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Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump watches a video screen at a campaign rally at the Salem Civic Center, in Salem, Va, Nov. 2, 2024. We are back to Mr. Trump’s first term, when the tweet of the day hung over us like the tweet of Damocles, Carlo Dade writes. Evan Vucci/The Associated Press Carlo Dade is director of trade and trade infrastructure at the Canada West Foundation. To stop and think before acting is generally good advice but particularly when dealing with Donald Trump and his social media posts. The president-elect shocked many in Canada and Mexico this week by saying he’d impose 25-per-cent tariffs on their exports, unless both countries deal with what he called drug and border-security issues. For Canadian leaders, the rush to act in the face of the news cycle and the pressure from businesses and voters who don’t typically follow trade news is immense. However, with Mr. Trump, a rush to act or respond is a rush to misunderstand, misinterpret and make mistakes. Is the 25-per-cent tariff serious? Will Mr. Trump be satisfied with any action Canada takes on fentanyl? What, if anything, does he specifically want to see on migration at the border? Or is it the case, as some observers say, that the tariff threat is an opening salvo to take apart the world’s liberal trading order and put in place a more transactional economic system? Once again, we do not know. We are back to Mr. Trump’s first term, when the tweet of the day hung over us like the tweet of Damocles. We’re inclined to toss everything we can think of on the table to appease someone who probably does not know what he wants until he sees it. Explainer: As Trump threatens tariffs, here are five things we know so far What we do know is this: Creating panic and desperation is Mr. Trump’s second favourite negotiating trap. Canadian premiers have already fallen for his first favourite negotiating trap: divide and conquer. Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and his provincial counterparts agree that we should cut Mexico out of North American free trade to save Canada’s relationship with the United States. Now we see that attempt to differentiate Canada from Mexico failed to win us any respite from being lumped together on the tariff announcement. Instead, it only alienated a potential ally, the only one we may have for some of the fights that lie ahead. To panic and to rush to action and speech would be to make a second serious miscalculation in as many weeks in dealing with the incoming administration. What we can do is sharpen our understanding of some of the emerging lessons from a new, incoming Trump administration to formulate our response. There was some hope initially, from my colleagues and me at least, that think tanks staffed with former Trump officials – such as Robert Lighthizer and Peter Navarro, who had drafted detailed tariff plans – and leaders of the new conservative populist movement in the U.S., would provide some degree of direction and predictability from a new administration. What you should and shouldn’t do with your money after Trump’s tariffs warning Looking at the appointments that Mr. Trump has made so far, this may still hold true for some portfolios, such as agriculture, education and housing. But not for areas where the president-elect has a personal interest. These areas include justice, defence, energy and, unfortunately, trade. Then there is the fact that this state of play may change. As we saw in Mr. Trump’s first administration, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, a more orthodox businessman, was at first in charge of trade policy until being replaced by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. This time, Mr. Lighthizer is not around, and we have to see how the new team develops. So, how do we respond? Step one is to stop walking into obvious traps. That starts with Mr. Trump’s favourite trap, divide and conquer. It’s not just about Mexico. At home, bickering among political parties and levels of government is to hand Trump the keys to Canada. The political-campaign and consulting class must come to its senses and realize that whether its interest wins out over national interest will determine our future under Mr. Trump. Canada could survive the loss of the North American trade agreement where, according to the Canada West Foundation’s calculations, tariffs would rise 2 or 5 percent on about half of what we export to the U.S. But for a country that relies on trade for two-thirds of its GDP, a 25-per-cent tariff on 77.4 per cent of everything it exports is an existential threat. With foreign partners (or frenemies) such as Mexico, we need to choose when we work with and when to distance ourselves from them instead of Mr. Trump dictating this and dividing us to suit his, not our, needs. These decisions have to be made strategically, not in panicked responses delivered in campaign-style photo-op announcements. Finally, we must keep in mind that the Americans cannot keep tariffs in place forever. A domestic political backlash will eventually break out, and the struggle then becomes one of national wills. We are at a moment when we can no longer afford excuses for putting party above country. This starts at the top but falls to every level of government and opposition.
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Izabel Goulart, 40, shows off her impossibly fit figure while in a blue bikini in the Caribbean Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By HEIDI PARKER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:54 GMT, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 21:57 GMT, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments Izabel Goulart has showed off her impossibly fit figure once again. On Friday the model took to Instagram to share an eye-popping new video clip with her loyal fans. The 40-year-old Brazilian beauty was in a blue bikini as she presented her diving skills. The star dove into the swimming pool at her hillside resort in St Barts in the Caribbean. She first pushed off on the side of the pool, then went in the water arms first. Next with the help of an underwater camera she was seen diving down to the bottom of a pool then effortlessly turning her body and swimming up to the top. Izabel is then seen pushing herself up over the top of the pool as water falls off her toned and tanned body. The model has been on vacation with her fiancé Kevin Trapp . Izabel Goulart has showed off her impossibly fit figure once again. On Friday the model took to Instagram to share an eye-popping new video clip with her loyal fans With the help of an underwater camera she was seen diving down to the bottom of a pool then effortlessly turning her body and swimming up She gave a view of her backside as she made her way up to the top The day before she did a difficult yoga move with her love. The model was clad in a stringy, red, thong bikini and a matching Santa Clause hat. Meanwhile, her longtime beau, 34, wore the same hat and added black swimming trunks. The two, who have been engaged since summer 2018, performed a seamlessly coordinated move, which ended with Izabel hitting a scorpion post while upside down. And the lovebirds even snuck in kisses while oceanside as Goulart invited fans to join her challenge. She wrote in the caption, 'Who’s up for a little yoga challenge? Tag me.' The post collected more than 56,000 likes within just a few hours and friends and fans dropped heart eye emoji in the comments. Izabel is then seen pushing herself up over the top of the pool as water falls off her toned and tanned body. The model has been on vacation with her fiancé Kevin Trapp The 40-year-old Brazilian beauty was in a blue bikini as she presented her diving skills The star dove into the swimming pool at her hillside resort in St Barts in the Caribbean. She first pushed off on the side of the pool, then went in the water arms first Read More Izabel Goulart puts on a cheeky display in barely-there bikini while flaunting her incredible figure On Christmas day the brunette stunner shared a video clip and photos showing off a festive, strapless, green LaQuan Smith mini dress. She frolicked with her feet in the ocean at night and wrote, 'A tropical Christmas it’s always a vibe.' Earlier this year Izabel celebrated her husband-to-be on social media as she wished him a happy birthday. In one black and white image she hugged her soccer star beau and wrote, 'Today we celebrate you mein schatzi. Happy Bday!!!' Another capture showed the lovebirds relaxing in a scenic outdoor area as Izabel rested in Kevin's lap. She added a heartfelt caption that read, 'It is easy to fall in love with you. And staying in love with you is even easier. Everything is special and unique when I’m by your side ! Today we celebrate you with all the love and happiness that you deserve !!' The model was clad in a stringy, red, thong bikini and a matching Santa Clause hat In May, the influencer was spotted holding hands with Kevin at Monaco Grand Prix. The couple looked cozy, amid claims that the soccer star's performance has taken a hit because Izabel 'wants sex all the time.' Bundesliga club football team Eintracht Frankfurt has reportedly been concerned that Kevin's relationship with Izabel is affecting his abilities as the team's star goalkeeper. The athlete had a rough season and missed out on Germany's provisional Euro 2024 squad. At the start of their relationship, when Trapp was playing for PSG, Goulart opened up about their sex life, claiming Trapp put a strict rule in place if his team lost. 'Kevin and I make love a lot — four or five times a week,' she said in a 2018 interview with YouTuber Matheus Mazzafera. 'But if he has played in an important game and his team loses, I can make myself beautiful, have my nails done and wear my best lingerie - and there still won’t be any sex,' she dished. Izabel Goulart Share or comment on this article: Izabel Goulart, 40, shows off her impossibly fit figure while in a blue bikini in the Caribbean e-mail Add comment
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LUCERNE, Switzerland (AP) — Would you trust an "AI Jesus" with your innermost thoughts and troubles? Researchers and religious leaders on Wednesday released findings from a two-month experiment through art in a Catholic chapel in Switzerland, where an avatar of "Jesus" on a computer screen — tucked into a confessional — took questions by visitors on faith, morality and modern-day woes, and offered responses based on Scripture. Related video above: How AI-generated news sites threaten election integrity The idea, said the chapel's theological assistant, was to recognize the growing importance of artificial intelligence in human lives, even when it comes to religion, and explore the limits of human trust in a machine. After the two-month run of the "Deus in Machina" exhibit at Peter's Chapel starting in late August, some 900 conversations from visitors — some came more than once — were transcribed anonymously. Those behind the project said it was largely a success: Visitors often came out moved or deep in thought, and found it easy to use. A small sign invited visitors to enter a confessional — chosen for its intimacy — and below a lattice screen across which penitent believers would usually speak with a priest, a green light signaled the visitor's turn to speak, and a red one came on when "AI Jesus" on a computer screen on the other side was responding. Often, a lag time was needed to wait for the response — a testament to the technical complexities. After exiting, nearly 300 visitors filled out questionnaires that informed the report released Wednesday. Of love, war, suffering and solitude Philipp Haslbauer, an IT specialist at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts who pulled together the technical side of the project, said the AI responsible for taking the role of "AI Jesus" and generating responses was GPT-4o by OpenAI, and an open-source version of the company's Whisper was used for speech comprehension. An AI video generator from Heygen was used to produce voice and video from a real person, he said. Haslbauer said no specific safeguards were used "because we observed GPT-4o to respond fairly well to controversial topics." Visitors broached many topics, including true love, the afterlife, feelings of solitude, war and suffering in the world, the existence of God, plus issues like sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church or its position on homosexuality. Most visitors described themselves as Christians, though agnostics, atheists, Muslims, Buddhists and Taoists took part too, according to a recap of the project released by the Catholic parish of Lucerne. About one-third were German speakers, but "AI Jesus" — which is conversant in about 100 languages — also had conversations in languages like Chinese, English, French, Hungarian, Italian, Russian and Spanish. 'Work of the Devil'? "What was really interesting (was) to see that the people really talked with him in a serious way. They didn't come to make jokes," said chapel theologian Marco Schmid, who spearheaded the project. Most visitors were aged 40 to 70, and more Catholic respondents found the experience stimulating than did Protestants, the report showed. Schmid was quick to point out that the "AI Jesus" — billed as a "Jesus-like" persona — was an artistic experiment to get people thinking about the intersection between the digital and the divine, not substitute for human interaction or sacramental confessions with a priest, nor was it intended to save pastoral resources. "For the people, it was clear that it was a computer ... It was clear it was not a confession," Schmid said. "He wasn't programmed to give absolutions or prayers. At the end, it was more summary of the conversation." The Catholic Church, from the Vatican on down, has been wrestling with the challenges — and possible opportunities — presented by the explosion in public interest in AI since generative artificial intelligence captured the world's attention two years ago when OpenAI's ChatGPT made its debut. The Vatican has appointed a friar from a medieval Franciscan order as its top expert on AI, and a Lutheran church in Bavaria served up sermons delivered by a chatbot last year. Pope Francis, in his annual peace message for this year, pushed for an international treaty to ensure the ethical use of AI technology. Chatbots like ChatGPT are powered by algorithmic models trained on vast pools of text and other data to mimic speech and generate seemingly unique and human-like responses. Haslbauer is sensitive to public reaction and has noted chatter on social media saying the project is "blasphemous" or the "work of the devil." "If you read comments on the internet about it, some are very negative — which is scary," Haslbauer, whose long-haired look featured as a basis for the image of the virtual Jesus. In a demonstration of the technology in the chapel, Haslbauer queried "AI Jesus" about its message for a troubled world, and about whether AI could be helpful as a way for people to find God. "All knowledge and wisdom ultimately come from God," the chatbot said in a soothing voice, after a pause to respond, and the image briefly crackled. "If used wisely, AI can indeed be a tool to explore the wonders of creation, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and foster connections among people." "Yet it remains essential to seek God with all your heart and soul beyond any technology," it added. A good side, and downsides Kenneth Cukier — a journalist, author and expert with the U.S.-based nonprofit group called "AI and Faith" — said if "AI Jesus" helps people connect deeper to themselves and the world, it "has to be a good thing." "It will lead to better individuals and a better world," he said. "However — and there's a big however — this does feel a little bit infantile, and pardon my pun, machine-like." "The risk is that it pulls people, ultimately, farther away from that which is more meaningful, deeper and authentic in spirituality," said Cukier, the co-author of "Big Data: A Revolution that Will Transform How We Work, Live and Think." For Schmid, the exhibit was a pilot project — and he doesn't foresee a second coming of "AI Jesus" anytime soon. "For us, it was also clear it was just a limited time that we will expose this Jesus," he said, adding that any return would need to be done after deeper thought. "We are discussing ... how we could revive him again," he said, noting interest from parishes, schoolteachers, researchers and others as the project got media attention in Switzerland and beyond. "They all are interested and would like to have this 'AI Jesus.' So we have now a little bit to reflect on how we want to continue." ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. —— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of AP's text archives.DA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump's hush money case while upholding conviction
49ers WR Deebo Samuel speaks on his deleted tweet: ‘A little frustrated, for sure’As we enter the holiday season many young people are no doubt beginning to consider their future options. With a range of paths to pursue, a high rate of youth unemployment in Canada and a higher education sector facing unprecedented challenges it may seem logical to wonder if university is worth it. In my role as president of York University I see these issues play out every day in the lives of my students and faculty. However, I can say with certainty that, yes, university is worth it for both students and society. And while you might think that I might be biased, there is real data to back it up. Simply put, going to university enriches both students and society over the long term. We must ensure that students and universities are supported to help ensure as broad access as possible. While many students entering the market fresh out of university will make entry-level wages, the reality is that over the longer term their earning potential has more room to expand . Those with a bachelor’s degree earn 24 per cent more than the national average. The more education, the higher the earning potential. Students with a university degree are more likely to have stable employment even amidst economic disruption, as the COVID-19 pandemic revealed . Graduates are also more likely to gain employment that offers a wider range of benefits. Simply put, an education increases one’s chances of finding fulfilling employment and living a longer and healthier life. Beyond individual benefits, there are also key benefits to society. Canada relies disproportionately on universities compared to other OECD countries to drive the research and innovation central to a productive and prosperous economy . Further research has shown that education is central to a healthy, democratic society To quote Nelson Mandela: “ education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .” The world faces a host of wicked problems ranging from economic inequality to climate change, geopolitical conflict and ongoing wars. Universities and graduates play a key role in addressing these challenges. Technology is not going away and it is not slowing down. A recent study revealed that the jobs of more than 60 per cent of Canadians may be at risk to AI . Moreover, an estimated one out of 10 employees in Canada could be at a high risk of automation-related job redundancy. Canada’s already volatile job market will continue to be impacted. Those with higher levels of education are the best equipped to benefit from technologies in ways that complement the work they do . Graduates are also more likely to have the transferable skills needed to withstand workforce disruption. According to the OECD , AI technologies pose less of a risk for highly-skilled workers. In fact, their jobs are less likely to be replaced by automation because they possess the critical thinking skills needed to provide oversight to tasks that use AI and automation. While these technologies are sophisticated and becoming even more so each day, they currently cannot replicate human cognitive, critical and decision-making skills. There is also compelling research that shows students with higher education are more likely to pursue continuing education to upgrade and reskill, a quality that makes students more agile in a shifting labour market. Universities have also been increasing micro-credentials , programs which help learners re-skill while they are holding employment and balancing familial obligations, to support lifelong learning and build a more resilient Canadian workforce. If Canada is to meet the expanding needs of students and of the country then we must invest now in higher education. Access is something I worry deeply about to ensure that we are not leaving any talent behind. Data from the 2017 National Survey of Engagement indicates that 48 per cent of first- and fourth-year undergrad students at York came from households where neither parent held a bachelor’s degree. What’s more, York’s 2020 Economic and Social Impact Report revealed that 59 per cent of students could not have attended university without financial support. Creating accessible educational opportunities for diverse learners to develop responsive skills is critical for a vibrant future workforce and for resilient communities. York and other universities in Canada have a good track record for this. At the same time, social mobility and productivity have been declining in Canada in recent years . Continuing to ensure that eligible students have access to university education including at the graduate level is imperative to address these trends. The significant numbers of Canadian students leaving the country to study medicine overseas while Canada is facing a significant gap in primary care physicians is just one example . These are troubling trends which Canadian universities are committed to addressing. While the commitment and innovation of universities is evident, the unfortunate truth is that universities across much of Canada have seen a steady decline in real dollar funding for years. In Ontario, recommendations from the government’s blue-ribbon panel strongly advocated for the urgent increase in financial support for universities . To meet the changes in Canada’s labour market, universities have developed new programs to meet the talent needs in areas such as science, technology, engineering and health . We have also worked to enhance access through flexible teaching formats and strengthened international and cross-sector research collaborations to tackle complex societal problems . Universities have also increased supports for students including activities to help them connect with careers and become more entrepreneurial and efficient . In short, universities in Canada are one of the country’s most important assets. If we are to continue delivering the high-quality education for which we are known and serving the needs of the communities who rely on us, especially given fierce global competition for talent, it is essential that we secure a financially sustainable model for universities. Canada’s high youth unemployment has many people anxious about how they will fare in a job market that bears a striking resemblance to the Hunger Games. Expanding employment opportunities is necessary and will require collaboration across all sectors. But the data are clear. A university education will provide our youth with a running start and the ability to adapt as they go. Rhonda Lenton is chair of the Council of Ontario Universities.PHOTOS: Akeredolu’s mausoleum unveiled by family in his Owo hometownIs Medical Properties Trust Stock a Buy?
Meet The Parents 4 slammed by fans as Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller reunite for sequel: 'Nobody needs this' Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By SAMEER SURI FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:04 GMT, 10 December 2024 | Updated: 23:08 GMT, 10 December 2024 e-mail 5 View comments Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller are reuniting for a fourth movie in the Meet The Parents franchise - in a development met with groans on social media. The original 2000 movie starred Robert as the grouchy, suspicious CIA veteran Jack Byrnes and Ben as his nervous future son-in-law Gaylord 'Greg' Focker. Blythe Danner featured as Jack's wife Dina, with Teri Polo playing their daughter Pam , whose marriage to Greg sets off a cascade of comedic in-law mishaps. Meet The Parents was a box office hit that spawned two sequels, Meet The Fockers in 2004 and then Little Fockers in 2010. Now it has emerged that a fourth instalment is in the works with Robert, 81, Ben, 59 Blythe, 81, and Teri, 55, all reprising their old roles, via Deadline . Fans reacted with exasperation on X, formerly Twitter , where one user responded to the news by joking: 'Nobody needs Mother Fockers.' Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller are reuniting for a fourth movie in the Meet The Parents franchise - in a development met with groans on social media; pictured in the first film in 2000 The second two movies prominently featured Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman as Greg's parents Roz and Bernie Focker, but it is currently unknown whether either of them has been cast in the fourth film. Owen Wilson had a supporting role in the first three movies as Pam's still besotted ex Kevin Rawley, but there remains no news about if he will return. A director has also yet to be announced, but Jon Hamburg, who worked on the screenplays of all three previous films, is confirmed to be writing part four. News of the fourth movie was greeted with derision online, where one X user wrote: 'Gawd no, i'm still getting over my ptsd from how atrocious Little Fockers was.' 'For the love of god.... Please come up with someone new,' pleaded another as a third quipped: 'The next one will just be a cemetery.' 'If there’s ever a movie, that is a hard pass... It’s this one...,' sneered one commentator as another chimed in: 'There was a third one?' 'I think I speak for everyone when I say "no thanks, we're good,"' an X user wrote, amid such remarks as 'Ugh no' and 'No thanks.' An incredulous social media use wondered: 'isnt De Niro like 82 now?' before urging the Hollywood icon: 'jesus man just retire and spend your millions.' Blythe Danner featured as Jack's wife Dina, and is pictured with him here in the 2010 movie Little Fockers - the third instalment in the franchise Teri Polo, pictured with Ben in Little Fockers, played Jack and Dina's daughter Pam, whose marriage to Greg sets off a cascade of comedic in-law mishaps Robert, 81, is pictured at this year's edition of his Tribeca Film Festival in New York in October Ben is pictured attending the premiere of his Hulu movie Nutcrackers in Los Angeles last month Fans reacted with exasperation on X, formerly Twitter , where one user responded to the news by joking: 'Nobody needs Mother Fockers' Read More Her dad is a hit comedian worth $200M while mom has Brady Bunch connection - can you guess the nepo baby? 'Oh no. This franchise went downhill so fast after the quite funny Meet The Parents,' an X user observed. 'Literally no one asked for this lmao,' another chortled. News of the fourth Meet The Parents movie comes just days after Ben confirmed a cheeky story about the second film in the franchise. Ben revealed that the team behind Meet The Fockers had to find a real person with the last name Focker in order to prevent the MPAA from giving the picture an R rating. 'It was a PG-13 and they thought it was too close to f***er,' Ben recalled while appearing on the smash hit YouTube show Hot Ones . Robert de Niro Blythe Danner Ben Stiller Share or comment on this article: Meet The Parents 4 slammed by fans as Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller reunite for sequel: 'Nobody needs this' e-mail Add commentTrudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments