All you need to know.....

Rock Star music, Bodies made for sin, burlesque dancing and all for a good cause!! The Wrights Venue held the ‘Fashion Rocks’ event on Sunday night which was hosted by top Irish model Jenny Lee Masterson all in aid of Irish Autism Action and Haiti. The event was fantastic, the Assets models were out in full force including Una Gibney, Aoife Cogan, Vouge Wilson and Yomiko Chen to support both their friend Jenny Lee and these important charities.

Up and Coming rock bands 'The Red Labels' and 'Von Shakes' performed live on the night and really got the crowd into the party mood. The 'Von Shakes' are up for a meteor this February for 'promising new artist' while 'The Red Labels new single 'The silence Breaks' is taking them from strength to strength. These two bands are definitely ones to watch..you heard it here first people!!! So much fun was had while raising money for both ‘Irish Autism Action & Haiti’… I’d say that equals a very successful night!!!

Rapper Snoop Doggy Doggy has spoken out about his want to appear in Coronations Street!!! Yes you heard correctly ...reports are stating he has been to Manchester plenty of times and has seen the show and would love to have a guest role in the British Soap!! Last night GTB just got over the excitement of our very own Keith Duffy walking back on the cobbles to cause some mayhem...could you just imagine if Snoop Dogg joined the cast!!! Where could he work....The Knicker Factory or Roy’s Roles?? Maybe he could be Liz MacDonald new love interest..she never stays single for too long!!!

Finally we can't say ciao for now until we speak about this amazing artist and women!!! Kanye West will be delighted that this lady is getting recognised finally... Beyonce dominated the 52nd Annual Grammy's on Sunday night by taking home six awards, the most won by a female artist in the one year at the one event!!! Big Congrats to B ....she just keeps getting Better and Better!!


 
 
Talk soon xx

A Little Bit of Rehab on Today's GTB

This weeks GTB was full to the brim with guests!. First up we spoke with Amy Winehouse tribute act, Mainly Winehouse. Front women, Tamara Nolan who is a producer by day and Amy Winehouse by night told us about how Mainly Winehouse rock it out at venues around Dublin. Tribute acts are on the increase around Dublin but Mainly Winehouse certainly stand out above the rest.
Tamara informed us that she does not have any Amy tattoos and does not lead an Amy Winehouse lifestyle (Phew!) however her voice has those distinctive Amy Winehouse undertones. Tamara is not solo in her act as there are another six members of this tribute act. These guys will give you more than a bit of rehab as they are prone to throw in a bit of funk, motown and soul. These guys are playing at venues all around the province so if you want to see the next best think to Amy Winehouse, check these guys out. GTB are major fans and you can become a fan too by adding these guys on facebook.

Next up we spoke to up and coming fashion designer Emma Manley who at the impressive age of 23 is launching her own debut collection, Manley. Emma's love for fashion began at an early age, perhaps even birth, as her mum was also a fashion designer. After her school years Emma did a foundation in Fashion and Textile Design. From there she went to the Grafton Academy and from there to the bright lights of New York at the tender age of 21 where she got an internship with a luxury sportswear company called VPL. On completion of her intern Emma then found herself in London working with renowned fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Emma described how the fashion in New York is a million miles away from the fashion in London but interestingly found New York a much calmer place to work.

Emma's debut collection includes alternative evening wear and contemporary separates. Her current collection includes all types of fabrics such as silk, pigskin, silk chiffon and jersey. Emma constantly strives to create pieces of 'timeless beauty'. GTB really love all of the Manley pieces and have no doubt that Emma Manley is one to watch in 2010.

Emma Manley's collection is available from The Loft in The Powerscourt Centre or you can contact her directly, emma.kate.manley@googlemail.com. You can also become a fan of Manley on facebook to see the debut collection.

GTB then had a chat with Peter Mannion, the president of The Union of Students in Ireland as the USI is calling for full transparency on how third- level registration fees are being spent by the universities of Ireland. Peter informed us that more and more students are coming to the USI for advice on financial aid. Many students are financial difficulties securing bank loans to finish their students and as a result have no choice but to drop out.

January GTB Guests Bootcamp Ireland give fab keep fit tips in the Irish Independent!

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/independent-woman/health-fitness/get-fit-for-2010-2016058.html

Check out Bootcamp Ireland in this weeks Irish Independent. It gives you all the tip on how to keep in shape in the coming months. The evenings are getting longer! Can you feel it people? No more dark evenings so get out there and get down with Bootcamp Ireland!! GTB x

Log onto http://www.bootcampireland.com/ to check it all out!

Girls Talk Back with a Boy!

This weeks GTB was missing one of its female presenters but all was not lost as Gerry Gormley improvised, joined GTB and got in touch with his feminine side!

First up we chatted with Michele McGrath who is no stranger to the media limelight. She is a talented actress, model and is now part of  up and coming band Industry. Michele was busy recording new tracks for the new album but popped out of the recording studio today, sparing GTB a few moments of her time to fill us on on what we should expect from Industry in 2010. There is not stopping this band as they have been working their huge voices off with appearances all around the country.

2009 saw Industry release their first single 'My Baby's Waiting' which went to number one in the charts as did their second single 'Burn'. They also had an opportunity to perform alongside the Pussycat Dolls at the Killarney Summerfest. Asked about how those dolls look in real life, Michele said they look a little older! There is hope for all of us women out there!

GTB have no fear that we will be hearing alot more from Industry in 2010 and hopefully the whole band will visit us again soon. Check out all the upcoming info on the Industry Official Webite http://www.industryofficial.com/.

Following the success of last year's series The Model Agent, RTÉ have lauched another search to find a hidden Irish beauty. We unfortunately were unable to get hold of the RTÉ model scouts who are travelling around Ireland holding auditions in search of Ireland's Next top model. The joys of live radio and no signal of phones! . IMG model scouts Jeni Rose and David Cunningham are scowering the nation to find Ireland's Next Top model. The auditions are continuing to take place all around Ireland so it aint too late to be discovered ppl!. Check out where the auditions are taking place at www.rte.ie/tv/themodelscouts/. GTB can't wait until this series hits our screens and we may be able to get the model scouts on the show in the coming weeks to give us the low down!

 

Showbiz

Jay-Z and Bono join forces for Haiti

Has Heidi taken it too far?

We also had our weekly fill of some juicy showbiz gossip with GTB Jennifer Drennan. We can't wait until next week where we have an even more exciting show. Tune in next week for some more GTB entertainment!! lots of love GTB, MIMO x x x

Fun Day Mon Day 18th January

In the wake of the Haiti disaster, more of us may be considering taking volunteering opportuntities on humanirtarian projects overseas. Frank Flood from Irish Aid told us all about Irish Aid's volunteering information services.

Irish Aid doesn't send volunteers overseas, but can provide you with sound advice if you're considering taking a trip. The Irish Aid centre is based on Upper O'Connell St, Dublin and can be contacted on 1890 252 676.


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Dublin band Clockwork Noise joined us in the studio on Monday to play a fantastic accoustic track for us and to fill us in on their plans for 2010.

The band's EP 'yes and no and everything in between' is available in record stores all over the country and from these outlets in Dublin: Road Records, Spindizzy Records,Freebird Records (Secret Book & Record Store), City Discs, Trout Records, and Tower Records.

A music video is in the works for the gang (GTB can't wait!), as is more recording.

Clockwork Noise are playing Whelan's in April - so keep an eye out! Further info on the band's MySpace or Facebook profiles.

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Ireland's first Page 3 model, Claire Tully joined GTB in studio this week to tell us all about her glamour modelling career. From achieving 600 points in her leaving cert, recieving a first class honors degree in Science and being offered a Phd in Oxford University there is really no stopping Claire Tully.

Claire explained how she fell into the glamour modelling industry by accident and informed us that it's not a sleazy business as is sometimes made out. One of Claire's main aims is to change attitudes towards the glamour modelling industry. Claire's first topless shoot was with The Irish Sun in March 2008. This shoot propelled Claire into the spotlight and she has not looked back since. She has not completely turned her back on the education front as she is currently working on a science documentry.

Claire's intellect is what sets her apart from the rest. Not only does she have a pretty face and fantastic body she also has brains and knows how to use them. She is no stranger to TV screens in the UK and Ireland and she also writes her own column in The Sun newspaper. Claire smashes all the boxes of what is considered an average glamour model. She is also a campaigner for Breast Cancer Awareness and uses her high profile to raise awareness.

Claire told GTB that she would like to start dating in 2010 as she has been single for a while now. We wish Claire all the luck in 2010 and hope to chat to her on GTB again very soon.

Claire has her own website where you can ask her questions, find out all about what she is up to and what her plans are for 2010.

Mondays Showbiz News

I've been told that today is the most depressing Monday of the year....but we here at GirlsTalkBack are determined to make your Monday as happy as possible by filling you in on everything going on in LA LA LAND!!!

First up The Golden Globes celebrated its 67th year last night in Beverly Hills. The winners on the night were as follows:

 Avatar won best picture

 James Cameron won best director

Meryl Streep won best actress for her role in ‘Julie & Julia’

Sandra Bullock won best actress for ‘The Blind Side’

Robert Downey JR won best comedy actor for ‘Sherlock Homes’

Ricky Gervais hosted the event and there was mixed reactions to his performance. Some critics found him funny and entertaining while others thought he was predictable and boring and constantly plugging his own work!!

For me Emily Blunt stood out in her amazing Dolce and Gabbana dusty pink gown

While Twilights ‘Jacob’ aka Taylor Lautner looked very handsome in his black tux and dickey bow.

Gleek fans will be delight to hear Glee won best TV comedy or musical series on the night – so happy about that it is definitely my favourite show on at the moment!!

Claudia Schiffer had some exciting news to announce, she is expecting baby number three with husband and film director Matt Vaugh!! And this is the part I can’t get over she is already five and a half months gone and she seriously doesn’t look it!!! Dame her amazing figure!! The baby is dues to make its big appearance sometime this may!!

Our very own Saoirse Ronan is rumoured to be honoured at the pre-Oscar awards, where she will be recognised as rising new talent in Ireland.

Saoirse was shortlisted in 2008 for an Academy Award which is amazing – this was for the film ‘Atonement’. The extremely talented teenager will be given the Wilde Card award at the gala function which takes place just a few days before the glamorous Oscar ceremony. Post winners include Jim Sheridan, Brendan Gleeson and Jonathan Rhys Meyers to name but a few!! GirlsTalkBack wish Saoirse all the best in the future she will definitely be one to watch. She has c bright career in front of her!

Finally for today’s hot gossip the power house that is Simon Cowell has confirmed he is leaving American Idol to bring X Factor state side!! He has reportedly commented on how X will join TV station Fox’s schedule next year! But don’t fear Simon hasn’t gone all camera shy on us ladies he will be appearing as judge and mentor on the American X factor!! Rumours are surrounding Posh Spice to be one of the judges while people in the GTB studio feel Cheryl might be on the panel!! Just have to wait and find out!!!

Chat soon,

GTB xxx

GTB Monday 11 Jan 2010

Tired of the gym but hoping to shed those excess Christmas pounds? This week’s first guest Lorraine Ho from Bootcamp Ireland told GTB about getting in shape military-style with their ex-army trainers to motivate you and get you moving!

Bootcamp Ireland has a variety of membership options, from one-per-class vouchers to annual subscriptions. Activities are open to lads and lasses, and include social events like ski or surf trips.

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Speaking of skiing and surfing, Gerry Collins, owner of The Great Outdoors on Chatham St, advised us on our winterwear during this infamous cold snap. Layering is the key, but good footwear won’t steer you wrong on these icy paths. Check out a range of their products online, and if you need any advice or assistance, Gerry and his team will kit you out in their city-centre store.

And for the hardier among us, Gerry advises wearing full-body coverage when surfing the Irish waters. (Although, you’d have to be mad…).

And if the snow returns this week, The Great Outdoors has some lovely toboggans for making the most out of it and unleashing your inner child.

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Bad weather means more opportunities for hitting the cinema, yay! Ken Mooney from movie, music and games review site BurnAllZombies.com pointed us in the directions of some promising films for 2010.

Ken’s top tips include: Up in the Air, starring George Clooney, A Single Man directed by fashionista Tom Ford (and involving the folks behind Mad Men), and Shutter Island – another Martin Scorsese and Leonardo Di Caprio effort.

Ken also suggests keeping an eye out for the film adaptation of the hugely popular novel The Lovely Bones, starring our very own Oscar-nominee, Saoirse Ronan. GTB is already counting the days til Sex and the City 2 comes out. Bring it on!