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Monthly Archives: July 2017

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RTÉ has responded to speculation that here is a major gender pay gap in the national broadcasting service.

 

Yesterday, The Sunday Independent revealed that Sharon Ní Bheoláin earns €60,000 – €80,000 less than her male co-anchor Bryan Dobson.

 

'I believe that I am well remunerated, but, for the record, my pay is still considerably less than that of Bryan’s. I won’t be commenting further,' she said at the time. 

 

In response, RTÉ confirmed that a review of role and gender equality across the organisation will take place, and that details of the review will be announced 'soon.' 

The national broadcaster also responded to allegations that certain staff members were receiving 'secret bonuses.' 

 

'In response to a story in this morning's Irish Independent, RTÉ can clarify that it has not introduced ‘secret bonuses’ to RTÉ staff.'

 

'RTÉ introduced a series of cuts to staff pay as part of significant reform across the organisation from 2008 – 2013 which saw a reduction in operating costs of €130 million.'

 

'Pay restoration – reintroduced in 2015 – is based on binding agreements negotiated by the RTÉ Trade Union Group on behalf of RTÉ staff and followed this period of cuts to staff pay. Uniquely RTÉ was the only public body to voluntarily suspend and stop increments, stopping manager increments for some 4 years.'

'As agreed with the RTÉ Trade Union Group and as communicated to RTÉ staff in 2015, pay restoration is being introduced on a phased basis: 15pc was restored on 21 December 2015; a further 42.5pc was restored on 19 December, 2016; additional tranches of 21.25pc each were restored on June 30, 2017 and on December 18, 2017.'

 

'Increments apply within existing salary ranges, which are below the 2009 levels. These payments are not bonuses. RTÉ confirms that managers have not received bonuses or general pay increases.'

 

RTÉ has also confirmed that they will be publishing the salaries of their top 10 highest earning broadcasters very soon. 

IMPACT lead organiser Linda Kelly said: 'Pay gap reporting will help us by shining a light on the source of the inequity, so often expressed in ignorable national averages, in our offices, shops, factories and care settings.'

'It will put pressure on employers, forcing them to address the issue if they want to protect their reputations in an economy where brand value is ever more important.'

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The BBC has launched a music festival, just as Glastonbury comes to an end for two years.

Glastonbury Festival takes a break every five to six years to prevent excessive damage to the site.

And now it looks like BBC is banking in on that.

The festival, which has been named The Biggest Weekend, will take place on May 25-28 across four sites in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As well as hoping to attract over 175,000 people, the network will stream the live performances on the BBC's app, in hopes to be one of the biggest streamed festivals.

Bob Shennan, director of BBC radio and music, said in a statement, "BBC Music has a strong history of bringing the nation together for some special moments, and this is the biggest single music event ever attempted by the BBC.

"We will be celebrating the diversity of music from four different corners of the country, bringing the best UK music to the world and the best global music to the UK."

The four-nation event will only take place for one year, and there are no plans to make it an annual festival.

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Gardaí in Coolock, Dublin are investigating a single vehicle fatal road traffic collision which occurred at Clarehall at approximately 4.20pm yesterday afternoon.

An 18-year-old male motorcyclist was killed when his motorcycle collided with a lamp post.

Image result for clarehall motobike crash

The young man was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Beaumont Hospital.

He was riding with a 23-year-old male pillion passenger, who was seriously injured and is currently in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Coolock Garda Station on 01-666 4200, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

If you have any information, mention the reference number 749/17.

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Gigi and Bella Hadid's dad, Mohamed Hadid, has been sentenced to community service after he built a mansion that was too big.

Yes, really.

Mohamed must also pay fines and create a plan to stop eroding the hillside in Bel-Air, after he was told that he could not build a "mammoth mansion" there.

Three years ago, the city of Los Angeles demanded that construction stopped, however, the real estate developer continued building the 30,000-square-foot home on a 1.2 acre plot.

Hadid House

Los Angeles Times reports that "construction continued illegally on the massive house, defying the city order."

The mansion was allegedly "bigger and taller than city rules allowed," and had "bedrooms, decks, and a [70-seat] IMAX theatre that the city said were never approved, according to court documents filed by prosecutors."

Mohamed appeared in court in Los Angeles yesterday and the judge sentenced him to three years probation and 200 hours of community service.

He was also ordered to pay more than $3,000 in fines and repay the city $14,000 to cover building department costs.

Image result for gigi and bella hadid dad

In addition, Mr Hadid must also create a plan to stabilise the hillside on which the house sits, because neighbours say it has "been dangerously destabilized."

One of Mohamed's neighbours said that he "should be in jail [because] he violated the city’s ordinances over and over again."

Despite protest however, the aptly named 'Starship Enterprise' will remain in place.

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We've conquered the avocado fields of the world, now it's time for millenials to conquer the skies. 

Air France is launching a brand new airline, which is targeting the distinctive generation. 

'We started with our target customer segment, the millennials, to create this new brand that means something to them,' sid Caroline Fontaine, VP Brand at Air France, in a statement. 

'Designed for our millennial customers, it will offer more than just a flight and a fare, it will offer a global travel experience.' said Dominique Wood, EVP Brand and Communications at Air France. 

However, the airline concept is a little lost on us. 

'Joon is a lifestyle brand and a state of mind. Short, punchy and international, the name Joon is designed to address a worldwide audience.'

The airline is set to launch later this year, but there is no word yet on how exactly the 'lifestyle brand' will be adding to the millennial experience.

Presumably there will be complimentary gin and tonics and an Instagram photo booth? 

Rather than plumping for the uber-popular millennial pink, the brand has also opted for a striking blue shade to represent their generational beliefs. 

'Its visual identity is based on an electric blue colour code symbolising the airline's dynamic attitude, as well as the sky, space and travel.'

However, the description of how this shade translates into their employees uniforms left us scratching our heads. 

'The uniform of Joon's flight attendants will be inspired by the new fashion codes, basic and chic.'

Yes you read that right – basic and chic.

So we're anticipating the air hostesses will be donning a pair of high waisted denims, a Breton top and UGG boots while toting a pumpkin spice latte in one hand and assisting you with your overhead luggage with the other. 

Further information about the new airline will be available in September when Joon kicks off it's millennial airways with flights to and from Paris. 

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If you were lucky enough to see Justin Bieber in the flesh in the RDS last month, count your blessings.

The 23-year-old singer has cancelled the remainder of his Purpose World Tour.

He has already performed over 150 times on the massive international tour, but has cancelled the final 14 concert dates.

The rest of the tour has been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances.

'Justin loves his fans and hates to disappoint them,' reads a statement.

'He thanks his fans for the incredible experience of the Purpose World Tour over last 18 months.

'He is grateful and honoured to have shared that experience with his cast and crew for over 150 successful shows across 6 continents during this run.'

'However, after careful consideration he has decided he will not be performing any further dates.'

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Yesterday, RTÉ Six One News presenter Sharon Ní Bheoláin revealed that her co-host Bryan Dobson earns considerably more money than her.

It came after 40 BBC female presenters wrote a letter to their director asking for the gender pay gap to close, and now, it seems like RTÉ is following suit.

According to 98fm, the national broadcaster has said it will reveal its ten best paid presenters, and how much they earn.

Related image

However, no date has been set for this review, and instead RTÉ said it will be "shortly."

This morning, for the first time, it was revealed that 101 members of its staff are on a six-figure salary.

The Minister of Communications, Denis Naughten said that he wants to see more transparency.

Image result for sharon ni bheolain and bryan dobson

"RTÉ is funded primarily from the TV licence," so he believes "there is a responsibility on an organisation like RTÉ to be transparent about pay".

"It's time to publish what they pay all their staff. It is after all the public's money and the public have a right to know," added the National Union of Journalists' Bernie Ní Fhlatharta.

In the meantime, RTÉ has also promised a review on roles and gender equality.

IMPACT lead organiser Linda Kelly said: “Pay gap reporting will help us by shining a light on the source of the inequity, so often expressed in ignorable national averages, in our offices, shops, factories and care settings.

"It will put pressure on employers, forcing them to address the issue if they want to protect their reputations in an economy where brand value is ever more important."

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Congratulations are in order for Adam Clayton and his wife Mariana – they've just welcomed a baby girl!

The U2 bassist and his wife announced the news this morning in the Irish Times.

The new parents published a personal notice in the paper, and kept it short and sweet.

It reads: “Adam and Mariana Clayton are delighted to announce the birth of their beautiful baby girl Alba.”

Image result for adam clayton wife

The couple got married in the registry office on Grand Canal Street back in 2013, and held a second ceremony on the French Riviera in a 14th-century château.

We're absolutely delighted for them.

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Meet Chuando Tan.

A former model turned photographer from Singapore.

He runs his own modelling agency and has worked on a number of high-fashion projects over the years – but it's not his work that's making headlines this week, it's his age.

 

"When you choose to see the good in others, you end up finding the good in yourself" #happyhumpday – 7TH JUN 21:22

A post shared by CHUANDO (@chuando_chuandoandfrey) on

This man is 50-years-old.

Five. Zero. 

Back in the 1980s, Chuando was one of Singapore's most sought-after models, and according to metro.co.uk, he even had a short career as a Mandarine pop singer.

But, after a decade in the limelight, he decided to step behind the camera and has since built up his reputation as a celebrity photographer – although we're pretty sure he'd still blend right into the pages of any modern magazine.

So, what on earth is his secret?

No, it's not some kind of Benjamin Button situation (though that seems like the only logical explanation).

The photographer puts his youthful appearance down to three major things – avoiding late night, never bathing late at night or early in the morning and eating Hainan chicken breast meat everyday.

 

#GoodEvening ! #So #HowWasYourDay ? Yap just woke up , yes phone out of juice #asyoucansee – 20th MAR 18:53

A post shared by CHUANDO (@chuando_chuandoandfrey) on

But, while this all sound pretty easy, we're guessing some really good genes have a huge part to play.

Some people have all the luck.

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Five Party Decorations That Children Love

A number of things must be considered when planning a children’s party, but one very important aspect of any successful party is the way the venue is decorated. When children walk into a party venue, they should be transported to a world of fun, and the right decorations can do that. If you are planning a children’s party for the first time, here are five party decorations that children love:

Painted Seats

Children are always enamored by colors and blending that into the seating arrangement is a simple but surefire way to delight them. If you are renting the chairs for your party, you can ask if the company has chairs in different colors and if you will be able to mix them up. If not, simply get chairs in a single color, and with few spray cans, create a mix of different colored seats. You can even design each chair with some of your own unique artwork.

Piñatas

At its Mexican roots, the Piñata holds a lot of symbolism for struggle, faith, and redemption. But for children, seeing the decorated paper-mâché container when they step into a party tells them that they are about to have a great time that will be crowned by smashing something and seeing candy fly out of the broken container and all over the floor like something out of a six-year-old’s dream. Piñatas can be bought or made. Should you decide to get one for your party, don’t forget to get a bat.

Balloon Confetti

Balloons are always a hit at parties. Not only do they give a room some life, but children also love playing with them. Children also love throwing confetti around and seeing the little bits of glitter coat the entire area. What happens when you fill a lot of helium party balloons with confetti? You get beautiful balloon decorations that the kids will have the best time with. What’s great is that they also hold a glittering surprise when they pop.

Ribbon Lanterns

Celebrants have been decorating lanterns with colorful ribbons for centuries, and it is still a decoration that children love even today. Ribbon lanterns are very versatile decorations as they can be done using a single ribbon, multiple colored ribbons, or they can even be combined with flowers. They can be a little challenging to do yourself if you do not have experience in craftwork, but thankfully, you can purchase them online as well.

Candy Topiary Tree

Children can never seem to stay out of trees – from trees at the park to Christmas trees and candy topiary trees. If you are looking for a good centerpiece decoration and cannot manage a piñata, getting a variety of candies and then creating a tree is a great way to grab the kid’s attention and have them excited for a delicious end to the party.

There are many more decorations to dazzle children at a party, but these five are a start. You can order most of them, but if you like the challenge of making your own decorations, you can get the craft supplies to do that on TheWorks’ online store.

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Game of Thrones fans are celebrating today after the author of the series, George RR Martin, hinted that he may release two more books next year.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the sixth instalment of the fantasy novels and now it looks like they have finally got the update they were longing to hear.

In a post on his Livejournal page, George wrote: “I’ve seen some truly weird reports about [The Winds of Winter] on the internet of late, by 'journalists' who make their stories up out of whole cloth.”

“I don’t know which story is more absurd, the one that says the book is finished and I’ve been sitting on it for some nefarious reason, or the one that says I have no pages.”

“Both 'reports' are equally false and equally moronic. I am still working on it, I am still months away (how many? good question), I still have good days and bad days, and that’s all I care to say.”

He also revealed that he is working on a two-volume history of Westeros' history under the Targaryen dynasty.

“Whether Winds or the first volume of Fire and Blood will be the first to hit the bookstores is hard to say at this juncture, but I do think you will have a Westeros book from me in 2018… and who knows, maybe two.”

“A boy can dream," he added.

The author has not released a book since 2011 and the hit HBO television adaptation has already brought characters far beyond the storylines they reached in the novels.

Here's hoping George stays true to his word, but in the meantime, keep an eye on his blog for all the latest GoT updates.

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Last summer, the entire country fell in love with two cheeky Corkonian rowers, better know as the O'Donovan brothers.

Olympic silver medalists, Gary and Paul, captured the hearts of the nation with their quick wit and epic one-liners, and it looks like we're no the only ones who fell for their undeniable charm.

Scottish actor, James McAvoy, has said he'd love to play the role of one of the O'Donovan brothers in a movie about their lives, adding that Micheal Fassbender could play the other brother.

James has been a fan of the rowers ever since they appeared together on the Graham Norton Show last December.

Speaking to The Sun, the X-Men star said their story has everything it needs to be a success.

"We’ve been looking to do something else together that has heart, has action, has suspense, has comedy, has Olympic medals. It’s a no-brainer," he said.

"I was just mesmerised by the O’Donovans. They sat on that couch and commanded focus. They were the funniest, coolest guys and just by being themselves, they sort of won over the world. And even though yes, they are much younger than us, that’s what make-up and CGI magic is for."

But what about the West Cork brogue?

Well, according to James that wouldn't be a problem. He reckons he could master the unique O'Dovovan twang thanks to his own Scottish accent.

"They’re of the same family of Celtic sounds. Michael [Fassbender] has the upper hand, but I could handle it."

Nothing is confirmed as of yet, but we're willing to bet good money that this would be one of the most charming and funny Irish films of all time. 

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