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Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
Last year there was a Garda scam doing the round which had people concerned and it has popped up again this time looking totally different than before. Again this pertains to cyber crime and sex related crimes and is poorly written as the last one was and cites laws brought in March 2007. Again this is just another scam to trick you into handing over money and most likely lots of it. Here is what it looks like below.
Advice once again given and you should take heed of it and never open suspicious emails or text message.
Don’t respond to any unsolicited email seeking personal, financial or security advice.
Never click on a link or attachment in an unsolicited email.
If you believe the email is from a genuine source, verify this independently. Independently means independent of the email sender.
Independently verify any requests for information and never use the contact details supplied to you by the caller or texter. Independent means independent of the caller or texter.
Today, Electronic Arts Inc and Metalhead, are thrilled to announce the worldwide launch of Super Mega Baseball 4, the latest installment in the critically acclaimed Super Mega Baseball series. Super Mega Baseball 4 delivers new levels of excitement and authenticity with the inclusion of real-life Baseball Legends and visual lighthearted fun that fans have enjoyed throughout the franchise. Super Mega Baseball 4 arrives on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S for the first time, with cross-play in Pennant Race and Online Leagues across all platforms including Xbox One, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™ and PC via Steam.
Super Mega Baseball 4 takes the beloved franchise to new heights, offering immersive and vibrant gameplay that stays true to the Super Mega Baseball franchise that players love. With Baseball Hall of Famer David“Big Papi” Ortiz as the franchise’s first-ever cover athlete for Super Mega Baseball 4, more than 200 larger-than-life baseball legends like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jose Bautista, Randy Johnson and more are ready to step into the diamond with beloved Super Mega League All-Stars experience.
“We are incredibly excited to launch Super Mega Baseball 4 alongside EA SPORTS and bring the joy of visually-lighthearted baseball to players worldwide,” said Scott Drader, Studio Director and Senior Producer, Metalhead. “With exciting new community requested features and content, deep customization options, and a ton of the most notable legends in baseball, we can’t wait for players to swing for the fences!!”
Super Mega Baseball 4 brings the most significant presentation upgrade in franchise history. Every corner of the game will look and feel better than ever, packed with stunning graphics, enhanced player animations, and gorgeous new stadiums. The game includes an array of new features across foundational modes like Exhibition, Franchise, Pennant Race, Season and Online Leagues including:
Baseball Legends: Over 200 baseball legends are integrated across Super Mega Baseball 4, alongside beloved Super Mega Baseball characters. Play in a league of baseball legends with teams organized by era, or mix things up with Shuffle Draft, a new feature that allows you to draft both Legends and Super Mega All-Stars to create a unique roster.
New Platforms & Cross-Play: Super Mega Baseball 4 is expanding to PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S for the first time, including all-important cross-play in Pennant Race and Online Leagues on new platforms, as well as PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, and PC.
Top Community Requests: From Franchise mode improvements to the brand-new Shuffle Draft deckbuilding-inspired feature, to expanded Player Traits and a new Team Chemistry system that add a new layer of strategy; dozens of fan-requested upgrades – automatic walks and runners, two-way players, expanded bullpens, customizable free agent pools, and more – combine to add new gameplay depth.
Creators Classic League: A brand-new league players can choose to play with, consisting of some of the biggest names in the world of baseball fandom including Jomboy Media, Mighty Goat, Koogs46, Shelfy, Fuzzy and many more!
Overhauled Visuals: Experience authentic, cinematic baseball, powered by new cameras, cutscene animations and lighting providing a true-to-life environment in every stadium.
Upgraded Audio: New crowd, voiceover, and foley effects give audio throughout the game a big upgrade from home plate to the bleachers. Plus, players will be immersed in the sounds of baseball with an all-new soundtrack with licensed and original music.
When it comes to charging devices we are all custom to using the equipment provided given we now see less plugs and cables in the boxes now these days, there is many other solutions out there which we have covered many of and you can see some in this video but this option from STM Goods in a one for all solution if you have a phone earbuds and watch which means one cable for the lot instead of three which is excellent for many reasons including a messy work top bedside locker and so on and less cables.
Given this is targeted at the Apple ecosystem it can be used with other devices and we have tried a few to be sure it is certainly an one stop shop for most peoples charging solutions without the mess. It is built well and comes with rubber footing a pop out watch stand and is very portable meaning it can be brought anywhere which I did when testing.
This can be also used in a flat state to charge your phone and watch too which is kinda neat and again makes less clutter around you and your working environment, you could also consume media when it is opened fully which again makes it a great multipurpose piece of tech to have at your disposal, there is also LED lights to show you things are all working too..
Overall this is a must have if you have the products to suit I have used this at home in some hotels and a recent trip to Italy which meant for me less cable less hassle and more space so it is a win win for anyone.
STM GOODS chargetreego in flat position
Features
Portable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for iPhone/Samsung/Android (15W/7.5W), AirPods (5W), Apple Watch (3W) – Qi Certified Charging Stand
3 IN 1 WIRELESS CHARGER – ChargeTree Go wireless charger can charge iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously. It’s compatible with Apple AirPods 3/2/Pro (in a wireless charging case, and Apple Watch Series 7/SE/6/5/4/3/2/1. Compatible iPhone models are 13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max, 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max, 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max, X/XR/XS/XS Max, SE 3rd/2nd Gen and 8/8 Plus.
QI CERTIFIED – Qi charging coils charge wireless devices including iPhone, Samsung/Android Phones, AirPods, and Apple Watch.
COMPACT CHARGING ON-THE-GO – A lot of devices lose their functionality in their most compact form. When folded up, ChargeTree Go works as a charging platform so that you can still charge and keep a low profile when space is tight.
SPACE SAVING ON DEMAND – Spring loaded, retractable Apple Watch charger holds and charges at just the right angle to enable Watch to go into nightstand mode. Tucks away nicely into the device when not needed.
PHONE CASE FRIENDLY – Designed to work with AirPods in wireless charging case, and with most non-metal phone cases (slim silicone case, slim clear case and official MagSafe case will work seamlessly).
Engineering and construction related jobs are some of the hardest positions for employers to fill, according to new data by hiring platform Indeed. The analysis looked at Irish job postings from January 1st through to the end of April this year to determine which positions were most likely to remain open for over 60 days – an indicator of it being ‘hard to fill’.
Junior engineer positions were particularly hard to fill, with 2 in 3 (67%) of these positions remaining open for over 60 days. Employers were also finding construction professionals of all types difficult to recruit for, with titles such as mechanical and electrical project manager, civil supervisor and construction manager also featuring heavily on the list.
When it comes to white collar jobs, positions such as tax senior and solicitor were both listed as some of the hardest to fill. Meanwhile some tech roles also remain difficult to find the right talent for with the gap in Ireland’s tech skills persisting for roles such as python developer and front-end developer. The increasing demand for moderators also seems to be causing a talent mismatch, with over half of these roles remaining open over 60 days.
Well documented shortages in healthcare workers were reflected in caregivers also being listed among the hardest to fill roles. Previous Indeed data has shown the top two job searches that saw the biggest increase on the Irish site in 2022 were “visa sponsorship, healthcare assistant” (up 532%) and “visa sponsorship, elderly care” (up 421%). The nature of these searches suggest that Ireland is highly reliant on foreign workers to fill this talent gap in healthcare.
Jack Kennedy, Senior Economist at Indeed:
“Many of the roles listed are highly specialised and require extensive training or experience, which in itself can narrow the candidate pool. Coupled with the lowest unemployment rate on record since the early millennium boom, as well as the high cost of living driving youth emigration and making it increasingly difficult to attract overseas talent, some employers may feel talent bottlenecks in the coming months.”
“However this is good news for jobseekers in these professions, or someone looking to break into a new industry, as they will be in a good position to negotiate a better salary. This may also be good news for the Irish diaspora looking to return home after emigrating after the last recession, which we know deeply affected sectors like construction. Longer term, however, employers and policy makers will need to examine talent pipelines and find ways to address the persistent barriers to recruitment in the industries most affected.”
Source: Indeed Ireland data (1 Jan 2023 to 30 April 2023)
Gamma, a leading location intelligence technology company in Ireland and the UK, has mapped out the 2022 Census data which shows an increase in the number of households – this has gone up by almost 140,000 – and reveals a shift regarding the number of homes being owned outright.
In fact, the number of homes owned outright now stands at 37% – which equates to 679,718 in total and is 112,949 properties more than in 2011. In comparison, in 2011, there were more households that were owned with a mortgage than owned outright. This has been reversed over the last decade with the number of households being owned with a mortgage falling by 51,941.
Looking at the rental sector, there are an additional 48,457 households recorded as rentals in the 2022 Census compared to 2016. Meanwhile, there are an additional 63,373 households which are owner occupied.
Rented properties are slowly increasing their share of the overall property market in every county in Ireland, with the exception of Kildare and Wicklow. This is particularly evident in Dublin City, where 9 of every 10 additional households in the area are rentals.
The number of households who rented their accommodation from a private landlord rose by 7%, or 20,904 properties, to 330,632 between 2016 and 2022. There were an additional 10,014 households renting from a Local Authority, which is fewer than the 13,115 additional households renting from a voluntary body.
In terms of the biggest increase in the number of households at a county level, Meath saw the largest percentage increase (13.6%). The other counties which saw increases of over 10% are all in and around Dublin, with Kildare showing a 12.5% increase, followed by Fingal at 11.4% and Wicklow with 10.3% more households in 2022 compared to 2016.
Richard Cantwell, Lead Consultant for Gamma Location Labs, commented: “It’s positive to see such a large proportion owning their properties outright. With the current housing situation, it is perhaps unsurprising that fewer households are owned with a mortgage and highlights the need for more supply. It could also explain why people’s behaviours are changing in terms of property type and size.”
In almost every county, detached houses are the most common property type. The exceptions are Galway City and most of Dublin where semi-detached houses dominate, as well as Dublin City and Cork City where terraces are most common.In that vein, the number of permanent private households has increased from 1,697,665 in 2016 to 1,836,728, an increase of 8.2%, which is slightly higher than overall population growth.
Last year’s Census also highlighted a jump in households in purpose-built apartments, having grown from 5.5% of all household types to 10.4% between 2002 and 2022. Despite this doubling, the proportion of Irish households that live in flats or apartments is far below the European average of 46%. Meanwhile, the bedsit as an accommodation type is falling out of favour. Compared to 2016 when there were 3,266 private households living in bedsits, the total now stands at 1,659.
The 2022 Census was the first time people were asked about the number of bedrooms in their home, with the results finding that three bedrooms is the most common (35.7%), followed by four bedrooms (25.7%) and then two bedrooms (15.9%). One-bedroom households accounted for just 5.5% of households, while 7.8% have five or more bedrooms. The Census also showed that there are 565 palatial mansions with 10 or more bedrooms across the country – somewhat surprisingly, there are more of these in Galway City (57) than in Dublin City (55).
Understandably, the Dublin City Council area has the highest proportion of one and two-bedroom houses in the country, with 43% of properties falling into this category. In rural counties in the west, this figure is much smaller, with Galway County having the smallest proportion of one and two-bedroom properties (13.1%).
This trend is also reflected in the figures relating to properties with five or more bedrooms, with the same two areas (Dublin City and Galway County) at the opposite end of the scale. Just 2.7% of properties in Dublin City have five or more bedrooms. In Cork City that figure is 5.7%. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown tops the list of urban counties with 9.1% of properties there having five or more bedrooms – significantly more than South Dublin (4.1%) and Fingal (5.6%).
As well as changing property trends, the Census also showed significant shifts in the age profile of the populace, which has been tracking upwards for some time. Some 15% of the population are now aged over 65, compared to 13.4% in 2016 and 11.7% in 2011. These shifts are further reflected in the 1.4-year increase to the average age across the country, which now stands at 38.8 (up from 37.4 in 2016).
Since the last Census in 2016, the population of Ireland has increased by 387,274 (or 7.5%) to 5,149,139. This is the highest population in the 26 counties of Ireland since 1841, when it was 6,528,799.
Commenting on this, Richard Cantwell said: “We can see from the Census results that Ireland’s population is continuing to mature and grow, and it’s very interesting to see the variations in housing types and ownership across the country in the context of these demographics. For example, the maturing population could be the driver of more outright home ownership in certain areas, while increasing population is impacting on the rental market in others”.
The esports industry has been growing fast, changing how we think about competitive gaming and betting. Thanks to technology and the rise of online gaming, esports has become a worldwide hit, enjoyed by millions.
Esports has also changed how we see sports fans. These days, sports arenas are filled with esports fans cheering for their favorite gamers and teams. These teams compete for more than just fun and honor. For example, the prize for the League of Legends Championship, a well-known esports tournament, is a huge $2.23 million. This big prize money shows how being a professional esports player can be a real job, bringing in lots of money from winning games and getting sponsored. It’s a big shift in professional sports and betting, creating new opportunities for gamers.
Major companies like Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull have recognized the potential and heavily invested in esports, solidifying its impact on the sports industry. The accessibility of online gaming has played a pivotal role in the growth of esports betting, attracting a broader audience and allowing bookmakers to offer odds on various tournaments and matches. The industry continues to evolve, and esports is a captivating and dynamic sector reshaping the competitive gaming landscape and wagering culture.
The Rise of Esports
Esports has exploded in popularity recently, fueled by advancements in technology and the rise of online gaming. The industry has grown to fill stadiums and arenas, with fans cheering on their favorite players and teams as they compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. Esports has become a viable career option for many players, with some earning millions of dollars in prize money and sponsorship deals.
With millions of viewers tuning in to watch professional gamers compete in high-stakes tournaments. The global esports market size was valued at USD 1.45 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 1.72 billion in 2023 to USD 6.75 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 21.5% during the forecast period., with major companies like Coca-Cola Intel, and Red Bull investing heavily in esports.
Esports has also had an impact on sports betting. Many sportsbooks now offer Esports betting, which has become famous for people to bet on sports. This has led to more revenue for sportsbooks and has allowed them to expand their offerings.
The rise of Esports has had a significant impact on the sports industry, and its impact will only continue to grow. With the industry projected to grow to over $3 billion by 2025, it is clear that Esports is here to stay. However, traditional sports organizations have also recognized the importance of Esports, and many of them are now investing in the industry. This has led to more opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite teams and players in new and exciting ways.
One of the reasons for the growth of esports betting is the accessibility of online gaming. With the rise of online gaming, it has become easier than ever for people to participate in esports tournaments and for bookmakers to offer odds on the outcome of these tournaments. Players can now compete from the comfort of their own homes, and viewers can watch live streams of matches from anywhere in the world. This accessibility has made esports more inclusive and has attracted a broader audience to the sport.
Esports Betting
Esports betting has become a billion-dollar industry, with bookmakers offering odds on various tournaments and matches. Esports betting is similar to traditional sports betting, with bettors placing wagers on the outcome of games. However, there are some differences in the way esports betting works.
For example, in traditional sports betting, odds are set based on the performance of teams and players. In esports, odds are selected based on the performance of individual players. This is because esports tournaments are often played in a team format, with players competing against each other in individual matches. This means the odds can vary significantly between players, even on the same team.
Another difference between esports betting and traditional sports betting is the nature of the sport itself. Esports is a rapidly evolving industry, constantly introducing new games and tournaments. This means that bookmakers need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to offer competitive odds.
The fast-paced nature of esports also means that matches can be over quickly, with some lasting only a few minutes. This can make it difficult for bettors to keep up with the action and make informed decisions about their wagers.
Esports and Traditional Sports Betting
Esports is often compared to traditional sports, with some calling it the “sport of the future.” However, some critical differences between esports and conventional sports make it unique. For example, esports is not limited by physical boundaries, meaning that players worldwide can compete against each other. This has led to a truly global industry, with players and fans from all corners.
The difference between esports and traditional sports is the level of fan engagement. Esports fans are often more invested in the games and players than conventional sports fans. This is partly due to the accessibility of esports, as fans can watch matches online and interact with players through social media and streaming platforms. Esports communities are known for their passionate fan bases, with many organizing events and tournaments.
What Does the Future Hold for Esports?
The future of esports looks bright, with the industry continuing to grow and evolve. Many believe esports will become as popular as traditional sports, with major tournaments and events drawing large crowds and generating significant revenue. The rise of virtual reality and other technologies may also change how esports are played and viewed, further expanding the industry’s reach. Whatever the future may hold, one thing is clear: esports is an exciting and dynamic industry that is here to stay.
Summary
The rise of esports has transformed competitive gaming and wagering culture. With its global popularity, lucrative prizes, and investments from major companies, esports has become a viable career option and has expanded the offerings of sportsbooks. Accessibility and passionate fan engagement have solidified esports as an enduring and dynamic industry poised for continued growth and potential mainstream recognition.
Digital transformation specialist, Nexer UK, is expanding into Ireland as a result of strong growth and a new partnership with Irish food company, Kepak and an existing partnership with Ireland’s largest sports retailer, Life Style Sports.
Based in Dublin, Nexer’s Irish team will provide digital transformation consultancy, specialised technology solutions, and modernised IT systems to a range of businesses in both Northern and Southern Ireland, including those in manufacturing, retail, wholesale, pharma, professional service, and construction.
To head up the division, Nexer has appointed James Fitzgerald as Sales Manager for the Irish market. With over eight years of experience in the IT industry, having worked on projects with British Gas, Red Bull Racing and Travelport, James will be responsible for driving business growth in the region.
Nexer’s expansion into Ireland follows the beginning of a two-year strategic partnership with leading Irish food company, Kepak, which will enable the implementation of a suite of business application solutions using Microsoft Dynamics 365 technology.
The expansion into Ireland, as well as plans to further grow the business, will open up new job opportunities for people living in the region.
Colin Crow, managing director at Nexer, said: “With this expansion, our goal is to make Nexer the go-to partner for any company looking to digitally transform in Ireland. As the European home of Microsoft, we want to grow our relationships throughout the British Isles and help to bring industries to their full potential.”
James Fitzgerald, Ireland sales manager at Nexer, said: “We have a great opportunity in front of us and we are looking forward to making a positive and long-lasting impact for businesses in Ireland looking to start or enhance their digital transformation journey.”
Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has created a digital map highlighting some of the best loved and lesser known festivals happening across the island of Ireland this summer.
Using Esri’s ArcGIS digital mapping system, the interactive map has something for all tastes and interests, allowing you to plan your ultimate festival adventure with ease.
Indulge in the tasty tunes at Forbidden Fruit in Dublin, dive into the inspiring realm of creativity at Wildroots in Sligo, let your senses be serenaded at the New Ross Piano Festival, and unleash your wild side at the electrifying Folk Festival in Cork. This essential map will serve as your trusted guide, leading you straight to the beating heart of Ireland’s vibrant festival culture this summer.
Cinema advertising contractor Pearl & Dean Ireland has landed a pioneering media-first deal for Audi Ireland to run as an exclusive sponsorship partner with Stella Cinemas.
The partnership, set to begin on June 1st will run for one year and was brokered by Pearl & Dean Ireland and PHD Media, the media agency for Audi Ireland. This is a media-first deal for both brand and cinema chain, as it marks the first time Stella Cinemas will show advertising on its screens. Audi Ireland will have exclusivity in the advertising reel, meaning its advert will be the only one shown to audiences across Stella Cinemas at its sites in Rathmines and Ranelagh.
The on-screen advertising will feature Audi’s all-new Q8 e-tron vehicle, which launched into the Irish market earlier this year. The Audi Q8 e-tron provides an exciting insight into the future of electromobility at Audi where boundless creativity in design meets innovation and efficiency for a powerful, dynamic and luxurious driving experience.
Audi is passionate about creating meaningful, human-centric experiences and through emotional storytelling, driving a connection with its audiences. This latest Q8 e-tron advert does just that, allowing the audience to experience progress they can truly feel. As part of this commitment, Audi will also create a memorable journey for Stella cinemagoers from foyer to screen, with on-premise branding across both Stella Cinema sites, an Audi Mocktail served at the on-site bars and secret screenings and customer competitions planned throughout the year. Audi car owners will also be treated to free popcorn on Monday and Tuesdays throughout the year-long period.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Stella Cinema in Rathmines, which opened its doors on the 29th of January 1923. Following an 18-month restoration project in 2015, today it is a luxurious modern cinema, that also reflects the glitz and glamour of the 1920s due to its original features. Ranked 16th in the world’s most beautiful cinemas and No.1 in the best cinemas in the UK and Ireland by Time Out in 2021, Stella has established itself as a world-class cinema experience and a go-to destination for movie lovers. The Stella Cinema Ranelagh opened in 2018 and has its own unique mid-century style, showcasing a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, cult classics, arthouse favourites and highlighting Irish film where possible.
Pearl & Dean is Ireland’s market leader for cinema advertising across ROI and Northern Ireland and has 100% market share in the Republic of Ireland.
Amy O’Shaughnessy, Box Office and Marketing Manager at Stella Cinema, said: “Stella Cinema is delighted to partner with Audi for an exclusive year-long partnership. We are thrilled to work with a brand that shares many of our values and believe Audi is a perfect fit for this sponsorship. Guest experience is at the heart of everything we do at Stella and having Audi as our exclusive on-screen advertising partner will allow us to maintain our customer-first approach to the cinema experience.”
Cassie Joyce, Agency & Client Director at Pearl & Dean Ireland, said: “Cinema advertising holds a unique power – the ability to weave a brand’s story into the anticipation and excitement that comes with a trip to the movies. We are delighted to collaborate with PHD to bring this electrifying media-first partnership together. It’s been very exciting to connect two incredible brands; the ultimate premium cinema experience in Stella Cinemas and such an iconic automotive brand as Audi.”
Deirdre Schwer, Head of Marketing & Customer Experience at Audi Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be embarking on this landmark journey with Stella Cinemas. At Audi, our aim is not just to develop mobility solutions that inspire and excite, but to create experiences that truly resonate. These values we feel align with those of the iconic Stella Cinemas, presenting an opportunity to connect with our customers on a deeper level. We believe in progress you can feel, and securing this unique media-first partnership is yet another an important step for the brand into the future.”
Lauren Kavanagh, Innovation & Partnership Director at PHD Ireland, said:
We were delighted to negotiate this partnership on behalf of Audi as we identified great synergies between the Audi and Stella. It is a hugely valuable media property in terms of solus advertising on one of the biggest screens in the country, and it is so exciting to see two of Ireland’s most premium brands, come together for an electrifying media first partnership’
