Chinese military band members rehearse before the opening session of the National People’s Congress at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, in China.  (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

HERE’S ALL THE things we learned, loved and shared today.

THINGS WE LEARNED

#CROKE PARK II The UNITE union has recommended that its members reject the Croke Park II deal. It advocates a No vote in an upcoming ballot.

#ELECTION The Meath East by-election is to be held on 27 March. It will fill the seat vacated by the death of Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Shane McEntee last December. McEntee’s daughter is among those likely to run, with Fianna Fáil senator Thomas Byrne likely to be her closest challenger.

#DEFAULTERS The Revenue Commissioners has published details of €27.7 million paid in taxes, interest and penalties by 135 tax defaulters. The highest payment was made by Michael Healy of Co Wicklow, whose settlement amounted to in excess of 2 million.

#IKEA IKEA said today it is investigating faecal bacteria that was found in almond cake made in Sweden. The Taarta Chokladkrokant cakes were destroyed after being intercepted by Chinese customs in November.

#CRASH An elderly pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a car on the Clontarf Road in Dublin at around 8am today. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.

#OFF THE BALL The team formerly behind Newstalk’s Off The Ball sports show have released a statement saying they are determined to be back on air together as soon as possible. They said that “fundamental differences of opinion” with management led to them quitting the station.

Olympic gold medallist and winner of nine world titles, cyclist Victoria Pendleton (centre) rode into Dublin with some fans Isolde Moylan and Mick Brenn (at the front) to lend their support to The Irish Cycling Show. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

THINGS WE LOVED

• This footage of a walrus just chilling out on a beach in Orkney, off the coast of Scotland, is lovely. He’s so relaxed, even with people taking photos.
• This illustrated life advice from astronaut Cmdr Chris Hadfield is just wonderful.
• Is Knobs and Knockers the best shop name in Ireland? Slash says it is, but we asked our readers if they could do better. Here are their answers.
• Do you like a good photo mystery? Here at TheJournal.ie we do. Age Action is looking to reunite two photo albums with their owners. Here is one of the photos - the rest can be found here.

THINGS WE SHARED

• Local news captions can be a very funny thing, as this Buzzfeed round-up demonstrates.
• How can we encourage healthier eating? In Hungary, they put a salt tax into place. The New York Times looks at how it is doing.
• Where is the worst air in the world? John Upton examines the facts in Slate.