SUNDAY'S PAPERS continue with tributes to the Irish broadcaster Gerry Ryan, a truly big man. I wonder what he would have thought about fellow professional broadcasters and journalists tweeting about his death. It's a theme that runs through the Saturday and Sunday papers in Ireland and you could say that Twitter has generated real news copy for Ireland on the passing of Gerry Ryan.
#gerryryan
Miriam O'Callaghan, the RTE presenter, apologised for confirming Gerry Ryan's death on Friday afternoon before the station was sure all members of his family had been informed. She deleted her tweet ("Tragically it is true. So terribly shocking and sad. Life is just too cruel sometimes. RIP.") but dozens of people retweeted it, making Miriam the insider who confirmed the worst fears.
#innovation
Several music bloggers in Ireland have their knickers in a twist over a demand from the Irish Recorded Music Organisation for royalty payment. I wonder why those guys don't ask the groups they promote to put their tracks into Music Alley (the Podsafe Music Network) because that licensing would escape the IMRO demand for payment. Stories about innovative spin-outs and spin-ins fill some column inches, including a short piece by Mark Little about the iPad. If innovation in second level schools interests you, get a place at the 2010 Schools Conference in Tipperary Institute.
#politics
The RedC poll puts the Fianna Fail party in third place, the first time in the history of the poll for such a poor showing. To some analysts, the party's declining fortunes take a hit every week and this week, it was because of the attention given to the generous pensions enjoyed by past ministers. In Ireland, serving politicians can draw down pensions while still working. The comfortable incomes mean maintaining homes in several countries. This does not sit well with most of the population and now the combative public mood appears to indicate that the current government will not survive its full term.
#recession
But some companies think the end of the Irish recession is 12 months away and those optimistic MDs are planning to hire staff as things turn around.
#privacy
Both Facebook's social graph and Ireland's Data Retention Bill deserve careful consideration.
#technology
Adrian Weckler points to the Iomega Screenplay as the device of choice for people who want an easy way to play internet films on televisions.
#trends
If Kathy Foley is right, sales of ebooks will be strong in five years. And if IMRO is right, digital downloads will kill the Irish recorded music industry.
#travel
A massive oil slick from an unchecked gusher threatens the Gulf of Mexico. And racial profiling rears its ugly head in the State of Arizona. I think I'll avoid both places until things clear up.
One Year Ago: "Resurrecting the Digital", May 2, 2009.
Five Years Ago: I was recording phone calls with a Sony Minidisc recorder.
Direct link to video: http://podcasting.ie/qik/100502.mp4
Direct link to audio: http://www.insideview.ie/files/100502.mp3
