What to do while in Ukraine

Ill Thraps -- We All Get Nil Together Harry Prendergast writes: A group of Dublin musicians recently got together to form the ILL THRAPS, and write a song for Euro 2012. It’s never going to be #1, but we’re hoping to at least make people laugh. We would be massively grateful if you could put the YouTube video on your website!

A  Time  magazine cover story that shows a mother breast-feeding her 3-year-old son is drawing criticism for breaking social taboos. The story has drawn many critics on social media, and from noted celebrities such as actress Alyssa Milano. The controversy stems from the graphic nature of the photo, and from concern from some that the child in the picture is too old to be breast-feeding. Milano tweeted that she feels the cover “is exploitive and extreme.” “You missed the mark,” the actress wrote. “You’re supposed to be making it easier for breastfeeding moms.” The picture on the  Time  cover shows a 3-year-old boy standing on a chair to nurse on his mother’s exposed breast. Parenting expert Joani Geltman says she isn’t surprised that people are upset about the cover. “People have an issue with nursing in public anyway, even with an infant. Here they add a 3-year-old child when most children are weaned between 6 months and a year,” Geltman says. “People are up in arms

The  Netherlands ' hopes to win the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament next month took a slight hit as FC Schalke 04's star striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar suffered a concussion tonight against the  Philadelphia Union . Huntelaar collided with Union goalkeeper  Chase Harrison , who was starting in place of the resting  Zac MacMath  - who himself had suffered a concussion this past weekend, inside of the Union 18. Schakle were awarded a penalty because Harrison prevented Huntelaar from playing the ball within the box. Lewis Holtby stepped up and took the penalty, but his attempt hit the crossbar and was cleared. The collision left the Dutchman dazed. The 28-year-old forward  was able to walk off the field  under his own power, but then fell down along the sidelines. He was taken to the hospital around halftime and Schalke reported over Twitter that Huntelaar was  diagnosed with a concussion . The former Real Madrid castaway scored 47 goals in 48 games for Schalke and looked se

Today adidas will reveal the official Tango 12 Finale match ball for the UEFA European Championship Final with the help of defending champion and Spain and Real Madrid captain, Iker Casillas at the Ciudad del Futbol in Madrid.  The Tango 12 Finale – The Official Match Ball for the UEFA Euro 2012 Final Based on the classic Tango design used during both the FIFA World Cup™ and UEFA EURO™ tournaments during the early 1980s, the adidas Tango 12 Finale features a modern interpretation of the design including bespoke graphics designed to represent the two host countries and link to the key characteristics of football – unity, rivalry and passion. The adidas Tango 12 Finale, which has been developed over a two-year period, underwent two rigorous types of testing – qualitative player testing, which was conducted across eight different countries, using players, federations and clubs from both elite and grass roots football, and quantitative lab testing, which concluded that the adidas

“Respect Diversity” is the official anti-racism campaign program in the UEFA Euro 2012 football competition. It is part of a social campaign program (Social Responsibility programme) “Respect” from UEFA. This anti racism social campaign will be conducted by UEFA with FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) and NEVER AGAIN (Nigdy Wiecej) one member of the anti racism association in Poland. This campaign will promote the positive messages of a difference (diversity) through various activities before and during the Euro 2012 tournament underway. The Respect Diversity programme will be implemented with the cooperation of UEFA’s long-time partner the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network and its associated organisation Never Again. It will promote the positive message of diversity through various activities before and during the tournament, peaking at the semi-finals. UEFA, FARE, Never Again Association and the various agencies, local activist groups supporting the

With rumours swirling about an imminent England NT roster announcement, what you say we have a look at the team’s lodging? After vowing to eliminate any outside variables that could disrupt the team’s preparations, the FA chose one of Krakow’s only 5-star boutique hotels, Hotel Stary. Luxurious amenities the city-centre hotel boasts include a rooftop bar, free internet access and a 10% discount for guests who eat in. As fate would have it, one of our staffers was in Krakow not too long ago so we sent her on a snooping mission. The Lobby: Hotel Stary is unassuming from the outside and blink twice you might miss it (it is tucked away just one street from Rynek Główny aka Main Market Square). Inside though it’s airy, light (one might say too light especially after a heavy night) and has a decidedly boutique feel. The staff is friendly, courteous and fast. Did we mention they serve complimentary choc truffles with coffee? The Guest Rooms: The lodging’s name tra

The Platium Hotel near Kiev is the  next location to highlight on our EURO 2012 Stalker’s Map . This delightful hotel is where the Sweden NT are rumoured to be resting between their group games vs. England, Ukraine and France. The Hall: Our standard litmus test for any prospective stalking mission goes a little something like this: survey the room and determine amount of decoys needed to conceal three staffers, two editors, accompanying luggage, pets and stragglers. should an unexpected security check occur during our illegal entry. Yeah, that beige sofa set isn’t going to cut it and that’s one hell of a staircase to pull a walk of shame on. Not a great start, really. The Swimming pool: Looking at this picture gives us a headache. We’re not sure if that’s the result of clever lens trickery or last night’s vodka frenzy. We’re liking the loungers and the plunge pool thingy, but don’t the people in charge realise that marble on the floor of pool room isn’t entire