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FROM THE SEANAD Abolition Referendum to the ‘top up’ payments controversy, the second half of 2013 has certainly been eventful.
We tested your knowledge on the first six months of the year in the first part of our quiz yesterday — let’s see how you get on with the final 60 questions….
[Stephen Chernin/AP/Press Association Images]
1. Picture question! The man above announced back in July that he would be re-entering US politics, five years after resigning over a sex scandal. Who is he? Elliot Spitzer
2. Leo Varadkar said afterwards it had been "like losing a family member" but Enda Kenny said the people in question "know the rules and regulations". What were they talking about? The expulsion of FG TDs who voted against the party during the Protection of Life Bill
3. All 30 people on board were saved in dramatic rescue operation after this ship ran aground off the coast of Kinsale on 24 July. The vessel's name? Astrid
4. "A genuine, technical mistake" is how Labour Chief Whip Emmet Stagg described what his colleague Deputy Michael McNamara had just done in the Dáil. This was during a vote on the Protection of Life Bill. What was the mistake? He voted against the Government
5. Speaking of mistakes, Fine Gael said there was 'no malice involved' after an incident in the Dáil involving party TD Tom Barry and a female colleague. What had he done? He grabbed a female colleague and pulled her onto his lap
6. In the US, Rolling Stone magazine came in for heavy criticism for their choice of cover image. Why? It was a photo of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
7. This Fine Gael TD from Dublin was appointed as the new Minister of State for European Affairs. His name, please? Paschal Donohoe
8. During a debate on the abolition of the Seanad, Fianna Fáil senator Terry Leyden got himself into hot water by describing Hitler and Mussolini as... what? Good Christians
9. One of the main stars of 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' --- this comedian, producer and movie director died in July, aged 60. His name? Mel Smith
10. In spite of once referring to a sitting French president as a "wanker" this well-known Southside Dublin resident picked up that country's highest cultural honour in July. Who are we talking about? Bono
[Evan Vucci/AP/Press Association Images]
1. Barack Obama gave a major public speech on the steps of Washington's Lincoln Memorial (above). What anniversary was he marking? The fiftieth anniversary of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
2. This Pakistani campaigner became the latest recipient of the Tipperary Peace Prize. Her name, please? Malala Yousafzai
3. In the UK, politician Godfrey Bloom got himself in trouble for referring to 'Bongo Bongo Land'. Which political party is he a member of? UKIP
4. Veteran current affairs presenter Vincent Browne took on his biggest opponent so far in a six-part TV3 series that began in August. Who? God
5. The Government began a recruitment campaign to hire a new Ombudsman. Who were they seeking to replace? Emily O'Reilly
6. Some 400,000 Dubliners had to make alternative plans to get to work. Why? A strike by Dublin Bus
7. Stephen Fry wrote an open letter to Vladimir Putin, criticising his anti-gay policies and calling for a major world event to be moved from Russia. What event? The Winter Olympics
8. 63 people were arrested for public order offences during a concert at Slane Castle on 17 August. Who was headlining? Eminem
9. The author of 'Get Shorty' and 'Rum Punch' (later adapted into the movie Jackie Brown) this US author died on 20 August, aged 87... Elmore Leonard
10. This 55-year-old Scottish actor was named by the BBC as the new 'Doctor'. Who? Peter Capaldi
[Photocall Ireland]
1. Pictured above is the new bridge over the River Liffey. Its name was decided in September: who is it to be called after? Rosie Hackett
2. Which high-profile newspaper columnist spent around two hours in Wheatfield Prison after he refused to pay a parking fine on a point of principle? John Waters
3. A former Fianna Fáil TD (and grandson of one of the party's founders) jumped ship and joined Sinn Féin. Who? Chris Andrews
4. It emerged that this Dun Laoghaire native could become the first Irishman in space, after he was offered a spot on a commercial trip by the Space Expedition Corporation. Who? Bob Geldof
5. Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli left their positions as manager and assistant manager with the Republic of Ireland 'by mutual consent'. But how long had they been in charge? Five years
6. In the US, the CEO of Starbucks made a (seemingly pretty reasonable) request that customers leave certain items at home when they come in for a coffee. What? Guns
7. After venues in Dublin pulled out, a controversial 'child beauty' contest run by a Texas-based company eventually went ahead in a pub beer garden. In what county? Monaghan
8. This world-renowned broadcaster, perhaps best known for his interviews with Richard Nixon, died aged 74. His name, please? David Frost
9. Paul Simon wrote that this Irishman's “directness and simplicity” was “a virtue most writers aspire to but rarely achieve”. To whom was he referring? Seamus Heaney
10. An Irish group were named as one of the 12 acts in contention for a Mercury Music Prize. Who? Villagers
[Photocall Ireland]
1. German spy chiefs traveled to Washington to demand answers, following allegations concerning Chancellor Angela Merkel. What specific claim were they looking into? The bugging of her phone
2. The royal baby was christened in London. What's his name? George
3. Senator David Norris parted company with something that had been in his life for 40 years --- all in aid of cancer research. What? His beard
4. After a €1 increase in excise on wine in last year's Budget, a further increase was announced by Finance Minister Micheal Noonan in Budget 2014. How much? 50c
5. Ryanair said it would bring a further 1,000 passengers into Ireland next year as a result of a specific measure announced in the Budget. Why were they so optimistic? The air travel tax was scrapped
6. An incident in first few minutes of the new series of crime drama Love/Hate led to widespread criticism from animal rights groups. What happened? There was a scene depicting a cat being shot
7. This outspoken Dublin South politician resigned from Fine Gael after handing in a letter to the Taoiseach. He had already been expelled from the parliamentary party. Who? Peter Mathews
8. Féinphic was added to the Irish language dictionary Focal.ie. The English translation of the word has been in the news quite a bit this year --- what is it? Selfie
9. Writer of 'Perfect Day' and 'Satellite of Love' amongst many other rock classics, this musical icon passed away, aged 71... Lou Reed
10. It was revealed that this Irish actor --- who has some previous experience portraying politicians --- would be playing Charlie Haughey in a new drama. Who? Aidan Gillen
[AP Photo/Jeff Chiu]
1. In the US, a city's citizens got together to make dreams come true for five-year-old Miles Scott, AKA 'Batkid'. Which city? San Francisco
2. It was announced that Michael D Higgins would make the first state visit by a sitting Irish president --- to which country? Britain
3. A new phrase began to sweep the US news networks; please complete it: "Crack-smoking Mayor of Toronto __ ___". Rob Ford
4. Which media company announced plans to have a new national TV station on air in 2015 and go "head to head with RTÉ and TV3". UTV
5. Michael Noonan declared 7 November a "red letter day". Why? The Troika completed their last quarterly bailout review
6. It was announced that Brian O'Driscoll and Father Peter McVerry would join the likes of U2 and Nelson Mandela in receiving which honour? The Freedom of Dublin
7. Sports Minister Leo Varadkar said he was "very confident" Ireland would bid for the this major sporting tournament. What event was he talking about? The Rugby World Cup
8. After months off the air, this broadcaster received widespread praise for speaking frankly about his depression as he returned to his weekday radio slot. Who are we talking about? John Murray
9. TV3 announced they would be commissioning a series about a well-known Irish political dynasty, after 570,000 tuned in to watch a one-off fly-on-the-wall documentary. What family? The Healy-Raes
10. Terry Jones said he hoped to be "able to pay off my mortgage" as a result of the new live dates being performed by Monty Python. Can you name three other members of the comedy troupe? John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam or Graham Chapman (deceased)
[Photocall Ireland]
1. At the Mandela memorial service, Barack Obama was criticised for taking a 'selfie' with David Cameron and the prime minister of which country? Denmark
2. After tweeting that "fortune favours the brave" this politician confirmed he would be joining the Fianna Fáil benches and becoming the party's newest TD. Who? Colm Keaveney
3. On Sunday 15 December, RTÉ aired 'Room to Improve' ten minutes later than its scheduled 9.30pm start. Why? The Taoiseach was making a 'state of the nation' address
4. "I’m dating a guy and I couldn’t be happier": This British athlete received widespread praise from campaign groups after he posted a 'coming out' message on Youtube. Who? Tom Daley
5. An Taisce began a court challenge in London over the British Government's decision to build... what? A new nuclear power plant
6. Ireland topped a list in Forbes magazine, rising six places. What was the poll measuring? Best countries in the world for business
7. Which TD introduced the Dáil to the word 'amazeballs' (or as he put it 'amazey-balls')? Aengus Ó'Snodaigh
8. The four members of U2 paid tribute to his "extraordinary leadership, guidance and friendship". To whom were they referring? Paul McGuinness
9. This 40-year-old actor, known for his role in a long-running series of action movies, died in a car crash north of LA... Paul Walker
10. Time's 'Person of the Year' was named on 11 December. Who made the cover? Pope Francis
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1)Dont buy shite you dont need.
2)stop drinking smoking and gambling.
3)set up a direct debit savings account.
4)be grateful for what you already have !
Otherwords live like a peasant nobody
I did most of these things in the last year or so, I really don’t live like a peasant! Actually I’m doing better now than in the boom!
dont knock it till you try it. Did it last year and buying a new car soon.
Disconnect your doorbell from the electricity and check your door every 2 minutes. Substantial savings to be made over the course of a year.
Brilliant, you could also save on gym fees by getting plenty of exercise by doing all that walking back and forth to the door :)
And you won’t have time to watch tv with all the exercising you’ll be doing so sell that on DoneDeal and save a fortune on electricity to boot!
Great idea, then unsubscribe from Sky UPC you won’t get a chance to watch tv, then stick the tv etc on Donedeal for an extra few quid !! I’m off to disconnect the doorbell
Ring your friend and hang up. They see the missed call and ring you back.
Only butter one piece of bread in a sandwich.
Pick cigarette butts up off the ground.
Steal drinks on nights out.
Turn condoms inside out for a second shag.
Give this man a TV show.
I actually had a friend do the missed call thing for years. And always during working hours so that I was definitely not going to answer. Untik one day I was on leave, answered the phone and copped on.
1. Have your butler jump up and down in your waste bin. You can get more in that way.
2. Have your blacksmith shoe your horses every other week.
3. Ask your butcher to cut up road kill you find.
My biggest saving tip is stay away from Penneys, it’s nearly impossible for me to go in there without spending money. The Cineworld ticket is a good idea but avoid the rip off popcorn…Crouching Tiger, Hidden Taytos…
dont sit in front of me making loud rustling noises with your crisps or Ill flick you with my over priced popcorn ;-) . Cinemas are bad at providing savoury foods, if Im of a mind to I bring in a sushi platter as a treat.
Watch T.V through the neighbours window, having a ladder to look through the bedroom window saves the need for the internet. Eat only what nature can provide ie cows, badgers, crows, mushrooms, grass etc. Catch lifts everywhere hanging on to the back of jeeps, buses etc whilst on your skateboard a la Marty Mcfly. Remember what Bosco said “possesion is nine-tenths of the law” so basically thieve what you like. Live in a cave or nice ditch.
Do a “Fiscal Fast” This is not my idea but one I saw on extreme cheapskates. Basically for one week every so often you commit to spending no money or if that’s not possible as little as possible. So you use up what food is in your house. Take packed lunches and flasks or tea or coffee to work. When your petrol runs out walk or use a bike. Don’t eat take aways or eat out . Free entertainment only so no cinemas or pubs or such for a week. You could do your own DVD night with home made snacks. Don’t but clothes make up or visit a hairdresser or a barbers. No newspapers or magazines no wine .
Now some people need to use public transport to get to work so you can’t cut that but anything you can cut to the bone for a week then you need to do it. If you do this even once every two to three months you could be surprised at what you could save. Extreme cheapskates take it too far for my personal tastes but you can still do a fiscal fast without making a holy show if yourself to the outside world.
^^^^ I don’t want to live on this planet anymore ^^^
Shower in work, the gym or on site after foorball if the options are available. Electric Showers are a ‘gas gusselers’
EMIGRATE!
When the water charge comes in I intend showering at the gym every day, though now you say it, it might take the esb bill down if I started that now :)
Check under the price in supermarkets for price per kg. I used to always try to work out if bigger or different brands were better value and this is fool proof.
And make sure the special offers are actually worth it – quite often they aren’t.
The two best pieces of advice so far. It’s not cheaper to go 3 for 2 if you only need one ;)
Yeah once I went to buy the Eco friendly refill pack for the coffee and looked at the price per kg and it worked out dearer. Stupid really. Sometimes there are big whopper jars of stuff that work out dearer than buying 2 smaller ones to the same weight. In Tesco at the moment it works out cheaper to buy 4 chocolate Freddo bars than to buy a pack of four. Usually when u see multi pack you think better value, but you have to be clever because that’s not always the case
put your credit card on DD, only mugs pay them interest
Or better still cancel them and use visa debit, it’s cheaper to book flights ect if you use a debit card instead of visa.
Aldi..haven’t you seen the adverts..
Ahh sure I’m aldi, aldi, aldi all the way now. (Shudders)
LOL. You wanna be some loser to do that kettle one. Saving hot water in a flask . Sad.
Advising people to drink cordials in a pub instead of fizzy drinks! What about the fella running the pub.
The cordials one is a great idea. Sometimes I don’t drink and drive my friends to the pub-I don’t spend much and the pub gets money from my friends buying pints, win win!
Bought a gadget from one of those cheap home shopping catalogues that was dropped in my door a few years ago.
Its a gadget that compacts all the leftover bits of soap and you end up with a bar of soap.
Voilà.
Hairy soap !.
(Two in one, an exfoliant and soap).
Cut out biscuits
Unions have ordered nationwide strikes for things like that.
If you can do €50 this week chances are you can do it every week to Christmas and then you will have 2500 by the new year. Stop buying Lotto tickets and if you must have a flutter do it at the bookies. Make your lunch at home and take it to work – last night’s left overs might be enough. Walk don’t drive and buy yourself a granny shopping cart – you can’t buy what you can’t pull and what you can’t pull you don’t need. Brew your own. Bake your own. Cook your own. Baked beans made at home from scratch are cheaper and taste better than anything out of a tin.
if it takes someone a year to save 2500 im sorry but by god that is pathetic
Ah Aaron that’s a bit harsh, some people have absolutely no extra cash
If you look strategically at saving, I should add over-saving, it is bad for business especially small businesses. This will only prolong the recovery period if a lot of people do it. My advice – reduce expensive debts where possible spend i.e. Credit card, and spend wisely and locally, there is plenty of good value out there
It’s killing small business. The solution with all these articles is cutting out a coffee and sambo… There are better ways to save.
You’d wonder the point of living here if you are on permanent student mode?
Poop at work .saves toilet paper ..
Cancel Sky.. But buy a monthly cinema pass? Think the monthly cinema pass will end up costing way more than your Sky sub.. Don’t need to drive or get a bus to my couch and pop corn costs way less at home.
Just get a cheap internet deal which eliminates both those.
1, 2, 3 thejournal.ie just log on and save money…
If you’re fit and healthy, ditch your health insurance. You don’t need it.
People haven’t a clue how little it covers. They’re buying the fluffiest product of all.
The advertisements are getting ever increasingly cynical and desperate: “You don’t love your kids if you forgo insurance” It’s sick!
Thankfully it will be a thing of the past in 3-5 years.
Tescos and a few other shops (not lidl or aldi),have a bargain bin section where they have to sell off meat or fish or fruit veg Etc cheaply cos that particular day is its use by date…. The veg Etc will keep for a few days and the meat/fish can be used that day or frozen ASAP when u get home…. It’s all still perfect but legally they have to sell it off that day or bin it once it approaches the use by…. It’s a cheaper way to get perfectly good food.
Tesco and Dunnes normally reduce it two days before the best before great for expensive cuts of meat have gotten fillet steak for €2 in Dunnes ;)
Use your debit card wherever possible instead of a credit card. That way you can keep track of what you are spending easier and you can only spend what you can afford. It saves on interest charges on your credit card and surcharges if you are booking online because some websites charge a higher surcharge for using a credit card rather than a debit card.
Yeah – but then you get hit with bank charges for the use of the debit card.
Maybe spend on the credit card and download an app for logging your expenses. Then pay off your credit card in full every month.
You don’t get charged per use of the card, and if you’ve paid it off in full every month, you don’t get charged interest either.
Live out of your freezer for a month
Tried that – was too cold, so we moved back into the house.
€500 p.a. LPT saved.
Tell the Revenue that your Local Property Tax is a “loan”.
You will get it back when the law is repealed.
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$300 p.a. Bin charges saved.
“Give up your ol’ bins”.
Use black bag compressor at your local petrol station for €6/bag.
or find a bin partner with an exemption!
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€700 p.a. Car Tax saved.
Only €56 p.a. for classic car tax.
Plenty classic cars available in UK because they dont have the daft Irish car tax system. Donedeal ads.
“141 and 142″ are not green jersey anyway … €1.5 billion sent out of our economy every year .. jobs, jobs!
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€500 saved in oil fill.
Fit a solid fuel stove.
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€2500 p.a. saved in no smokes.
No smokes … it wont kill you but will kill the taxman.
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€250 p.a. parking charges …
Shop out of town. Free parking.
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I always buy Patricks marching season shoes in the sales but I’ve saved on washing powder for the fleg so it balances out in the end
Use a clothes airing rack instead of a tumble drier. One tip to improve cash flow to have a few extra bob for Xmas is to pay the mortgage over 11 months instead of 12. It might save high fees on credit cards.
Emigrate.
This article is 13 days too late.The journal editorial staff could do with a bit of downsizing based on its performance.I suppose they may have decided to reduce the days in January we can apply these savings to be ironic,which is ironic really.
22 red thumbs….the ass licking brigade are out in force today.Sheep…..bbaaaaaa!!!!!!!1
If your breasts are too big try wearing a knapsack. It might not save you any money but at least you won’t fall over.
Or get another job. .
Don’t throw out those old Corn Flake boxes. Fill them with toilet paper and Sellotape them together to make an excellent mattress. Or use empty Flora containers as galoshes for the kids. Save money on cold Winter nights by unplugging the freezer and leaving the contents outside on the doorstep.
And finally, my wife and I saved €20 last Saturday by jogging behind a taxi to our favourite restaurant!
i save on pricey toilet paper by using an old flannel cloth and just give it to my wife to stick in the wash every now and again.
Here is my tip. Most coupon queens or kings are extreme couponers. Yes, you need much time and effort to clip and stack coupons. If saving a lot money, it’s worthwhile. Yet, many turns out to be time-consuming without getting valid coupons. With tons of coupons sites online, I found some of the best like HalfDiscount, HotUKDeals, VoucherCodes.
I despise cheap people they simply have no class
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