Category Archives: Uncategorized

Trump Says He ‘Couldn’t Care Less’ If His Tariffs Push Up Car Prices

Posted on by
Reply

Donald Trump has said he “couldn’t care less” if his tariffs push up the prices of foreign cars in America.

In comments which will increase fears of a global trade war, the US president also said the swingeing import taxes he is bringing in will be permanent.

Trump has said he plans to impose 25% tariffs on all foreign-built cars imported into the States from April 2.

The move is designed to boost the American car industry by reducing demand for foreign vehicles.

Britain currently sells more than £6 billion-worth of cars to the US, meaning the policy could have a major impact on the UK economy.

In addition, Trump wants to impose tariffs on steel imports and on all countries, like the UK, which charge VAT.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also been warned by the Office for Budget Responsibility that all of the spare cash she hoped to have would be wiped out if Trump goes ahead with his plans.

Asked what his message was to car bosses, Trump said: “The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money.

“If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff.”

Asked if he was concerned about car prices going up, Trump said, “No, I couldn’t care less, because if the prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars.”

And asked if the tariffs would be permanent, Trump said: “Absolutely, they’re permanent, sure. The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more. And all we’re doing is being fair, and frankly, I’m being very generous.”

Home secretary Yvette Cooper on Sunday slammed Trump’s tariffs plans.

She told Sky News: “We clearly want to see reductions in barriers to trade, not increasing barriers to trade. So obviously we’re very disappointed at the US decision to introduce tariffs, including around auto and steel and so on.”

British officials are continuing negotiations with their US counterparts in a bid to agree an economic deal which could exempt the UK from the tariffs.

The home secretary added: “In the end, if you increase barriers to trade right across the world, that’s not good for the world economy, let alone any individual country as part of that.

“That’s why our approach to this is to try to seek new trade agreements across the world, including improving our trading relationship with the EU as well as the US. This is about removing barriers instead of increasing them.”

Asked if the UK could retaliate by imposing its own tariffs on American imports, the home secretary said: “The prime minister has said that no option is off the table and we will continue to approach this in the UK national interest.”

Meanwhile, a poll by the Best for Britain campaign group showed voters want to see the government establish closer economic ties with the EU in the face of Trump’s threat.

The YouGov survey showed that 43% of of Brits believe the UK should improve trade with the bloc, compared to just 14% who think improving relations with Trump is the way to go.

Keir Starmer has said he wants to reset Britain’s relationship with the EU, but has ruled out rejoining either the single market or the customs union.

Share Button

Self-Serving ‘Boomerasks’ Ruin Conversations – Here’s How To Chat Fairly

Posted on by
Reply

Ever had a conversation that goes a little something like this?

Your conversation partner: “Have you been promoted recently?”

You: “What? No? You know I’m self employ–”

Your conversation partner: “I actually got promoted last week. I’ve become the vice-deputy manager-chair god-king of…” etc., etc..

If so, I’m afraid you’ve been the victim of a “boomerask,” a portmanteau of “boomerang” and “ask.”

The term refers to questions that only really exist to give the askers room to talk about themselves.

The self-serving purpose hides under the guise of enquiring about the other person, which askers think leaves a good impression, a paper published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General says.

It does not actually work, though; the research found most people know when the move’s being pulled.

So, we spoke to etiquette expert Jo Hayes, founder of Etiquette Expert, and psychiatric mental health provider Dr Zian Omene from MyShilohHealth, about how to actually handle questions in conversation.

“Boomerasking” can make you lose friends fast

“The research shows that boomerasking… can make people feel ignored and less fond of you,” Dr Omene told us.

It allows people to “hijack [an] answer to talk about yourself”; if you’ve got a story, she advised, “share it later, straight-up, like, ‘Oh, I tried that once too!’”.

The study bears this advice out. It found that people prefer a straightforward brag to a roundabout “boomerask.”

“It’s about keeping it real and letting them shine,” Dr Omene added. “People love feeling understood, not upstaged.”

“People with good/healthy social skills know that the way to strike up a good conversation, and develop healthy relationships, is to show genuine interest in the other person,” Hayes agreed.

“Boomerasking involves asking such a question – but then answering it yourself. It’s a faux conversational skill, because it starts off right, but then quickly plummets into antisocial behaviour.”

So, how should we ask questions?

“To ask questions that make others feel included, appreciated, and genuinely heard, I’d go with open-ended ones like, ‘What’s been the best part of your day?” instead of a flat ‘How’s it going?’”, Dr Omene shared.

“Then, really listen – nod, keep eye contact, and maybe echo back something like, ‘That sounds like a blast, what made it so fun?’”

Hayes’ recommendation is similar: “Simply ask the question, and then let the other person answer.”

“It’s all about focusing on the other, not yourself. The other person feels seen, heard, honoured, respected, valued… and naturally warms to you – the person demonstrating that respect,” she continued.

“And the natural consequence of that is that they’ll be interested in finding more about you and hearing what you have to say – thus giving you ample opportunity to share your own thoughts/opinions.”

Share Button

9 ‘Tourist Traps’ That Are 100% Worth The Trip

Posted on by
Reply

As a native New Yorker, I can smell a tourist trap from miles away. (Times Square, anyone?)

That said, the term has garnered somewhat of a negative connotation ― but in all honesty, many of these locations are actually worth a visit at least once. Think about it like this: They’re considered attractions for a reason. They offer views or experiences that can only be found in that specific location.

We’ve rounded up a few options below. Sure, there are crowds. Sure, they might be corny. But they’re also 100% worth considering for your next vacation.

1. Mount Rushmore

Tetra Images via Getty Images

Ever since I saw Mount Rushmore in a picture book when I was a child, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to visit.

Located in South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is home to the popular 60-foot memorial featuring the faces of four former presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Over 2 million people visit Mount Rushmore each year, so you’re bound to run into crowds, but even if it’s just to snap a quick picture, it’s well worth it to see this historical monument. While you’re there, check out the Avenue of Flags or take a hike on the mile-long Blackberry Trail. If you’re visiting during the summer, end your day by watching the light ceremony that takes place every night starting the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.

2. The Eiffel Tower

While you can see the Eiffel Tower from different vantage points around Paris, your trip isn’t truly complete without making a proper visit.

On my most recent trip to Paris, the Eiffel Tower was packed even at 8 a.m. You’ll potentially be waiting in two- to three-hour lines to get tickets and enter the building, but the wait is worth it. I highly recommend getting a GoCity pass where you can book different attraction tickets and guided tours — it’s the easiest way to see the city if you don’t know your way around.

The view of the city is absolutely breathtaking and you’ll see areas you may not even get to explore during your visit. Keep in mind that the summit can be closed during your trip (as it was for mine), but the second level is still magnificent. The summit tends to shut down during inclement weather or if they are doing maintenance.

After your ascent and descent of the tower, head over to Place du Trocadéro to take some photos, grab some food from a local vendor, and spend some time sprawled out on the lawn in front. And don’t forget to make a quick trip back at night. The tower lights up every hour between dusk and 1 a.m. in the summer.

If you’re looking for an extremely luxurious experience, book a hotel that has a room with a view. (For example, Hotel Montalembert’s Suite Montalembert has an exquisite view of the Eiffel Tower from the room’s tiny balcony that’ll make you feel like you’re in a movie.)

3. El Yunque Rainforest

There’s no better place to experience the luscious greenery and waters of Puerto Rico than at El Yunque rainforest. Although it can be crowded during peak season ― which is typically about mid-December through April ― it’s still well worth the visit.

El Yunque features hiking trails and lagoons, allowing you to experience different types of wildlife. If you’re up for a little more adventure, you can also plan an activity like zip-lining or riding an ATV.

4. Times Square

Alexander Spatari via Getty Images

Although I often roast it as a native New Yorker ― as noted above ― I’ll always have a soft spot for Times Square.

Yes, it’s packed with tourists galore. However, with its larger-than-life billboards and lights, it’s also oddly a magical sight to behold. There are better places to go shopping and eating in Manhattan than Times Square (for that, try going to SoHo) ― but you won’t find better theater productions anywhere in the world.

If you venture a little bit outside the area, you’ll stumble on Korean restaurants like Jongro BBQ and Woorijip, where you can enjoy delicious Korean BBQ or get some takeout to bring back to your hotel.

Would I recommend going to Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve? Absolutely not. But any other time is great, and you can see why people love the concrete jungle.

5. Disney World

There’s no doubt that Walt Disney World in Florida is crowded and expensive ― but there’s also no denying the magic that comes with a trip to “the most magical place on Earth.”

The four theme parks, two water parks and Disney Springs area give you a seemingly unlimited number of options to explore. The Magic Kingdom will bring you and your family a sense of nostalgia, thanks to attractions like Cinderella’s Castle and Space Mountain. Epcot offers plenty of fun options for adults (drink around the world!), and Animal Kingdom transports you to another land filled with wildlife. If you find yourself in Disney Springs, be sure to check out Gideon’s Bakehouse, which is a sweet shop known by both tourists and locals for its insanely delicious cookies.

Plus, who doesn’t want to meet Mickey Mouse?

6. The Blue Lagoon

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you won’t want to leave without making a pit stop at the Blue Lagoon. It was named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic for a reason.

There’s no denying it can be crowded and expensive (the entry price starts around $75). That said, you’ll likely feel tenfold more relaxed after you spend some time in the milky-blue waters, which have been said to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. (Don’t get out without giving yourself a face mask.)

If you’re looking for something less crowded, you’ll want to go to Sky Lagoon. Located at Iceland’s edge, this geothermal experience is similar to the Blue Lagoon but with a fraction of the crowds. While you’re there, be sure to head over to Smakk Bar for some light bites and refreshing beverages.

7. Niagara Falls

Shobeir Ansari via Getty Images

When thinking about tourist traps that are actually worth it, Niagara Falls in Canada is among the top places that come to mind.

The attraction receives over 14 million visitors annually, which is proof of just how spectacular it is. There’s no doubt you will get a little damp; it’s the price you’ll pay to witness something that people travel far and wide to see.

After soaking up the sight, head over to one of the restaurants in the area. For example, you can try Table House Rock Restaurant, which overlooks Niagara Falls and has locally sourced dishes that change seasonally. Be sure to make a reservation at night so you can witness the illumination away from the crowds.

If you can’t get a reservation for after dark, you may want to consider taking a boat tour that’ll get you as close as possible to the action with a guide who knows the history and facts.

8. Sensoji Temple

If you find yourself in Tokyo, you’ll definitely want to stop by Sensoji Temple. As with many other popular attractions, you likely will have to maneuver through crowds of people, but it’s highly worth it to get up close to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

The temple has a history dating back 1,400 years and is dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of Mercy. The vibrant red structure has two stories and sculpted figurines on the exterior that give it a unique look.

After your visit, you can spend the day shopping in the area or eating at local establishments to really get a feel for the culture. Try foods like melon bread or tempura, or go shopping at Nakamise-dori Street, which is home to souvenirs and treats.

9. Bourbon Street

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Bourbon Street. Although you’ll be surrounded by other visitors, the atmosphere makes it all worth it. The live music, colorful beads hanging from balconies and neon lights make this a popular stop for tourists.

After seeing the sights, you’ll want some delicious food. Head over to Caesars New Orleans for a bite at Nina’s Creole Cottage or try some Southern comfort food at Dooky Chase. (Fun fact: Chef Leah Chase was Disney’s inspiration for Princess Tiana in “Princess and the Frog.”)

Share Button

Kylie Kelce Tells People Who Mom-Shame Over C-Sections To ‘F**k Right Off’

Posted on by
Reply

Kylie Kelce is taking issue with critics who say that having a C-section or getting an epidural during labor isn’t a “true birth experience.”

During Thursday’s episode of her Not Gonna Lie podcast, Kelce opened up about her birth plan ahead of the arrival of her and husband Jason Kelce’s fourth child, which she said was “approved by her team of OB-GYNs.”

“I just want a fat needle in my back,” she joked before slamming people who judge women for having medicated births. “People who dismiss birth with an epidural as being not a true birth experience, I can promise you from the bottom of my heart, I felt every part of labor.”

Kelce went on to defend women who have C-sections, noting that she’s seen a “number of triggering comments over the weekend” on TikTok about women being told that having an emergency C-section, or a C-section that was scheduled, means “they did not experience birth.”

“The person you’re speaking to just grew a human being, and for whatever reason that little baby needed to come out the front, not the bottom,” she declared. “You know whose business that is? Not fucking yours.”

“I’m trying to be nice,” Kelce added. “No, never mind. Go fuck yourself. You can kindly fuck right off.”

She then pointed out that C-sections are considered a “massive abdominal surgery.”

“Abdominal surgery to get out the human life that they just built. I can’t believe that people say that,” she said. “That is horrific. I dare you to say that within earshot of me.”

Elsewhere in the episode, Kelce told viewers that her mom, Lisa McDevitt, birthed her via C-section because she was a large baby.

“You think that when I was 12 pounds, 1 ounce and I had to come out the front [of] my 5-foot-2 mother that she didn’t experience birth? I will kick your ass in honour of Lisa,” she added.

Watch Kelce’s Not Gonna Lie podcast below.

<div class="js-react-hydrator" data-component-name="YouTube" data-component-id="6977" data-component-props="{"itemType":"video","index":15,"contentIndexByType":2,"contentListType":"embed","code":"

","type":"video","meta":{"author":"Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce","author_url":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmCEofjQiLDJYUCFu_zlfPA","cache_age":86400,"description":"Kylie’s back for a brand new episode of Not Gonna Lie presented by Liquid Death and kicks the show off by finally announcing the winner of the NGL Fan Name poll! Let’s just say Kylie is conflicted…\n\nAfter that, Kylie gets brutally honest about the phenomenon that is Birth Plans in this week’s edition of “Can I Be Honest?” She explains what they are, her very short personal birth plan and also calls out people in comment sections who have decided what does and does not qualify as giving birth.\n\nThen, Kylie is joined by yet another woman she has no business speaking to: the original American Idol, Grammy Award winning superstar Kelly Clarkson! Kylie and Kelly get right into their Eagles-Cowboys rivalry, as Kylie claims Kelly is one of very few Dallas fans she’d ever agree to have on the show.\n\nKelly also tells a story about bumping into Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and the Eagles offensive line when they were in New York filming an episode of The Tonight Show. Kylie and Kelly get to talking about Jason’s Philly Special Christmas album, Jordan Mailata’s incredible voice and whether or not Kelly would be willing to cross enemy lines and join the next Eagles album.\n\nKylie then throws it back to Kelly’s American Idol days where she shares what that experience was really like in the first season of the show, her success afterwards and if it’s true that America found their best vocalist on the first try. \n\nKelly also gets into what it was like to join The Voice as a coach and help out singers who were in the same position she was in when she first started out. \n\nLastly, Kylie asks Kelly about the best piece of motherhood advice she’s ever received. Kelly and Kylie also bond over their kids not being happy when they leave for work and the realities that come with being a working mother.\n\nAs always, these episodes are capped at 45 minutes so make sure you tune into More Sh*t Monday on the Not Gonna Lie YouTube channel for exclusive clips from Kylie’s longer conversation with Kelly Clarkson.\n.\n.\n.\nDownload the full podcast here:\nApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-gonna-lie-with-kylie-kelce/id1780888125\nSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RgXbSGGmwpzAyeLHbDqUD?si=4585dab89c4f4c11&nd=1&dlsi=e178bf324b99403f\n\nFollow Not Gonna Lie on Social Media for all the best moments from the show: \nlnk.to/j61XD8\n\nSupport the Show: \n\nLiquid Death: Go to http://liquiddeath.com/kylie for $2 off any 2 six-packs! Liquid Death is available nationwide anywhere you shop for water or iced tea\n\nKelly Clarkson Tickets: https://www.kellyclarkson.com/home#tour\n\nChapters: \n00:35 – Intro\n01:35 – NGL Fan Name Winner\n03:08 – Birth Plans\n11:48 – Kelly Clarkson joins NGL\n12:15 – Eagles-Cowboys Rivalry\n14:18 – Eagles Christmas Album\n18:30 – Kelly’s Music Label\n20:30 – American Idol\n24:00 – Kelly’s Song Covers\n26:57 – Belting a Note\n31:45 – Coaching on The Voice\n36:59 – Best Motherhood Advice\n40:20 – Working Mom Challenges\n\n#kyliekelce #kellyclarkson #ngl #podcast #nfl #eagles #cowboys #americanidol #thevoice #comedy","options":{"_cc_load_policy":{"label":"Closed captions","value":false},"_end":{"label":"End on","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s","value":""},"_start":{"label":"Start from","placeholder":"ex.: 11, 1m10s","value":""},"click_to_play":{"label":"Add your own player cover","value":false}},"provider_name":"YouTube","thumbnail_height":720,"thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1kGTeatTFwU/maxresdefault.jpg","thumbnail_width":1280,"title":"Kylie & Kelly Clarkson on America’s Best Vocalist, A Christmas Album Offering & Birth Plans | Ep. 16","type":"video","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kGTeatTFwU","version":"1.0"},"flags":[],"enhancements":{},"fullBleed":false,"options":{"theme":"life","device":"desktop","editionInfo":{"id":"uk","name":"U.K.","link":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk","locale":"en_GB"},"originalEdition":"uk","isMapi":false,"isAmp":false,"isAdsFree":false,"isVideoEntry":false,"isEntry":true,"isMt":false,"entryId":"67e69443e4b0f69ef1d34fd3","entryPermalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/kylie-kelce-tells-people-who-mom-shame-over-c-sections-to-fk-right-off_uk_67e69443e4b0f69ef1d34fd3","entryTagsList":"birth,c-section,kylie-kelce,@us_huffpost_now,@widget-imported","sectionSlug":"parents","deptSlug":null,"sectionRedirectUrl":null,"subcategories":"","isWide":false,"headerOverride":null,"noVideoAds":false,"disableFloat":false,"isNative":false,"commercialVideo":{"provider":"custom","site_and_category":"uk.parents","package":null},"isHighline":false,"vidibleConfigValues":{"cid":"60afc140cf94592c45d7390c","disabledWithMapiEntries":false,"overrides":{"all":"60b8e525cdd90620331baaf4"},"whitelisted":["56c5f12ee4b03a39c93c9439","56c6056ee4b01f2b7e1b5f35","59bfee7f9e451049f87f550b","5acccbaac269d609ef44c529","570278d2e4b070ff77b98217","57027b4be4b070ff77b98d5c","56fe95c4e4b0041c4242016b","570279cfe4b06d08e3629954","5ba9e8821c2e65639162ccf1","5bcd9904821576674bc55ced","5d076ca127f25f504327c72e","5b35266b158f855373e28256","5ebac2e8abddfb04f877dff2","60b8e525cdd90620331baaf4","60b64354b171b7444beaff4d","60d0d8e09340d7032ad0fb1a","60d0d90f9340d7032ad0fbeb","60d0d9949340d7032ad0fed3","60d0d9f99340d7032ad10113","60d0daa69340d7032ad104cf","60d0de02b627221e9d819408"],"playlists":{"default":"57bc306888d2ff1a7f6b5579","news":"56c6dbcee4b04edee8beb49c","politics":"56c6dbcee4b04edee8beb49c","entertainment":"56c6e7f2e4b0983aa64c60fc","tech":"56c6f70ae4b043c5bdcaebf9","parents":"56cc65c2e4b0239099455b42","lifestyle":"56cc66a9e4b01f81ef94e98c"},"playerUpdates":{"56c6056ee4b01f2b7e1b5f35":"60b8e525cdd90620331baaf4","56c5f12ee4b03a39c93c9439":"60d0d8e09340d7032ad0fb1a","59bfee7f9e451049f87f550b":"60d0d90f9340d7032ad0fbeb","5acccbaac269d609ef44c529":"60d0d9949340d7032ad0fed3","5bcd9904821576674bc55ced":"60d0d9f99340d7032ad10113","5d076ca127f25f504327c72e":"60d0daa69340d7032ad104cf","5ebac2e8abddfb04f877dff2":"60d0de02b627221e9d819408"}},"connatixConfigValues":{"defaultPlayer":"8b034f64-513c-4987-b16f-42d6008f7feb","clickToPlayPlayer":"5a777b9b-81fe-41a6-8302-59e9953ee8a2","videoPagePlayer":"19654b65-409c-4b38-90db-80cbdea02cf4"},"topConnatixThumnbailSrc":"https://img.connatix.com/2757f9a5-9d3c-4e0f-bcf4-6284bcf6701b/1_th.jpg?crop=629:354,smart&width=629&height=354&format=jpeg&quality=60&fit=crop","customAmpComponents":[],"ampAssetsUrl":"https://amp.assets.huffpost.com","videoTraits":null,"positionInUnitCounts":{"buzz_head":{"count":0},"buzz_body":{"count":0},"buzz_bottom":{"count":0}},"positionInSubUnitCounts":{"article_body":{"count":4},"blog_summary":{"count":0},"before_you_go_content":{"count":0}},"connatixCountsHelper":{"count":1},"buzzfeedTracking":{"context_page_id":"67e69443e4b0f69ef1d34fd3","context_page_type":"buzz","destination":"huffpost","mode":"desktop","page_edition":"en-uk"},"tags":[{"name":"birth","slug":"birth","links":{"relativeLink":"news/birth","permalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/birth","mobileWebLink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/birth"},"url":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/birth/"},{"name":"c-section","slug":"c-section","links":{"relativeLink":"news/c-section","permalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/c-section","mobileWebLink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/c-section"},"url":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/c-section/"},{"name":"Kylie Kelce","slug":"kylie-kelce","links":{"relativeLink":"news/kylie-kelce","permalink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/kylie-kelce","mobileWebLink":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/kylie-kelce"},"url":"https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/news/kylie-kelce/"}],"isLiveblogLive":null,"isLiveblog":false,"cetUnit":"buzz_body","bodyAds":["

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline-1\", \"entry_paragraph_1\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n","

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline\", \"entry_paragraph_2\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n","

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline-2\", \"entry_paragraph_3\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n","

\r\n\r\n HPGam.cmd.push(function(){\r\n\t\treturn HPGam.render(\"inline-infinite\", \"repeating_dynamic_display\", false, false);\r\n });\r\n\r\n"],"adCount":0},"isCollectionEmbed":false}”>

Share Button