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The Journal
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
Sitdown Sunday: The spying scandal with an Irish twist that's gripping Silicon Valley
IT'S A DAY of rest, and you may be in the mood for a quiet corner and a comfy chair. We've hand-picked some of the week's best reads for you to savour. 1. Rippling v Deel Shutterstock Shutterstock A multibillion-dollar HR software company has accused its biggest rival of hiring a mole – an Irish payroll manager – to spy on them. The tech world is transfixed by the juicy battle. ( Bloomberg , approx 19 mins reading time) O'Brien started at Rippling in 2023, working out of the company's Dublin office. According to his affidavit, his interest began to wane after a year, leading him to explore opportunities in consulting or a role at another payroll startup. He reached out to Bouaziz, and the two men connected by phone, with O'Brien talking from a conference room at Rippling's office. 'I have an idea,' Bouaziz allegedly told him. He offered to pay O'Brien to stay at Rippling and spy for Deel. To make sure he wasn't being too subtle, Bouaziz also mentioned James Bond. (Deel claims that the affidavit 'is replete with falsehoods and grossly distorts the nature of O'Brien's interactions with Deel' and that O'Brien gave the testimony 'under extreme duress.') In late 2024, O'Brien and Deel executives agreed on an arrangement, according to O'Brien's affidavit: They'd pay him in cryptocurrency worth €5,000 ($5,700) per month in exchange for frequent updates about Rippling. He and Bouaziz quickly settled into a rhythm. Bouaziz messaged O'Brien multiple times a day on the encrypted messaging app Telegram, often opening with 'hi boss!' or 'hey boss, can you search for…' and texting repeatedly if O'Brien didn't respond. O'Brien said he took screen recordings of Rippling's Slack channels and sent them to Bouaziz. If the information was helpful, Bouaziz would reply 'this channel is beast' or 'these are badass.' But if O'Brien's information was a dud, he'd say the material was a 'headache.' 2. Thomas Crooks A deep dive into the life of the young man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania last July, and the questions that remain unanswered. ( The New York Times , approx 13 mins reading time) Advertisement Now, nearly a year later, with Mr. Trump in his second presidential term, much of the world has forgotten about the 20-year-old who set out to murder him. Mr. Crooks — who also killed a bystander and wounded two others before being shot dead by the Secret Service — had kept to himself and seemed to leave little behind. His motive was a mystery, and remains the source of many conspiracy theories. A New York Times examination of the last years of the young man's life found that he went through a gradual and largely hidden transformation, from a meek engineering student critical of political polarization to a focused killer who tried to build bombs. For months he operated in secret, using aliases and encrypted networks, all while showing hints of a mental illness that may have caused his mind to unravel to an extent not previously reported. 3. The Club World Cup FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the draw ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Miami. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The newly-expanded FIFA event kicks off in the US today. But how much pressure is another tournament going to put on exhausted players who are already experiencing an injury crisis, and is it all just for the sake of greed? ( The Ringer , approx 18 mins reading time) This aggressive expansionism has invited a reckoning. Interest from sponsors, broadcasters, and fans has been tepid. A number of players—many of them just a few weeks removed from the conclusion of their long, grueling club campaigns—and their labor unions are openly hostile to this steroidal tournament. And while the clubs themselves have largely stayed quiet on it—their misgivings soothed by a billion-dollar pot of prize money, with $125 million going to the winners and the rest distributed on a basis of participation and performance in the tournament—there is no tangible momentum or excitement for this thing, in spite of Infantino's extensive American media tour. More than ever, the world's most popular sport is on a collision course with its own unchecked capitalism. And a year out from the World Cup proper, the Club World Cup will be a kind of litmus test for global soccer. Is FIFA's working assumption, that demand for elite soccer is basically infinite, correct? Is the goose that lays the golden eggs really unkillable, no matter how much production you force from it? Or is a bubble about to burst? 4. A doctor without borders A powerful look at Lina Qasem Hassan, a Palestinian doctor who treated victims of Hamas's 7 October attack. When she condemned the targeting of hospitals and the killing of civilians in Gaza, some of her patients demanded that she be fired. ( The New Yorker , approx 41 mins reading time) The clinic at the hotel was a collaborative effort that Qasem Hassan had launched with her peers at Physicians for Human Rights Israel, a nonprofit whose board she chairs. The organization, founded in 1988, produces reports on sometimes contentious subjects; a recent one claimed that Israeli prisons were systematically denying medical care to Palestinian detainees, resulting in a 'widespread scabies infection,' among other problems. (The Israel Prison Service did not respond to a request for comment.) The group also provides medical care to people who lack access to it, both in the occupied territories and at a clinic in Jaffa that serves immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. In fact, at the time of the October 7th attack, Qasem Hassan and other P.H.R.I. members had been planning to visit Gaza the following week. With access to Gaza cut off, Qasem Hassan instead joined an emergency-response team and went to the Dead Sea, for reasons both personal and philosophical. 'You can't divide human pain,' she told Palestinian friends who questioned why she went to the hotel as the bombardment of Gaza intensified. 'Whether you are Israeli or Palestinian, it's the same pain.' 5. The Simpsons Alan Siegel has written a new book about how the cartoon changed television forever. In this adaptation, he explores how The Simpsons went to war with the Fox censors and won. ( Slate , approx 13 mins reading time) Related Reads Sitdown Sunday: A Route 66 town, a missing man and a detective who thinks he's cracked the case Sitdown Sunday: Their chart-topping album got millions of streams - but was anyone really listening? Sitdown Sunday: 'Don't worry, we're your pals' - the crooked lawyer who stole millions from clients Simpsons humor was never as blue as Marge's hair, but there was light cursing and slightly dirty jokes. Like in 'Brush With Greatness.' When commissioned to create a portrait of Mr. Burns, Marge depicts the power plant owner as he really is underneath his malevolent exterior: naked, shriveled, and frail. The script ends with the billionaire complimenting the artist. 'Your painting is bold but beautiful,' he tells Marge. 'And, uh, incidentally, thanks for not making fun of my genitalia.' In response, she says, 'I thought I did.' Before the episode aired, Cobern wrote a memo that demanded cutting the word genitalia. 'As constituted, the moral point and a very human moment with Mr. Burns is lost in the shock of the specific body part reference,' she wrote. 'Calling specific attention to a man's sex organs in this way would be certain to offend and anger many viewers, especially parents who are watching this show with their children. Although in previous discussions I requested a very general word such as 'body' in this scene, the substitution of your original term, 'equipment,' would be preferable and would satisfy our concerns in this context.' 6. Mark Twain's Paris Lose yourself in Caity Weaver's delightful account of her journey to Paris to retrace the American writer's footsteps. ( The Atlantic , approx 28 mins reading time) Twain wrote of difficulties procuring Parisian fare by ordering in either French (which he claimed the French could not understand) or English (which robbed him of 'the coveted consciousness' that he was 'in beautiful France'). I am spared this hardship by my friend's chic Parisian associates. One of them, who looks like a '60s pop star, translates the offerings in a voice that drifts through the air like wild bergamot: Poached calf's brain. Pig-feet croquettes. Pickled quail. Head ragout. Jesus Christ. Whose head? What's head? No one says. Some items—pig ears; duck—are described as 'pressed.' That might be safest; sounds almost like a grilled cheese. No, confesses the other Parisian, who resembles the miniatures of young dukes in the Louvre; not like a grilled cheese. More like: You take something—the ears of a pig, the carcass of a duck—and mash it inside a special device until it becomes a juice of itself, and then turn that juice into sauce, which you trick people into buying. The members of my party have the gall to request several of these demonic items from the livid waiter. I take one goldfish's nibble from every plate. Each dish is either colloidal crumbles or the wettest thing I have ever put in my mouth. Halfway through the meal, the waiter yells at us for speaking too loudly, but he does not pay us the courtesy of kicking us out. …AND A CLASSIC FROM THE ARCHIVES… Brian Wilson. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo This week, it was announced that legendary Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson had died at the age of 82. Here's an interview with him from 2015. ( Rolling Stone , approx 14 mins reading time) Almost any day in L.A., you could find Brian Wilson pretty easily if you wanted to, sitting in a booth by the window at the Beverly Glen Deli, with a bowl of blueberries and a hamburger, or shuffling along the path of a tree-shaded park near his home in Beverly Hills. He does this circuit — deli, park, home — two or three times a day, what he calls 'my daily regime,' to keep in shape and to quiet his mind. 'I'm anxious, depressed, I get scared a lot,' says Wilson, who turned 73 on June 20th. 'It's been that way for about 42 years. The park helps keep me straight. I show up feeling bad, and I leave feeling good. It blows the bad stuff right out of my brains.' On an 80-degree winter morning, Wilson walks the curving trail, his six-foot-three frame stooped and a little unsteady, but moving fast. 'See that bench up there?' he says, breathing hard. 'Just under that tree? We're gonna sit down there. Get ready.' Note: The Journal generally selects stories that are not paywalled, but some might not be accessible if you have exceeded your free article limit on the site in question. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
How to make yours a smart home: The devices that people are using to automate their spaces
YOU DON'T NEED to be a tech expert to reap the benefits of smart devices in your home. Running the house can often be a time-consuming job, so why not get as much help as you can? A 'smart home' is a home where many of the appliances can be activated, commanded and deactivated remotely through one of your smart devices (like your phone or your tablet), or through voice command devices like an Amazon Alexa. By making your home a smart home you can save yourself time, stress and energy. Read on to discover which smart devices could make your home a more comfortable, more efficient, and in some cases, more fun place to live. Light it up One of the most common smart appliances you'll see in homes across Ireland these days is lighting fixtures. Smart lighting has become very popular. Take for example the AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb . You screw it into place just like a regular lightbulb, but it can pair with your Alexa, your Google Nest, or whatever other central smart home device you've got. Through your phone or via voice command, you'll be able to turn the lights on and off, or even have them change intensity or colour, so your home will always fit your mood. Outsourcing the tough tasks Shutterstock Shutterstock Perhaps one of the most astounding advances in smart technology is appliances such as smart dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. The Samsung 9KG 1400 Spin Series 5+ AddWash™ Freestanding Washing Machine, for example, can connect with your devices, recognise your washing patterns, and suggest the perfect cycle for you, as well as sending you a notification to remind you that a cycle is done. Advertisement There is also a range of smart dishwashers that offer equivalent connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your appliance from any room in the house or beyond — as well as further features such as Hygiene Plus, Intensive Zone and Silence on Demand. Home entertainment Previous generations dreamed about being able to turn the TV off and on simply by speaking the words out loud. For our generation, all this and more is a reality. Some televisions, such as the LG Evo C4 65″ 4K Smart TV , even come with an Amazon Alexa built-in, so you can use the television as a means to dim your lights or turn on your speakers via voice control. This product also comes with smartphone remote capability, family settings, a full web browser, intelligent voice recognition and hands-free voice control. Security Shutterstock Shutterstock When it comes to making your home as secure as possible and giving yourself peace of mind, there are several smart options available to you. If you really want to take your smart home to the next level, the next big thing is smart locks. Unlike traditional locks, smart locks typically forego keys and use the home's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to lock or unlock the door. Smart lock tech has come a long way in recent years, and many options will allow you to marry security with convenience. With a smart lock, you can unlock your front door from bed using your phone or lock the front door while you're out and about. No longer will you have to worry about whether you locked the door after you've left for the day. Instead, you're in control of your front door at all times, no matter where you are. Whichever improvements you're seeking to make to your home, there are a range of smart devices that can help you take your house to the next level, available at a range of price points. Do some research to discover exactly which smart products fit the bill for your home, and before long you'll be wondering how you got along without them.
The Journal
15-05-2025
- The Journal
The five hottest staycation towns in Ireland this summer
IT'S ONLY MAY, but we've already been blessed with a few weeks of glorious sunshine. And we all say it, but there is nowhere quite like Ireland in the sun. With high hopes for a warm summer, there is no doubt many people are thinking about exploring some of Ireland's most in-demand staycation hotspots. Whether you're looking for beaches, bustling towns or big adventures, there is no shortage of destinations in Ireland for you to visit. In this week's Allianz Home Magazine, we're looking at some of Ireland's hottest staycation locations to help you plan the perfect summer trip. 1. Westport, Co Mayo Shutterstock Shutterstock Westport is a charming town at the epicentre of many of Ireland's most picturesque coastal views. Situated close to the foot of Croagh Patrick – a hugely popular recreational hike – the town is an active traveller's paradise. Rent a bike for a tour of the greenway, or go for a long walk on one of the dozen beaches within an hour of the centre. After the adventures, relax with a pastry and coffee in one of the many independent restaurants and cafes. It's what sunny day's out are made of. If you've got the car with you, it's essential that you make the drive out to Keem Bay and watch the golden sunset from the seashore after a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Being in Westport puts you in arm's reach of other beautiful natural landmarks such as the Dún Briste Sea Stack and Killary Fjord, so even if you book a long staycation you'll never run out of places to go and sights to see. 2. Dingle, Co Kerry Shutterstock Shutterstock Rivalling Westport for access to glorious beaches, Dingle is one of the most spectacular towns in Ireland's southwest. The town itself is always lively with art and music, and is home to many iconic, traditional Irish pubs, such as Dick Mack's. There are also breathtaking drives, such as the one through Conor Pass, a 12km panoramic journey through a mountain pass at elevation of 456m. And within a 25-minute drive from Dingle town are two of the most scenic locations on the entire island, Coumeenoole Beach and Inch Beach. By staycationing in Dingle, you're not losing out on any of the sun or sand that you might get with a foreign holiday. Just like Westport, this town needs to be on your list of best Irish towns to visit. Advertisement 3. Dunmore East, Co Waterford Shutterstock Shutterstock Moving away from the west of Ireland and instead looking to the sunny southeast coast, a consistently popular staycation spot is the town of Dunmore East. If you're travelling with kids, the Dunmore Adventure Centre will certainly keep them busy with activities such as surfing, sailing, climbing and kayaking. If you're staying in Dunmore East, you're also less than a 20 minute drive to Tramore. Tramore is famously home to one of Ireland's most beloved amusement parks, with plenty of rides and rollercoasters to make the whole family happy. With over 147km of coastline to explore, south Waterford is one of Ireland's best locations for enjoying the summer vibes. 4. Bundoran, Co Donegal Shutterstock Shutterstock From one corner of Ireland to another, Bundoran is the perfect staycation destination if you're looking to spend time in the pristine Atlantic waters off the coast of Donegal. There is plenty of fun to be had, not least at Waterworld Bundoran – the legendary water park is scheduled to reopen again this summer after renovations. While Bundoran is known to most as a surfing hotspot, the town also boasts opportunities to go angling, play golf, listen to live music, go on the scenic Rougey Walk, or eat in traditional Irish bistros and gastropubs until you're ready to collapse into your bed at the end of a summer's day well spent. 5. Lahinch, Co Clare Shutterstock Shutterstock When it comes to Irish staycation spots, you can't leave Lahinch off the list. While the town itself is smaller than some of the others on this list, its waters are perfect for swimming, surfing and all kinds of water sports. It also boasts a location that few other towns can match. By staying in Lahinch, you're within a comfortable drive of the majestic Cliffs of Moher — a site that truly does not disappoint. You can explore the nearby town of Doolin, and if you're there at the right time of year, you can even pass through the Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival, an entirely unique Irish experience. Also close by are such iconic features as The Burren and the Aillwee Caves, making for a staycation packed with excitement, adventure and wonder. In Ireland, you've got your pick of amazing towns to spend the summer staycationing in. Pack up the car and head out to the coast. You'll be kept busy with stunning views, craic agus ceol and plenty of outdoor activities to blow the cobwebs off. Wherever you go this summer, make sure your journey is protected with 15% off car insurance when you visit Allianz online. Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria, terms and conditions apply.
