Compiled by Nicoline Greer
THE HUNT IS ON
Coco Television wants to hear from the hopeful and the desperate - they are looking for people who are embarking on the search for property for their fifth series of House Hunters on RTÉ1. Whether a camera crew following you around will help or hinder you is debatable, but there is an incentive: as part of the new format, their experts will now find all of the properties for you. You get architect Róisín Murphy and home locator Liz O'Kane to hunt down the perfect property. They are looking for people from all over the country with a wide range of budgets. If you're interested, you need to have a clear idea of what you are looking for and where. You also need to be ready to buy, so talk to the bank! For more information about how to take part, contact Martha or Hilary on 01-6170480 or e-mail martha@cocotelevision.ie.
NORTHERN FRONT
"The Portadown News is the most scurrilous, offensive publication which I find absolutely necessary to read every week," says Mark Devenport, BBC's Northern Ireland political editor of Newton Emerson's weekly satirical website. Both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland are at the mercy of Emerson's derision and, now, the book, The Portadown News, the Best Bits is out. Articles that report: "Loyalists will make a significant move if republicans make a significant move, said loyalist sources yesterday. Republicans will make a significant move if the DUP makes a significant move, said republican sources yesterday. The DUP will make a significant move if Sinn Féin make a significant move, said DUP sources yesterday. Sinn Féin will make a significant move if loyalists make a significant move, said Sinn Féin sources yesterday," sometimes summarise progress in Northern Ireland pretty accurately. The Portadown News, the Best Bits, €16.99. See www.portadownnews.com for your regular fix.
A WEDDING DAY
The question is popped, the ring is on the finger ... now the fun begins. Slane Castle is holding an opulent wedding show where the betrothed can meet the finest purveyors of wedding services. Food samples will be provided in a wedding reception setting, with tables decorated by florists, tableware suppliers and glassware providers. There is a fashion show which includes twice-winner of Bridal Designer of the Year, Fiona Todhunter, and men's designs from Louis Copeland. There will be hair, make-up and nail consultations, and for those unaccustomed to public speaking, there is a speech-writing specialist to lend a hand. If all that makes you feel like eloping, head to the "departure lounge", where travel specialists will be selling dreamy honeymoons. Sunday, November 14th, the Slane Castle Wedding Salon. The Samaritans will benefit from the money raised on the day. Tickets cost €10 from Lydia on 041-9884400, from www.corporate.ie, or at the door.
FACE UP TO IT
There are an estimated 639 million small arms and light weapons in the big bad world today. Control Arms is a campaign run by Amnesty, Oxfam and IANSA (International Action Network on Small Arms), who say that without strict control, these weapons will continue to fuel violent conflict, state repression, crime, and domestic abuse. You can help by adding your face to the Million Faces internet petition campaign, which is trying to persuade governments around the world to sign up to an international arms treaty. If you think it's nothing to do with us, it might be surprising to learn that Amnesty puts the value of Ireland's arms trade at €214 million. Go to www.controlarms.org to upload your photo.
A SITE FOR SIGHTSEERS
This is the time of year when a lot of people are setting off on adventures to "high-risk" regions of the world such as Thailand, Australia and South Africa, according to Dr Graham Fry of the Tropical Medical Bureau. A new website, www.travelshop.ie, wants to keep you safe from every bug and injury that could possibly cross your path. The products they sell have been selected and approved by the Tropical Medical Bureau and include first aid kits, insect repellents, mosquito nets, and gadgets such as adaptors, fans, locks and sleeping masks. The site also has an advice section, including country profiles, travel tips and health information. It lists the recommended vaccines for the country and for particular activities such as trekking and rural holidays. For orders less than €30 in total, postage and packaging is €5 for delivery within Ireland. www.travelshop.ie
SHOP GIRLS
Ever wished someone would take you in hand, Trinny and Susannah style? To celebrate the opening of its new store at the Blanchardstown Centre, a|wear style advisers will be in the shop next Thursday. Each styling slot booked includes a 45-minute session in your own fitting room (with no queues). They will no doubt be persuading you to shop till you drop, but who cares when they match your first €100 with a €100 a|wear gift card? There is also a free gift for all those who book an appointment. For more information, check out www.a-wear.com. Call into the shop from Monday to book.
PAPER FLOWERS
American illustrator, Ed Miliano (whose work has featured in The Irish Times, Time Magazine and the New York Times, among others) shows his gentle side in a series of flower portraits. The 59 paintings, on view from this Thursday at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin 9, are of exquisite lilies, outrageously-dressed tulips, baroque-looking crown imperials and other bulbous plants. Most were commissioned by Heritage Bulbs, a company selling historic and rare bulbs, for its packaging and promotional materials. Miliano's flowers, painted in gouache on watercolour paper, are observed with the eye of both designer and keen gardener. Perfectly balanced, they are saturated with colour and full of oomph (and botanically accurate, which should satisfy the purists). Most of the framed pieces are €250 and €700, and there's a poster with 20 species on it for under a tenner. Pictured left is his Lilium Henryi. Flower Paintings by Ed Miliano runs from November 11th-28th. Jane Powers