Latest news with #junk
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
How to source vibrant vintage furniture for your home
The shine certainly hasn't gone off buying new furniture, as who doesn't love something fresh and smelling of newness? But it's the homes with a mix of new and old which stand the test of time, the combination working in every type of property regardless of age and size. Killian McNulty, design dealer at The Vintage Hub, an online retailer which also has shops in Dublin's Francis Street and Lusk, Co Dublin, sets out the periods involved: 'Vintage spans the 1950s to the 1970s. Pre-war pieces from the 1920s–1940s fall into art deco, while post-war up through the late 70s is what I'd call mid-century or vintage. The 1980s to early 2000s; I'm not sure if that era has its own label yet. Maybe it'll just blend into the broader vintage category over time.' Once you have your terminology straight, the next step is to assess the condition of what you're buying. 'Some have been well-loved and just fit,' says Killian. 'Their wear adds charm. Others have had a tougher life and may look a little tired. Restoration can be expensive, but it also ensures functionality and longevity. Always check the condition and ask yourself if the piece really suits you and your home. "Do the drawers slide smoothly? Does it bother you if they don't? Run your hand over the surface; does it feel dry and smooth, or is there a lingering stickiness or grime?' Vintage retail has come a long way since the days of the local junk shop, with a level of styling and merchandising on a par with general furniture stores to inspire shoppers. Check out this set-up from The Vintage Hub. If you're happy to embrace the wilder side of vintage, markets, auctions, and charity shops might be your best playground. Someone who frequently goes out to play at car boot sales is David O'Brien, interior designer, project manager and design director of RJ O'Brien Building Contractors. 'I absolutely love a good rummage around a Sunday car boot sale, there's nothing quite like the buzz of uncovering a vintage treasure among the bric-a-brac,' he says. 'One of my all-time favourite finds was an unusual vintage floor lamp that once stood in a bank on the South Mall [Cork]. It's full of character and sparks conversation every time someone sees it. Car boots are also great spots for picking up some very reasonably priced original art. Vintage lighting has a contemporary classic look, with lamps in particular being versatile in both modern and period properties. The Sinatra floor lamp is from DelightFULL. "I picked up a lovely vintage oil landscape for just €20. Another special piece I found is a beautiful mid-century West German vase I picked up for just €15.' As a finalist in RTÉ'sHome of the Year in 2021, we saw David's vintage finds blending with modern pieces in his contemporary black corrugated iron-clad home, which goes to show you don't need a period property for vintage pieces to find their forever home. 'Check out a brilliant resource listing locations and dates of car boot sales across Ireland,' says David. 'If it's raining, many sellers won't show up, so it can be very slim pickings. Bring cash; smaller notes are best, and don't be shy about bartering. It's expected, but do keep it friendly and respectful.' The classic 1950s Eames lounge chair is a defining mid-century furniture piece and has remained timeless and popular, HKLiving. When it comes to integrating pieces into a modern home, a little can go a long way, so your space isn't like an episode of Mad Men. David considers balance to be key: 'Use vintage and antique pieces as accents rather than the foundation of a room. A vintage mirror, lamp, side table, or piece of art can bring depth and personality to a modern space. It's about layering, mixing the old with the new in a thoughtful way. That contrast creates a curated look rather than something that feels mismatched or dated.' Interior architect and lecturer Ger Cooney is another vintage enthusiast who prefers to visit shops but also has success online. 'Trawling through Adverts and Facebook Marketplace can also be a rich source, but timing is important," says Ger. "I often find myself checking these sites very early in the day and late in the evening. "As items are added constantly, you can find some great buys. The advantage also is that if you make a connection with a seller, you often get offered pieces that they think you may like based on past purchases, and there is also room to negotiate on price. Blend the trend for warm, neutral décor with the vintage-inspired Hepburn wooden cabinet, the Virginia armchair and Coltrane floor lamp from Covet House. "That is also true when calling into vintage shops, and especially if you are looking for larger pieces such as furniture. It's always great to hear the background to a piece as well. It adds a sense of allure and is a great talking point.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Died With Major Credit Card Debt, Surrounded by Junk in Home
- Beloved actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were saddled with credit card debt at the time of their tragic deaths in February and their sprawling New Mexico home was stuffed to the gills with junk, sources say. Solve the daily Crossword
Vancouver Sun
23-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
ICE goes public with a new report on Canadian man who died in custody
A Canadian who died in ICE custody is documented to have had health concerns, according to a report made public by the U.S. government agency today. While in custody, the 49-year-old was prescribed medication for seizures and hypertension, and recommended to undergo mental health evaluation after he was reported to be feeling 'sad and depressed, and refused to go to the medical clinic for an evaluation.' Here's what we know about the report and the timeline from when Johnny Noviello was arrested and later found dead . Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Johnny Noviello entered the U.S. on a legal visa in 1988 and became a permanent resident in 1991. In 2023, he was convicted on the charges of drug trafficking, racketeering and the unlawful use of two-way communication device used to facilitate commission of crime. He was sentenced to prison for 12 months. His arrest by ICE came in 2025, wherein he was issued a notice to appear in court and faced a removability charge. The 49-year-old was pronounced dead late in June after being found unresponsive in a detention centre in Miami. Respecting the family's privacy, Global Affairs minister Anita Anand had said at that time 'further details will not be provided at this time.' Today, the Government of Canada was notified of the death of a Canadian citizen while in custody in the United States. Canadian consular officials are urgently seeking more information from US officials. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. In order to respect the… The report released today highlighted health concerns that the officials flagged before he died. Here's what we know about the timeline since his arrest: May 15: Noviello was arrested and detained. May 16: The 49-year-old underwent a routine health inspection. A registered nurse completed the medical intake screening and noted the diagnosis of 'hypertension and seizure disorder, slightly elevated blood pressure, high body mass index, and his reported medication list and sent a provider referral' for him. He was prescribed medication. May 19: A behavioural health provider recommended 'a medical provider evaluate him then refer him to mental health if needed.' May 30: As per the documentation, the Canadian man is said to have refused a health history and a physical exam. June 8: He was reported to be feeling sad and depressed and is said to have refused a health evaluation at a medical clinic. June 9: Noviello reportedly maintained poor personal hygiene and stated he had not eaten in 'a while.' Documentation revealed his vitals to be normal, and that there was discussion with him around the importance of self-hygiene and proper diet. June 23: Noviello was found unresponsive and declared dead . The report by ICE comes as prominent politicians noted the death of the Canadian, and with U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra confirming faith in ICE 'commitment to transparency'. 'My team is following the death of a Canadian citizen while in @ICEgov custody. We will keep the Canadian government informed as ICE completes its investigation,' Hoekstra had posted online a few days after Noviello's death. 'I trust in ICE's commitment to transparency and to providing a safe environment for all individuals in its care.' There are 55 Canadians currently detained by ICE, the agency reported on the figures on July 19. My team is following the death of a Canadian citizen while in @ICEgov custody. We will keep the Canadian government informed as ICE completes its investigation. I trust in ICE's commitment to transparency and to providing a safe environment for all individuals in its care. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Vancouver Sun
23-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. forestry has a lot at stake in Carney's U.S. trade talks
B.C.'s forest industry has a lot at stake in trade talks between Canada and the U.S. as Prime Minister Mark Carney works toward the suggested Aug. 1 deadline for a deal, and a promise to make resolving the pre-existing dispute between the two countries on softwood lumber trade a priority. Mills in the province are already running at just 67 per cent capacity during the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, and mill operators are staring down the August deadline for the U.S. Commerce Department to finalize its latest assessment of duties on Canadian imports that could more than double the rates. 'When that kicks in, there will be mills that curtail, there will be mills that close in Canada without a doubt, and that is deeply concerning to me,' said B.C. Forest Minister Ravi Parmar in an interview. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Duties, which have been between 12 and 14 per cent, would soar to between 26 and 47 per cent, 'And that is deeply concerning to me, because that is going to have a significant impact on workers,' Parmar added. This round of the decades-long dispute between the countries has dragged on since its last truce, negotiated in 2006 and which expired in 2015. But Carney put a spotlight back on the issue last week with his commitment to make a resolution 'a top priority' in trade talks sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump. The prospect of additional tariffs under an investigation launched March 1 by Trump into whether the extent of America's lumber imports constitute a 'threat to national security' adds to the urgency for reaching a deal. 'I think, in the case of softwood, we are benefiting from the broader trade complexities we're dealing with with President Trump and his administration,' Parmar said. Parmar welcomed Carney's commitment, since the advice he has received from colleagues and industry representatives across the country. 'Any time that we've been able to secure a deal with Americans on softwood, it's always when it's lived on the prime minister's desk.' His impression of the previous federal government's stance was that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delegated the responsibility. 'So again, we remain optimistic that there is a pathway for a deal,' Parmar said. 'British Columbia remains ready and I'll be laying out some positions in the weeks ahead, how we believe we can help those discussions.' B.C.'s industry is already in a precarious position. Lumber is B.C.'s second-most important export commodity after coal, and trade figures show that exports of lumber were down 12 per cent by volume to the end of May, the latest month figures were available. B.C. sawmills that would have been reluctant to absorb the high cost of curtailing production have been quicker to suspend operations at this stage of the dispute owing to the uncertainty around tariffs, according to industry analyst Keta Kosman, publisher of the trade data firm Madison's Lumber Reporter. Housing starts in the U.S. have slowed and builders aren't placing orders for lumber. Wholesalers aren't restocking over fears that prices will drop due to some shock in the trade picture, leaving them with expensive inventory, Kosman said. 'We're at this strange equilibrium of like, everybody's waiting to see what everyone else is going to do, and nobody wants to take a chance with either increasing manufacturing or increasing inventory in case things turn down again,' she added. The long-running dispute revolves around the U.S. lumber industry's claim that the provincial systems for charging lumber companies for access to timber on Crown land amounts to a subsidy, compared to U.S. lumber producers that buy timber from private landowners. Kosman said in the last round of the dispute, which ended in 2006, pressure to reach a deal seemed to reach a breaking point when duties, which were held on deposit in the U.S., reached $5 billion US. This time, deposits are approaching $11 billion US, and she expects a resolution 'is going to be a little different.' One difference in this round, Parmar said, is that B.C. has acknowledged that quotas on Canadian access to the U.S. market might be part of the deal. The 2006 softwood lumber agreement included a sliding scale of export taxes on Canadian lumber based on commodity prices. If prices fell, the tax increased, making exports more expensive. But the higher the lumber price, the lower the tax. 'Historically, British Columbia has not been in favour of quotas from our industry level as well as our government,' Parmar said. However, with a resolution 'critical for us,' Parmar said Premier David Eby has taken the message to Ottawa that B.C. is open to quotas. 'I understand that President Trump likes tariffs,' Parmar said. 'Who knows? Maybe it's a tariff deal, maybe it's a quota deal, maybe it's something both. But my hope and desire over the last number of months, as has been the premier's, is to get Ottawa talking about this.' Regardless of any resolution with the U.S., however, Parmar said 'our relationship with the United States has changed forever.' 'We do need to diversify,' Parmar said. 'We have to find other markets and we can never be put in a position where over half of our trade relationship on forestry is with the United States.' He added this puts added importance on a forest industry trade mission to Asia in the works for the fall. depenner@
Vancouver Sun
17-07-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Air India plane crash: Junior pilot asked captain why he turned off fuel switches
A cockpit voice recording of doomed Air India Flight 171 indicates the younger co-pilot asked his more experienced colleague why he turned off the plane's fuel-supply switches, according to people familiar with the matter. The information, from people who asked not to be identified because they're not authorized to speak publicly, reveals for the first time who said what in the flight deck. The exchange was first mentioned in last week's preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau probing the June 12 crash in the western city of Ahmedabad, but without identifying the speakers. The report had shown two fuel switches in the cockpit were moved to a cut-off position, causing the Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner to lose lift and crash 32 seconds after takeoff. The other pilot had denied turning off the switches, according to the AAIB, which had extracted data from the cockpit voice recorder. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Aviation experts had speculated that it was first officer Clive Kunder who had posed the question to captain Sumeet Sabharwal given Kunder was the pilot flying and would have had his hands full — one on the yoke commanding the widebody into the skies, and the other on the throttle controlling the aircraft's speed. The Wall Street Journal previously reported who said what in the exchange. The initial investigation showed that the fuel-control switches were turned off immediately after the plane departed. While the move was reversed about 10 seconds later, it was too late to avert the June 12 crash that killed 260 people on board the plane and on the ground. How and why the switches came to be turned off — cutting the flow of fuel to the engines — are now the key lines of inquiry for investigators. Officials are probing whether it could be the result of a failure of the plane's systems or human error. The two switches sit at the lower end of the aircraft's center console between the two pilot seats and near the thrust levers, and they're designed in a way to prevent unintended movement. There are metal guards on either side of the mushroom-shaped knobs, and the switches themselves have a spring-loaded locking mechanism, requiring a pilot to pull them up before changing the position. Once moved, the switches lock in the run or cutoff position with a tab at their base. While the new details add fresh perspective on the confusion in the cockpit during the 32 seconds between takeoff and crash, investigators still haven't drawn any definitive conclusions. The cockpit recording could be even more revelatory, according to Michael Daniel, a retired Federal Aviation Administration inspector and accident investigator. 'There are multiple microphones around the cockpit including their headsets,' said Daniel. The mic positions mean it's possible that it captured and discerned not just the sound of the fuel switches being turned off, but the direction from which it came in the cockpit — offering investigators definitive information as to who cut off fuel supply to the planes engines, he said. Follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp for exclusive content and analysis on what billionaires, businesses and markets are doing. Sign up here. Earlier this week, India's civil aviation authority ordered an inspection of cockpit fuel switches on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft operating in the country in an effort to ascertain whether the crash was caused by equipment failure. Aviation psychologists and medical specialists are also involved in the investigation — a typical practice across the aviation industry — to probe the role of the pilots in the crash. The first officer expressed surprise that the fuel switches were off and then panicked, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with US officials' early assessment of evidence. The captain seemed to remain calm, according to the report. The Airline Pilots' Association of India has pushed back on human action as the cause. The AAIB didn't immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside normal business hours. The US National Transportation Safety Board, which is assisting on the investigation, referred questions to the Indian authorities. Boeing also referred questions to the AAIB. Air India and GE Aerospace, which manufactured the engines, declined to comment. Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson said in a memo to employees on Monday, viewed by Bloomberg News, that the report identified no cause and didn't make any recommendations. 'I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over,' he said. — With assistance from Mihir Mishra and Danny Lee. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
