Electric Shock Roulette
EVER watched the Deer Hunter and thought 'I wouldn't mind having a crack at that old Russian Roulette malarkey'?
If you're a gambler like me, it does look like a bit of fun, apart from the fact you'll probably die, so this week's gadget takes out the death bit, but still keeps a healthy mix of pain and chance.
With 'Electric Shock Roulette', each player inserts a fingertip into one of the four electric chambers.
One player then presses start which kicks off the countdown sequence of beeps and lights which leads to one of the players receiving the full electric shock treatment!
The game comes with an all-important drinking game and a warning on the packaging states 'not a toy' and 'do not use if you suffer from epilepsy or heart problems'.
The perfect Christmas gift for the grandparents then.....
The Fureys and Davey Arthur
THREE decades after first stepping into the limelight, the Furey brothers and their childhood friend Davey Arthur continue to capture public imagination wherever they perform.
After penning songs such as When You Were Sweet Sixteen, The Green Fields of France and Red Rose Café, the boys are rightly ranked among the best songwriters of all time.
Their folk based music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world. And over the years some of their greatest admirers have ranged from the neighbours they grew up with in Ballyfermot to people like the Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Irish President Mary McAleese and Pope John Paul. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair still ranks the Green Fields of France as his favourite peace song of all time.
The Fureys and Davey Arthur are bringing their unique show to the An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny on Saturday, October 27. Tickets are on sale at an absolute steal of just ¤22.50.
20 Shocking Moments
RTE are currently looking for public input to come up with '20 Moments that Shook Irish Sport'.
Although the show won't be aired until October 29, ideas are being sought online now.
So, what moments have shocked, rocked or just plain disappointed you? What's brought a tear to your eye or a lump to your throat?
From Roy Keane's famous tantrum in Saipan to Michelle Smith De Bruin's fall from grace at the 1996 Olympics to Ray Houghton's winner against Italy in the '94 World Cup, all contenders for the title of the number one moment that shook Irish sport to its very roots.
So get on to www.rte.ie/tv/20moments to voice your opinion on the altercations that split the nation, the revelations that tarnished our national pride; the genuine mistakes that sparked near-riots to the violence that marred the beautiful game.
Martin Cahill, My Father
DUBLIN crime boss Martin Cahill continues to be as notorious in death as he was in life, and October 2 sees the launch of 'Martin Cahill, My Father', penned by his eldest daughter Francis.
Since being shot dead at a road junction near his home in Rathmines on August 18, 1994, Martin Cahilll has become something of a legend, thanks to Hollywood films The General and Ordinary Decent Criminal.
Francis Cahill's 'Martin Cahill, My Father' has been described as 'an astoundingly frank memoir' and is a collection of anecdotes and stories about growing in the shadow of the Dublin underworld.
Reads the back cover: "Even in death, fascination with him has not waned: leading Hollywood actors have starred in several films on his life, and many books have been published, with his memory now owned by a public that either loathed or admired him."
By all accounts, the book neither attempts to defend or condone 'The Generals' actions, but does reveal a rather unconventional upbringing.
Bruce Springsteen
THE Boss is well and truly back and October 2 sees the release of Springsteen's latest album Magic.
It's his first album with the E Street Band since 2002's The Rising, an album penned in the wake of the 2001 September 11 attacks.
The release of Magic coincides with the start of yet another Springsteen world tour, and of course a highly publicised appearance at the Odyssey later this year.
Cut in just two months, Magic is an eleven track album, and no doubt will make a welcome addition to any Springsteen fan's ever growing collection.
Despite hurtling towards the 60 year old mark, Bruce Springsteen continues to be one of the hardest working men in music and appears to be able to churn top quality albums with amazing ease.
An absolute legend - viva Le Boss!
Blue Remembered Hills
DENNIS Potter's tale of lost innocence 'Blue Remembered Hills' comes to the Alley Theatre next week, and looks like one not to be missed.
The story revolves around a summer's afternoon in a remote country setting - according to the script in the West Country, in 1943.
Seven children, played by a cast of adults, adopt the surrounding hills and woodlands as their playground; a haven for exploration, speculation and wonder. Loyalty and friendships are explored with all th laughter and cruelty that children are capable of. But a single tragic event changes their lives forever...
Blue Remembered Hills conjures up an uneasy, claustrophobic feeling that provokes elements of xenophobia and a consideration of fearing the outsider. In true Dennis Potter style, the production is both controversial and thought provoking.
Showing on October 1 at the Alley, tickets for Blue Remembered Hills are on sale now, price £9 or £7 concessionary. Contact the box office on 02871 384444.
