The exhibition For Alice runs at the National Botanic Gardens throughout July. It showcases the work of artist and sculptor Jon Mitton, a graduate of the Royal London College of Art, who has created large three-dimensional images that capture "real" moments in time. Given the exhibition's location, the images are nature-based. The technology used is called lenticular photography, which basically means that the images are similar to a hologram. They show otherworldly trees and flowers that look real, although they are housed in 2mm-deep screens.
The idea is that the viewer feels immersed in photos of, for example, a blossom tree blowing in the wind. Mitton claims gazing at a 3D lenticular image stimulates the cortex and has a therapeutic, calming effect. The exhibition runs until July 22nd; see www.jonmitton.com/For-Alice/.
Eoin Lyons
Democratic TV
He who controls the media controls the world, we are told, but if you thought media control meant holding onto the TV zapper, you need to get out more. You could start by dropping into the New Theatre in Temple Bar, Dublin between 3pm and 6pm next Wednesday for the launch of Ireland's newest TV channel, Dublin Community Television (DCTV). For a mere €25, you can instantly become a broadcaster - and the co-owner of a national media organisation. DCTV is Ireland's first TV station run by a co-op. Anyone can become a member, and at the launch event, each member can record a piece-to-camera to be broadcast on DCTV over the subsequent days.
As a member, of course, you'll also be able to vote at the AGM, but if making television sounds like more fun, you can avail of the station's ethos of "open access" - not just to transmission, but also to training and equipment. DCTV, which switches on at 1pm on Wednesday, will broadcast 24-hours-a-day to more than 200,000 households nationally on the Chorus NTL digital network. The folks at DCTV are keen to stress that this is more about control than ownership: as DCTV is a not-for-profit co-operative, you'll never receive any share dividends. But as a member of Ireland's first and only democratically-controlled TV channel, you'll be part of a media revolution.
William Hederman
Sweeney sale
Ciarán Sweeney starts his summer sale today at the CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1. There is up to 70 per cent off selected items of his trademark silk and silk velvet interior products, including cushions and throws, and discounts on his evening wear, scarves and wraps.
Jewellery by Vivian Walsh, Christina Farrell, Assisi and Venice Jewellery, furniture, mirrors, baby gifts, Murano glass and candles will also be included.
The Ciarán Sweeney store, CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, tel: 01-6029107, www.ciaransweeney.com. The store is open Monday to Friday, 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-6pm.
Regina Dwyer
On your bike
Next time the sun breaks cover and you find yourself in the vicinity of the Phoenix Park, check out the Rent-a-Bike facility operating from the Gatekeeper's Hut at the Park Gate Street entrance.
With 120 bicycles to choose from, including children's bikes to hybrids (half mountain bike/half racer), mountain bikes, tandems, tag-alongs, baby seats, baby carriers and carbon-fibre racing bikes, there is something there to suit everyone. Rental includes a helmet and is great value at €5 per hour for a single bike, €10 for three hours and €20 for a full day. The tandems are even better value, not least for their novelty factor, and cost €10 per hour, €20 for three hours and €40 for a full day.
The venture was set up a year ago by Paul McQuaid in conjunction with the Office of Public Works.
"I was born above the family bicycle shop in Glasnevin," McQuaid says. "My father won the Grand Prix of Ireland in the Phoenix Park in 1948 and for seven years after that. Five of my brothers represented Ireland in cycling at the Olympics and I won the Rás in 1995."
With his impeccable cycling credentials, he felt that the Phoenix Park was an undervalued amenity.
"I have been cycling in the park since I was on stabilisers and was always aware of how big it was. I travelled all over the world and saw that bike hire was available in every urban park and I thought, why not here?" Perhaps the biggest success of the venture is the goodwill it has generated. McQuaid requires no security deposit or identification from customers. "Everyone thought I was mad but we have had no problems. Let's get a bit of trust back in the world."
www.phoenixparkbikehire.com
Sarah Freeman
Lights, camera, action
Calling all young people with a filmic streak: the Lights Out national film festival for young people kicks off today with a screening at the Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Temple Bar, Dublin.
The programme is an eclectic mix of films with young people close to their hearts. Among the films on the programme is The Fox and the Child, a natural fairytale played out in a mountain wilderness. Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame follows the story of six-year-old Baktay, who lives in caves in Afghanistan that previously housed enormous 5th-century Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. Ben X is a blend of fantasy, gaming and social realism about a young man living with Asperger syndrome, and Mystery of the Wolf is an eco-adventure set in Lapland. Also part of the programme is the Fresh Forum for budding film-makers on July 19th, which will be hosted by former and current winners of the Fresh Film Festival. These film-makers will show their work and discuss the process behind the films. This event is at the IFI at 11am and is free, though booking is essential. There are also a number of other workshops, covering areas such as make-up, animation, special effects and practical film-making courses.
Lights Out is a nationwide event, with films being screened in Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, Ennis, Co Clare, Kilkenny, Dundalk, Co Louth, Youghal, Co Cork, Moate, Co Westmeath and Dublin. The festival runs until next Saturday and you can book tickets at www.lightsout.ie or 01-6793477.
Laurence Mackin
Know your knots
If you are inspired by Mary Russell's high seas high jinks (pages 8-9) and yearn for the salty air, open seas and distant harbours or perhaps just want to impress people with the cut of your jib. . . Well, before you can take the wheel of any boat, you'll have to learn how to tie a decent knot, and the Windmill sailing shop in Monkstown, Co Dublin will be hosting an hour-long workshop on knot-tying for children on Saturday, July 26th (ages nine and up). All children must be accompanied by an adult and you might learn a thing or two in the process.
Darran Byrne-Ryan, a former instructor at the National Yacht Club in DúLaoghaire, will guide you through five basic knots and some terminology. The workshops will be held at 11am and 2pm, but space is limited so book on 01-2805325.
Laurence Mackin