Yeah, it’s been that kind of day. We can’t step outside TJ HQ without fearing an imminent drowning – we hope it’s been better wherever you are today. (Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)

THINGS WE LEARNED:

#IMF: The IMF has recommended that the government re-examine the child benefit and medical card systems in a wide-ranging review of Ireland’s financial affairs. Its report also suggests that the ‘flat’ structure for unemployment benefits should be addressed, as it provides a barrier to getting people back to work. Chillingly, it also warns that there’s little “low-hanging fruit” left to cut in the next Budget.

#HSE: The chief executive of the HSE is stepping down, less than halfway through his five-year term – because the government is proposing to radically change his position. Cathal Magee said he’d be leaving after health minister James Reilly announced plans to create new ‘directorates’ within the HSE, led by a Director-General and not by a chief executive.

#PYRITE: A new government report has said over 10,000 homes could potentially be vulnerable to problems arising from the use of pyrite in building their houses. Phil Hogan’s report said the problem is confined to five council areas in Leinster, including Dublin City, Fingal, Meath, Kildare and Offaly.

#PERMANENT TSB: The chief executive of Permanent TSB has confirmed that the state-owned bank will be closing some of its branches – and laying off some staff – as it tries to turn itself into a viable business. The state-owned bank will confirm details of its bank closures later this week.

#SILVER: There’s money in them there… waters? A US exploration company says it’s recovered 48 tonnes of silver from a British cargo ship around 300 miles off the coast of Galway. The ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1941 and lies 4,700 metres below the service. The company exploring its wreck says the silver haul is the most valuable ever.

THINGS WE LOVED:

• Vincent Browne. We forgot to mark our curmudgeon-in-chief’s birthday yesterday, and we’re very very sorry about it.
• You’ve almost certainly seen Bruce Springsteen bringing a six-year-old up on stage with him last night, but in case you haven’t…
• The Grimm Brothers are responsible for more fairy tales than you might realise. The New Yorker says, basically, they’ll mess up your children – but that you should still read them to them anyway.
• You might have seen this on TheScore.ie earlier today but if not, it’s really worth checking out. Channel 4 have plenty in their catalogue to be proud of – but this Paralympics ad is right up there with the best.
• Also, demure as it might appear, we’re loving Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday celebrations at home with his family in Qunu. It just looks like the sort of quiet get-together that a 94-year-old would enjoy – even if it is a former head of state who bridged historical divides in his nation. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)

THINGS WE SHARED:

• If you’re saving up to go on holiday right now, you’re probably trying to live lean. If you’re just back from one, you’re more broke than you planned to be. Whichever it is, the Rich Kids of Instagram will probably really upset you.
• Queen Elizabeth and Hillary Clinton are known for their various hues of suits – but they’ve got a rival. NextNature’s ‘Merkel Rainbow’ is almost Dulux-esque in its colour-coordinated brilliance.
• ‘Ello, ‘ello, ‘ello… what’s going on here? A Garda had some harsh words for Mickey and Minnie Mouse on Grafton Street earlier today…
• Baltimore seems a bit more pixelated than we remember. Joe Nicolosi has made this Lego version of The Wire – and it’s almost as amazing as the original HBO series.
• Finally tonight, these heart-warming commercials from the US’s National Downs Syndrome Congress does all the talking – so we’ll just leave them with you. Enjoy.

(jeffj5610/Youtube)