Latest news with #Threshold
RTÉ News
13-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Minister for Housing defends new Government rental measures
The Minister for Housing has defended new measures in relation to the rental market, saying they strike a balance between protecting tenants and supporting investment. Speaking in Galway this morning, James Browne acknowledged "there were a few different moving parts" in the planned legislation, but he said these were necessary, given the scale of the accommodation issues the country was facing. "There's always going to be a challenge around the complexity of doing anything like this, there's no one size fits all to bring a solution to this kind of complex situation," he said. He said a balance had to be struck between protecting tenants and ensuring that investors were willing to embark on building projects. The Minister said the Government wanted to protect existing tenants as well as increasing the supply of available rental properties. He said "a massive step change" was needed in this regard but that he believed the measures announced this week would help that to happen. He said investors needed certainty as to what the long term situation would be regarding tenants rights. Minister Browne said the current situation with Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), where rent increases are limited to two per cent, meant investors could make a loss, if inflation rose above that figure. He said this was causing a "blockage" but that more needed to be done to address what he termed "a viability gap" for new builds. He said the Government would be taking other measures to close this gap in the coming weeks and months. The Minister added that a minimum security of tenure, of six years from next March, would protect renters entering into a new lease agreement, while allowing landlords to be able to reset rents "every so often". He said he felt the six year period struck the right balance in that regard. But he said landlords couldn't take advantage of this to reset rents "to a mad number" and would have to charge market rates or lower. The Residential Tenancies Board would adjudicate on any disputes that arose in this regard, and would be provided with additional resources to do this. Minister Browne made his comments after opening a new office for the Threshold housing charity in Galway, where the twin issues of housing affordability and supply are having a huge impact on the lives of thousands of people. He said he had secured cabinet approval to tackle the impact caused by short-term holiday lets on the wider rental market. "We're in a housing crisis, where there is an issue with supply, we have to take priority decisions, and the priority has to be for people to have homes over short term lets" he said. The Government has already proposed passing legislation to outlaw short term lets, in the absence of planning permission, in towns with a population of 10,000 or more. The Minister acknowledged that this would have some impact on those dependent on such income but said the wider need for housing had to be given precedence. He said there had been a lack of enforcement of existing legislation around short term lets, but said "it should come to an end now". Mr Browne said planned legislation would give "really strong enforcement powers to ban the advertisement of short term lets". He said he would also be open to giving more powers to local authorities in terms of enforcement. The Minister has a series of engagements in the area today, including a meeting with campaigners in Conamara, who say the number of planning approvals for new homes in Gaeltacht areas is impacting the chance Irish speakers have to live in their own communities. He is also due to open the first cost rental housing scheme in Galway city this afternoon.
Buzz Feed
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
Make Your Bedroom An Oasis With Target‘s Summer Bedding
Staying cool on hot summer nights is key to a restful night's sleep — and your bedding plays a major role. Ergo, we took to Target to find lightweight linen comforters and breathable cotton sheets that will not only feel amazing when the mercury rises but also look great on your bed. Our selects for some of the best summer bedding come from trusted Target brands like Threshold, Casaluna (a personal fave), Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, and the giant red dot's newest collaboration with we dive into the best summer bedding available at Target, here's a quick tip: linen is a summer staple, but it can feel a bit scratchy at first. Take it from me — if you're investing in linen bedding, throw it in the wash before using. It softens the fabric and removes any natural scent. (Honestly, it's a good idea to wash any new bedding before you use it, no matter the material.) Pillowcases, fitted sheets, flat sheets, comforters, and even cozy throws — it's all here. From classic pinstripes to airy linen, these picks are so soft, breathable, and downright dreamy, you'll be hoping your evening plans get canceled just so you can curl up and chill out. Ahead, let's turn your bed into a resort-worthy retreat — think White Lotus vibes. Some super soft bamboo sheets If you've ever dreamed of sleeping on a cloud, these sheets from Casaluna might be the closest you'll get. Made from a soft rayon-bamboo blend with a 400-thread count, they promise to offer a luxurious feel and transform your bed into a haven of cooling comfort. The four-piece set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases — everything you need for a complete bedding upgrade. Available in eight muted shades, the sheets feature a subtle sheen that adds the perfect touch of sophistication. Get this in sizes full–California reviews: "These sheets are literally the most amazing sheets I've ever had. Literally. I love them so much I'm ordering a second set." —sphawkey"These are our new favorite sheets! So silky smooth and cooling for hot sleepers, we love them!" —ColleenPrice: $90+ A resort-style comforter and sham set Give your bed a chic refresh with this cozy, chambray-textured set from Casaluna. The set includes a plush comforter and a pair of matching pillow shams, all crafted with a 100% cotton shell and filled with polyester for dreamy, cloud-like comfort. Available in three colors, there's a perfect option to match any style. Get the set in either a full/queen or king/California king reviews: "Material is so soft, and gets softer with each wash. I like that it's two-tone and pairs beautifully with the Casaluna sheets. This is the third Casaluna comforter I've purchased." —MaggieEliza"Great comforter! Perfect weight. Color is gorgeous." —JellyPrice: $134+ A lightweight rayon comforter set Rayon fabric is your best friend in the summer — it's know for being lightweight, breathable, and silky-soft. This set — available in five trendy colors — includes a bamboo rayon comforter with a 400-thread count and a quilted box-stitch design. Let's not forget the two matching pillow shams to tie the look together. And don't worry, it's 100% machine washable. Just be sure to tumble dry low. Get the set in either a full/queen or king/California king reviews: "This comforter is such a great find. It's incredibly soft and breathable, making it perfect for someone like me who tends to overheat at night. Brown hasn't always been my go-to color, but this shade really stands out and adds a nice touch of style. It combines comfort and elegance effortlessly." —CB"I love this comforter set! The fabric is so light and comfortable. It will be perfect for late spring and summer." —BrenbooPrice: $139+ Cozy throw blanket We know everyone loved the 'adult baby blanket,' and Parachute delivers with a premium throw version that's made from 100% cotton gauze, offering a light and airy feel that's perfect for warmer weather. Available in five earthy tones, including soft beige and rich brown, it's a must-have for summertime day reviews: "Just like the Cloud Cotton from Parachute! Perfect summer weight throw and looks great at the end of my bed." —Kristin G"Gorgeous colors and so soft! perfect weight for warm /hot summers when you want a little something to snuggle up. My son loves his blanket just as much as I love mine." —SteffiPrice: $59 A versatile summertime quilt We know what you're thinking: a quilt in the summertime? This breathable sateen cotton beaut from Threshold is perfect for layering on chilly summer nights or using solo as a light cover. The soft filling, paired with a simple stitch pattern, adds subtle texture to its classic design. Starting at just $59, this versatile piece is ready to upgrade your bed. It's available in three reviews: "I was searching everywhere for a nice lightweight quilt for summer as we live in the desert and it's so freaking hot here. I bought it with the shams when they were on sale and don't regret it. Got the Olive green and it goes perfect with my boho style. The zipper on the shams is a nice touch! My biggest complaint is my pug is a shedder and it does attract lots of pet hair, but I still love my set! Washed well too. Will definitely buy in other colors." —Meliromero"The fabric is perfect for a cool summer night or layered for a crisp winter evening. The quality is great for the price." —EKempPrice: $59+ (available in eight colors) A bed set that gives total beach house vibes Bring the breezy elegance of the Amalfi Coast to your bedroom with this relaxed linen duvet cover set from Parachute. Crafted from a 55% linen and 45% cotton blend, it offers the perfect balance of breathability and comfort — ideal for both hot and cool sleepers. Choose from a range of alluring colors, including pecan brown, petal pink, jade green, and cove blue. The set also includes two matching pillow shams to complete the effortlessly stylish look. Get the set in either a full/queen or king/California king reviews: "My wife and I picked this up after seeing the collaboration on Instagram for our beach house. The first day we got it, we thought the material was a bit rough compared to Parachute. But then my wife wisely had us wash them a few times, and now we love it." —Aaron"I love these stripes! So cute and the perfect bedding refresh." —DisappontedinbodumPrice: $189+ Some ultra soft sheets The essentials never go out of style. This breathable cotton jersey sheet set from Threshold is available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes — and comes in 10 versatile colors to suit any aesthetic. Each set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and a pair of matching pillowcases. With prices starting at an affordable $30, you might even want to grab a second set of sheets as a reviews: "The material is soo soft and cozy, plus the stretchy fabric fits my mattress like a glove and stays put all night, no matter how much i move." —Robert"I've gifted these to three friends, and every single one has texted me raving about them. There's something magical about how soft they stay, wash after wash." —ApolloPrice: $30+ An affordable 12-piece bed set Why not refresh your bed with the click of a button? This affordable 12-piece set from Threshold has everything you need for a total bedding makeover. It includes a comforter, two decorative pillows, two Euro shams, two standard pillowcases, two pillow shams, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and a bed skirt. Made from 100% polyester with a subtle micro-textured finish, the top-to-bottom set is available in three colors and sizes full, queen and king to fit your reviews: "Love the colors and all that comes in this bedding set! It truly is an upscale 'bed in a bag!' Price point is perfect too!" —Natty"This bedding set is a great value for the price. The comforter is soft and cozy, and the sheets are smooth and breathable. The dark green color is versatile and looks great in any bedroom. I would definitely recommend this set to anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish bedding option." —ACouture Price: $100+ Some high thread count sheets Made from cooling cotton sateen with an impressive 500-thread count, these sheets deliver a luxurious feel without the high price tag. The three-piece set — available in a range of sizes, colors, and patterns — includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and a matching pillowcase. Whether paired with a comforter or a lightweight blanket, these silky-smooth sheets are perfect for a comfortable summer night. A wide array of sizes are available, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and split king. Promising reviews: "We love these sheets soft and comfortable. The more you wash them the better they get." —MimiRobin"SOO SOFT!! These are the best sheets I've ever bought, they are like sleeping on a cloud!" —HChildPrice: $49.99+ (originally $59.99+; available in 13 colors)
New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Waging a war on chemicals with an invisible army
SIDDIPET: Industrial agriculture's addiction to monocultures and pesticides has left farms sterile and ecosystems broken. However, in Pedda Masanpally village of Thogutta mandal, an invisible army of microbes is waging war against crop diseases. Led by agricultural officers, this eco-friendly battalion is rewriting the rules of farming, proving that soil health and pest control need not come from a chemical bottle. Speaking to TNIE, agricultural extension officer T Nagarjun says, 'We can enhance crop health by using pheromone traps, sticky traps and light traps to monitor pest populations and assess the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). These tools help identify pest build-up before the infestation causes significant yield loss. Nagarjun has been promoting the use of biocontrol agents and biofertilisers among farmers. Twenty such specimens have been displayed at the Rythu Vedhika, and field demonstrations are being carried out to showcase their benefits. Demonstrations were recently held at the field of Anil Reddy in Pedda Masanpally village of Thogutta mandal, focusing on tomato, chilli and brinjal crops. 'We replaced chemical fertilisers with biofertilisers: Azotobacter for nitrogen, phosphorus-solubilising bacteria for phosphorus, potash-solubilising bacteria for potassium and zinc-solubilising bacteria for zinc. These microbes naturally boost soil fertility and reduce dependence on synthetic inputs,' explains Nagarjun. To control plant diseases, microbial agents such as Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas and Bacillus subtilis were used. These microbes possess antagonistic properties and suppress pathogens either through enzymatic action or antibiotic production, he adds. For managing sucking pests like thrips, whiteflies and jassids, biocontrol fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii and Isaria were employed. To combat caterpillars, borers and leaf miners, the team used Metarhizium and Bacillus thuringiensis. 'We also introduced other biocontrol agents like Nomuraea and Bacillus subtilis, which strengthen the plant's immune system, making it more disease-resistant. This eco-friendly and sustainable approach helps reduce soil and water pollution, preserves beneficial organisms and improves long-term soil health,' mentions Nagarjun. He adds that the response from the farming community has been encouraging. 'These microbial solutions are emerging as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilisers.'
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Made for $65M, earned $120K, Hollywood's biggest box office bomb ended careers, was called 'worst movie of 21st century'
Imagine crowdfunding a film, hiring some of the biggest names in Hollywood, taking 10 years to make it, and then not even being able to finish it because you defaulted on some loans and the film was auctioned off. In the end, it makes only 0.2% of its investment back, ending up as Hollywood's biggest box office bomb. To add a cherry to this disgusting cake, critics still consider it one of the worst films ever made. In 2002, first-time director Lawrence Kasanoff announced an ambitious animated feature film called Foodfight! Top stars such as Charlie Sheen, Hilary Duff, and Eva Longoria were cast to do the voices for the protagonists, alongside well-known character artists Wayne Brady, Larry Miller, and Christopher Lloyd. Kasanoff had no experience in filmmaking, yet he came on board as director-producer. A $25 million joint investment in the project was made by Threshold, his company, and the Korean investment company Natural Image. The remainder was raised in crowdfunding efforts and secured through loans. But, the film ran into production delays right from the get-go. Kasanoff first claimed that hard drives containing unfinished assets were stolen. The film's crew denied that it ever happened. Then, the animation style was changed mid-production from Looney Tunes-esque 'squash and stretch' to stop motion. As production stretched on, many brands that had initially come on board as investors, including Cheetos and M&M's, backed out. The film missed two release deadlines in 2003 and 2005. Another distribution deal with Lionsgate in 2007 also failed. In 2011, the film was finally auctioned for $2.5 million after the makers defaulted on the loans they took for its production. StoryArk investors auctioned it to Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, which finished the film 'as inexpensively and quickly as possible'. It was released in a very limited manner in 2012 and then given for home media release. As a result, after spending 10 years and $65 million in production, Foodfight! earned just $120,000 at the box office. The 99.8% net loss is the highest in Hollywood history. The release only worsened the matters for Foodfight! When it was reviewed, critics found it abysmal. Mental Floss included it in its list of "10 Really Bad Movies that Define 'Bad Movies'". The Daily Telegraph described Foodfight! as "the worst animated children's film ever made". Collider went one step ahead and not only named it the worst fantasy movie of the 2010s, but the "absolute worst [movie] of the 21st century, without any real competition." In her review for Hollywood News, Kate Valentine called it "by far the crappiest piece of crap I have ever had the misfortune to watch". It has frequently found a place in several lists of the worst films ever made.
Spectator
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
A lovely album: Saint Leonard's The Golden Hour reviewed
Grade: A+ The kids with their synths and hip producers, dragging the 1980s back: I wish they would stop. It was, in the main, an awful decade for music, the bands trite yet portentous, the stupid burbling bass guitars, hubris-stricken vocals and tinny drums. The kids retread all the dross. Yet if you were actually around and sentient in that avaricious decade, as was Saint Leonard, you could find a certain chill beauty in hidden corners. Not the New Romantics, not Japan, not SAW. Just small niches here and there of inventiveness and clever pop. Saint Leonard – Kieran Leonard to his mum – draws down all that was good about the cool side of the early 1980s: the motorik beats, the synths that were only three steps above a theremin, the primitive stuttered drums appropriated from Germany. You can find Cabaret Voltaire, Berlin-era Bowie and very early Ultravox within here. And the later part of the decade? David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti's lush, minimalist, collaboration with Julee Cruise. Maybe a little debauched Gina X. The good stuff, in other words. It helps, of course, that Saint Leonard can write a tune – both 'Martini Symphony' and 'Threshold' are simply great pop songs – but also has the confidence in his melodies to allow room for them to breathe, such as the Sprechgesang on the beautiful 'The Florist'. This is a lovely album, but it is too clever, too sincere, too knowing in its musical pedigree to grab the attention of the radio programmers. Which is, I think, a great shame. Because bad though the 1980s were for music, they were always better than naive retreads of Depeche bloody Mode and the scarifying Kylie.
