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Scientists reveal ‘clever illusion’ of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal tilt
Michael Jackson really acted out the part of a smooth criminal when he performed his gravity-defying 45 degree forward tilt in front of screaming fans, a study has shown. The “mind-boggling” dance move, first seen in the 1987 “Smooth Criminal” video, was a clever illusion invented by the pop star. Fans were amazed to see him repeat the feat live - and completely fooled. A team of three neurosurgeons wrote in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine: “Several MJ fans, including the authors, have tried to copy this move and failed, often injuring themselves in their endeavours.” A patent registered under Jackson’s name reveals how the trick was achieved. The pop legend designed a special shoe with a
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Irish Examiner
Language test may be needed for citizenship
Currently Ireland does not require new citizens to be proficient in either English or Irish and it is not decided if new requirements will stipulate either language. The test which is at the early stages of discussion, would be introduced in the interests of better integration said assistant principal in the department Raymond Murray, as some people who have been residents for five years still were unable to speak English, “The language test would be introduced on the basis of trying to ensure successful integration,” he said. The numbers of people from Britain applying for citizenship has grown spectacularly since the Brexit vote, officials said. And yesterday among the 388 British people swearing
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Irish Examiner
Gardaí fear Jastine was random victim; Murder probe as body set to be identified
Gardaí are to conduct a detailed examination of the mobile phones and digital devices of Mark Hennessy and Jastine Valdez to determine if there was any contact between them - but suspect she may have been a completely random victim. If the attack is confirmed to be random, gardaí may also examine Hennessy, a married father of two young children, in relation to other unsolved attacks or missing person cases. The development comes as the garda search operation for Ms Valdez yesterday turned to a murder investigation with the discovery of a female body in dense gorse in the Rathmichael area of south Co Dublin. While the body was in the process of being formally identified last night, gardaí believe the remains are those of the 24-year-old Filipino student.
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Meghan makes first appearance since wedding wearing Irish designer
Meghan Markle has made her first appearance with new husband Prince Harry since their wedding at a garden party celebrating Prince Charles’ charitable work in his 70th year - and all eyes were on her demure, very polished outfit. Meghan wore a saucer-style hat by our very own Philip Treacy - a favourite among the royals - in the sunshine. She already seems to be taking inspiration from her sister-in-law, as her dress is by luxury British label Goat - a brand Kate often wears. The blush “Flavia” dress in dusky pink is described on the Goat website as having a “contrast silk-chiffon decolletage and sleeves with delicate frayed edge trim on the neckline and cuffs”. It’s available for £590 (but probably
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Dying young mother 'broken' by cancer 'overwhelmed' by support from around the world
A young Meath mum whose devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer last week left her 'completely and utterly broken,' says she has been blown away by the massive worldwide response to her appeal for help to make memories with her children before she dies. A Gofundme page, established to support 33-year old Kells resident, Kim Allen, in creating cherished moments with her children Dean (16) and 11-year old Lauren (Lulu) has already reached over €7,000 of a €10,000 target. People have also been in contact from France offering Kim and her children their home to stay while visiting Paris - one of the destinations on her wish list. Many messages from friends and acquaintances across the globe said they wanted to help because of Kim's own generosity to them in the past.
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Kendrick Lamar pauses duet with white fan after she says N-word at show
Rapper Kendrick Lamar paused a duet with a white female fan after she continually said ‘n****’ while rapping along to one of his songs. Lamar had invited the young fan to perform his song M.A.A.D. City with him during his set at the Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores in Alabama. After she failed to omit the racial slur as she rapped into the microphone, Lamar called for the music to stop, saying: “Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.” The fan appeared confused by Lamar’s decision to halt the performance as she said: “Am I not cool enough for you? What’s up bro? What’s up?” Lamar explained to her: “You’ve got to bleep one single word.” The fan appeared shocked and put her hand on her chest. She said: “Oh
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UK Minister: Ireland ‘easier route in’ for holders of less secure EU passports
Ireland could be seen as an easier route in for holders of less secure EU passports, the UK’s immigration minister said. Greek and Italian passport users don’t have biometric data included and one British MP warned of loopholes and security lapses. Northern Ireland’s land border with the Republic of Ireland is one of the most vexed issues facing the Brexit negotiators. British Minister Caroline Nokes said the issue of biometric passports would be raised with the EU. She added: “There are some nationalities who use identity cards which are far less secure than biometric passports and I have concerns that moving forward, as we move into a new immigration system post-Brexit, that we will get to
