Latest news with #ColinSmith
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
I couldn't work out why I always looked so ‘ugly' in selfies then realised my dream £300K home was slowly killing me
A WOMAN discovered her dream home was slowly killing her - thanks to TikTok sleuths suggesting hidden mould could be causing her 'ugly' selfies. Sara Smith and her husband, Colin Smith, moved into their first dream $400,000 (£297,962) home in April 2024 after saving up for years. 12 12 But just two days after they moved in, the 28-year-old started experiencing severe sinus congestions, which she put down to a cold. Six months later Sara noticed her eyelids and skin surrounding her eye turned pink, became itchy and started bleeding. The raw skin was dry and was sore when she used face wash or sweated while working out and initially believed it might be caused by allergies or eczema. Baffled, the procurement analyst posted videos on TikTok about her condition and claims commenters saved her life after saying the rash could be caused by mould. Following an inspection by a mould dog, the couple were shocked to find there was hidden water damage in nearly every room of the house, with the biggest stain lurking under the carpet. The couple have now moved out and alternate staying between their parents' houses while stumping up $10,000 (£7,452) for a remediation company, claiming their insurance doesn't cover it. They've had to bin most of their belongings, including electronics, due to the mould and also face high medical bills. GoFundMe page has been set up by a friend to help support the couple. Sara claims the mould caused her to 'look ugly', triggered anxiety and depression and stopped her from seeing friends. Sara, from Columbus, Ohio, US, said: "My husband and I bought the house together, it's our first house. Serious Warning: New Side Effects of Popular Skin Creams Revealed "The market has been super bad, me and my husband Colin have been saving since 2020. It was a really big purchase, it's a lot for an hourly worker like myself. "Two days after moving in I started having severe sinus congestion, which I thought was just a cold. "I went to my primary care provider and she said it's just a cold. I went to an allergist a couple of weeks later and they gave me steroids. That helped for about two weeks but it returned. 12 12 "Six months in, the eye stuff happened. It started to look like a pink eye shadow and then more like a mask. "The rash was really itchy and it would bleed and crack when dry. "Whenever I worked out the sweat would make it burn so badly. Any type of face wash on it would be the most terrible experience ever." At her wits end, Sara decided to post and see if people had any tips for her issue. She continued: "TikTok told me to get out of there. 12 "It really saved my life, if it wasn't for them commenting I would still believe it was some internal eczema thing. "The mould dog was good at finding the hidden sources. "We did get an inspection before buying the house, some mould was visible in the basement. "The ones that were causing the most issues were stuck between insulation and you couldn't spot it. 12 "The biggest one that was hidden was under the carpet. "My husband ripped off the carpet in the bedroom and it was covered in mould. [At some point someone] painted the ceiling white where the water damage was. "The thing about mould is it makes you really anxious and depressed so I never went to see my friends and I looked ugly so I thought I couldn't leave the house like this. "We had remediation completed last week, the estimate is $10,000. The insurance doesn't cover mould so I'm not getting a dime for this. "I have to get rid of 90% of my items, down to electronics because the mould spores get so deep in there." RETURNING ISSUES 12 While Sara's eyes are now healed, she experiences flare-ups whenever she returns to the house to move her belongings. Sara, who spent more time in the house than Colin due to working from home, said he luckily hasn't experienced any health issues. While the couple were initially excited to move into their new home, Sara said the thought of it now makes her 'feel sick'. The thing about mould is it makes you really anxious and depressed so I never went to see my friends and I looked ugly so I thought I couldn't leave the house like this Sara Smith Sara said: "I work from home and I work out at home in the basement where there is significant mould. "Then I would take a shower in my mouldy bathroom and then I would pick out clothes from my mouldy closet and wash them in my mouldy washer and dryer and sleep in my mouldy bedroom. "My husband isn't experiencing anything, he doesn't work from home and he is pretty active outside of the house. "I'm staying at my family members' houses, I have been back and forth to my in-laws and parents' houses. "It has been super stressful, especially for a marriage. Living under our parents' roof has been really hard. "My eyes started getting better about two weeks after moving back to my parents' house. "They are fully healed now but because of the amount of exposure they've flared again because I had to go to the house to get rid of my stuff. "I'm so depressed, there has been a lot in my head. Whenever I think of the house, it used to bring me so much joy and now I think of it with such disdain, it makes me sick." What is mould and how to get rid of it? Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months. Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is. "Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place. "That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing. "This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you've got your radiators on. "If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there's not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit. "This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould. "If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it's really important you treat it. "The key to tackle mould is to act fast. "Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them. "To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home. "The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering. "If you're having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning. "The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it! "To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK's No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Inside abandoned car dealership packed with rotting Alfa Romeos and a Ferrari due to heartbreaking story
Many of the cars have become rusted and worse-for-wear after their owner's tragic death left them long abandoned FROZEN IN TIME Inside abandoned car dealership packed with rotting Alfa Romeos and a Ferrari due to heartbreaking story A LONG-abandoned car dealership filled with Alfa Romeos and other eye-catching motors has been discovered by an urban explorer. The vehicles, which range from models from the 1970s to the 1990s, have been left seemingly frozen in time after their owner, an Alfa Romeo enthusiast, tragically passed away. 4 A collection of Alfa Romeos, abandoned and left to the elements, remain at a forgotten dealership in Belgium Credit: YouTube 4 Some models, spanning from the 1970s to modern classics, are still locked away inside Credit: YouTube 4 The showroom houses many of the once-prized vehicles, preserved in varying states of decay Credit: YouTube 4 Among the collection, a rare Ferrari 360 Modena also lies neglected on-site Credit: YouTube In a recent video, Colin Smith, a YouTuber and petrolhead known for his channel The Bearded Explorer, travelled to Belgium to uncover an abandoned location filled with tasty motors. Colin reveals that the dealership's owner passed away in a car accident near the location - which led to the closure of the business and meant the cars were simply left scattered around the site, largely untouched. While the owner's son occasionally checks on them, many have become rusted and worse-for-wear. It's not just Alfa's though, as a Ferrari 360 Modena can also be seen on the grounds - widely considered an excellent driver's car that works as an entry point into Ferrari ownership. But the vast majority of the cars on display are Alfa Romeos, including models like the 156, 159, 145 and a rusted Giulia from the 1970s. One of the models that really stands out is a 166 - which was discontinued in 2007. This example features a powerful 24-valve 3.0-litre V6 Busso engine that is renowned for its performance. In the video, Colin says: "That engine is actually voted one of the best sounding engines of all time. And I think even Jeremy Clarkson said that at one point." The 155, which achieved plenty of success despite criticism for its ties to the often-maligned Fiat Tempra, is another highlight from the find which Colin states is 'probably his favorite Alfa Romeo'. A well-preserved green 155 and a couple of Alfa Romeo 33 models are also spotted, including a Quadrifoglio Verde with sporty features and a beefy 1.5-litre boxer engine. Tesla's Cybertruck Graveyard: Hundreds of Unsold EVs Abandoned at Shopping Mall An Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, a performance model that's now considered a modern classic, also tickles Colin's fancy. An equally special GTV6 is also found in good condition, as well as a uniquely modified Alfa Romeo 33 which was possibly used as a safety car in racing events. "It's heartbreaking,' Colin said. 'It really is heartbreaking that, you know, a business like this can thrive… and now it's just completely stood still." Elsewhere, buried in the blazing desert lies a jaw-dropping 'car graveyard' packed with thousands of brand-new Audis and Volkswagens that were dumped in the wake of a huge scandal. The notorious Volkswagen 'Dieselgate' scandal left a sea of shiny new Audis and VWs baking in the Mojave Desert. The motors were part of a huge buyback scheme after VW was caught cheating diesel emissions tests, with more than 300,000 cars dumped, scrapped or fixed.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Inside abandoned car dealership packed with rotting Alfa Romeos and a Ferrari due to heartbreaking story
A LONG-abandoned car dealership filled with Alfa Romeos and other eye-catching motors has been discovered by an urban explorer. The vehicles, which range from models from the 1970s to the 1990s, have been left seemingly frozen in time after their owner, an Alfa Romeo enthusiast, tragically passed away. 4 4 4 4 In a recent video, Colin Smith, a YouTuber and petrolhead known for his channel The Bearded Explorer, travelled to Be l gium to uncover an abandoned location filled with tasty motors. Colin reveals that the dealership's owner passed away in a car accident near the location - which led to the closure of the business and meant the cars were simply left scattered around the site, largely untouched. While the owner's son occasionally checks on them, many have become rusted and worse-for-wear. It's not just Alfa's though, as a Ferrari 360 Modena can also be seen on the grounds - widely considered an excellent driver's car that works as an entry point into Ferrari ownership. But the vast majority of the cars on display are Alfa Romeos, including models like the 156, 159, 145 and a rusted Giulia from the 1970s. One of the models that really stands out is a 166 - which was discontinued in 2007. This example features a powerful 24-valve 3.0-litre V6 Busso engine that is renowned for its performance. In the video, Colin says: "That engine is actually voted one of the best sounding engines of all time. And I think even Jeremy Clarkson said that at one point." The 155, which achieved plenty of success despite criticism for its ties to the often-maligned Fiat Tempra, is another highlight from the find which Colin states is 'probably his favorite Alfa Romeo'. A well-preserved green 155 and a couple of Alfa Romeo 33 models are also spotted, including a Quadrifoglio Verde with sporty features and a beefy 1.5-litre boxer engine. Tesla's Cybertruck Graveyard: Hundreds of Unsold EVs Abandoned at Shopping Mall An Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, a performance model that's now considered a modern classic, also tickles Colin's fancy. An equally special GTV6 is also found in good condition, as well as a uniquely modified Alfa Romeo 33 which was possibly used as a safety car in racing events. "It's heartbreaking,' Colin said. 'It really is heartbreaking that, you know, a business like this can thrive… and now it's just completely stood still." Elsewhere, buried in the blazing desert lies a jaw-dropping 'car graveyard' packed with thousands of brand-new Audis and Volkswagens that were dumped in the wake of a huge scandal. The notorious Volkswagen 'Dieselgate' scandal left a sea of shiny new Audis and VWs baking in the Mojave Desert. The motors were part of a huge buyback scheme after VW was caught cheating diesel emissions tests, with more than 300,000 cars dumped, scrapped or fixed.
The Age
11-07-2025
- The Age
I've been through many airports. This one's arrival system is the worst
Kuala unbearable I strongly agree with the 'Hell in KL' letter about the arrival 'system' at Kuala Lumpur airport. On our incoming flight, there was no advice that we needed an arrival document and we were sent back from the immigration desk to fill in details on one of just three provided laptops. The software refused to allow certain data entry, and we were told to go to the customer service desk where even those staff members had trouble using it. After 30-plus minutes we were finally 'welcomed' to Malaysia. We have been to many international airports over the years. KL has by far the worst arrival system. John Konings, Port Fairy, Vic Letter of the week: Prime mates Your 'From the editors' note included a delightful photograph of a baby orangutan (Traveller print edition, June 21, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald) on the island of Borneo. It also referred to the loss of orangutan habitat through the spread of palm-oil plantations. Traveller readers should know that they can act to help save this remarkable animal. The Orangutan Project works to save the orangutan and habitat that supports it. In doing so, it also supports the conservation of other important species. The orangutan is an iconic species. It and a myriad of animals just like it face the threat of extinction. It is human activity that threatens them and human activity that can save them. Conservation is a global responsibility. We can all do something. The Orangutan Project can be contacted at Colin Smith, Dandenong, Vic Life and limbs Having just returned from Singapore on Qantas flight QF38 – a flight in an Airbus A330-300, in cattle class, I too sat (tightly) and witnessed the challenges of boarding passengers and cabin staff negotiating the movement of the meal trolley (Traveller, June 23) while avoiding the overhanging limbs of sleeping passengers. I was pleased, for once in my life, that I wasn't more than 182 centimetres (six feet in the old language) tall. I doubt that Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson and many of her executive team would actually fit in one of these seats, probably haven't tried them, and therein lies the problem. Solution? Remove four rows, or 32 passengers, and give everyone an extra few inches – limbs would remain intact, and an enjoyable experience would be had. The downside for Qantas? Executive pay packets would reduce on lower profit margins. Gary Williams, Surrey Hills, Vic Lost and pound In regard to leaving things on flights (Traveller, June 28) I believe KLM has a number of dogs, wearing coats with pockets, which accompany the cleaners after an aircraft arrives. When an item is found, it is placed in a dog's pocket, and the dog then finds another KLM staff member in the arrivals lounge. The dog can easily find the relevant passenger, by acting like a sniffer dog, and the item is returned to the passenger with a minimum of fuss and delay. It sounds like an effective way to deal with a common problem. Mia David, Wollongong, NSW
Sydney Morning Herald
11-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
I've been through many airports. This one's arrival system is the worst
Kuala unbearable I strongly agree with the 'Hell in KL' letter about the arrival 'system' at Kuala Lumpur airport. On our incoming flight, there was no advice that we needed an arrival document and we were sent back from the immigration desk to fill in details on one of just three provided laptops. The software refused to allow certain data entry, and we were told to go to the customer service desk where even those staff members had trouble using it. After 30-plus minutes we were finally 'welcomed' to Malaysia. We have been to many international airports over the years. KL has by far the worst arrival system. John Konings, Port Fairy, Vic Letter of the week: Prime mates Your 'From the editors' note included a delightful photograph of a baby orangutan (Traveller print edition, June 21, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald) on the island of Borneo. It also referred to the loss of orangutan habitat through the spread of palm-oil plantations. Traveller readers should know that they can act to help save this remarkable animal. The Orangutan Project works to save the orangutan and habitat that supports it. In doing so, it also supports the conservation of other important species. The orangutan is an iconic species. It and a myriad of animals just like it face the threat of extinction. It is human activity that threatens them and human activity that can save them. Conservation is a global responsibility. We can all do something. The Orangutan Project can be contacted at Colin Smith, Dandenong, Vic Life and limbs Having just returned from Singapore on Qantas flight QF38 – a flight in an Airbus A330-300, in cattle class, I too sat (tightly) and witnessed the challenges of boarding passengers and cabin staff negotiating the movement of the meal trolley (Traveller, June 23) while avoiding the overhanging limbs of sleeping passengers. I was pleased, for once in my life, that I wasn't more than 182 centimetres (six feet in the old language) tall. I doubt that Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson and many of her executive team would actually fit in one of these seats, probably haven't tried them, and therein lies the problem. Solution? Remove four rows, or 32 passengers, and give everyone an extra few inches – limbs would remain intact, and an enjoyable experience would be had. The downside for Qantas? Executive pay packets would reduce on lower profit margins. Gary Williams, Surrey Hills, Vic Lost and pound In regard to leaving things on flights (Traveller, June 28) I believe KLM has a number of dogs, wearing coats with pockets, which accompany the cleaners after an aircraft arrives. When an item is found, it is placed in a dog's pocket, and the dog then finds another KLM staff member in the arrivals lounge. The dog can easily find the relevant passenger, by acting like a sniffer dog, and the item is returned to the passenger with a minimum of fuss and delay. It sounds like an effective way to deal with a common problem. Mia David, Wollongong, NSW
