The Daily Fix: Friday

In today’s Fix: EBS joins banks in posting major losses; computers being programmed to ‘feel’ regret; and interesting interpretations of skyscraper design.

EVERY EVENING,TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of the latest news stories, as well as the bits and pieces you may have missed during the day.

During a week in which the IMF cut its forecast for Ireland’s growth in 2011 and Moody’s once again cut the country’s credit rating, three major Irish financial institutions announced significant losses for last year. On Tuesday, it was AIB. Yesterday, it was Bank of Ireland. Today, EBS posted record losses of €590m for 2010.
Following public and political pressure, the operators of the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant in north-eastern Japan have said they will offer the region’s evacuees between €6,200 and €8,300 in “temporary” compensation, sparking anger among some of those evacuated.
Triona Wolfe, the sister of 18-year-old Cork girl Leanne Wolfe who took her own life after years of bullying, has spoken to TV3 of her family’s heartbreak at reading Leanne’s diary and discovering what had been happening to her.
Croatia’s prime minister and president have criticised today’s conviction of Croatian national hero General Ante Gotovina for war crimes at the Hague.
Google is funding researchers at Israel’s Tel Aviv University to programme computers to ‘feel’ regret, in the belief that a machine with hindsight can better predict the future.
A bargain basement sale of around 80 properties took place in Dublin today, with some homes going for €35,000. At the higher price end, an apartment building in Co Wexford sold for almost twice the reserve price, fetching €560,000.
Storms, shrimp, and shrines: just some of the subjects featured in this Week in Photos.
TheJournal.ie‘s satirical columnist (not) Cardinal Sean Brady writes today that, although many people don’t know this, Jesus had a thirteenth apostle. His name was Derek.
North Korea has been celebrating the birthday of the state’s founder, Kilm Il Sung.
A group of Somali pirates has lived up to its name by accepting a multi-million dollar ransom payment without actually handing over the the hostages.
Architecture and design magazine eVolo has announced the winners of its annual skyscraper design contest which focuses on the use of new technology and materials. One entry which received an honourable mention in eVolo Magazine’s competition is shown below, check out this slideshow for more.