‘Who does that?’: Conan O’Brien remembers meaningful gesture from comedy legend Robin Williams, and it’s lowkey wrecking us
What are the little rubber hairs on tyres?
NEW tyres have little rubber hairs called vent spews.
Vent spews are scattered around the outer edges of new tyres but what are they and are they beneficial?
What are vent spews?
Vent spews are the small rubber hairs or rubber spikes that appear on the tread of new tyres.
Although vent spew is the technical name, these tyre hairs are also referred to as sprue nubs, tyre nibs, gate marks or nippers.
They most noticeable on new tyres, leaving many motorists wondering how they got there, and if they have a purpose?
How do vent spews form?
Vent spews are a by-product of the tyre manufacturing process.
During this process rubber is injected into a tyre mould and air pressure is used to spread the liquid rubber so it eventually can take the circular shape of a tyre.
There is risk of air bubbles forming between the rubber and the mould and therefore small vent holes are needed to avoid this.
The vent holes force the rubber to fill every nook and cranny of the tyre mould.
When this happens, tiny bits of rubber also make their way out of the vent hole.
The rubber that escapes through the holes firms up to firm a stringy hair like appearance on the tyre tread and remain attached even after it’s removed from the mould.
Should vent spew be removed from tyres?
There are a number of questions around the purpose of vent spews, while others wonder whether or not they they need to be removed.
Vent spews are usually shaved off before they’re sold, but some remain on the sidewall of the tyre.
They serve no purpose in your tyres performance, but their presence indicates that the tyre is new.
Some car owners take great care and pride in carefully shaving the tyre spews down.
However, there is no practical reason or rules on removing them.
If you do decide to remove tyre spews from your car, the best approach is to pluck them yourself, pulling them off individually or in groups of three or four.
Avoid using blades and scissors to prevent any accidental punctures.
What should be in your winter car kit?
According to the RAC
By Jacob Jaffa, Motors Reporter
- Ice scraper
- Torch
- Paper maps
- Phone charger
- Warm clothes/blankets
- High-vis clothing
- Jump cables
- Jerry can
- Warning triangles
- Food and drink
- A shovel
- Sunglasses
Dunnes Stores fans scrambling to get hands on new ‘comfy and cosy’ loungewear set – and it comes in two colours
DUNNES Stores fans are scrambling to get their hands on the NEW “comfy and cosy” loungewear set – and they come in two colours.
The Helen Steele Grey Modal Rib Mix Zip Through Hoodie is available online and in stores.
The pretty hoodie, available in grey, is priced at just €35.
It is perfect for layering and wearing around the house or outdoors.
Dunnes Stores chiefs said: “This rib mixed hoodie features side pockets and a full zip front.
“Matching ribbed mix joggers available; sold separately.
“Brought to you by Irish designer Helen Steele, exclusively for Dunnes Stores.”
It is perfect for lounging and relaxing due to its buttery soft modal fabric.
And the hoodie features a style to elevate your wardrobe while staying comfy and cosy.
The Helen Steele Grey Rib Mix Wide Leg Joggers are also available at Dunnes Stores for just €30.
They come in sizes XS to XL and is also available in grey.
Their item description reads: “Wide leg jogger with a ribbed panel detail, elasticated waistband with functioning drawstrings and side pockets.
“Matching ribbed mix polo and hoodie available; sold separately.”
Meanwhile, Irish fashion fans are also set for a frenzy over a gorgeous new fur coat that’s landed in Dunnes Stores – and it will dress up any outfit.
The Gallery Short Fur Coat is available online and in shops across the country.
The faux fur tan coat has a high collar, matching zip and pockets.
Dunnes Stores designers said the coat is perfect for chilly days.
They said: “Crafted from soft, plush faux fur, this six-row short coat features a high neck to ward off the chill.
“Discreet side pockets complete the design, blending classic design with warmth and comfort for cold-weather days. Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
The fluffy coat, costing just €50, is available in sizes 8 to 18.
The fashion giant teamed the coat with leather trousers.
Get the look with their Gallery Sculpt Faux Leather Leggings just €20.
Their described as: “Unadorned for a clean and simple look, these faux leather leggings from Gallery are made from a sculpting fabric that provide comfort and support.
“They can be dressed up with a pair of heels or dressed down with some trainers for an everyday look.”
Available in chocolate or black, the leather look leggings come in sizes 8 to 20.
THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
Barry McGuigan’s son breaks silence with emotional message after boxer opens up about daughter’s death on I’m A Celeb
BARRY McGuigan’s son has broken his silence following the boxer’s emotional remembrance of his daughter on I’m A Celebrity.
Actress Danika McGuigan died of bowel cancer in July 2019, aged just 33.
Boxing promoter Barry broke down in tears as he reflected on Danika’s tragic passing.
Taking to Instagram, his son Shane wrote: “Thank you to all the other campmates for supporting dad.
“We appreciate it immensely.”
Scenes in Monday’s I’m A Celeb episode saw Barry share Danika’s final words before she died.
Addressing his fellow campmates, the boxer recounted his daughter said: “Mum, I can’t hold on.”
Continuing, Barry added: “She had leukaemia.
“When I was making The Boxer with Daniel Day Lewis, three weeks from the end I had to leave because she’d been diagnosed with leukaemia.
“They thought she wasn’t going to get better but she fought back and she won it.
“She had two years of chemo.”
The star went on to explain how Danika had experienced “pains in her tummy” but had pushed back going to see a doctor.
She was eventually diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.
Visibly emotional, Barry said: “Five weeks, five weeks she died.”
Meanwhile, viewers and the other campmates alike were brought to tears.
One wrote on X: “Oh my God my heart is breaking for Barry McGuigan #imacelebrity #ImACeleb.”
What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer?
IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough.
While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver.
If you notice any of the signs, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example
- Pain or a lump in your tummy
- Extreme tiredness
- Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Other signs include:
- Gripping pains in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Being sick
- Feeling like you need to strain – like doing a number two – but after you’ve been to the loo
While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools.
But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
Another commented: “Barry man.. don’t do this to me.
“That’s actually heartbreaking. No parent should ever lose their child. #ImACeleb.”
While a third simply shared: “Barry. You got me out the blue there.”
I’m A Celebrity continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
TV fave accuses Fine Gael of ‘real mistake’ by not picking ‘proven vote getter’ to take Leo Varadkar’s election spot
FORMER minister Ivan Yates has accused Fine Gael HQ of making a massive gaffe by not adding Councillor Ted Leddy to the ticket in Dublin West.
The exit of former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has left a gaping hole in the rapidly growing Dublin constituency.
But FG party chiefs decided to leave Leo’s 2020 running mate, Senator Emer Currie, as its standard bearer in Dublin West, rather than adding the popular councillor to the ticket.
The move has been branded a mistake by Ivan Yates, who told The Irish Sun: “Ted Leddy was in my opinion, a more viable candidate than Senator Emer Curry.
“Fine Gael have made a real mistake in a five-seater constituency, by not running both candidates.”
Ivan added: “Ted Leddy is a proven vote getter and would have been a great addition to the ticket. Fine Gael, should in a Dublin five-seater, be able to get two out of five seats.
“By simply running one candidate they (FG HQ) are trying to protect her position rather than act in the best interest of the party by getting two seats.
“It’s a mistake by party HQ, Ted Leddy should have been added.”
With Dublin West being bumped up to five seats in the general election, it was widely expected that Fine Gael were going to run two candidates.
However, Emer, who served as Varadkar’s running mate in the 2020 general election in the constituency, will now look to hold onto the seat.
Emer will be aiming to retain the seat held by her father between 1989 and 2002.
Prior to her 2020 election to the Seanad, Emer served as a councillor for Castleknock.
The daughter of the late Northern Ireland civil rights leader and one-time Fine Gael presidential candidate Austin Currie, she has campaigned on the issue of childcare provision in the constituency.
Given an extra seat due to its growing population, Dublin West includes leafy suburbs, such as Castleknock, and areas of disadvantage in parts of Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart, and Ongar.
Big issues include housing, infrastructure, schools and childcare places.
Last week Ivan, hosting podcast Paths to Power with Matt Cooper, blasted Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch chances of landing a seat in Dublin Central.
Ivan told us: “He would be would be no addition to Dail Eireann. His candidacy is not credible and at the end of the day the good people of Dublin Central, other than a small particular area, won’t back him.”
Quizzed if he thought Hutch would lose his deposit, Ivan replied: “The bar is very low for him losing his deposit, and he probably invested some of his ill gotten gains in his campaign, so anything is possible.
“I think the media fascination with him (Hutch) isn’t justified relative to his realistic chances of election.”
What is social media platform Bluesky, why are people leaving X to sign up & what recognisable Irish faces have joined?
THERE is a brand new social media platform taking the app store by storm.
Bluesky – which was announced in 2019 – has blown up in recent weeks and currently has over 19 million users at the time of writing.
A live tracker is available online to follows the sites explosive growth in what appears to be a mass exodus from Elon Musk’s platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Since September of this year, the app has gained over six million users, mainly from North America, the UK, and Ireland.
Bluesky allows people to interact with each other in a similar way to X, posting, replying and messaging one another on a vertical user interface.
To put it simply, it looks how X, formerly known as Twitter, used to look.
However, unlike its rival, Bluesky, which was invitation only until February of this year, offers users the chance to more heavily moderate their experience.
This means those signing up have the ability to select the algorithm that drives what they see, which helps create custom feeds.
Bluesky also allows users to have website addresses as their handles.
The platform said: “We aim to replace the conventional ‘master algorithm’, controlled by a single company, with an open and diverse ‘marketplace of algorithms’.”
The project was first announced on Twitter in 2019 by the former CEO, Jack Dorsey.
He wrote: “Twitter is funding a small independent team of up to five open source architects, engineers, and designers to develop an open and decentralized standard for social media.
“The goal is for Twitter to ultimately be a client of this standard.”
Bluesky became an independent company in 2021 and is now primarily owned by the chief executive, Jay Graber.
On November 15, Jay revealed that the platform is growing by 10,000 users every 10 to 15 minutes.
WHY ARE PEOPLE LEAVING X?
Both Elon Musk, who shelled out $44 billion to buy Twitter in 2022, and X has come under increased scrutiny since he took over the site.
Some have complained that X was allowing misleading information to be spread across the platform.
With 203 million followers, Musk has the biggest reach on X.
And the billionaire has been accused of engaging with misleading content and accounts known for spreading misinformation.
Since it became possible to buy a blue tick, which was once the only indicator of an account’s legitimacy, X’s verification feature has also come under fire.
X users have also reported an increase in “bots”, which make the site difficult to use.
Musk was a big backer of Donald Trump during his campaign and it has been confirmed that he will be involved in the president’s administration.
And, following Donald Trump’s success in the US elections in November, the number of new Bluesky users spiked with around one million users signing up for the social media site in the week following the results.
WHAT MAKES BLUESKY DIFFERENT?
Bluesky offers users the chance to more heavily moderate their experience, including the ability to select the algorithm powering the experience and creating custom feeds.
This could include a feed for mutual followers, a feed for cat photos or one for your special interest.
The social media app also allows users to have domains as their handles.
It anticipates that this could act as a verification tool for journalists, athletes and public figures who have a company’s website in their handle.
Bluesky proudly displays its “anti-toxicity features”.
This appears in stark contrast to X which recently altering the block function to let users view the posts of public accounts that have blocked them.
An option to “detach” the original post from someone else’s quote post is among the options that the site offers.
WHAT FAMILIAR IRISH FACES HAVE SIGNED UP?
Since its launch, several high profile people have made the switch to Bluesky – including some familiar Irish faces.
Taoiseach Simon Harris was one of the first major political figures from Ireland to join the platform.
His first post said: “Good to join. Another way to keep in contact and to keep you up to date on my work.”
And in recent days, he used his platform to announce the launch of the Fine Gael Manifesto and a five-year plan, but also posted this on X.
RTE Upfront presenter Katie Hannon, who hosted the leaders debate last night, and a number of prominent journalists from Ireland have also signed up to the platform.
Comedian Dara O’Briain has also signed up to the platform.
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I built my own budget Ferrari from SPARES – then the supercar giant sued me…my hobby has become a nightmare
A FERRARI super fan has been sued by the automaker after recreating their iconic design from scratch.
The ongoing five year suit claims José Vitor Estevam Siqueira violated trademark law – turning his hobby into a financial nightmare.
José, a dentist and resident in São Paulo, Brazil, created the replica Ferrari F-40 in his garage using parts bought from hardware stores.
At the time, José, a boyhood fan of the cars, said: “It was a childish, innocent dream, I didn’t imagine it could happen.
“I accepted it as a challenge for myself and started studying, investing time and money to make it happen,”
José started building the motor in 2017 out of metals purchased from stores.
He cut the sheets in a laboratory that is set up in the back of his house.
He then put his uncanny replica up for sale online for £10,939 (R$80,000) in 2018, sighting financial difficulties.
José tried to sell it after a suffering theft in the same year, reports claim.
The Italian company found the model during an internet search and reported the dentist for violating patent law.
The brand claims that the dentist created the prototype using the company’s intellectual property, in this case the car’s design, to obtain financial profit.
A seizure of the vehicle was requested, and five years later, they are still trying to obtain compensation.
Ferrari claimed they were seeking payment for loss of profits and material damages.
This is despite the replica never having actually been successfully sold.
The current amount of unpaid debt José owes is £5,811 (R$42,500).
Courts searched the dentist’s bank accounts and found £121 (R$887.74), which were frozen.
On November 8th, the Court converted the freezing of the amount into a seizure.
This means the dentist was forced to empty his bank account to pay Ferrari.
A COUNTER LAWSUIT
During José’s continuing court ordeal, he launched his own lawsuit claiming moral damages.
The Ferrari fanatic sued for £13,674 (R$100,000), which included his legal costs.
The lawsuit further stated that José’ had to undergo psychological treatment after his “good name” was allegedly smeared.
It was denied.
Ferrari says it has been conducting a thorough investigation into replicas and unauthorized use of the brand in Brazil.
The original F-40 was launched in 1987, and was the last Ferrari produced under the supervision of Enzo Ferrari, the brand’s founder.
The design has since gone on to reach an iconic status amongst car fans.
It is an extremely rare vehicle to purchase today.
The price of the car varies, exceeding £692,000 (R$4 million).
There are just over a thousand examples of it on the market today.
‘Savida wins for me’ cries Dunnes Stores fan over new Christmas collection including gold skirt and fur coat
DUNNES Stores bosses have shoppers in a frenzy over their Christmas party wear range – and it’s selling out fast.
An Irish Dunnes Stores fan rated the gorgeous new gold skirt that’s landed in stores.
Veronica, known on TikTok as @thedunnesqueen, shared a clip of her new finds from the fashion giant.
The metallic skirt retails for just €25 on the Dunnes Stores website.
It’s the perfect skirt to spice up your Christmas party outfit this holiday season.
Its description reads: “This metallic mini skirt from Savida has a shimmering finish that adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.
“An excellent choice for the upcoming party season.
“The back zip allows for easy wear and a comfortable fit that keeps you looking stylish all night.
“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
The TikToker styles the mini skirt with a pair of black tights.
Get the look with Dunnes Stores’ fleece-lined tights just €10, and they’re perfect to keep you warm during these cold months.
Also shown in her video was a stunning faux fur coat.
The coat is a steal at €50 and it’s perfect for winter weather.
The retailer said: “Crafted from soft, plush faux fur, this six-row short coat features a high neck to ward off the chill.
“Discreet side pockets complete the design, blending classic design with warmth and comfort for cold-weather days.
“Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
Dunnes Stores chiefs have dropped a pair of gold boots to match the skirt.
The Ankle Western Boots come in three colours, black, gold and pewter.
The gold colour blends perfectly with the mini skirt and faux fur coat.
Dunnes Stores bosses said: “Boasting a classic cowboy design, these ankle boots have pull tabs, block heels, and a faux leather finish.
“Pair with denims and fringed accessories to complete the western look.”
THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
