post
http://youtu.be/TdiNZtbNFVo

Wait! What?

No chestnuts roasting on an open fire?

No Jack Frost nipping at your nose??

An Post writes:

Our An Post Christmas TV advert is about how we remember family and friends at Christmas. It highlights the fact that when we make the effort to write and post our Christmas cards, the emotional rewards for both sender and receiver are enormous.

The TV advert features the song ‘The Christmas Waltz’ and was shot in locations around Dublin and Wicklow.

The music track is called ‘The Christmas Waltz’, vocals by Lisa Hannigan and is available to purchase on Bandcamp. All profits raised from the sale of the track will go directly to Simon Community to help tackle homelessness in Ireland.

Now, giant Anglo-Saxon supermarket chains, that’s how you do a Christmas ad.

Update:

Link to Bandcamp is now working. Donate here.

Corp-+-Anam-poster2-682x1024

The opening scene of the second series of acclaimed crime drama Corp agus Anam which starts tonight on TG4 at 9.30pm.

What you’ll need to know

Darragh Doyle writes:

1. The show is in Irish and some English, with English subtitles. You don’t need to be fluent in Gaeilge to watch it.

2. You don’t need to have seen the first series to enjoy – or even understand – the second. The series focuses on TV crime correspondent Cathal Mac Iarnáin (Diarmuid de Faoite) as he investigates the cases that come his way. Series 1 can be watched online here 

3. Tonight’s episode focuses on sociopath and brutal rapist John Glynn, released on bail and bent on terrorising Sharon, the mother of his child. Watch  Sharon try to escape him here 

Twitter feed: CorpAgusAnam

Previously: Corp On

claytonandbrothers

Clayton Samuel (with cap) with his mother and brothers including Ramesh (second right)

It’s a tough one.

Clayton Samuel writes:

Can any of your readers helper or advise me? I wanted my brother Ramesh to come over to Ireland to visit during Christmas holidays so we could celebrate Christmas together. My brother Ramesh works in Dubai UAE . He is a chef and he has been working in Dubai for last 4 years.

Just to give you a little bit of background, I have three elder brothers I am the youngest. I am an Irish Citizen ( Indian Origin ) I have been living in Ireland for the last nine years with my wife and my only son David.

My two elder brothers ( Ravi & Ramesh Samuel) who work in Dubai are Indian passport holders and my third Brother Prathap Samuel he lives in UK he is a UK passport holder. I asked Ramesh to apply for a visit visa just to come over to Ireland for Christmas holidays as we hardly we see each other or have a full family get-together due to the work and the distance. I also sent in supporting documents from Ireland to support his visa application.
His Visit visa was refused by the visa officer’s perception that :
(1) He may not return to Dubai
(2) He may branch into UK.
(5) His Income is not high enough that he can afford to come to Ireland.

We have appealed in writing to the Visa officer in Dubai. I have explained that my wife and I are sponsoring my Brother. I own house Sallins, I am a Bank official and my wife is working for the HSE. We are fully employed and income tax payers in Ireland. In this case Ramesh is going to live with me in my family home free of cost including his flight tickets, meals and transportation will be provided free of cost. I have also given in writing in my appeal letter that if my brother has to present himself on a regular basis to the Immigration officer in Naas Garda station we are more than happy to do this.

It’s eight days since we appealed the refusal.  Can anyone suggest what course of action I might take?

Anyone?

 

Update:

Pele in ‘stable’ condition after he’s admitted to hospital for the second time this month: Independent.co.uk

Paulie

Fiona Diffley writes:

My sister’s dog Paulie says “Christmas. Yay…” complete with eye-roll.

winnie

Maeve Murphy writes:

Presenting Winnie, when she’s not touring Ireland in her ‘Upcycled Hot Water Bottle Cover Clancy Brothers’ tribute Jumper in our VW Camper she wraps up in Christmas Lights.

buttons

Aida Mullen writes

Buttons Gracie Mullen is not in the least bit embarrassed by this Christmas carry on.

mrBoo

Pauline writes:

Here’s Mr Boo enjoying xmas in his own Santa coat. He loves it….sort of.

unnamed

Elaine writes:

Penny chilling out with her Christmas headband, she also has a little Christmas scarf on too ;) Sat still for a few seconds before trying to demolish her get-up…

The photos don’t lie.

They love this time of year.

Earlier: YOUR Happy Xmas Pets

Does your pet adore the yule like these pine-scented scamps above? Pets at Xmas marked ‘My Pet At Xmas’ to broadsheet@broadsheet.ie.

Broadsheet.ie