Apple_SJobs_Dec30-1980_smApple’s arrival to Cork, Irish Times, 1981 (click to enlarge)

When tax was a weapon.

“Back in the 1970s and ‘80s, when Ireland was a poor state desperately trying to attract investment, tax was a weapon that others weren’t using,” said Richard Murphy, founder of the Tax Justice Network, a group in London that campaigns against tax havens. “So Ireland developed a twofold strategy: low rates and not too many questions. It became the conduit state of choice.”

Even Before Apple Tax Breaks, Ireland’s Policy Had Its Critics (New York Times)

Previously: They’re On To Us

Cutting via Irish Central

desktop

The ongoing Desktop Diaries series by Science Friday features informal interviews with noted boffins at their desks.

Above, theoretical physicist and futurist Michio Kaku talks Flash Gordon while psychologist and Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman, who doesn’t actually have a desk, relates the time he lost his Nobel medal. As you do.

View the entire collection here.

gizmodo

surgeonsim

Surgeon Simulator 2013 is a fiendishly difficult game where (to the tune of the Casualty theme) players take control of cyber-surgeon Dr Nigel Burke’s hands and attempt to complete a heart transplant.

The sheer frequency of ragequit (above, second video) has ensured its mimetic status.

dailywhat/memebase

cat

YouTuber Dan Sorkowitz sez of this spectacular Pavlovian role-reversal:

I trained my cat to ring a bell for treats. Now, when he wants treats, he will lay down in front of the bell and ask his servant_me to give him..When he gets full, [keep watching] he will push the bell away, and clean his paws.

laughingsquid

tornado
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-pp2ODjrbM

Yesterday morning, Barbara Garcia – standing in the tornado ravaged remains of Moore, Oklahoma  – gave an interview to CBS where she talked about losing not only her home but her beloved companion dog.

Then something wonderful happened.

dailywhat

gibney

TV3 is showing Alex Gibney’s award winning documentary ‘Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God’ tonight at 9pm.

It tells the story of four deaf boys who were abused by a priest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a subsequent cover-up which lead to the Vatican.

It summarises the Vatican’s response in three words: deny, minimise and blame.

cruel-crimes-imageThe HBO documentary also explores the church’s role in protecting and hiding known abusers around the world, including Fr Tony Walsh (above centre, playing Elvis in Fr Michael Cleary’s All-Priests Show).

Previously: “An Old, Old Problem

BKzkUKaCAAAWNjVSandymount Strand, Sandymount,  Dublin, this afternoon.

Thanks Jessica Whelehan

Meanwhile…
corkMyrtleville, Co Cork, this evening.

Thanks Jason O’Leary

salteeSaltee Islands off Kilmore Quay in Wexford, this afternoon.

Thanks Mark Mahoney

BK0EpNUCMAAw1McDollymount Strand, Dublin, this evening.

Thanks Julie Cooper

Broadsheet.ie