheny in Co. Dublin and a Peace Commissioner, Martin recently received the nomination from Fianna Fail to go forward as their candidate in the Donaghmede/Raheny/Ward area. Politics is in Martin's blood and his goal is to gain a Fianna Fail seat in this constituency.
Just under two years ago, Martin began canvasing six nights a week. At that stage, Ireland was still in the midst of the Celtic Tiger. As the months went by, it gradually became clear that the economy was changing as well as peoples opinions towards Fianna Fail and our leadership.
It was difficult for us, the canvassing team to go out some nights especially during the recent medical card scandal and strikes.
As a Fianna Fail supporter I was anxious to the reactions that I would receive on the doorstep and how I could justify my support for a party that was losing votes by the day.
Today's Irish Independent/Millward Brown IMS poll shows that support for Fianna Fail has plummeted.Only 1/5 voters feel that Cowen is doing a good job and only 1/10 is satisfied with the government.
My background is staunch Fianna Fail.The family home at Christmas is filled with politics and mistletoe, always something to love or argue about. For me growing up, Fianna Fail was all about Charlie Mc Creevys SSIA scheme which made us all feel like we could do anything, I bought shares and my brother travelled. We both had the means to be in a position to learn, which we now don't regret.The magic spell was short but intoxicating and very quickly without warning it changed so quickly. Life is now different, I can't remember the last time I went clubbing but now I can cook! Both of us hope we will be in our jobs next year.
I find today's poll confusing as the reactions which I have received at the door is not as bitter as suggested. True there is hostility and abuse and favour for Fianna Fail is lower but most people that I have spoken to are honest and understand that we among other countries have a rough ride ahead and an alternative party in power faced with these same problems that are facing Fianna Fail would also be receiving the same criticism.I did get the chance to talk with several people who were on the Civil and Public Service Union strike and they were there to support the situation but were not dissing Fianna Fail.
The Martin Mc Gettigan canvassing routine has at all times kept the show on the road.To be seen and to get talking to as many people as possible.Martin has been planning his campaign for the last two years and his dedication, commitment and personality will surely win him and Fianna Fail a seat. Please give Martin Mc Gettigan your No.1 vote! Martin can't change what is happening in the government or what leadership Cowen is taking. But if he wins a seat, he will be in a better position to help the Donaghmede/Raheny/Ward constituency. The local issues under Dublin County council. All politics is local and this is a local election.
I do wait in anticipation to see what positiveness will come out of this weekends Fianna Fail's Ard Feis and believe that this current government is doing it's best in a very difficult situation and are being very cautious. I am learning about life all the time, and will look back on this post in a few years time and think did I really write that?

A banking low as Gardai raid Anglo Irish

2009-02-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

I have heard of pub raids and drug raids but this morning was the case of the long overdue bank raid. Anglo Irish Bank- Ireland's third largest bank became the centre of the gardai's attention, led by the Officier of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE).
A month after the government took control of the bank, and senior staff walk free and tan themselves in Spain, dozens of workers line the streets in fury.
Blind eye regulation and a lax banking environment has resulted in a mountain of deceit hidden by the trusted bank manager until now and the problem is bigger than anyone could have ever imagined .Insider trading,concealed loans and false accounting among other offences are coming out into the open. Our international partners look on us now with our tattered banking reputation and industrial relations frustration etched on the faces of society, as billions of euros leave the country every week.
Why did Brian Lenihan fool us all into thinking "that he would look after the little people" during his budget speech when it is always us the poor tax payer with our measly pensions that must deal with the difficulties while the white collar workers face no convictions?

The bogey €2 coins

2009-02-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

Forget the forge €50 note or the dodgy €20 note, the new kid on the block and the biggest culprit of them all is the common €2 coin. Out since 2002 the coin itself is not exactly the problem rather it is the coins that are similar in look and size that are leaving customers short in the pocket. The recent invasion of coins from Mexico, Iran and Turkey are so similar to the €2 coin that retailers are urging all cashiers to double check for the distinctive map of Europe.
This week coming home by the Tunnel late at night, I received two hungarian coins in my change which left me €4 short, visibly angered, I buried my annoyance and got on with it, vowing the next time to check my change, which I always forget. It never strikes one to check coins whereas spotting a dud note is easier by texture and sight.
In my restaurant, I am becoming more eagle eyed to this epidemic,which is a form of "counterfeiting", a crime every country takes very seriously since it damages the economy. When I first noticed these coins in circulation- I started wondering what type of person was the culprit? Maybe the friendly Moroccan trying to distract me by engaging in conversation over a latte? The granny who takes ages to find the coins and I'm already accepting the change from the next customer or the builders in the morning?
On finding the bogus €2 which can come from anyone out there, I politely ask the customer for the right change, some look sheepish but others take it back to fawn it off elsewhere unashamedly. The €2 fakies are still making their way into the till though so now I offer them as a present to fellow shoppers to try and see where they can spend it, they look shocked and laugh meekly while accepting curiously. Am I making these people aware of the crime or am i encouraging it? One thing for sure- the €2 coins are out of my sight and out of mind but bound to come back in some other way.

Unprepared Pat faces a defiant Pete

2009-02-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

Pat Kennys interrogation of Pete Doherty was a shambles from the start.

'All I know is what I read about you....................Drugs, drugs, drugs.....'This first sentence explains it all and poor Pete Doherty just didn't know what to say....his box was already ticked, the judgement made. As Kenny dished the compliments he inserted the dagger. Promoting himself as Sargent councillor, Doherty was made to reflect on his family situation and his responsibilities of being a role model. Clearly uncomfortable but brutally honest in his answers he soon became fed up with the 10/12 questions related to the drugs and his love life. Pat ended the interview asking him about his future ambitions to which Pete replied 'to write great songs', before asking "I don't know if you could name a song that I've written" to which a very unprepared Kenny meekly replied " No, possibly not".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOUGiEU2t6g&feature=related

Weddings on a shoe string

2009-02-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

The Afternoon Show wedding planner Tara Fay and her Top Tips
(comments by Marie Caffrey)

Tara Fay: Check how many brides are using that church that week, (not just that day) and agree an amount to spend on flowers for the week.
Marie Caffrey: This could prove to be pretty difficult, time-wise in getting in touch with other brides, money-wise on phone-calls and headache-wise trying to convince them-this sounds like a bit of a nightmare.
TF: Another great option that we have used before is to recycle old tin cans (make sure to wash out) and tie a piece of pretty ribbon around the centre and either use as a candle holder or fill with some foliage or flowers
MC: I work in a restaurant and am in constant contact with tin cans – opening them is a nightmare, washing them is dangerous and keeping them are likely to result in an accident- and I know this from experience.
TF: There are some really good high street styles that are not necessarily wedding dresses that could work.
MC:I would not recommend in any way ‘really good high street styles that are not necessarily wedding dresses’- this is the one occasion where everybody sees what everybody else is wearing- and if any guests outfits are vaguely similar its EMBARRASSING , note that Ms. Fay also mentions “ that could work”. Would you feel at ease with could ?
TF: Bridesmaids' dresses - if you are not too hung up on what the bridesmaids wear, you could ask them to buy their own dresses (they do in the US).
MC:I have never heard of a not too hung up Bride? It’s a little like saying ‘You can wear whatever you want as long as you buy it yourself’- a very risky number- god knows what could end up down the isle!
TF: Mass booklets/ceremony outlines are not compulsory - if you feel you must do something print a one pager with the readers' names, the list of music and the readings
MC: I find this particular tip difficult to follow- its like going to a show or a football match and taking a flyer instead of a programme-you lose out as you are not likely to appreciate and understand the occasion fully.
TF: Invitations - make a postcard style invite yourself and send out to your guest, less paper required, no envelope needed and no RSVP card.
MC: Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh laughed at this – which says it all- ‘everybody will know about your event- even the postman!’- So you’ll be placed in the awkward position of politely through gritted teeth saying ‘No you’re not invited’.
TF: Carpet, aisle runner - look at the floor of the church most of them are very beautiful and you don't need one.
MC: Does anybody need one of these?
TF: Check which jeweller is doing a special - there is always some deal somewhere- especially auction houses- but beware of auction fees
MC:The best deal is with Ryanair to Antwerp.
TF:Photography - if you can't afford a professional photographer, perhaps approach a photography student or find a friend who is a photographer
MC:I have noted from experience that trying to approach students can be difficult- They don’t read newspapers, don’t visit job sites and walk by notice boards. E-mails, faxes and letters to lecturers don’t produce results either.
Finding a friend who is a photographer is like finding a needle in a haystack- you’re either lucky or you’re not.
TF: Food & Venue: Ask a friend or family member with a big house (or even one big room) if you can borrow their house for the day. Another great option is a church hall or small community hall. Decorate it like a fete and serve an afternoon tea to your guests. Another option is to ask your more culinary minded guests to each bring a course for about 10 people, if you have 10 people do this you have enough food for each guest. If you have to hire in any furniture, use whatever is the most mismatched version you can get for the cheapest amount and use paper plates and napkins and plastic glasses bla bla bla bla
I can not comment on this- or I will be here all night……………….This tip kills me- it really does
TF: Entertainment: Get your guests to become their own entertainment.????? Hire a karaoke machine (one with an option to plug in an iPod for later). You can easily get 2-3 hours of good entertainment out of this. With the IPod option, you can create different play lists for dinner, before and after the karaoke session and for going home music.
MC: It gets worse…And this was Andrea Roche’s Wedding planner ?
TF: Honeymoon: Who made it compulsory to have a honeymoon immediately after a wedding, look for the best option for deals and go when it suits both of you; this could be six months later.
MC: No respect but If I was desperate enough to act on all of these tips - I would be out of here the next day- far, far away

Awards bore Actor Rea

2009-02-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

Stephen told me last night "That no, I'm not going this year"
And I said "Are you serious?"
"It bores the hell out of me".
"But Stephen you're an academy nominated actor"
Never a finer word spoken
This man has true presence
The IFTA's should listen to their actors
and maybe come up with a unique award event
don't these people have a PR department?
glad I didn't waste those euros
I can spend them in the Abbey

Fiddles and fun dominates at Imeall CD launch night

2009-02-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

Kudos Bar in The Clarion was the place to be last Thursday night. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh who founded the traditional Donegal band Altan with her husband, Frankie Kennedy released her first solo project called ‘Imeall’ which means the edge. It’s a deep and personal voyage into the linguistic and cultural way of life spent in the wilds of Donegal, on the edge of the Atlantic. The limited edition collection features stunning traditional and new songs in Gaelic and in English. Guests enjoying the craic included actors Stephen Rea and Sean Mc Ginley who will perform in the Sam Shephard play ‘Ages of the Moon’ in the Abbey Theatre next month, singers Mary Black and Paul Brady and fiddle players Paddy Glackin and Liam O’ Flynn. ‘Imeall’ can be bought on-line at www.mairead.ie

Socially aware magazine out of touch with what women want

2009-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Social and Personal Magazine celebrated their annual poll of the ‘Top 100 Sexiest Irish Men’ without doubt one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. As the list was revealed to the 400 party goers in Lillies Bordello, eyebrows were raised. Baz Ashwamy, a relatively new presenter on RTE was the surprise winner. But the biggest surprise of all was the other names that made the list.

With the new edition of Social and Personal just published and distributed, women all over Ireland have become worried. The judges may know the names on the list but do you?

The Top Ten Sexiest Men of 2009:

1. Baz Ashmawy
(RTÉ TV presenter)
2. Jonathan Rhys Meyers
(Actor)
3. Niall Breslin
(Lead singer of Irish group, The Blizzards)
4. Jamie Dornan
(Belfast-born international model)
5. Dave Fanning
(RTÉ star, first appearance on this list)
6. Colin Farrell
(The Castleknock Casanova)
7. Michael O’Leary
(Ryanair boss, first time in Top 10)
8. Brooke Gilbert
(Ireland’s first male supermodel – as voted by Ford Models)
9. Pierce Brosnan
(The former Mr. Bond from Navan)
10. Garrett Tubridy
(Brother of Ryan, currently running for Dublin City Council)

Who are Brooke Gilbert and Garrett Tubridy? How are Michael o’ Leary and Dave Fanning sexy?.The others are stars who are mentioned every year on the list but never make it to number one unfortunately.

As the winner Baz Ashwamy is not your average Irishman as he’s half Egyptian but compared to the others on the list he comes across as the goofy but sexy boy next door- as seen by various roles on RTE throughout the summer from Celebrity Bainesteoir to Failte Towers. High viewings but savaged by the critics. Baz is certainly the best choice here and most importantly at the end of the day Publisher PJ Gibbons could be pretty certain that Baz would be around to collect the trophy and enjoy the champagne reception.
Social and Personal magazine has gained mixed column inches from members of the media and from on-line blogs and discussion forums since the February Publication went out a few days ago. I-Venus.com and Showbiz.ie have slammed the list and the much over hyped event. Beaut.ie one of the most successful on-line Irish blogs has even decided to stage its own’ 100 Sexiest men competition’ in reaction to the dismay of Irish women flabbergasted by the lack of sexual-judgement made by a especially selected panel who supposedly come from the worlds of fashion , beauty, entertainment, business and sport. The judges involved in the final decision of Social and Personals 100 sexiest men list didn’t want their identities to be revealed-which is a pity.
It’s now down to the women bloggers of Ireland to exercise their vote and to enter in their own list of sexy men. With a result by next week from Beaut.ie it will be interesting to see how their list compares to Social &Personals. Publisher PJ Gibbons is either generating any type of publicity that he can for an ailing magazine, has lost sight of what women view as sexy and needs to go to Spec-savers as this list is certainly not doing it for the ladies of Ireland.

One thing for certain-Social and Personal may be Ireland’s original society magazine but it needs some serious sexing up to keep its readers from wandering.