Latest news with #Ernesto
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Guide #193: Meet Ernesto, the viral America's Got Talent contestant … who doesn't exist
Have you heard Ernesto's story? It's a real tearjerker. You may well be familiar with it, in fact, having caught it on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram at some point over the last few weeks. A hard-working carpenter, Ernesto devoted every ounce of himself to his wife and child, skipping meals and working overtime to provide for them and send his son through college. But things changed: said wife and child grew distant and walked out on poor old Ernesto, who lost his house and sense of purpose, eventually ending up on the streets. The one thing Ernesto did have left? His beautiful baritone singing voice, of course. Somehow the 54-year-old found his way on to the America's Got Talent stage, to perform not for fame and fortune but in the hope that his wife and child might hear him and remember that he never stopped loving them. Suddenly misty in here, isn't it? If you're welling up, you aren't alone – Ernesto's sad tale and stirring performance of his song Still Waiting at the Door certainly reduced the America's Got Talent judges to tears: Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Nick Grimshaw and … wait, Nick Grimshaw? Grimmy's apocryphal presence on the AGT judging panel – he's never been on it in reality, given that, with respect, he's a British radio host unknown to most Americans – is the first clue that there might be something fishy going on here, as are the appearances of fellow non-AGT judges David Walliams, Amanda Holden, Cheryl Tweedy, and an Ant-less Dec sobbing side-stage. There's the strange, out-of-sync reactions from gawping audience members. And then there's Ernesto himself with his fuzzy outline, jerky movements, and suspiciously smooth skin texture – all telltale signs of fakery, as anyone who read an earlier Guide on deepfake scams will know. Yep, this heart-rending story of a lonely carpenter is AI fakery. It was created by YouTube account AGTverseai, which specialises in splicing together videos from various UK and US talent shows to react to AI-generated performances of songs that might be AI, or AI-assisted, too. 'Some visuals and audio have been altered or enhanced using AI tools', a disclaimer in the video description reads. 'The scenarios presented are fictional and intended solely for entertainment or illustrative purposes. This is not real footage and should not be interpreted as fact.' If Ernesto's performance not being 'real footage' seemed insultingly obvious to you, you may well be in the minority. The YouTube comments for the video are, in the vast majority, credulous and approving. In fairness, plenty of the accounts posting those comments could be fake themselves: YouTube comment threads, like everywhere else online, are susceptible to bots. Still, there are enough seemingly authentic commenters praising Ernesto's performance, and likening it to their own experiences of loss, to suggest this isn't wholly artificial. The video has been played 24m times over its two 'official' YouTube videos, and a post of it on TikTok has a further 30m views – and that doesn't factor in the many, many other accounts that have reposted and disseminated it on various social media platforms. Search for the song title Still Waiting at the Door on Instagram or TikTok and you will be greeted by a wall of Ernestos warbling away (sorry for ruining your algorithm, by the way). The video has received a debunking from factchecking site Snopes, usually a clear sign that a fabrication has travelled far and wide. What's really interesting though is that there are plenty in the comments and elsewhere online who know the video isn't real – and still love it regardless. ('I never thought AI would bring such emotion,' one bandana'd YouTuber gasped.) We hear plenty about AI's depredations – its replicating, flattening and hollowing out of popular culture, the sea of AI slop – and perhaps assume that an ethical and aesthetic aversion to it is universal. But what if, per a Times piece this week looking at the popularity of AI personal essays, poetry and therapy, some people actually prefer the artificial? Why watch an actual TV talent show, whose contestant's backstories might not match the emotion and drama of their performance, when you could watch an artificially enhanced performance instead? Already there are dozen or so on the AGTverseai channel, full of overly ripe, sob-inducing tales: an ex-con singing about finding God in prison; a woman with 'a cancer' finding solace in song; a 95-year-old second world war veteran paying tribute for his fallen comrade. They're preposterous, gratuitous and pretty obviously fake – but maybe that doesn't matter if they give you the feels. Sign up to The Guide Get our weekly pop culture email, free in your inbox every Friday after newsletter promotion If you want to read the complete version of this newsletter please subscribe to receive The Guide in your inbox every Friday
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Local Death March heroes
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: From left to right: Ernesto, Jemadar Ojager, Stookes and Alex Funk I wish to share in the commemoration service in honour of the Australian and British POWs of WWII who fought, suffered and died for freedom at the death camp of Sandakan, North Borneo (now Sabah, Malaysia) and the death marches from the coastal town of Sandakan to the hill town of Ranau. This was a distance of 260 km through varied and difficult terrain, whilst they were already sick and greatly weakened, yet still made to carry items for the Japanese. Those events are well known, so I am going to tell you about the local people about whom you know less and some of whose names are probably unknown to you. I am proud and honoured to tell a little about the men, women, even children who reached out to the POWs, strangers in their midst, to try to alleviate their suffering and give them hope by smuggling food, medicine, intelligence and items to build a radio receiver so that they could have some knowledge of what was happening with the Allied effort against the Japanese, beyond their camp. All their efforts took place in a climate of fear of an all-powerful, ruthless occupying Imperial Japanese Army and they risked not only their own lives, but also those of their families. In Singapore, General Percival had 84,000 troops at his command. Yet, in late 1940 the Governor of the Chartered Company of North Borneo, the administrative body of North Borneo, was advised that the army could not defend them. Advertisement Bad news also awaited the 15,000 Australian troops sent to Singapore. Some had just landed, only to be told that they were surrendered. My husband's uncle, Ted Hurst, was one of them; when he returned from Hellfire Pass and later time in Japanese coal mines, he said that the troops were very unimpressed with the decision to so quickly surrender. Thus, the scene was set for two groups of people, the people of North Borneo and the Australian and British POWs, who probably knew very little about each other to share a destiny of suffering some of the most cruel actions that man can inflict on man and counter them with the most heroic, selfless and compassionate acts of which humanity is also capable. The locals formed an underground that passed food, medicine, money to the POWs. They also aided escapees, planned the rescue from Berhala Island and also passed on intelligence to the POWs and Allied forces at Libaran Island (north west of Sandakan) who were then able to relay that vital information to the base at Morotai Island, which is in the group of the Maluku Islands of Eastern Indonesia. Whilst on the death marches it was mainly (but not exclusively) the Dusun and Kadazan people who spontaneously aided the POWs in any and every way that they could. They were mainly responsible for saving the lives of eight escapees from the death marches : Owen Campbell, Richard Braithwaite, Keith Botterill, William Moxham, Nelson Short – Don Anderson although saved was too ill to survive; also William Sticpewich and Herman Reither, but Herman Reither did not survive. There are so many people involved, so many facets to the activities of the underground and the Dusun and Kadazan people who lived along the death march route, that it is not possible to convey them all in this speech. Thus, I have decided to concentrate on those members of the underground who on 2nd March, 1944, their common grave already dug even before their 'trial', were executed by the Japanese for their roles in the fight against them and in support of the POWs. As he stood in the livingroom of his house, watching the POWs being marched to the camp at Sandakan, Ernesto Lagan, vowed to help them in any way that he could. Ernesto was husband to Katherine and they had a young family, Christopher, Alban, Evelyn and Agatha. He was a policeman; although the Japanese knew that they could not be sure of the loyalty of the locals, they had little choice but to use them. However, Ernesto, chose to join the Japanese police force in order to gain information which he passed on. He was also involved in the planning of the rescue of the POWs from Berhala Island, in the mouth of Sandakan Bay. Ernesto and others, their faces covered in black to hide their identities, would meet at his house to share information and plan their activities, his children were not permitted anywhere near the room, as an added precaution for security. When the underground was discovered, Ernesto would have enraged the Japanese with his bold betrayal. His practice of not allowing his children anywhere near where the underground members met, proved very sensible as the Japanese tried very hard to extract information from Alban, without success as he knew nothing. With Ernesto in Japanese custody, Katherine was forced to flee into the jungle with her four young children. Katherine never recovered from the loss of her husband, became distracted and until her death, believed that Ernesto would return. Jemander Ojager Singh, was also a policeman who was involved in the planning of the rescue of the POWs from Berhala Island, he also had a wife and young family. As the Japanese took all their possessions, Ojager Singh's pregnant wife and family had to fend for themselves and made their way south through the jungle to Lahad Datu where they had relatives. As a result of torture, the Japanese broke Ojager's arm, they did nothing to alleviate the pain. Dr Valentine Stookes, a WWI flying ace of the Royal Flying Corps, had a private practice in Sandakan, because he was a doctor the Japanese did not send him to Batu Lintang camp, in Kuching, Sarawak as they did with all the other Europeans. They needed his medical skills to check on the POWs at the camp and it was during these visits that he was able to pass food, medicines and notes to and from the underground. Towards war's end, Dr Stookes and several important men were brought to Keningau, a town in the mountainous region, where eventually they were shot by the Japanese, their bodies left to rot in the open as the Japanese did not allow the locals to bury them. Sergeant Abin, was involved in smuggling items which could be used to build a radio receiver. His execution was particularly barbaric as the bullets did not kill him. Instead he was buried alive. He left behind his wife and little daughter. Matusup bin Gungau was a water carrier at the camp and I know little else about him. Felix Azcona collected information by roaming the areas of interest, near and beyond the camp at Sandakan. Standing on Trig Point, he then transmitted the information via radio telegraphic code to an American base in the Philippines. The information was vital to the Allied bombing effort and ironically, it is the accuracy of the bombing which made the Japanese suspicious that information was being relayed to the Allies. When Felix found out that the Japanese had pieced together what was happening and who was responsible, he fled. Unfortunately, there was nowhere he could hide indefinitely and eventually he was captured and executed. Felix left behind his wife and baby son. Alex Funk, made early contact with the POWs and would meet them when they were allowed to forage beyond the camp. The brutality of the torture meted out to him, was witnessed by a very young Theresa Regis, who saw him when he was brought back by the Kempetai to his father's property to reveal where he had hidden one rifle. Wong Muk Seng was a Filipino, sent to spy on the Japanese. Heng Joo Ming was an overseer at the camp when four POWs escaped, early in 1943. Three were quickly recaptured, but Sergeant Major Wallace was assisted by Heng Joo Ming who hid him in the jungle. Eventually, Heng Joo Ming was able to make contact with other members of the underground who were involved in the planning of the escape from Berhala Island. Heng Joo Ming brought Sergeant Major Wallace to Berhala Island where he joined the others and made his escape. Although he was not captured, Alberto Quadra, a member of the Filipino guerrillas operating in the south of the Philippines, deserves mention because he organized the rescue of the POWs from Berhala Island. Permission was granted by Guy Strattan, my maternal grandfather, an American who joined the Filipino guerrillas, to carry out the rescue. Alberto posed as a trader and made three visits to Sandakan to finalise the rescue. When the Japanese discovered what had happened, they ordered his brother, Bernard, to find him and bring him back for punishment. Although, Bernard went to the Philippines, he returned saying that he could not find his brother, Alberto. Along the death march route the Dusun and Kadazan people and others were greatly moved by the suffering inflicted upon the POWs. Surreptitiously, they smuggled food, water, buried the dead; rescued those who had escaped, hid them from the Japanese, tended to them and brought them to safety. Always, knowing what the penalty would be, not only if they were discovered, but also for the others who lived in their village. Apart from helping the POWs, the locals formed their own guerrilla bands to fight the Japanese. It has been well known that when the Japanese went to surrender to Allied leaders in North Borneo at the end of the war, they suffered their own death march as the Murut people (which means Hill people) picked them off with poisoned darts from their blowpipes. I used to wonder why they did this and in 2012 when I went to Sabah, Ricky Azcona (Felix' son) explained: the Japanese used the Murut people as carriers and on one occasion, they and the Muruts on their way to Sandakan, met some POWs with their guards, who were on their way to Ranau. The Muruts were surprised to see white men, some in rags, some almost naked and all in a bad state. Filled with compassion, the Muruts rushed to help them; all the Muruts were massacred by the Japanese. This took place along the Tampias River where today a monument to the Kadazan-Dusun people (known as Nunuk Ragan) stands, to the right, in the distance, Mt Kinabalu rears dominating the landscape. Thus, at war's end, when the opportunity arose, the Muruts obtained justice for their slain brothers. Doreen Hurst The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadians warned to prepare for hurricanes regardless of how many storms are forecast
HALIFAX - A senior Environment Canada meteorologist says that as the Atlantic hurricane season is about to start, experts are predicting another active year. But Bob Robichaud at the Canadian Hurricane Centre in Halifax says the impact on Canada is impossible to forecast because there's no telling where these tropical storms will go once they form over the ocean. The centre has calculated that between 35 and 40 per cent of all tropical storms typically enter the Canadian forecasting zone. Robichaud says that on average between two and four named storms enter the Canadian zone every year, which means preparation for dangerous weather is a must. As an example, he said last year's very active season produced 18 named storms — but only one storm, Ernesto, made it into the Canadian zone and didn't cause much of a fuss. Meanwhile, 2022 was also a slow season in the Canadian zone, but the arrival of post-tropical storm Fiona in September proved to be Atlantic Canada's costliest weather event. Fiona caused more than $800 million in insured damage and claimed three lives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2025.
Toronto Sun
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Toronto Sun
Canadians warned to prepare for hurricanes regardless of how many storms are forecast
Published May 23, 2025 • 1 minute read Dustin Holmes, second from right, holds hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, while returning to their flooded home with her children Aria Skye Hall, 7, right, and Kyle Ross, 4, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Sept. 27, 2024, in Crystal River, Fla. Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack, File / AP Photo HALIFAX — A senior Environment Canada meteorologist says that as the Atlantic hurricane season is about to start, experts are predicting another active year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But Bob Robichaud at the Canadian Hurricane Centre in Halifax says the impact on Canada is impossible to forecast because there's no telling where these tropical storms will go once they form over the ocean. The centre has calculated that between 35 and 40 per cent of all tropical storms typically enter the Canadian forecasting zone. Robichaud says that on average between two and four named storms enter the Canadian zone every year, which means preparation for dangerous weather is a must. As an example, he said last year's very active season produced 18 named storms — but only one storm, Ernesto, made it into the Canadian zone and didn't cause much of a fuss. Meanwhile, 2022 was also a slow season in the Canadian zone, but the arrival of post-tropical storm Fiona in September proved to be Atlantic Canada's costliest weather event. Fiona caused more than $800 million in insured damage and claimed three lives. Canada Celebrity Editorial Cartoons Toronto Maple Leafs Canada
Winnipeg Free Press
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canadians warned to prepare for hurricanes regardless of how many storms are forecast
HALIFAX – A senior Environment Canada meteorologist says that as the Atlantic hurricane season is about to start, experts are predicting another active year. But Bob Robichaud at the Canadian Hurricane Centre in Halifax says the impact on Canada is impossible to forecast because there's no telling where these tropical storms will go once they form over the ocean. The centre has calculated that between 35 and 40 per cent of all tropical storms typically enter the Canadian forecasting zone. Robichaud says that on average between two and four named storms enter the Canadian zone every year, which means preparation for dangerous weather is a must. As an example, he said last year's very active season produced 18 named storms — but only one storm, Ernesto, made it into the Canadian zone and didn't cause much of a fuss. Meanwhile, 2022 was also a slow season in the Canadian zone, but the arrival of post-tropical storm Fiona in September proved to be Atlantic Canada's costliest weather event. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Fiona caused more than $800 million in insured damage and claimed three lives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2025.
