Ice-Cream, On Me
Thursday, March 20th, 2025
World — Canada Seeks Defense Ties With Europe
Bloomberg
Canada is actively seeking closer defense ties with Europe, particularly Italy and the European Union, in response to President Donald Trump's threats and reduced US defense commitments. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was recently sworn in on March 14, has already visited France and the UK to discuss potential alliances. Canada's ambassador to Italy, Elissa Golberg, has written to Italian ministers requesting support for Canadian participation in the EU's ReArm defense plan. The country is exploring major defense deals with Europe, including the potential purchase of submarines, fighter jets, and battle tanks from European suppliers. Additionally, Canada is emphasizing its reserves of critical minerals essential for advanced defense technologies and renewable energy systems, offering to improve Europe's access to these resources. This shift in Canada's defense strategy comes as a response to Trump's economic threats and criticisms of Canada's defense spending, leading to a reassessment of its reliance on the United States.
Tech — Review of the iPhone 16e
Bloomberg
The iPhone 16e, Apple's new entry-level smartphone priced at $599 USD, offers a mix of premium features and compromises. While it brings many of the iPhone 16's capabilities, including Apple Intelligence and a programmable Action button, it falls short in areas like camera capabilities and display quality. The device aims to attract Android converts and existing iPhone users seeking upgrades without splurging on flagship models. However, its price point puts it in direct competition with more feature-rich Android alternatives. The 16e boasts reliable battery life, fast performance with the A18 chip, and Apple's new in-house wireless modem. Yet, it lacks some premium features like the Dynamic Island, multi-camera setup, and MagSafe charging. Ultimately, while the iPhone 16e provides a solid user experience within the Apple ecosystem, its value proposition is challenged by cheaper Android options offering superior hardware specifications.
Business — Trump Is Playing a Dangerous Stock Market Game
The Trump administration's nonchalant attitude towards falling stock prices has exacerbated market concerns and potentially jeopardized the long-running bull market. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's recent dismissal of the 8% drop in the S&P 500 as a "healthy" correction has only heightened perceptions that the administration is unconcerned about market declines. This cavalier approach is particularly risky given Americans' unprecedented exposure to the stock market, with household and non-profit holdings of listed firms reaching $38 trillion, or 1.7 times disposable income, at the end of last year. The administration's relaxed stance on market volatility, combined with its pursuit of potentially damaging policies like tariffs, could trigger a self-reinforcing downward spiral between markets and the broader economy. With consumer confidence already dropping to a two-and-a-half-year low in early March, and estimates suggesting that every dollar of lost wealth could reduce consumer spending by 3 to 24 cents, a prolonged market slump could have severe economic and political repercussions.
Health — The Importance of Cross-training in Marathon Training
Cross-training is a beneficial addition to any runner's routine, improving aerobic fitness and reducing the risk of injury. It involves substituting running with activities like spinning, swimming, or using the elliptical, which improve aerobic fitness, while strength training and mobility work serve as valuable supplements. Cross-training helps address muscular imbalances, biomechanical irregularities, and overuse, common causes of running injuries, and can also maintain fitness during injury recovery, with activities tailored to the injury type. Runners can incorporate cross-training by supplementing their 3-5 weekly runs with 1-2 days of activities like hiking, cycling, or snowshoeing, alongside 2-3 days of strength training, yoga, or Pilates, easily tracking many of these activities in the Runkeeper app.
Smoothie Bar — Matcha Smoothie
I have never drank a matcha smoothie, but I’m sure this would taste somewhat bitter-sweet with a strong aroma of the green tea flavor! Try making it if this is your cup of tea :)
Song Rec — Can’t Fight This Feeling (REO Speedwagon)
Quote of the Day
“It's easy to fall in love. The hard part is finding someone to catch you.” ― Bertrand Russell
enjoy the lovely weather!! go for a jog, or a walk, and remember to get an ice cream to treat yourself after (if you don’t, shoot me a message and it’ll be on me)