This very notion occurred to me last weekend, perched in my prime position stool at the Farmgate Café, idly inspecting the wonderful chaos that is Saturday at the Old English Market. As much a part of the city as the Shandon Steeple or the Father Matthew statue, this ancient Victorian edifice at Cork's geographical heart remains a soulful part of every local's essential character. "When I think of Cork, it is always summer in the leafy shade of the Mardyke or Inniscarra's glistening waters," wrote Frank O'Connor. "And the din of the English Market's thousand bleating voices as we walked homewards laden with new potatoes and spiced beef." Sipping an umpteenth cappuccino, the heritage of Cork nomenclature stretched forth around me - McCarthy, Burke, Moynihan, Durkan and O'Donnell. Beneath me a French couple perused a beef joint at Coughlans; a Croatian mother eyed the hampers at the Roughty Fruit King; a pair of blood-stained butcher's boys debated the genius of Liverpool soccer; … [Read more...] about John Daly: ‘Sit back and enjoy market soap opera’
Soap operas
Power, personalities and money dominate Forum voor Democratie soap opera
Thierry Baudet, (centre) and Henk Otten with microphone at an election meeting. Photo: Arie Kievit via HH The power struggle within nationalist party Forum voor Democratie took another twist on Thursday evening when co-founder Henk Otten stepped down from the board, accusing his fellow board members of character assassination. Otten quit after the NRC published an article outlining how he had paid himself €30,000 for overtime without consulting other board members – a move which had led to him resigning as treasurer earlier in the week. Otten told the NRC on Thursday that the payment – €25,000 plus tax – was due to him to cover overtime but that he had repaid it to ‘avoid discussions’. ‘It is no coincidence that it has come out now,’ he told the paper. With sackings and denunciations flying via Twitter and the media, the fledgling party has ‘poorly developed crisis management’, RTL commentator Frits Wester said. … [Read more...] about Power, personalities and money dominate Forum voor Democratie soap opera
Darcey Bussell quit Strictly over ‘soap opera scandals and £40k pay rise snub’
Darcey Bussell quit Strictly Come Dancing because she was sick of the 'soap opera' scandals and her requests for a £40,000 pay rise not being met, it has been claimed. The former principal ballerina confirmed today that she has stepped down from the judging panel after seven years, insisting her decision had nothing to do with 'any upset'. However, according to The Sun , she walked away after growing weary of scandals such as Seann Walsh and Katya Jones' snog, and also wanted her £180,000 wage to be bumped up to bring her closer in line with Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas. “Darcey felt she deserved to be on par with the rest of the judges, especially after the recent series scored such high ratings. She made it clear if her demands were not met, she’d walk. And despite the BBC’s best attempts to keep her, she remained true to her word," a source said. The insider also claims she'd had enough of Bruno's 'theatrics' and of fellow judge Craig … [Read more...] about Darcey Bussell quit Strictly over ‘soap opera scandals and £40k pay rise snub’
Darcey Bussell quit Strictly after becoming embarrassed by show’s ‘soap opera’ scandals and wanting a £40,000 pay rise
STRICTLY judge Darcey Bussell sensationally quit after becoming embarrassed by the show’s sleazy reputation. The ballet legend, 49, was sick of the “soap opera” romance scandals such as Seann and Katya’s snog last year. Darcey — on the show for seven years — also wanted a £40,000 pay rise and had become annoyed by flamboyant judge Bruno Tonioli’s theatrics. The 49-year-old judge’s shock decision to end her decade-long association with the show stunned BBC bosses. But sources say the ballet legend was sick of non-stop stories about romances between pro dancers and celebs such as the snogging scandal involving Seann Walsh and Katya Jones. Dame Darcey also wanted a £40,000 pay rise to put her in line with other top judges, and a documentary series with the BBC. A show insider said: “Darcey felt she deserved to be on par with the rest of the judges, especially after the recent series scored such high ratings. “She made … [Read more...] about Darcey Bussell quit Strictly after becoming embarrassed by show’s ‘soap opera’ scandals and wanting a £40,000 pay rise
107 year old from Chesterfield becomes oldest person to appear in a soap opera
A 107 year old great great grandfather from Derbyshire has become the oldest person to appear in a soap opera with a role in Hollyoaks. It's Jack Reynold's 4th world record - previously he's become the oldest man to get a first tattoo, ride on a rollercoaster and go down a zip wire. … [Read more...] about 107 year old from Chesterfield becomes oldest person to appear in a soap opera