Gulp.
This afternoon.
Gardaí have made what is believed to be the biggest single cash seizure from organised criminals in the history of the State after approximately €4 million was found.
The seizure was made on Wednesday in Co Laois and Co Kerry during a Garda operation targeting a family-based organised crime group involved in the drugs trade
Gardaí seize €4 million in cash from organised crime group (Irish Times)
“The Commission has decided to send a letter of formal notice to the U.K. government”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is starting legal action against the U.K. for breaching its obligations under the Withdrawal Agreementhttps://t.co/R1d7h0f2zp pic.twitter.com/855NeZPUL1
— Bloomberg Brexit (@Brexit) October 1, 2020
The U.K. was expecting the letter and the European Commission sends dozens of such notices to member states each month over various instances of alleged breaches of EU law. An exchange of letters and explanations follow, before some of these cases reach the EU’s courts.
It’s not unusual for the EU to take legal action against countries and as soon as the U.K. acknowledged that its plan was in breach of the Withdrawal Agreement, such a move became inevitable.
But officials on both sides say privately that they don’t want it to overshadow negotiations on a future trade deal. They hope that if they get an agreement on that, fuss over the legal action will quietly fade into the background.
EU to Start Legal Action Against U.K. on Internal Market (Bloomberg)
From top: Morphy Richards Rose Gold Collection Filter €69.99); De Longhi Dedica Coffee Machine (€219.99)
Happy International Coffee Day!
It comes around so fast.
*jitter*
To celebrate, Currys PC World is celebrating with offers on coffee machines in stores nationwide.
Time perhaps to ditch the instant?
Lia Stokes writes:
During lockdown many of us had no choice but to start perfecting our own orders at home and Currys PC World saw this reflected in the sales of coffee machines, which, in the height of lockdown over March and April, saw sales online grow by over 1300% YOY.
Bean-to-Cup machines were the most popular machine type, with consumers becoming their own barista!
But what machine should I get?
Head of Electricals at Dixons Carphone, Jaimie Cantwel, writes:
The Beginner:
If you’re new to the world of coffee and looking for a quick fix at the touch of a button, a coffee pod machine such as the NESPRESSO by Krups Vertuo Next Premium Coffee Machine (€119.99 save €100) is a great option. Many of our pod machines also have integrated milk frothers so you can enjoy everything from an espresso to a latte.
If you have a no fuss approach to coffee, a filter coffee machine like the MORPHY RICHARDS Rose Gold Collection Filter Coffee Machine (€69.99 save €30) could be just the trick, with a pot of coffee ready to pour as you need it, throughout the day.
The Semi-pro:“If you’re looking to upgrade your home coffee experience but enjoy the ease of a pod machine, an espresso machine such as the Breville Barista Max (€449.99, save €100) is perfect. Taking all the guesswork out of making the perfect cup, this machine, with integrated grinder and milk frother, precisely controls the water temperature and lets you choose between a single or double shot of espresso for your perfect cup.
The Barista:
Many of us have been missing our to-go coffee treats over the past few months so if you’re looking to go pro at home, a bean to cup option is as close as you can get!
The De’Longhi Autentica (€829.99) can make all kinds of coffee at the touch of a button.
No cash, coffee beans were given for this post.
This morning.
A cache of potentially highly-entertaining illegal fireworks seized by Gardai in Raheny, Dublin last night.
High-visibility officers found two people in possession of fireworks in Edenmore Park and a ‘follow-up search of their residence resulted in the seizure of more fireworks’.
The skies will be little less colourful tonight, but safer.
Hats (officers’ own)
Previously: *fizzle*
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar
This morning.
Via The Currency:
…It has prompted the Fine Gael leader to ask a simple yet profound question: are we using the right criteria to make far-reaching decisions around restrictions and economic lockdowns?
“What I see other countries doing – Belgium is the most recent example – is that they are no longer using case numbers to make their decisions on restrictions and on policy,” said Varadkar.
“They are looking at hospitalisations, ICU capacity and deaths. It is a job for us as politicians to say to the public health people that maybe we should be focusing on that.
“The objective was to make sure our health service did not get overwhelmed, not to lock down the country and the economy until there was no Covid at all. That is not realistic.”
Better late than never, spose.
Yesterday: The Dam Breaks
“You learn by being challenged, by being placed in an uncomfortable position…”
Gad Saad (above right), Lebanon-born, Canada-based ‘evolutionary psychologist’ and popular YouTuber takes apart the reasoning behind the withdrawal by Trinity College’s Hist debating society of an invite to Richard Dawkins (above left) to speak at the college.
Reasons given by the Hist were Mr Dawkins’ views on Islam and his attitude to sexual assault.
Previously: Where Is Your God Now?
A short by LA-based animator Victoria (Vewn) Vincent following twin tennis superstars Darcy and Marcy as their contrasting personalities deal with the pressure of competitive sports, family and the end of the world.
Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (left) and Minister for Education Norma Foley
Asked about why not inform Cabinet colleagues, Minister @NormaFoleyTD1 replied that the Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD was told
— Paul Cunningham (@RTENewsPaulC) October 1, 2020
This morning.
Meanwhile…
Via RTÉ:
Ms Foley is set to make a statement in the Dáil today about errors discovered in this year’s Leaving Certificate calculated grades process.
The full impact of the mistake, and the exact number of students affected, will only be known when a second review of all marks awarded is completed.
Universities have warned that they do not have the capacity to offer places to all students who may receive a new CAO offer on foot of upgraded Leaving Certificate results.
Among the questions unanswered as yet: when will the students who have been affected be told?
Minister admits some students may have to defer college place (RTÉ)
Yesterday: The New Norma
