Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Margo Cilker has long had an eagerness to get in touch and explore the world around her. This wanderlust echoes throughout the nine songs on her sparkling debut Pohorylle, from the country jazz get-up Tehachapi to album opener That River, Flood Plain and everything in between.

A native to the San Francisco Bay area, Cilker now resides with her partner in South Central Washington. Previously, her travels have led her to Enterprise, Ore.; Clemson, S.C. and Spain, all helping to inform and shape the sound and perspectives present throughout Pohorylle.

I feel like Im always living one town ahead of the press, Cilker says to The Boot. Ever since I began touring Ive wanted to find a place where I could settle down with a small town community that was full of natural beauty.

Cilkers wanderlust was bestowed on her by her parents, who constantly took her on hikes and trips to Mexico to visit her eccentric uncle during her youth. It was in Mexico that she became amazed with how much music was ingrained in the culture there. That sense of adventure led Cilker to travel east to attend Clemson University, where she eventually went to study abroad in Spain.

While there, her musical ambitions and influences continued to grow. Cilkerbumped into and eventually joined a band performing Creedence Clearwater Revival and Neil Young covers. She also became captivated by the local Basque culture of the region, which is reflected on Pohorylle in the romanticism of her songwriting and subtleties in arrangements, including the additions of horns and accordion.

My inspiration has always come from being around nature and new places, says Cilker. Im blessed to have parents that always took me to explore the woods and backcountry. My grandparents also have an amazing farm tucked into California's Trinity County thats full of mountains with a river winding through. Its long been one of my favorite places to go for inspiration.

One of the songs most directly influenced by Cilkers travels is the swinging Tehachapi. The trackwas inspired by Cilkers cross-country expedition home to the Pacific Northwest after dropping out of school at Clemson that took her through Tehachapi, a small town just east of Bakersfield, Calif. Cilker recalls Little Feats Willin another song that references Tehachapi being her anthem at the time, further contributing to her wonder as she passed through town.

It was a very cathartic moment rolling through town, says Cilker. At the time I wrote the song I was rooted in one place, so a lot of its contents are me reminiscing on my travels while also exploring the contrast of being in one place compared to moving around.

However, Cilkers lust for exploration isnt the only topic explored in the album. She also touches on abuse and personal injury in Broken Arm In Oregon and exposes the flaws in southern tropes on Kevin Johnson. She later reflects on the feeling of helplessness against authority, subjugation and the angst of young women in todays world with Brother Taxman Preacher.

The song touches on how many of our societal structures were designed to benefit predominantly white men, from brothers (So I could light up every room / That I ever walked through / All that matters is / What's in your head that's true) to the taxman (I could go from door to door / Incriminating all the unlucky and the poor) and the preacher (I could tell you who to love / I could tell you who to vote for / Who to pity, who to f---)

That song is me crafting something productive out of the dark feelings that I have, says Cilker. The constructive nature of music is so healing to me. Part of being a writer is going through traumatic experiences and being able to make something beautiful out of them.

Helping to breathe even more life into all facets of the album are harmonies throughout from Margos sister, Sarah Cilker. Their musical bondwas forged at a young age, thanks in part to their grandmother Esther, who herself was the childof a preacher, and one of his fourdaughters who traveled around performing in a family band.

Whenever Esther and I are together, we always break into song, says Cilker. I feel like I got my musical work ethic from her. She taught me that when you have a good voice its important to use that God given ability you were blessed with to spread happiness and love into the world.

Cilker has done just that with Pohorylle and will look to do the same with her highly anticipated follow up whichshe recently began recording in Vancouver, Wash. Shell also bring that joy to the people on her upcoming tour dates out west with Hayes Carll and overseas in Europe this summer and fall. You can seeCilkers upcoming itinerary below and find additional ticketing information at her official website.

Margo Cilker2022 Tour Dates:

April 19 The Commonwealth Room Salt Lake City, UtahApril 20 The Olympic Venue Boise, Idaho*April 21 Tractor Tavern Seattle, Wash.*April 22 Tractor Tavern Seattle, Wash.*April 23 Aladdin Theater Portland, Ore*April 24 Arcata Theatre Lounge Arcata, Calif*April 26 Harlow's Restaurant & Nightclub Sacramento, Calif*April 27 The Guild Theatre Menlo Park, Calif*April 28 Great American Music Hall San Francisco, Calif*May 1 Kilkenny Roots Festival Kilkenny, IE (2 sets)May 2 Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Belfast, UKMay 3 Ruby Sessions Dublin, IEMay 4 Workmans Cellar Dublin, IEMay 6 Poetry Club Glasgow, UKMay 8 The Cluny Newcastle, UKMay 10 The Blue Basement London, UKMay 12 The Great Escape Festival Brighton, UKMay 21 Fisherman's Village Music Festival Everett, Wash.June 2 Schellraiser Music Festival Mcgill, Nev.June 18 Lost Art Music Festival Douglasville, Ga.July 2 High Sierra Music Festival Quincy, Calif.Sept. 1 End Of The Road Festival Salisbury, UKSept. 3 Moseley Folk Festival Birmingham, UKSept. 21 Ideal Bar Kbenhavn, DKSept. 22 Kulturkvarteret Kristianstad Kristianstad, SESept. 23 Folk Rock Malm, SESept. 24 Garage Bar Hgans, SESept. 27 Belleville, Oslo Oslo, NOSept. 28 Bar Moskus Trondheim, NOSept. 29 Captain James Cook stersund, SESept. 30 Kulturvven Ume, SEOct. 1 Gasklockorna Gavle Gvle, SEOct. 2 Bryggarsalen Konferens, Event & Konsert Stockholm, SE

* dates opening for Hayes Carll

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Artist to Watch: Margo Cilker Discovers Her Sense of Place on 'Pohorylle' - The Boot

The new 2023 Kia Telluride arrives at New York International Auto Show with new styling, more capability, and enhanced technology.

NEW YORK, April 13, 2022 Three years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most in-demand and award-winning three-row eight-passenger SUVs in the U.S., the Kia Telluride returns for 2023 with an array of enhancements that build upon the success of the original. The Telluride has not only attracted over 75 percent of its buyers as new to the Kia family, but because of high customer satisfaction, Telluride owners have the most brand loyalty of any midsize SUV when returning to market for another vehicle. Big, capable, and powerful, the Telluride is as ready as ever for adventures of all kinds, from family road trips across the country to off-road excursions bound by few limits.

The SUV that swept the triple crown of automotive accolades and claimed the most recent award for best resale value from JD Power now wears new design elements inside and out and brings an expanded list of ADAS safety technology for greater peace-of-mind and driver confidence.With class-leading passenger room, the Telluride arrives with two all-new trim levels for 2023: X-Line and X-Pro. These iterations exude a more rugged personality with features and capabilities that allow the Telluride to venture off the beaten path and explore new realms of wilderness.

Designed specifically for the U.S., Telluride has been a head-turning proposition from the very start. Retaining its bold and sophisticated appearance, the Telluride undergoes some exterior restyling for a more rugged and refined look in the new model year:

As before, the Telluride interior captures a feeling of upscale exploration in a spacious, three-row, eight-passenger environment with class-leading passenger room. Thoughtful new updates include:

Introducing Two New Adventure-Ready Trim Levels: X-Line and X-Pro

The new Telluride introduces two new trim levels X-Line and X-Pro for Kia owners who choose to go off the beaten path every so often. Both all-wheel drive models offer a roster of exclusive upgrades and enhancements over other Telluride trims. As seen below, the X-Pro model builds off the X-Line model. Furthermore, the X-Line model replaces the former Telluride Nightfall Edition.

Telluride X-Line

Exterior

Interior

Chassis and Capability

Telluride X-Pro (in addition to or in place of X-Line features)

Exterior

Interior

Chassis and Capability

As Powerful and Capable As Ever

The new Telluride continues to provide a capable and confidence-inspiring experience for driver and passengers, alike.Major mechanicals remain virtually unchanged, yielding the SUVs composed ride and performance:

A New Level of Convenience Technology

The 2023 Telluride adds new technology features that makes ownership easier and more convenient:

Kia Connect7 services provide advanced embedded connectivity:

Technology highlights carried over from the previous model year include:

Expanded ADAS Suite

The Tellurides long list of carryover ADAS4 (standard and available) systems include:

Kia America - about us Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America. For media information, including photography, visitwww.kiamedia.com.To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe atwww.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

When engaged, Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.

When engaged, Safe Exit Waring is not a substitute for ones attention and may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle. Always pay attention to traffic and to the area around your vehicle when exiting the vehicle.

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2023 TELLURIDE ARRIVES AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW WITH REFRESHED STYLING, MORE CAPABILITY, AND ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY - The Auto Channel

Need inspiration for a home improvement project? Look no further than the 2022 Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards.

The annual awards, presented by the Home Builders Association of Alabama, honor outstanding craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail in remodeling projects throughout the state. The competition expanded last year to include custom builds, as well.

To qualify for entry in the 2022 competition, projects had to be completed in Alabama between June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2021. A panel of judges -- made up of builders and remodelers from around the state -- reviewed and scored the entries.

Winners in 20 categories were announced at an April 9 event in Montgomery. The winner of a Peoples Choice Award was revealed on April 15: a Sam Jacksons Emporium project in downtown Tuscaloosa, created by The Builders Group. Its also this years champ in the Commercial Renovation category.

Here are details on the winning projects, from luxurious custom home to a fancy basement bunkhouse. Youll find a photo of each project, info on the winning builder and a description in the story below.

More photos are showcased in the gallery at the top of this post, highlighting a few winners and runners-up that especially caught our eye. In some cases, weve also included before images that provide sharp contrasts to the finished products. (See the full list of 2022 winners and runners-up here.)

This project won in two categories: Best in Show and Custom Home Over $1 Million. The "LaPrado Custom Home" was created by River Brook Design & Construction of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: River Brook Design & Construction (LaPrado Custom Home), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: This 4,200 square foot custom build was designed with a European feel to fit into its historic neighborhood, with a cedar roof, copper gutters and locally-cut natural fieldstone to add to its charm. To give the interior an open feel without being TOO open, a large entry way was created to separate the kitchen, living and dining rooms. With outdoor views a priority, the kitchen was situated in front of a bank of windows. To keep the view open, a traditional vent hood was eliminated, and a Wolf vent installed that pulls air up from the cooking surface of the LaCornue French range.

Keeping outdoor entertaining in mind, a butlers pantry was created near the outdoor living space. It does double duty as a laundry room, with the washer and dryer hidden behind casework and cabinets designed to conceal full size laundry baskets. The owners suite continues the homes European influence with marble slab fronts on the vanity and full marble slabs in the shower. Outdoor living spaces, including a covered patio with a large fireplace, help the owners take full advantage of their surroundings.

An open concept is integral to the "Hawksbury Lane" remodel by Precision Homecrafters of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. The overall remodel won in the category of Whole House Remodel Under $250,000. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Precision Homecrafters (Hawksbury Lane), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: These homeowners wanted a new layout for their homes main level, which originally consisted of several small, cut-up spaces including a galley kitchen, a small living/dining room, and a porch that was unconditioned and could only be used 6 months out of the year. To achieve a more open-concept and functional plan, interior walls were demoed to create a new kitchen, living and dining space. The kitchen was relocated to the back of the house, where it could better take in the backyard views.

A large center island offers plenty of space for storage, prep work, and seating. A combo laundry room and pantry were built to double the storage that the kitchen originally had, with a barn door closing off the space. The porch was converted into a powder room, giving the family a much needed first-floor bathroom. In the kitchens original location, an 8 foot wall was built to create an entry way, and a mud bench installed for a convenient place to store bags and coats upon entry. New lighting, including glass pendants above the island, undercabinet LED lights, sconces, and recessed can lights provide ample lighting throughout the finished space.

This "Waterfront Dream Home" was remodeled by J. Manifold Construction of the Lee County Home Builders Association. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: J. Manifold Construction (Waterfront Dream Home), Lee County Home Builders Association.

Description: The water frontage on this property was what attracted the family to this lake home, but they knew theyd need a full house remodel to turn it into their dream getaway. The roofline was raised in order to bring dimension to the once-drab interior. An open concept was created for the kitchen and family area by removing a center wall that divided the original space. The kitchen features a large island and contrasting cabinets.

Reclaimed rough sawn beams were installed to highlight the vaulted ceiling. The beams and heart pine flooring continue into the sunroom, where floor to ceiling windows bring in the lakefront views. A once-unusable basement space was redesigned with built-in bunks, a new bathroom, and space to play. The original owners suite had low ceilings, small closets and a non-functioning bathroom. Incorporating wood into the new bath design and on the bedrooms vaulted ceiling helps reflect the homes natural surroundings.

This bathroom is part of a whole-house remodel, "Shandwick House," from R & R Construction of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: R & R Construction (Shandwick Place), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: The main goal of this remodel was to create space to accommodate the homeowners parents while maintaining a sense of privacy, independence, and comfort for both families. The exterior underwent a full remodel, with modified roof lines, the addition of wing walls, brick, stone and Hardi accents, new windows, and fresh exterior paint. An addition was built featuring separate living quarters which include a secondary living suite with a full bedroom, bath, kitchen, rec room and concrete storm room.

Tying the two separate living spaces together is the original kitchen, which underwent a total transformation. Dark hex tile and marble countertops contrast with the white cabinetry and a large center island can accommodate multiple family members. A screened porch with outdoor fireplace allows the family to enjoy indoor/outdoor living year round.

This "Modern Transformation" kitchen was created by Precision Homecrafters of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Precision Homecrafters (Modern Transformation), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: These homeowners wanted to relocate and enlarge their small, dark galley style kitchen, which was located at the front of the house right as you walked in the front door. The main interior walls were demoed to create a more functional kitchen with a new laundry room and pantry. The original back window was widened to give more of a view at the kitchen sink. All new two-toned cabinets with darker bases and white upper cabinets were installed to create a larger visual space.

The gray picket backsplash tile provides a contrast of texture and color. Two deep, full-height cabinets provide pantry storage. The laundry area has upper cabinet storage, a hanging rod, and a quartz folding counter above the washer and dryer. A barn door keeps the laundry room and pantry more open to the kitchen and allows a natural flow between the two. An entryway with mud bench area was created where the kitchen originally stood, with custom drawers and cubbies for added storage.

This "Hollywood Kitchen" was created by j. fante studio of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: j. fante studio (Hollywood Kitchen), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: Set in a 1930s home in a historic neighborhood, this kitchen required serious overhaul with the plumbing, electrical and gas systems before the transformation could really begin. The original kitchen was gutted and turned into a mudroom and walk-in pantry, and the old master bedroom became the new kitchen location. Locally crafted custom inset cabinets with honed marble countertops were installed. Cabinet panels conceal appliances, including the 30-inch column refrigerator and freezer pair, which are next to a pantry cabinet housing a coffee maker and small appliances.

The LaCornue range is highlighted in a dual radius arched opening. A hidden niche on one side and recessed shelves on the other allow for quick access to everyday cooking needs for this former professional baker. Reclaimed wood beams tie in with the new character white oak flooring and island. New Bessemer Glass French doors and triple casement windows over the sink bring a balance of old Southern tradition and new construction techniques.

This "Chef's Kiss" kitchen was created by Taylor Burton Company, Inc. of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Taylor Burton Company, Inc. (Chefs Kiss), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: The existing kitchen was choppy, dark, and tucked away. Several load bearing walls were removed to open up the space, and a triple window was installed flush with the countertop to add natural light. A 12-foot island was built to include a six-foot sink with two Waterstone faucets. Other features include a Wolf range with Waterstone pot filler, quartzite countertops and backsplashes, and brass and stainless steel fixtures. Built-in fridges, wine coolers, and a wet bar make for easy entertaining.

A unique trayed ceiling above the island was created by repurposing the kitchens flooring and cutting and installing the boards in a herringbone pattern. New custom white oak flooring was installed to match the rest of the home. Dated wooden handrails on the adjacent staircase were replaced with custom handmade iron handrails.

This "Powder Bath at the Lake" was created by Precision Homecrafters of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Precision Homecrafters (Powder Bath at the Lake), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: A lack of counter and storage space, meager lighting, and dark, drab paint colors made this powder bath feel small and uninviting. To create a better functioning and updated space, an adjacent coat closet was demoed and incorporated into the bath. The sink area was moved to a larger wall and became the focal point of the project. A local craftsman created the new vanity with a single inset drawer and polished nickel tapered legs. A vessel sink sits on a 3-inch piece of silestone quartz.

The entire sink wall is covered from floor to ceiling in a herringbone pattern tile to create a beautiful backdrop. An oversized infinity mirror was installed to complement the large size of the vanity. Plumbing fixtures and accessories in polished nickel were added, and recessed LED can lights and sconces at the mirror provide ample lighting for the new space.

This "Bear Trace Bathroom" was created by Precision Homecrafters of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Precision Homecrafters (Bear Trace Bathroom), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: These homeowners were ready to exchange their poorly lit builder-grade bathroom with an awkward layout for new cabinetry and lighter finishes. The old bathroom was demoed and the unused jacuzzi tub was removed, enabling the shower to double in size. In place of the previous large shower threshold was built a zero-entry shower with a bench and several niches. The new shower features large, polished wall tiles with minimal grout lines, and the shower head wall is highlighted with a 2 by 4-inch specialty tile pattern.

All new cabinetry with tower storage was installed. Custom pull-outs in the linen cabinet provide easy access for harder to reach items. Gold-tone fixtures and hardware echo the warm veining in the tile. The once-dark bathroom was updated with a new lighting scheme that included rows of recessed LED can lights throughout the shower area and clear sconces flanking the mirrors to reflect plenty of light in the new space.

This "Hollywood Addition" was created by Precision Homecrafters of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Precision Homecrafters (Hollywood Addition), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: The owner of this 1928 Tudor-style home wanted to expand the breakfast nook into the garden area and create a new dining room, covered porch and grilling area. To create the new interior addition while connecting it to the kitchen, the backdoor was filled in to become an interior window opening looking into the new dining room. The kitchen countertops were replaced to extend down the wall and into the opening for more counter space. A bar area was created with stools on the dining room side for additional seating.

The exposed brick openings coordinate with the rustic flagstone flooring and rough-sawn cedar and pine ceiling. Outside, copper gutters and a custom steel and copper awning were installed. Recessed down lights and modern black ceiling fans highlight the covered porch. New flagstone walkways were designed to flow through the garden area. The small entry porch on the driveway side of the house received a new roof to match the dining addition.

The exterior remodel of "Shandwick Place" was created by R & R Construction of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: R & R Construction (Shandwick Place), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: The exterior of this home, built in the 1990s, was overdue for a facelift. To help give it a modern look, the brick was painted white. The rooflines were modified and wing walls created. Stone, brick and artisan Hardi board were added. New windows were installed. At the rear of the home, a new screened porch was designed to bring the outdoors in. Dark shutters and trim tie everything together.

This "Porch with a View" was created by Precision Homecrafters of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Precision Homecrafters (Porch with a View), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: This aging deck was not in keeping with the dramatic city skyline views enjoyed by the homeowners. To create a space worthy of the views, three specific areas were designed, beginning with a 475 square foot open deck large enough for a grilling area and a new dining table with seating for 10. A 270 square foot covered porch was built for relaxation and entertaining, with a comfortable seating area. A fireplace was built featuring Eldorado stacked stone and hearthstones, and a custom reclaimed cedar mantle taken from an old bar in Tennessee.

An intimate two-person dining area was created near the homes existing French doors. A new staircase and landing were constructed to allow for the underdeck and backyard access. A wrought iron gate at the top of the stairs provides a safe place for the owners dogs to be let out to enjoy the new outdoor space.

"A Tight Squeeze Reno" was created by J. Manifold Construction of the Lee County Home Builders Association. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: J. Manifold Construction (A Tight Squeeze Reno), Lee County Home Builders Association.

Description: Removing an obsolete fireplace and hearth helped turn once unusable space in this basement into a bunk room for this growing family. Durable shiplap painted white was used to construct the six bunks, while the bunk steps received a contrasting stain. The stairwell leading into the basement was also updated with drywall, stained wood steps, and an iron railing to add personality to the space. The old half bath was reconfigured for a full bath large enough for a full shower, double sink vanity, and private water closet. A large wall-mounted TV provides entertainment in this new space, that can now comfortably sleep nine without overcrowding.

This "Lake House Laundry Room" was created by Precision Homecrafters of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Precision Homecrafters (Lake House Laundry Room), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: These homeowners wanted to turn their 90s laundry room with minimal storage into a new laundry with custom organization and a state of the art washer/dryer. To give the space the storage it needed to also serve as an extra pantry and coat closet, an entire wall of full-height cabinets was designed with custom organization and pull-outs. Double door cabinets with roll-out shelving provides ample storage for pantry items and small appliances. A new Samsung Flexwash and Flexdryer were installed that can accommodate up to four loads at a time.

A pull-down hanging rod above provides additional hanging space for clothes. Double base cabinet pull-outs to the right of the dryer house laundry supplies. A new sink area was created underneath the feature window to take in lake views while providing a functional folding counter. The sink wall features Calacatta marble hex tile with light gray veining that matches the Shaker-style cabinetry. Warm-toned accents and new lighting brighten up the space.

This remodel of "Historic Duplex," comes from Trick Construction & Remodel of the Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Trick Construction & Remodel (Historic Duplex), Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa.

Description: The new owner of this 100-year-old house had lived in it as a college student and had a strong sentimental connection to the property, which he wanted to turn into a duplex for rental purposes. The overgrown lot was cleared and the weak foundation shored up. The siding was replaced and a new metal roof installed. The brick on the front was cleaned and shored up. Inside, the ceiling was lowered to 9 feet to accommodate a new attic joist and firewall while offering a way for more efficient heating and cooling.

A fresh coat of paint brightened things up, and new modern cabinets and appliances were installed in both units of the duplex. The uneven floors were leveled to create a smooth, seamless floor, and new tile was installed. Two exterior patios and storage rooms were added along with a fence at each unit for a small but enjoyable outdoor living space.

This remodel project, "Condemned to Custom Craftsman" comes from Willow Homes of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Willow Homes (Condemned to Custom Craftsman), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: The original structure on this lot was not only an eyesore, but it was also in complete disrepair and had been condemned by the city. A new 2,300 square foot, four bedroom home was designed to take its place. Wanting to pay homage to the Craftsman style of the original home, plans were drawn with a similar front elevation. Inside, bold paint colors and built-ins throughout the main level play up the Craftsman character.

The kitchen includes a large island topped with Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and designer light fixtures. The primary bath features a large soaking tub, slate hexagon floor tile, spacious semi-frameless shower, and separate double vanities with quartz countertops. The new home blends into its historic surroundings and looks like its been there as long as its neighbors.

This bedroom is part of the Eggers Residence, a custom home from Valere Homes of the Baldwin County Home Builders Association. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: Valere Homes (Eggers Residence), Baldwin County Home Builders Association.

Description: The exterior of this European-style home features copper roof accents, wood working shutters, and steep gables. The grand foyer shows off the 12-foot ceilings that also run throughout the great room and kitchen. An ornate fireplace and coffered ceiling add drama to the greatroom. In the kitchen, a massive island with oversized corbels is the rooms centerpiece. Commercial grade appliances and 10 foot tall cabinets give inspiration to any level of cook.

The primary bedroom and bath offer rest and relaxation. The bedroom includes a large sitting area with ample natural light for reading, looking out at the pool, or watching wildlife. The primary bath features separate vanities, a free standing cast iron slipper tub, and an oversized shower with three separate spray functions. Carefully crafted trim and woodwork throughout help make this an elegant yet relaxing home that the homeowners can enjoy in their retirement.

This commercial renovation of Sam Jacksons Emporium was created by The Builders Group of the Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: The Builders Group (Sam Jacksons Emporium), Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa.

Description: Located in the heart of downtown, this 10,500 square foot building had originally served as a supermarket, then later a local emporium. The new owners wanted to renovate it to serve as its office space but still salvage as much of the original character as possible. Not keeping in its original character was the metal awning on the front exterior, so that was removed. The buildings signature church steeple was refinished, and a functioning clock added.

The reception area features a built-in desk framed by custom made, LED color-changing signage, creating a statement for clients when they enter. A sitting area and a large conference room, both located along the front of the building, are brightened by the upgraded storefront windows. Individual offices were created as well as a large open workspace designed to be used as floating workstations. Two insulated phone booths were constructed to give the occupying agents maximum privacy for client meetings and conversations. The use of original materials such as the scraped tin ceiling tiles and brick left exposed throughout help preserve the buildings history.

This home, "Blue Haven" was remodeled after a fire by BMR Homes, Inc. Remodeling & Restoration of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. (Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Alabama)

Winner: BMR Homes, Inc. Remodeling & Restoration (Blue Haven), Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.

Description: Already in need of updating, this home was ravaged by a devastating fire. The restoration gave the homeowner the opportunity to keep her homeplace while making some much-needed changes inside and out. The green paint exterior was updated to a bright blue. The back stairs were dangerous, so they were rebuilt to code, making them safer to navigate. The kitchen and dining areas were rebuilt to provide comfortable places for hosting extended family gatherings for holidays and birthdays. Not only is the home now a beautiful, welcome sight on her neighborhood corner, but it has also greatly improved the homeowners quality of life.

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Get inspiration from these amazing home improvement projects in Alabama - AL.com

Popular home improvement channel HGTV has announced six new series coming to television screens, and one of them is set in Minneapolis.

The Discovery-owned channel announcedthat among the shows added to its 2022-23 programming slate is Renovation 911.

Here's how it's described:

"Renovation 911 will follow emergency restoration experts and sisters, Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding, as they rescue homes in Minneapolis that have recently experienced unexpected and tragic property disasters. Kirsten and Lindsey will race to the scene to assess the damage, reassure the homeowners and develop a plan for a full restoration and renovation. With warmth, humor, empathy and a special expertise, the duo will help clients see past distress and create completely transformed dream homes that are better than before."

Kirsten Meehan and Lindsey Uselding are the co-owners of Ungerman, the Plymouth-based construction and restoration company that specializes in rescuing fire, water, or storm damaged properties.

HGTV's most recent foray into Minnesota came in the form of Stay or Sell, which saw Heather and Brad Fox, of Fox Homes, who gave owners the chance toeither renovate their current home or buy another property nearby that could be customized to their desire.

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New HGTV series include a home renovation show in Minneapolis - Bring Me The News

Community service driven event will offer more than 2,200 volunteer opportunities in neighborhoods across the City of Seattle

Seattle Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the first ever One Seattle Day of Service citywide volunteer event. The One Seattle Day of Service will take place on May 21, 2022, with over 2,200 volunteer opportunities across more than 80 different activities throughout all seven City Council Districts.

I love Seattle and I know so many neighbors share that same passion for our city and want to be part of making it a better place. As my administration works to tackle urgent challenges, I hear every day from Seattle residents looking for ways to be part of the solution. Today, Im excited to announce the One Seattle Day of Service a new opportunity for everyone to get involved and give back, said Mayor Harrell.

One Seattle Day of Service events will kick off at 9:00 a.m. on May 21 with the last volunteer activity ending by 5 p.m. Most volunteer shifts are 2-3 hours, ranging from just a few volunteers to up to 100 per shift. Nearly half of activity opportunities are open to all ages, and more than one third are open to all abilities. Volunteer shifts and opportunities will continue to be added as we get closer to the event.

Seattleites can sign up to participate by registering for a volunteer shift here.

Opportunities include a variety of options for people across ages, abilities, and interests.

Volunteer events were organized with community groups, business associations, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and Seattle Public Utilities, and are supported by local businesses, civic organizations, and Seattles sports teams.

There are over 80 partner organizations participating in the One Seattle Day of Service, including the Chinatown-International District BIA, Downtown Seattle Association, Pioneer Square Alliance, Chief Seattle Club, Food Lifeline, Urban League, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders FC, OL Reign, UW Husky Football, and more.

We know we can accomplish so much more when we come together and work together, said Mayor Harrell. The One Seattle Day of Service is how we put our shared values inclusion, cooperation, and service into shared action toward tangible improvements for our city and the residents who make it special. I am thrilled with the diverse group of public, private, and non-profit partners, businesses, and organizations who have already committed to participate in this event, and I invite every Seattleite to join us for our One Seattle Day of Service on May 21st.

Visit the seattle.gov/dayofservice to learn more about the event and register to volunteer.

WHAT SEATTLE COMMUNITY LEADERS, PARTNERS, AND PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

An old proverb states, many hands make light work and Im looking forward to contributing my own hands to lighten and bolster the efforts of all the volunteers coming out for the One Seattle Day of Service. said This will be a powerful collective event to meet our neighbors and work together for the Common Good of #OneSeattle!

Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson

The One Seattle Day of Service harnesses our citys collective spirit and puts it into action. We see the enormous impact a group cleaning effort makes in the daily work of our downtown ambassadors. For our city to recover it has to be clean and welcoming for all, and we thank Mayor Harrell for pulling together a citywide initiative to accomplish just that. We look forward to mobilizing our teams and members on May 21st to get downtown looking great. The day of service will be a day of exercising Seattles values of collaboration and community.

Jon Scholes; President and CEO, Downtown Seattle Association

Sounders FC are thrilled to collaborate with our friends at OL Reign to support One Seattle Day of Service. Set in the heart of AANHPI-Heritage month, this day of volunteerism aligns with Sounders FCs long-term commitment to make our community stronger and more equitable. Our players, staff, and fans value the diverse ground floor businesses that make our community strong, especially on matchday. Working with soccer fans to give back to the neighborhoods surrounding our home at Lumen Field, with projects at Hing Hay Park in C-ID and Pioneer Square, we are humbled to do our part, to live our values through our social justice framework. Clearing trash and cleaning our neighborhoods can support our long term goals to Protect our Planet by ensuring we divert waste from our waterways, and to Fight Racism by using our platform to support BIPOC neighborhoods and small businesses.

Maya Mendoza-Exstrom; Chief Operating Officer, Seattle Sounders FC

OL Reign is honored to team up with our friends Sounders FC to support the neighborhood around our new stadium and participate in One Seattle Day of Service. As longtime active members of the community, we embrace this opportunity to further our mission of equality and inclusion for all . As the newest tenants at Seattles iconic Lumen Field, we feel a strong sense of urgency and continued dedication to be of service to Pioneer Square and the Chinatown/International District. By pitching in to assist local residents, and clean and beautify these historic Seattle neighborhoods, we show our support for the small businesses and BIPOC communities who have so graciously allowed us to share their home.

Vincent Berthillot; Chief Executive Officer, OL Reign

Friends of Little Saigon is excited to see more unified efforts City-wide. I commend Mayor Harrell for continuing to support and elevate our communitys issues. My hope is that this One Day of Servicewill be more than just one day, but a day that sparks continued commitments and collaborations to address community priorities.

Quynh Pham; Executive Director, Friends of Little Si Gn

With the Mission to connect and deploy Veterans to under-resourced communities, The Mission Continues, serving side by side with community partners, has made significant impacts all over our great nation, particularly here in the International District/Chinatown and Southeast Seattle. On May 21, 2022, we proudly join the Mayors Call To Action to serve on One Seattle Day of Service and call upon the 28,000 Veterans residing in Seattle to join the movement to make positive impacts in our beloved city.

Linh Thai; Regional Operations Manager, The Mission Continues

Continued here:
Mayor Bruce Harrell Announces One Seattle Day of Service on May 21st - Office of the Mayor - Seattle.gov

WEST ROCKHILL Some things have changed since the Ridge Valley schoolhouse was built in 1883.

Nowadays, following a restoration project completed last summer, a robotic vacuum does the cleaning, there are new heating, cooling and dehumidifying systems, and storm windows have been added. Other things havent changed, such as the original paint scheme and window shutters. While not original to the building, enlarged and framed photos hanging on the walls show what life was like when it was a school.

A service of dedication and open house to celebrate the restoration will be held Sunday, May 1 at the schoolhouse and Ridge Valley United Church of Christ, which are both on the same property at 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville. The church service of dedication begins at 9:30 a.m. The open house at the school will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The school closed in the 1930s, after which the building became the Guenst family home until 1986, when the church bought it, initially using it for meetings and Sunday School, then for storage, said Joyce Justice, a Ridge Valley UCC member and West Rockhill Historical Societys program coordinator.

In recent years, the building had fallen into disrepair, she said.

An anonymous donation helped fund the restoration, which was completed with the help of a lot of volunteers and donations of materials, she said.

People just really stepped up to help us, she said.

We tried to preserve as much of the building as we could, Justice said. We wanted to preserve the flavor of it as what it was. It was a schoolhouse.

Along with photos from the days when it was a school, the 1900 diploma of Ridge Valley UCC and West Rockhill Historical Society member Trent Yerks grandmother is displayed at the school, Justice said. Yerk will present a talk on the restoration project at the West Rockhill Historical Societys June 13 meeting, including showing a video of the work. The video will also be shown during the May 1 dedication.

One of the photos of earlier days at the school shows when it had an outhouse on the front porch, Justice said.

Not very nice to think about, but it was the way it was back then, she said.

The Guenst family provided oil paintings now hanging in the school, she said.

Charlie Guenst, who died in December of 2020, visited often during the restoration, along with bringing his back loader to help move stone, she said.

It meant a lot to him because that was where he grew up, Justice said.

The Spring 2022 West Rockhill Township newsletter includes information from the West Rockhill Historical Society about the restoration project, for which discussion began in 2018 and work started in August of 2020.

The volunteers began by removing the old floor and supporting beams, the 1930 dropped ceiling and the original 1883 ceiling, thus exposing the roof rafters. They then removed and refurbished all the old windows, added new storm windows, and removed/repainted the original shutters. Church members replaced a cupola where an original bell tower had been in place since the 1930s. The entire exterior was painted with original colors including dark green accents, a robins egg blue porch ceiling and white plaster, the information said. After restoring the interior ceiling to its original school house height, it was also painted its original color of blue. Beautiful period schoolhouse lighting was sponsored by members of the Church. The main entrance with a new door was reoriented to face the Church parking lot.

The work also included adding a handicap restroom and two small meeting rooms in addition to the main meeting room.

The West Rockhill Historical Society will have a table at the schoolhouse open house to raise funds for an application to put Ridge Valley UCC on the National Register of Historic Places, Historical Society information said. The Society is still in the early stages of looking into the application, Justice said. If approved, it would be the second West Rockhill property on the Register. The first is Highland Park, which was approved in 2017.

Justice said back before there were any restoration plans, she planted flowers alongside the building and wished that there were a way to fix up the schoolhouse.

Our prayers were answered and we got the help that we needed to get started, and so weve been able to save it and its a wonderful little facility now, she said.

The church uses it and it is available for community use, she said. Tai chi classes are held there each week, she said.

We want it to be used, Justice said. Its meant to be used and appreciated.

See the article here:
Dedication and open house slated for 1883 Ridge Valley schoolhouse restoration in West Rockhill - The Reporter

Magnolia Network announced its lineup of cable and streaming programming for May, including new and returning series in the months to come.

New series include The Retro Plant Shop With Mikey and Jo, featuring Joanna Gaines and her sister Mikey McCall (streaming premiere May 20), and Rooms We Love (streaming premiere May 27). Also debuting in May is a new Magnolia Workshop series, A Chefs Guide to Italian Cooking, featuring Carla Lalli Music, a James Beard Award-winning chef, former food director at Bon Apptit and best-selling cookbook author.

Magnolia Network is a joint media venture between home renovation gurus Chip and Joanna Gaines and Warner Bros. Discovery, with a library of unscripted content streaming on Discovery+ and on the Magnolia app. The network made its linear TV debut this past January.

The May 2022 lineup of new and returning programming includes:

Tuesday, May 3

The Craftsman (cable, Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Friday, May 6

Mind for Design (Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Handcrafted Hotels (Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

A Chefs Guide to Italian Cooking (8 Chapters) (full workshop on Magnolia app)

Saturday, May 7

Public Artist (cable, Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Tuesday, May 10

Restoring Galveston (cable)

Friday, May 13

Zo Bakes (Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Self-Employed (cable)

Making Modern with Brooke and Brice (cable)

Sunday, May 15

Art in Bloom with Helen Dealtry (cable)

Friday, May 20

The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo (Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Restoration Road with Clint Harp (Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Sunday, May 22

From The Source (cable, Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Friday, May 27

Rooms We Love (Discovery+ and the Magnolia app)

Additionally, Magnolia Workshops debut Sundays on Discovery+ (concurrent with cable premieres).

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Magnolia Network: What's Coming and Returning in May 2022 - Adweek

Hugh Wallace couldnt be accused of not empathising with the homeowners who have their lives turned upside down and inside out on any of his popular TV shows.

he television architect and husband Martin have just begun renovating their forever home in the heart of Dublin city.

And the 65 year-old already feels like hes starring in his very own episode of The Great House Revival, although fans sadly wont get to see a big reveal of the low-key couples revamped digs down the line.

Stress, he relates down the phone while enjoying a well-earned sun holiday. And the anxiety over the whole project.

At the moment, we live in a small cottage beside the house we bought and the work on it has just started. Theres absolutely nothing I have four walls.

Im not doing a show on it because Martin is very private. But Ill have all the neighbours in, no doubt about that.

I live in this great old Dublin neighbourhood off Clanbrassil Street. Theres a lady on the street who organises the sweeping of the street, so if you dont sweep the section of the street in front of your house she knocks on your door. I just love that.

People scrawled graffiti on a big wall and they all got organised and got it all cleaned again. The community sort of look after one another. Weve left the keys in the door and gone off to work and come back and the neighbour would come in and say, I think you left these in the door.

Hot off the back of Home of the Year, clinched by a 150-year-old Wicklow farmhouse owned by Kate and Shane Byrne, the presenter can now be seen on the third season of the popular RT restoration show.

Like viewers, Hugh says his jaw was on the floor at some of the awesome restorations featured on the Sunday night staple, filmed in the most challenging circumstances yet over the past three years.

The buildings this year are extraordinary. They go from a general store up in Monaghan to a 14th century tower house in Cork. Its amazing to watch these homeowners take on abandoned buildings, and youre going, You must be mad! jokes the director of Douglas Wallace Architects.

Its not like theyre architects or engineers; theyre social media personalities, theyre nurses, doctors, and they go through this extraordinary journey of saving our heritage, renovating houses that were about to fall into the ground and disappear. And, my God, when you see what they do particularly in this series its mind-blowing, and theyre all quite young.

The dapper host first came to prominence as a judge on RTs nationwide home contest alongside architect Declan ODonnell and homewares designer Helen James, and latterly, architect Amanda Bone and interior designer, Sara Cosgrave.

He also scored another success in the crowded property show genre with My Bungalow Bliss on the channel last year.

But hard-working Hugh, who at one stage in recent weeks had two shows running simultaneously on RT, insists he still doesnt see himself as a celebrity and is especially allergic to the word used to describe television architects.

Starchitect?! the Dubliner repeats aghast. Ah Jesus, I dont think Ive got that far. That was sort of the 2000s there was definitely a few worldwide starchitects around the place, but theyve fallen by the wayside.

People come up and say hello, and theyd say, Hello, Hugh and then Im going, Christ, I must know you and, of course, I dont. Then people want selfies and stuff like that, and thats fine. People are genuinely very nice.

Irish Twitter, needless to say, can be a different story altogether, with the scoring on Home of the Year, in particular, often inviting the wrath of armchair judges on social media, though Hugh concedes his female colleagues typically get a tougher time.

Indeed they do, he says. Particularly Amanda but she takes it in good spirit. I think its just hilarious some of the tweets.

I got stopped during Covid by a guard and he gave out to me because he said I gave a house the wrong score. You do have to [have thick skin], but its just such a fun show.

Suffice to say he has no designs on toppling Dermot Bannon as Irelands reigning starchitect. Not at all, adds Hugh. We are good friends and Diarmuid Gavin. The three of us have great fun.

So could a Gordon, Gino & Freds Road Trip-style show starring the countrys top three property porn hunks ever happen?

Absolutely, he laughs. Thats it.

Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices

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RTE architect Hugh Wallace on doing his own home renovation - Sunday World

Every volunteer, no matter how big or small his or her contribution, helps to make the County of Maui one of the worlds best places to live. The work of helping hands and caring hearts mix the secret sauce that makes Maui, Molokai and Lanai such ono places to call home.

National Volunteer Week starts Sunday and runs through Saturday. This year, it encompasses two religious holidays, Easter and Passover, plus Earth Day on Friday.

National Volunteer Week formally recognizes those who generously give of their time and talent in service of others. As with other heroes, volunteers use their superpowers to quietly transform the world, one act of aloha at a time.

Volunteerism has long been a tradition in my own family. My wife Joycelyn and I have given several years of service to our church, Maui schools, community service organizations and youth programs like Little League Baseball, basketball, Boy Scouts and more. For decades, we volunteered to help make the Maui Fair happen each year, including my years of rewarding service as fair director. Our two sons, Mike and Shane, inherited our love for community service because they grew up experiencing the joy and satisfaction that comes from helping others.

Maui County would not have survived the COVID-19 pandemic without the thousands of anonymous volunteers who pitched in to help with mask-sewing and distributions, food drives, vaccination clinics, hot meal deliveries, keiki and kupuna care, and watching over those in quarantine.

The pandemic interrupted our personal lives, businesses and community institutions, including the many nonprofit organizations that serve our community so well. While some of us are still adjusting to post-pandemic life, others are ready to rejoin the community as volunteers with renewed energy.

After two years of pandemic-induced social isolation, volunteering is a simple, easy way to jump into socializing with positive-minded people. If you are new to Maui County, volunteering will acquaint you with the kindhearted folks who live aloha in our community.

The best part of volunteering is that it feels good to do good. Volunteers are needed to help fill the needs of children, seniors and families, culture and the arts, the sick, youth and adult sports, animals and pets, education, the homeless and hungry, immigrants and so much more.

With Earth Day coming up on Friday, I suggest we each commit to do something to help Mother Earth. This years theme is Invest in our Planet, but with the rising cost of everything these days, I know many of us arent in a position to invest money right now. But every single person can invest a little bit of time to care for our island home.

Malama Maui Nui welcomes volunteers to help clean up the islands. Ocean lovers can volunteer for the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, Surfrider Foundation or Love the Sea to care for our nearshore marine environment. The East Maui Watershed Partnership, Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership and Friends of Haleakala regularly organize group service trips to preserve and protect crucial ecosystems. Molokai Land Trust, Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission and the Lanai Culture & Heritage Centers Kupulau Program offer opportunities for volunteers to help care for our sister islands. These are just suggestions there are many other important environmental groups throughout Maui County that welcome your help.

Theres no need to join a formal effort to do something good for the earth. Your contribution can be as simple as cleaning the roadsides in your neighborhood, planting a native tree in your yard, walking or biking instead of driving or shopping at a farmers market for locally grown produce. You can help the environment, save some money and get some fresh air by hanging your laundry in the sunshine instead of popping it into a dryer. Reduce, reuse, recycle, remove plastic waste from the beach or compost your organic household waste. There are countless things you can do to help the environment that cost you nothing.

Every small action matters. If 160,000 of us volunteer to do just one good thing for the aina, all living things throughout Maui County will benefit.

* Our County, a column from Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino, discusses county issues and activities of county government. The column alternates with Councils 3 Minutes every other weekend.

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Volunteers are the heart of our community | News, Sports, Jobs - Maui News

Has Russias invasion of Ukraine saved Boris Johnsons premiership? Listening to some Conservative MPs, it sounds that way: he broke the law over Partygate, they admit, but Britain couldnt possibly have a change of prime minister at a time of war.

The Daily Mail agrees, having run the front-page headline: Dont they know theres a war on? Even vehement critics of Johnson, such as the Tory MP Sir Roger Gale and the Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who had both previously called for him to stand down, say now is not the right time.

This argument has baffled some of the countrys leading historians and diplomatic experts, who are also unconvinced by Johnsons efforts to portray himself as a latter-day Sir Winston Churchill.

Britain is not at war, says Leo McKinstry, author of Attlee and Churchill, so this argument seems very specious. Every prime minister faces problems at home and conflict abroad. For 30 years, prime ministers faced conflict in Northern Ireland, so its a pretty dubious argument that the pressure of events mean he cant possibly resign.

He adds: Its a life-and-death struggle for Ukraine, but its not for Britain.

The mechanics of government would continue during a change in leadership because weve got a very good Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, and the logistical system has been set up to supply Ukraine.

And even if the UK were fighting, he tells i, it is ludicrous to suggest that the occupant of 10 Downing Street cannot change it has happened many times before.

Simon Fraser, a former Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office during the Coalition government, tweeted: If the argument that you should not change PM during a war had applied in 1940, Boris Johnsons hero Churchill would not have become PM (And then, unlike now, we actually were at war).

This wasnt for lack of trying by No 10s incumbent at the time, says McKinstry. Neville Chamberlain presented the Boris-camp argument on 10 May 1940, saying that with the invasion of France and the Low Countries, this wasnt the time to change prime ministers. The Cabinet said this is exactly the time were facing the greatest crisis in the history of Britain, we need the best possible leader and youve proved youre not that man. Churchills time had come.

Not only did Churchill enter Downing Street during the war, he left with potentially months of bloody fighting still ahead in the Far East. When the public elected Clement Attlees Labour government by a landslide in July 1945, people had no idea that two atomic bombs still secret at the time would end the war within weeks.

That was a great argument that went on within the coalition: is this the time to hold an election with a potential change in government? People argued: surely we should wait until Japan is beaten? says McKinstry.

But one of the great strengths of democracy is that it carries on even in wartime. Think of Franklin Roosevelt having a US presidential election in 1944. And in a way, thats what Ukraine is fighting for against Russia. If that seems an odd argument that you have to suspend democracy because youre in the middle of a conflict.

Indeed, many have pointed out that France is going through a presidential election now, with Emmanuel Macron facing off against Marine Le Pen for a run-off vote on 24 April.

Peter Ricketts, a crossbench peer who served as National Security Adviser to David Cameron and in high-ranking diplomatic roles for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, tells i that the normal rules of politics should continue to apply, and theres no reason for suspending them because of Ukraine.

Lord Ricketts, the author of Hard Choices, explains: John Major replaced Margaret Thatcher in November 1990, when the Conservative Party had no scruples about making a change right in the middle of the final build-up for the Gulf War, where very large numbers of British forces were preparing for combat. They didnt have a problem then.

He adds: David Cameron won the 2010 election when the armed forces were heavily committed in Afghanistan. I dont think anybody said you couldnt change the government in the middle of a serious military operation. And while Johnson has been effective on Ukraine, he is not irreplaceable.

Both McKinstry and Ricketts underline that they do not necessarily think Johnson who maintains that he did not knowingly mislead Parliament over Partygate should resign or be ousted. Nor do they predict that he will.

I dont think this fine in itself disqualifies him from being Prime Minister but it poses a question to the Conservative Party: do they still think hes a fit person? says Ricketts.

Do they think this is enough to cause them to set in motion a Major-for-Thatcher kind of change? If they dont, in the end the electorate will decide in 2024.

McKinstry says: Johnson is the first prime minister to be convicted of breaking the law, but some might say that other prime ministers have committed far greater offences like Tony Blairs war in Iraq which many would say was illegal, Thatchers leaking of documents in the Westland crisis, Antony Edens invasion of Suez, Churchill and Attlee for the strategic bombing of Germany. You might say that those are greater moral offences than attending a birthday party during lockdown.

Perhaps the most outrageous example of a leading politician remaining in office despite a very dodgy record is David Lloyd-George.

When he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he offloaded lots of Marconi shares when he had inside information, explains McKinstry.

That was a great stain on Lloyd George. Looking back, it seems inexplicable that he didnt end up in court on charges of insider dealing. How did he survive? That was in 1913. Three years later, Lloyd-George succeeded Asquith in running the Liberal-led wartime coalition. Will Johnson take inspiration from Lloyd-Georges brazen behaviour?

For those who think that drinks gatherings in No 10, even if they were illegal, should not be resigning matters, history also bodes well.

McKinstry names Archibald Primrose, the 5th Earl of Rosebery, as the only modern Prime Minister since the mid 19th century I can think of who resigned over not a major issue. He stepped down in 1895 after his Liberal government lost a vote on the supply of ammunition to the British Army. He wanted to get out anyway, so he just took it as an excuse to say: Theyve lost confidence in me, says the historian.

Every prime minister since then has either resigned because they lost an election, they lost the confidence of their party, they had ill health as in the case of Henry Campbell-Bannerman and Andrew Bonar Law or the major central plank of their policy was last, like Theresa May over Brexit.

Following visits to Kyiv by the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia last month, Johnson was widely applauded for travelling to the Ukrainian capital at the weekend to meet President Zelensky, who urged the world: Be brave like Boris.

Commentators such as is Ian Birrell have little doubt that, while this was an important and admirable show of support for Ukraine by Johnson, he has also used Russias invasion opportunistically for his own political ends, portraying himself as a Churchillian wartime leader. Bloomberg declared that Boris Johnson Is Having His Winston Churchill Moment because in standing next to Zelensky, the Prime Minister knows that reflected glory is often the best way to come by extra kudos.

If these fines have been imposed to two or three months ago, his position would be far more precarious but he shored up his authority a bit with his statesmanlike leadership in the crisis, and that footage of him walking through Kyiv with Zelensky certainly did him no harm, says McKinstry.

He thinks criticism of Johnsons behaviour on Ukraine is harsh.

Hes surprised even his critics by his stature and the strength of his leadership. The Ukrainian government openly says that Britain has been their staunchest ally. There are all these problems at home, with transport chaos and inflation, but the actual organisation logistically of Britains military support for Ukraine has been very effective, from the anti-tank equipment to the Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles. Zalensky has been full of praise for him. Its not just an invention that he has proved himself an effective leader in a crisis overseas.

Nevertheless, he feels there are few genuine parallels to be made between Johnson and Churchill, beyond the fact they are both maverick, colourful characters whose careers recovered after wilderness years, and their oratory skills when able to write their scripts in advance.

Ricketts is also frustrated by misleading comparison between Johnson and Churchill. Churchill was leading the UK in an existential war for survival. Boris Johnson has not committed British Armed Forces to conflict, he says.

Johnson has long encouraged the public to think of him as a Churchillian figure. In 2016, he even wrote a biography of the man The Churchill Factor in which he referred to himself 30 times in the introduction alone.

The book says perhaps less about Churchill than it does about the ambition and self-image of Boris, concluded Sonia Purnell in her review.

Some will point out that many aspects of Churchills life mean he is not necessarily a good person to be likened to. Reviewing the book Churchills Shadow, in which Geoffrey Wheatcroft sought to cut through what he sees as blinkered idolisation of the man, a New York Times review summed up its argument that Churchill was not just a racist but a hypocrite, a dissembler, a narcissist, an opportunist, an imperialist, a drunk, a strategic bungler, a tax dodger, a neglectful father, a credit-hogging author, a terrible judge of character and, most of all, a masterful mythmaker.

But McKinstry says that as an overall characterisation of Churchill, this would unfair with no doubt that he was a truly great leader with tremendous judgment of military strategy and prescience.

The idea that he was just this drunken bore who invented stuff about himself is so absurd.

Ultimately, can analysis of the past offer us any guidance on what will happen next for Johnson? The author Sir Simon Jenkins thinks not. Boris Johnson is not Churchill or Pericles, he wrote in The Guardian this week, adding: As a guide to the present, let alone the future, history is for smart alecks and podcasts. It is bunk.

McKinstry agrees. History never repeats itself, and one of the great failings is always looking for parallels with the past. You get unstuck because theyre not exactly the same This is going to be decided by the Tory MPs.

Whats going to be a huge influence on their judgement is the outcome of the local elections. So in a perverse way, democracy is going to have the final say. If the Tories do really badly in the local elections, what seems possible, that would probably sound the death knell for Boris. In a way, it is quite democratic that its going to be the court of public opinion that will probably decide this.

Attlee and Churchill: Allies in War, Adversaries in Peaceby Leo McKinstry (10.99, Atlantic Books) and Hard Choices: The Making and Unmaking of Global Britain by Peter Ricketts (9.99, Atlantic Books) are both on sale now

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Boris Johnson is no Churchill and can resign during a war, say baffled historians and diplomats - iNews