Author

Cristina Pouros

Rick Mercer and his life after leaving TV

by Cristina Pouros

The Road Years tells the inside story of that stupendous success. A time when Rick was heading to another town—or military base, sports centre, national park—to try dogsledding, chainsaw carving, and bear tagging; hang from a harness (a lot); ride the “Train of Death;” plus countless other joyous and/or reckless assignments.

Added to the mix were encounters with the country’s great. Every living prime minister. Rock and roll royalty from Rush to Randy Bachman. Olympians and Paralympians. A skinny-dipping Bob Rae. And Jann Arden, of course, who gets a chapter to herself. Along the way he even found the time to visit several countries in Africa and co-found and champion the charity Spread the Net, which has gone on to protect the lives of millions.

Technologies

Artificial Intelligence in medicine: a personalized approach to your health

by Cristina Pouros

Thanks to machine learning algorithms, AI systems are able to analyze huge amounts of medical data – from analysis results and images to patient medical history. Based on this analysis, AI can identify hidden patterns that are inaccessible to the human eye and offer individual recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases.

For example, an AI system can analyze a patient’s genetic profile, medical history, lifestyle, and other data to predict the risk of developing certain diseases. Based on this prognosis, the doctor will be able to develop a personalized plan of preventive measures for a particular person.

Accurate diagnosis using AI
Another promising area of AI application in medicine is the diagnosis of diseases. Deep learning algorithms are able to analyze medical images such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans and identify signs of various pathologies with high accuracy.

Celebrities

Holmes Approved Homes’ by Mike Holmes demolished following alleged structural issues.

by Cristina Pouros

Consumer protection agency Tarion condemned three residences in a housing project supported by celebrity figure Mike Holmes.

A large excavator dismantles a contemporary residence in Meaford, Ont., a charming community nestled along Georgian Bay. Inhabited for only two years, the once spacious interiors, expansive windows, and backyard patio of the home are now reduced to rubble of shattered glass and timber.

“It’s distressing,” remarked Fayard Johnson, a resident from just down the block. “I’m genuinely taken aback to witness my neighbor’s house being demolished.”

Another neighboring house, belonging to Fayard’s next-door neighbor, is also marked for demolition.

These demolitions mark the latest development in the TerraceWood saga, a residential project launched in Meaford in 2015 with great anticipation. The “boutique” collection of homes was constructed by Third Line Homes and endorsed by renowned contractor and beloved TV personality Mike Holmes.

Holmes, widely recognized for his interventions in flawed construction projects, promoted TerraceWood, including through billboards, as “Holmes Approved Homes.”

“Third Line Holmes Approved Homes are constructed with innovation, integrity, and a commitment to rectify any issues,” Holmes stated in a promotional video on YouTube.

However, according to Tarion, Ontario’s organization dedicated to protecting consumers of new homes, things didn’t go as planned. As previously reported by CBC News, Tarion initiated an $8 million lawsuit in 2021 against parties associated with the project, alleging that 14 houses in the TerraceWood development were constructed with flaws.

Now, CBC has acquired information indicating that Tarion has deemed three of these homes unsalvageable. Two have already been demolished, while the third awaits a scheduled demolition date.

“Considering the severity of the identified defects in the properties, demolition was deemed a more practical solution than attempting repairs,” stated Tarion spokesperson Andrew Donnachie in an email. However, some defendants named in the lawsuit argue that condemning all three homes was unjustified.

CBC News has learned two homes in a Meaford, Ont., development promoted by celebrity contractor Mike Holmes have been demolished because of alleged defects. CBC News’s Sophia Harris breaks down what went wrong and Holmes’s company’s response.

CBC News also uncovered property records indicating that one of Holmes’s enterprises extended a total of $390,000 in private mortgages to Third Line Homes, aiding in the acquisition of land for the development.

Several homeowners express disappointment that Holmes, whose mantra is to “make it right”, never revisited TerraceWood to rectify the situation.

“The community has been unsettled,” remarked Fayard, whose TerraceWood residence recently underwent extensive repairs instead of being demolished.

“If [Holmes] had returned to assess the situation and offered assistance in resolving the issues,” he remarked, “I believe it would have been a commendable gesture. After all, these were ‘Holmes Approved Homes.'”

The $8-million lawsuit

Tarion, mandated by the Ontario government, is tasked with ensuring that defects found in newly constructed homes still under warranty are remedied, even if the builder fails to fulfill its warranty obligations.

In its legal action, Tarion asserts that the 14 TerraceWood residences were constructed with deficiencies, such as improperly installed roofs, water infiltration, and significant structural defects posing “serious safety risks.”

Tarion claims that Third Line Homes, the builder, neglected to address these issues, leading Tarion to cover all repair expenses.

The lawsuit names over a dozen entities linked to the project, including principals from Third Line Homes, the Municipality of Meaford, responsible for inspecting the homes, and The Holmes Group, the company owned by Mike Holmes. The defendants deny any wrongdoing in their defense statements.

The case is pending trial.

Fayard Johnson moved into his new TerraceWood house in late 2016. But he says he had to move out of the house for more than year to make way for major structural repairs. (John Lesavage/CBC)

Fayard indicated that Holmes’s involvement with the project played a role in his choice to invest in TerraceWood.

“You tend to trust that if it’s Holmes approved, it’s probably a sound investment,” he remarked.

In 2016, Holmes was photographed in Fayard’s doorway for a promotional image during the construction phase, offering his customary “thumbs-up.”

However, as per Tarion’s legal action, defects were identified in Fayard’s residence.

CBC INVESTIGATES $8M lawsuit alleges defects in Mike ‘Holmes approved homes’

He mentioned that he and his spouse were required to vacate their residence in 2022 for over a year to accommodate extensive structural renovations, including the replacement of an incorrectly sized beam supporting the second floor.

“We were informed of the potential hazards. In fact, during the reinforcement process, we were unable to access the premises at any time,” Fayard recalled.

“It was a highly emotional experience. I mean, before the relocation, during the transition, and adjusting to a different living arrangement… It has significantly impacted our lives, possibly indefinitely.”

In 2016, Mike Holmes gave a thumbs-up at Fayard’s TerraceWood house during construction. The photo was used to help promote the project. (Submitted by Fayard Johnson)

The Holmes Group’s Reaction

Realtor and real estate law expert Varun Sriskanda says the celebrity contractor Mike Holmes should bear some responsibility. (Yanjun Li/CBC)

Upon reviewing documents illustrating Holmes and his companies’ involvement in TerraceWood, CBC News consulted real estate law expert Varun Sriskanda, who was unaffiliated with the development.

“Once you’re providing financial support for the property and the project, you inherently have a stake in its construction,” Sriskanda remarked.

“Additionally, when you’re promoting it and asserting that it’s endorsed by you, you are actively engaged in the process.”

Sriskanda expressed his belief that Mike Holmes carries a degree of accountability.

“He must uphold his commitment and guarantee that these are genuinely Holmes Approved Homes.”

Technologies

The man who turned his dead father into a chatbot

by Cristina Pouros

He adds that while the chatbot didn’t remove the pain of his dad’s death, it does gives him “more than I otherwise would have”. “It’s not him retreating into this very fuzzy memory. I have this wonderful interactive compendium I can turn to.”

While users of HearafterAI can upload photos of their loved one, to appear on the screen of their smart phone or computer when they use the app, another firm that turns people into AI chatbots goes much further.

The grief tech sector, also called “death tech”, is now valued at more than £100bn globally, according to tech news website TechRound.

This growth was fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic, says David Soffer, its editor-in-chief.

“What Covid did was highlight to people the importance of life,” he says, stressing that it helped break down some of the taboos around talking about death. This in turn led to us increasingly accepting tech as a part of the grieving process.

Celebrities

A tireless builder and philanthropist: How Mike Holmes helps those in need

by Cristina Pouros

But Mike Holmes’ charity is not limited to home repairs. He also actively supports educational programs that help young people to become a builder or engineer. Every year, Holmes awards dozens of scholarships to talented children, as well as organizes practices and training events. He is deeply convinced that by investing in education, he invests in a better future for everyone.
When devastating wildfires raged in Fort McMurray in 2016, Mike Holmes promptly mobilized his crews and material resources to help rebuild the affected areas. And after Hurricane Maria hit the Caribbean Islands in 2017, he sent his team to help the locals.
Such an active and versatile charity work has earned Mike Holmes great respect and love from Canadians. He became the personification of strength, responsibility and caring – qualities that are so lacking in the modern world. Inspired by Holmes’ example, more and more people are joining the fight for affordable and high-quality housing for everyone. Thanks to such caring enthusiasts, the construction industry is becoming more humane and focused on helping those in need.

Technologies

Artificial Intelligence: A New Era in the Financial World

by Cristina Pouros

Portfolio Management

Artificial intelligence also plays an important role in the management of an investment portfolio. With the help of machine learning algorithms, AI can optimize the allocation of assets in a portfolio, taking into account various factors such as the level of risk, expected return and time horizons of investment. This allows investors to diversify their investments and achieve more stable results on a long-term basis.

News and Social Media Analysis

Another way that AI helps in making money is by analyzing news and social media. Using neural networks and natural language processing algorithms, AI can scan thousands of news sources and social media to identify trends and market sentiment. This helps traders and investors to react quickly to important events and make informed decisions about their investments.

Risk management
Finally, artificial intelligence helps in making money by managing risks. Using machine learning algorithms, AI can estimate the probability of various scenarios and predict potential losses. This allows traders and investors to take precautionary measures and protect their investments from undesirable consequences.

Technologies

In 20 years, the world will be unrecognizable

by Cristina Pouros

3 leaders of the AI era: in algorithms, big data and computing.
In the 1st and 2nd, the leaders have already decided and will not change. No one can catch up with the USA in AI algorithms anymore. And no one can take away China’s superiority in data volumes. The leader in computing has not yet been determined. Taiwan has a good chance (unless, I add for myself, China takes over this leadership together with Taiwan).
6 key trends — vectors of changes in 2021-2041.
The transition from humans to AI of intellectual and technical (non-creative) types of business activities.
Forecast for 2041: all analytics and marketing will move to AI.
✔ Three-stage implementation of autonomous cars:
1) closed territories 2) reconstructed highways — sensors, cameras, highlights 3) smart city.
Forecast for 2041: you can drive yourself only outside the city, as you can ride a horse now.
✔ Daily AI recommendations based on blood analysis, whole body MRI and genetic monitoring, as well as the invention of new vaccines and medicines for precision/personal medicine using AI.
Forecast for 2041: solutions in the development of what MegaRobo already offers will increase life expectancy by 20 years.
✔ The 4th Industrial Revolution (AI + robots), which will be led by China.
Forecast for 2041: solutions to build on what EP Equipment already offers will allow you to robotize up to 95% of the most complex industries and logistics.
✔ Energy (green energy and lithium batteries) and agricultural (unmanned agriculture, vertical farms and food printed on a 3D printer) revolutions, of which China will also become the leader.
Forecast for 2041: solutions in the development of what XAG already offers will finally solve the food problem.
✔️ The advent of the “era of abundance”: food, clothing, housing and health protection will become publicly available, and full robotization will ensure the transition to an unconditional basic income.
However, the “beautiful day after tomorrow” predicted in paragraph 2 may not come because of the risks that humanity will face “tomorrow”:
An unauthorized autonomous nuclear weapon may violate the deterrent parity of the threat of mutual destruction, which still saves the world from nuclear war.
The commodification of “autonomous AI killers” worth less than $1 thousand, which is not restrained by legislation, can plunge the world into terrorist chaos.
✔ When the mechanism of self—regulation of the free market stalls, people will lose 80% of their jobs, and inequality will finally go off scale – this can lead to unbearable consequences for people with unpredictable developments.
If a new class system is formed (the upper class is the elite in the field of AI, the middle class is a relatively small group of professionals in complex activities, and the lower class is the masses who are unable to change anything), the consequences of this are also unpredictable.

Technologies

What is the threat of artificial intelligence today. And how can he change the world?

by Cristina Pouros

The problem lies in the very transition from one phase of society to another. Yes, in two generations the world will be able to live in magnificent comfort and prosperity. But in just two decades, chaos could ensue. Now many are considering two ways to cope with this transition – an unconditional basic income or a shortened work week. But this is too primitive: simply moving money or working hours can treat the symptoms, but not the root causes.

The philosopher Fridtjof Bergmann has a more elegant idea. His concept of a “New Job” is to combine the ability of people to work less in order to help use the free time to do more meaningful activities for them. The enormous transformation of the labor market provides venture capitalists with opportunities to make a profit, but also a chance to help those who are laid off move on to more productive activities.

Celebrities

Mike Holmes reacts to an article regarding the demolition of ‘Holmes Approved Homes’.

by Cristina Pouros

Recently, Tarion opted for demolition as a more viable solution for three of the houses, with two already having been demolished.

According to Tarion’s lawsuit, the Holmes Group purportedly neglected to conduct additional house inspections for homeowners who had contracted their services, and falsely portrayed the builder, Third Line Homes, as competent.

In response, Holmes acknowledged in his statement that the Holmes Group did indeed offer inspection services to homebuyers. However, he clarified that no TerraceWood houses were inspected because there were no purchases of the “Holmes Approved Homes” inspection package.

While Holmes did not directly address specific details from the CBC News report regarding his endorsement of the “Holmes Approved Homes” project in advertisements and the involvement of two of his other companies, one of which purchased and subsequently sold a TerraceWood house allegedly plagued with defects, and the other company providing financial support to Third Line Homes through private mortgages.

Celebrities

Mike Holmes: Changing the World

by Cristina Pouros

Recently, Mike Holmes took on a project that could change the whole idea of construction. His new project promises to be not just a house, but a real symbol of innovation and modernity. Mike Holmes does not disclose details, but says that it will be something unique and amazing.

“The world of construction is constantly changing, and I try to stay ahead of this change,” says Mike Holmes. “My projects are my legacy, and I want them to remain in people’s memory as an example of what can be achieved if you believe in yourself and are not afraid to go against the flow.”

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