Repeal - A film review

As a proud Repealer I was very excited to hear about a new short film on the issue, written and directed by Karl Callan with the aim of showing his audience the faces behind the 8th amendment.

Three stories, from three Irish women, depicted in poignant scenes by actors Maureen O'Connell, Lynette Callaghan, Aidan O'Sullivan, Michael O'Kelly, Niamh Walsh, Rebecca Thompson, Maria Fiorentini, Patrick Bokin, Conor Waldron and Sofia Bwcka.

For those who have been out canvassing, handing out leaflets, engaging in those everyday discussions on the subject, you'll know that real testimonies about how the 8th effects women and sometimes families, has a far greater impact that opinions and sometimes facts alone. Putting ourselves into their shoes can be difficult, but seeing and hearing situations from those who have lived them is a step in the right direction. It's a step towards helping those on the fence, those soft yeses and those soft no's, make a responsible voting decision on May 25th this year.

"I researched the stories, spoke with women I know who had been through similar situations. I also spoke to medical professionals and learned of the difficulties they go through as a result of the restrictions put on them.I wanted to make sure the film was as realistic as possible"

- Karl Callan

The feature opens up with the story of Samiya.  After a dramatic beginning we quickly change to the scene of Emily, abortion from another point of view. We know immediately these scenarios, before the scenes even really come in to focus. Cut to later in her story, a stark change in circumstances, another dramatic and poignant segment.

Be pre-warned for serious content warning throughout. I realise you may already know this if you are aware of the theme of the film, but there really is no holds barred.

Halloween costumes for glasses wearers

Bit late getting this post up, but maybe it will help any fellow glasses wearers out there who need a last minute outfit! As you know, it's crappy being restricted in what we can dress as for Halloween. Sure, there's the general ghost, witch, cat -all of these can incorporate glasses. But sometimes we want to feel a bit original. If you're like me and anti contact lenses, or have issues with wearing contact lenses in general, then coming up with a suitable, grown-up costume can be tricky. Same for those of you who have beards -bro, I gets ya. It's quite a big thing on your face, designed to ruin most fancy dress occasions (terrorist is soo 5 years ago). So like with beards, it's best to incorporate the glasses rather than pretend they don't exist.

So here's a few ideas for my fellow glasses wearers. And yes, I'll spare you the oh so obvious Velma from Scooby-Doo, and I've left out some rather silly ones that I've noticed suggested on other sites... Daria? Really? So wear a green jacket and look moody. Or even Jess from New Girl -outfits like this really only work if you have a big sign saying who you are. Some of my own selected characters may even be obvious, but I tried to go for ones that would be recognisable at least.

If all else fails and you really have zero time and/ or money, work those glasses into a mask itself -cardboard and paint can go a long way to create a super hero or a masquerade disguise.

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Chuckie Finster from Rugrats.

Frank from the TV show 30 Rock.

Where's Wally... Or Where's Waldo to our American friends!

Geordi Laforge from Star Trek -turn your glasses into a visor!

Harry Potter -super obvious but always a goody.

Linda Belcher from TV's Bob's Burgers.