Saturday, August 30, 2025
Quercetin Is Part of a Winning Formula for Health
Quercetin Is Part of a
Winning Formula for Health
By Diana Gifford
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a physician, wrote, "It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important." If he’d had his fictional detective Sherlock Holmes investigate the mysteries of nature, he’d have found quercetin – an element of many plant-based foods that is often overlooked.
Quercetin is a flavonoid, found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, with particularly high concentrations in onions, apples, red grapes, berries, and green tea. It takes its name from Quercus, meaning “oak”. So no wonder its strength. Quercetin has powerful immune-boosting properties that help the body fend off infections and reduce the risk of chronic disease. It enhances the activity of immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages, which are a type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates other immune system cells. It’s fair to say that quercetin plays a role in defending the body against pathogens and cancer cells.
Like vitamins A, C, and E, quercetin is a potent antioxidant, meaning it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to aging and a host of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Quercetin is unique among antioxidants due to its ability to regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. This synergistic effect amplifies its protective properties and reinforces the body's defense mechanisms.
One of the ways quercetin supports heart health is by improving endothelial function. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, and dysfunction in this layer can lead to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Quercetin helps relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and promoting healthy circulation.
Moreover, quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the arteries, which is a primary driver of heart disease.
Quercetin alleviates allergic reactions and improves respiratory health too. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It does so by inhibiting the release of histamines and other inflammatory compounds.
A consistent intake of quercetin is possible with a healthy diet, but using a daily supplement provides a guarantee. When taken in combination with vitamin C, studies show better absorption of quercetin. This is why I added it to my new heart health formula in CardioVibe, including it alongside vitamin C, lysine, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and l-proline.
But it’s not just your cardiovascular system that benefits from the combination. Diabetics and people with pre-diabetes will benefit. Numerous studies show that quercetin and vitamin C can help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Brain health is another consideration. Both these antioxidants protect neurological cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which may be part of the battle in preventing the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
I recall patients who were perpetually plagued by colds every winter. They would try every over-the-counter remedy but never considered the simplest precaution—boosting their immune systems naturally. I recommended consistent daily supplementation with vitamin C, paired with a balanced diet. The next winter, no colds. Not only that, but their energy levels improved. One patient joked that I saved her marriage because she was no longer grumpy from being sick all the time.
Think of Aesop’s tortoise winning the race against the hare by taking a slow but steady course forward without getting discouraged. It’s this wisdom of thinking ahead and taking small, consistent actions to maintain health that will make the winners. Prevention isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective.
_________________________________________________________________________
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments,
contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones
From a Mundane Routine to an Exciting Opportunity - How to Make the Most of the 2025-2026 School Year
From a Mundane Routine to an Exciting Opportunity - How to
Make the Most of the 2025-2026
School Year
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
Practically every teenager loves summer vacation, a time filled with sports, friends, travel, and part time jobs. As of Tuesday, September 2nd, summer vacation has officially come to an end, as students begin to fill classrooms for another year. Despite the anxiety which comes from high school, I am a grade 11 student who is excited to resume learning. To me, a new year is about more than a classroom and homework; it’s about seeing my friends, having a stable routine, taking part in extracurriculars, and studying interesting content. When viewed this way, going back to school doesn’t feel mundane or frustrating, but enjoyable and exciting. As a high-performing student and active member of my school community, I’ve discovered a few strategies and lessons to ensure success in the upcoming academic year, which I plan to apply daily.
The back-to-school season begins long before the first day of class. A few weeks prior, stores advertise backpacks, stationary, and uniforms, which is when school preparation begins. Although shopping for these necessary supplies may feel tedious, it can be surprisingly enjoyable with a little bit of planning.
In addition to proper bags and stationary, one item I always recommend is a yearly planner with daily to-do lists and monthly calendars. Planners help keep track of assignments and tests, so you can manage your time accordingly. There are many designs to choose from at Indigo, Staples, and Amazon. A planner is one step to properorganization, the key to a successful school year for every student.
It is easy to get caught up in the preparations and commotion of a new year, however it’s important to reflect before the first day. Take a few minutes to write down your goals for this year; you can make a list, a collage, or a vision board to help visualize what you want to accomplish. Is there a sports team you want to join, or a grade average you’re aiming for? Once you know what you want from this year, consider how you are going to achieve it. You may need to practice your sport regularly, create a study schedule, or build healthy habits. This mindful preparation is the key to achieving your goals, one attainable step at a time.
Getting ready for a new academic year includes more than shopping and goal setting, it’s also important to create a proper routine. There are a few practical steps to take to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. A week before school begins, it’s important to start resetting your sleep schedule, so your body adjusts to waking early.
Some individuals choose to prepare meals at the beginning of each week, so they don’t have to worry about cooking or buying food during the day. Students with busy calendars may create a study schedule, to ensure they have time for everything they need to do. These are just some of the many preparations which can be done beforehand to reduce stress once school begins.
Regardless of what your routine entails, it’s important to add enjoyment to it and romanticize the season. Listen to a playlist and light candles while studying to make the task more amusing. Do your daily homework with friends at a library, or reward yourself for reaching small goals. Find a routine which is both efficient and enjoyable, one that gets you excited for the day and satisfied with how you spend your time. School may feel demanding, but it may also feel rewarding and interesting if you take the time to enjoy it.
Beyond your day-to-day routine, school is also a place to discover unique opportunities. Whether you’re starting at a new school or entering your senior year, it’s never too late to explore something new. Education is a powerful, unique opportunity, not just to learn, but to grow as a person. I have tried out for the school debate team, student council, school musicals, and more. Each activity came with its own worries, and many times, I questioned if I was capable of doing everything. Yet, I tried anyway.
This is the only way to grow as a person, and to make the most of your opportunities; by trying. Whether it’s an academic challenge or an extracurricular adventure, you never know what you’re capable of until you try.
Regardless of your goals for the 2025-2026 school year, I hope you take the time to ensure you have all the necessary supplies, mindfully set goals, create an enjoyable routine, and take risks. School is about more than a diploma or a grade, it’s also about opportunities and life lessons. Do not let your education pass without making the most of it; engage in extracurriculars, take interesting courses, and meet new people. This, in addition to proper organization and an efficient study schedule, will ensure you have a balanced, enjoyable, and efficient academic year.
No Mr. Darcy
No Mr. Darcy
By Wayne and Tamara
I will try to make this brief as I can. My husband and I separated over a lot of issues, the main one being I thought he was cheating. Well, I think he may have been, because we were not even apart a month when I found out he is seeing his mother’s chore worker. I was devastated. I loved him and wanted this marriage to work.
I called near divorce time to tell him where to send the papers. We had nothing but angry words to one another before that call. He was sweet. I told him I was so sorry our marriage ended, but thought of him often and still loved him. I just wanted to cleanse old wounds. One hour later he called back asking to come to my home to clear the air.
We both cried and talked about where we went wrong in the marriage. He asked me to give him time. He said this other woman did not want him; he barely ever saw her. But then he revealed her daughter and her daughter’s husband are living with him. Just give him time to clean up this mess, he said.
When he told the other woman I called, she came running back into his life. He still leads me on and tells me he wants to try. I am getting played the fool, but I am having the worst time letting him go. I try but I can’t. He is the love of my life.
He sees me wanting out, then he spews out words to hook me again. I feel like a fish getting thrown in and tossed back time and again. I know she is not living with him, but she sees him two or three times a week. Then he gets cool and distant toward me. But if she stays away, he leads me down this cruel path.
I have prayed, remained faithful to him, and now I am at my wits’ end. How could anyone do this to another for a second time? Help me let him go, please. I have always been a strong woman, but this time I find no strength to be that woman.
Beatrice
Beatrice, how could he do this to you for the second time? The same way he could do it to you for the first time. This mess is a mess made by him. It was his mess to make, and it was his mess to clean up. But he has made another choice.
He is not willing to do without a body in his bed. If she’s not there warming his bed, he wants you to be there warming his bed, with not a care about how either of you is affected by this.
There is enough of the charmer, or the serpent, about this man that he can receive the benefit of having two of what he should only have one of, at a time. Someone you can spend your life with, share your bed with, share your deepest thoughts with—someone like that is someone not like this man.
In Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice” there is a clergyman named Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins is a bootlicker and dense as a board. But in the novel he says one wise thing. After Lizzy Bennet rejects his offer of marriage, Mr. Collins says, “I have often observed that resignation is never so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our estimation.”
This man is not the love of your life, though you want him to be. You wanted one wedding and one lifetime marriage. You cannot have that with him. You can never rest with an easy head or an easy heart. He won’t stand by you. To free yourself, he has to lose some of his value in your estimation.
Wayne & Tamara
In 2025, Job Search Success Requires a Strong ‘Want It’ Factor
In 2025, Job Search Success Requires a Strong ‘Want It’ Factor
By Nick Kossovan
When you want something badly enough, you'll find a way to get it. In the context of job searching success, only one factor matters: how badly do you want a job?
I see it all the time: job seekers claiming to want a job, yet their actions suggest otherwise.
· No LinkedIn banner
· No LinkedIn profile picture
· Resume and LinkedIn profile filled with opinions instead of number-hitting achievements
· No attempts at connecting with those who can help them with their job search
· Clinging to limiting beliefs and false narratives
· Playing the "I'm a victim of [whatever]!' card
Often, when I review a job seeker's resume, LinkedIn profile, and digital footprint, I wonder, "Do they really want a job?" Many job seekers aren't willing—it's easier to complain—to put in more effort than was required in past job markets is where the disconnect is happening. In 2025, amid fierce competition for the rapidly dwindling number of white-collar jobs, getting hired isn't happening for those who "kinda want it." "You're hired!" is reserved for those willing to sacrifice comfort and ignore distractions, like the pity party on LinkedIn.
A strong desire to find a job is merely the starting point. You must turn your burning desire into tangible actions.
Your Digital Billboard
Your LinkedIn banner serves as your "digital billboard" and "digital business card," giving potential employers a sense of who you are and what you do. If it's blank or at best "Meh!", you're not a serious job seeker. Essentially, you're signalling that you're okay with missing opportunities because you're too lazy to take advantage of this highly visible space.
Show Your Face
Not including a profile picture makes your profile seem as if you're a bot or scammer, sending the message: "I'm hiding something." Serious job seekers have professional-looking photos. A lack of a profile picture suggests you're okay with being ignored.
Craft a Compelling Summary
Most LinkedIn summaries are blah, blah, blah... They don't offer a compelling career story, which makes them uninspiring. Put in the effort; if needed, seek professional help to write your summary that will make the reader say, "I've got to meet this person!"
Quantify Your Achievements
Your resume and LinkedIn profile need to be filled with measurable evidence of your previous impact. It's lazy thinking to expect employers to figure out if you can deliver measurable value. Most profiles read like a list of opinions. Employers hire based on results, not rhetoric. If you're not highlighting your achievements with concrete numbers, don't expect recruiters and employers to reach out to you.
Networking with Purpose
Job seekers with a strong desire for a job understand that opportunities are all around them; the catch is that they're attached to people. Therefore, they talk to everyone and don't use the "I'm an introvert" excuse. They know that applying online is expecting a stranger to hire them, which is equivalent to playing the lottery. They comprehend that networking with purpose is how you transform yourself from "stranger" to "I know the perfect person for [opportunity]."
The more people know you and your work, the more opportunities come your way. Nowadays, when it's easier than ever to make yourself known, it boggles my mind when I meet job seekers who've been doing what they do for 15-20 years, lacking a broad professional network and a solid reputation. Most people don't want to spend the time and energy building and maintaining a professional network. Ironically, when they find themselves in a situation such as job searching, where a professional network would be a considerable advantage, they regret not having put in the effort.
Networking Tip: When you meet someone for the first time, ask yourself, "How can I help this person?"
Stop Blaming Others
Many job seekers blame ATS, AI, and the way employers and recruiters assess candidates for not getting hired. They point fingers at everything and everyone except themselves. They never pause to consider: what about those who are getting hired? They underwent the same hiring process. The way employers hire isn't the problem; it's the lazy thinking that your resume will do the work to get you noticed. This narrative only works if you're the only applicant, which you aren't.
Getting hired doesn't "just happen." It requires you to:
· Make a clear case for why the employer should hire you.
· Demonstrate how you'll deliver results, not just discuss your potential.
· Engage in genuine conversations, not just unsubstantiated hope.
· Using numbers, clarify what you've delivered in the past and outline what you plan to bring to a new employer. (What you're ready to do next.)
· Present a 120-day action plan that walks the employer through how you plan to hit the ground running.
· Offer to do an assignment (gasp!) to prove you can walk your talk and that you're not one of the many bad actors in today's job market.
Others getting hired proves it's possible for you, too. Look in the mirror; are you putting in the work they did? Are you acknowledging that to succeed in today's job market, you need to want it (a job) badly enough and translate this to your job search efforts?
___________________________________________________________________________
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
When Classrooms Turn Dark
When Classrooms Turn Dark
By Dale Jodoin
A federal report reveals one in six antisemitic incidents in Ontario schools involve teachers. What happens when blame becomes part of the lesson plan?
Most people want to believe schools are safe spaces. Teachers are trusted to guide young people toward knowledge and fairness. And for the majority, that trust is well-earned.
But a new government study has exposed a dangerous minority. In February 2025, Canadian Heritage released The Report on Antisemitism in Ontario Schools. It tracked more than 780 reports of antisemitic incidents across the province between October 2023 and January 2025.
The number that stood out: nearly one in six of those cases 17 percent involved teachers or school-sanctioned activities.
That’s not playground gossip. It’s government data. And it forces us to ask: what happens when the people meant to protect kids are the ones planting harm?
“Nearly one in six antisemitic incidents in Ontario schools were linked to teachers themselves.”
The Report on Antisemitism in Ontario Schools, Canadian Heritage, 2025
The report tells of Jewish students mocked or shamed in class, made to feel responsible for wars half a world away. One girl recalled that whenever the Middle East came up, classmates turned to stare at her while the teacher stayed silent. Others described slurs that went unchallenged, or comments that made their very identity feel like a crime.
And it’s not just Jewish children. Caucasian boys white boys in general are often singled out, not for behavior, but for skin and gender. The message they hear sometimes openly, sometimes between the lines is that their identity makes them guilty. By high school, many have learned silence is safer than speaking.
The danger is obvious: once schools normalize blaming one group, that same habit can swing toward others.
Words from peers sting. Words from a teacher's scar. Authority has weight. When an adult suggests a child “is the problem,” the message lodges deep.
Psychologists call this internalized blame. It starts in middle school, turns to silence in high school, and hardens into conformity by university. By then, questioning the script is treated not as curiosity but as harm. Students are rewarded for slogans, not reasoning.
We’ve seen this before. Every society that forgets, every system that lets anger turn into targeting, begins with the young. Children are the first to carry the burden of collective blame.
Ontario’s numbers are a warning. One in six isn’t small. It’s a signal.
The Numbers
781 antisemitic incidents reported in Ontario schools (2023–2025)
1 in 6 involved teachers or school-sanctioned events
Nearly 17% of cases were authority-driven, not peer-driven
Report commissioned by Canadian Heritage, published February 2025
Most teachers are not part of this. The majority guide with fairness, challenge respectfully, and protect their students. But a dangerous minority, exposed in the government’s own data, cannot be ignored.
Seventeen percent means this isn’t rare enough to dismiss. It means real children Jewish kids, Caucasian boys, and others are being shaped by shame instead of learning.
If classrooms want to heal, the rules must be simple:
Criticize actions, not identities.
Teach history with multiple perspectives, not slogans.
Protect debate, but punish harassment even when it comes from a teacher.
The Report on Antisemitism in Ontario Schools isn’t just a tally of incidents. It’s a warning flare. When blame enters the classroom, children pay the price first.
Today it’s Jewish students. Yesterday it was Caucasian boys. Tomorrow, it could be someone else entirely.
The saddest part is that we don’t seem to learn. We tell ourselves schools are safer, kinder, more aware and yet kids still sit at their desks feeling ashamed for who they are. Authority, the very thing that should lift them up, is sometimes what pushes them down.
Most teachers are good. They care deeply, and they carry a heavy load. But when even a minority trade education for blame, the echo doesn’t end with one lesson. It stretches for years, shaping how young people see themselves and each other.
We can’t allow that echo to become the new normal.
** THE LAST OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS ** A CONVERSATION WITH COUNCILLOR BRADLEY MARKS
** THE LAST OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS **
A CONVERSATION WITH COUNCILLOR BRADLEY MARKS
SOMEONE ONCE SAID to be your own person requires a certain independence of thought, and for Oshawa councillor Bradley Marks, the expression of his individuality reigns supreme, however, he is quick to recognize the achievements of his family in all matters concerning local politics.
I had the opportunity of sitting down with the Ward 3 councillor at his office in city hall to chat about his life experiences and his position as an elected official.
Bradley was born and raised in Oshawa, and has lived most of his life here. Although born into a family that boasts generations of lawyers and civic leaders, his upbringing was every bit as modest as any other middle class kid in the community. He started working at a young age and quickly learned, as he puts it “the value of hard work and independence.” This included several years in the fast food industry as a teenager, followed by jobs in local manufacturing, where he would work evenings while obtaining his post-secondary education. “I certainly didn’t receive the silver spoon, and my dad insisted I learn to pay my own way, starting at the age of 14” he said, with a note of pride in his voice.
Of course, that kind of resourcefulness began several generations ago in the Marks family, when his great grandfather Ernie Marks Sr., together with five of his brothers, left the family farm in Perth Ontario to form their own theatrical touring companies. Known as the Marks Brothers, they would travel the country by train to perform on stage in local opera houses, town halls and churches, well in to the early 1920’s. It was Ernie Marks Sr. who would eventually settle in Oshawa with his wife Kitty, and purchase the local movie house on King Street, then known as the Martin Theatre, later to be renamed the Marks Theater. The Daily Times noted on March 10, 1928 that “Ernie Marks…is transforming his theatre into one of the most up-to-date motion picture houses in the Province.” Between 1984 and 1988 the historic building managed to survive two major fires, almost consuming the offices of the Marks & Marks legal firm, which at the time were located on the second floor.
Bradley majored in history & political science at Trent University in 2008, and then travelling abroad where he would study law at the National University of Ireland, eventually meeting his future wife, Julie. Fast forward to 2011, and it was then that he found himself joining the family firm, Marks & Marks, where he would be called to the bar in 2015. “Nothing happens overnight” he told me, adding “Life is a process, and with patience and a lot of hard work, one can certainly succeed.”
Bradley’s venture into the world of local politics seems a natural fit for someone who harbors a keen desire to serve the broader community. When asked as to the timing of his bid for a seat on Oshawa council, he said with conviction “I believe one needs certain credentials in order to run for office, and my years as a board member for St. Vincent’s Kitchen certainly held me in good stead.” He recalled with pride his time as a volunteer, and the hard work associated with such a worthy cause. In addition, his experience in the legal profession has proved helpful in understanding the legislative rules that govern municipalities.
When I asked him to describe the greatest aspect of being a member of council, Bradley pointed immediately to his constituents, whom he likes to call his friends and neighbours. “Having watched my dad at council meetings advocate on behalf of the residents of Oshawa, I very much enjoy helping many of those same residents get their latest concerns resolved” he told me, going on to say “My approach is proactive, so instead of waiting for calls, I regularly tour my ward looking for anything that may need servicing, which helps to avoid problems down the road.”
A quick glance at his election literature shows fiscal responsibility as one of his top priorities, with debt management being of particular concern. Operating deficits are not allowed under the legislation that governs municipalities, and it is property tax revenue and user fees that provide the ability to support essential services.
No man is an island, as they say, and to that end, Bradley spoke fondly of his friend and colleague, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, a man he had not even met until election night in October 2018. “The mayor has an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm, and was able to face the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the General Motors plant with great resolve” he says, adding “It was his tone of optimism that certainly helped to ultimately bring back vehicle production.”
As to his legal career, much of Bradley’s time has been spent in Family Law litigation, where he has seen his share of breakups, and he said there needs to be much greater support mechanisms for those who are struggling to maintain their marriages, and their families. “Regardless of which aspect of our society or our culture we might be discussing, the basis of personal success and wellbeing later in life rests with a person’s early upbringing, and if we can help maintain families, the results will speak for themselves.”
We stared to discuss the future of the community we both know so well. Of course, the commitment by General Motors to continue producing trucks at the south Oshawa plant is of paramount importance. We discussed highway and transit infrastructure and the continued development in the city’s north end, as well as ongoing efforts in the downtown and all manner of possibilities that will see the city continue to grow and evolve.
“We’ve seen considerable change in our time, and there’s a great deal more to come” he said thoughtfully. “We all need to be active and responsible citizens if we are to help shape the future of our city.”
Bradley Marks is currently the City councillor for Ward 3.
Global Agenda, Local Results: Why ICLEI Matters in Pickering
Global Agenda, Local Results:
Why ICLEI Matters in Pickering
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
When Pickering quietly signed onto ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability back in in early 2000's, few residents realized the long-term implications. ICLEI is no ordinary NGO. It is a formal network that partners with the United Nations and aligns with the World Economic Forum’s sustainability frameworks, advancing global climate and development agendas at the local level.
On Tuesday, September 2, ICLEI Canada representatives will be speaking directly to our City Council, presenting the 2024 Measuring Sustainability Report. This glossy report, now in its fourth edition, isn’t just a collection of numbers. It tracks 33 indicators across everything from air quality and water to neighbourhood “satisfaction” and even how many bedrooms we use. These metrics are not created in isolation; they are drawn from international templates meant to standardize “sustainability” across cities worldwide.
Supporters will say this is about progress, resilience, and responsible growth. And yes, who doesn’t want clean water, safe communities, or thriving green spaces? But let’s be clear: ICLEI’s model comes directly from the UN’s Agenda 2030 and the WEF’s “sustainable cities” agenda. These frameworks promote ideas like “optimizing housing stock” and “responsible consumption,” which, in practice, can lead to policies such as vacant home taxes, limits on vehicle use, or restrictions on development.
Here in Pickering, we’re already living it:
Car-Free Pushes: The City encourages residents to walk, bike, or use transit instead of driving, echoing ICLEI’s global “sustainable mobility” agenda. Durham’s car-free initiatives are mirrored locally through Smart Commute Durham.
Community Surveillance: Pickering now operates nearly 300 CCTV cameras, expanding the Smart City surveillance model promoted worldwide.
Geofencing & Tracking: Even our trails use digital tracking tools to monitor visitors — raising quiet but important questions about privacy.
Food & Consumption Controls: Community garden policies, seed libraries, and “urban agriculture hubs” reflect UN/ICLEI frameworks around “responsible consumption” and food security.
Net-Zero 2050: Through Durham’s Climate Roundtable, Pickering has committed to Canada’s net-zero by 2050 goal — a target designed in international boardrooms, not local kitchen tables. And what does “net-zero” actually mean for families? Fewer cars, fewer freedoms, and higher costs. If everything in life — from heating your home to driving your car — becomes a carbon liability, how are ordinary people supposed to survive?
And this is the core concern: when did the people of Pickering agree to be governed by a global agenda? Was there a referendum before Toronto imposed its Vacant Home Tax? Were residents ever asked if they wanted their mobility restricted, or their city tracked and surveilled? Or did these policies just trickle down, step by step, from ICLEI and its partners?
ICLEI calls it sustainability. The UN calls it Agenda 2030. The WEF calls it the Great Reset.
But here in Pickering, let’s call it what it is: global policy, implemented locally, without consent.
As ICLEI addresses Council this week, residents should pay attention. This isn’t conspiracy. It’s documented partnership, written in the City’s own reports. The only question left is: who truly sets the direction for Pickering — the people, or global organizations we never elected?
Councillor Lisa Robinson
"Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"
CARS ON WHERE?
CARS ON WHERE?
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
On August 22nd, The City of Oshawa hosted ‘Kars on King’. Another typical flop as it under promoted and under advertised. It almost feels as those at the City do not want to host this event.
Personally, many very worth while events are under promoted and not advertised properly. But then what do you expect from a City that knows nothing about advertising, the internet or marketing.
If I am wrong. Then explain why all these events turn out to be nothing short of a photo opportunity for a few politicians, wanna-be politicians?
I been watching for the past 30 years. Same old, same old. This event should attract millions to our city. Unfortunately no one knows about it.
At best it is a glorified car show and tell. Sad.
The same is true with the ‘Fiesta Week’, the ‘Peonies Festival’. All flops due to the lack of advertising and promotion.
I am surprised they still celebrate Canada Day....
As for this Kars On King event. Through the years it appears that the number of cars is slowly eroding... maybe some of the collectors are passing on.... Or maybe no one collect cars anymore.
I know that some that show cased their cars at one time refused to bring their cars to Oshawa due to the poor condition.
The drug addicts, the hookers, the homeless... Many did not want to risk anyone damaging their cars.
Sad, Oshawa use to be a great place to live. I remember when I first moved in the area. The pride of the City was the glorious fountain at Memorial Park.
Nancy Diamond took office and closed it down. First excuse.... oh to many bums would get drunk and take a head dive in the fountain.
Then we had the excuse that the fountain was to old and needed major repairs.... one gut after another.
The fountain was gone and the beginning of Memorial park being turned in a war zone began.
Who is going to bring their children to park that is being used as a public toilet by many homeless? Who is going to risk having one of your kids get pricked by a used needle tossed in the grass.
Worst, who is going to risk being mugged by a drug addict on a trip?
Kars on King could be a million dollar event. Unfortunately organizers don’t seem to have the talent and or know how. They don’t even have the common sense to gather local professionals in marketing and put together a worth while plan of action... The SS Oshawa is sinking, with no land on site.... Sad.
Canada’s Health Care Needs Attention
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Knowledge, Comfort, and Emotion The Advantages of Reading as an Adolescent
Knowledge, Comfort, and Emotion
The Advantages of Reading
as an Adolescent
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
Every teenager engages in different hobbies, from gaming to exercising to creating art. Each hobby says something different about the individual, supporting a unique sense of self and interests. However, there is one hobby I believe every teen should partake in, regardless of their personality and interests; that hobby is reading.
No matter the person, I believe reading is a pastime which they can connect to and learn from, one page at a time.
Many individuals argue they don’t like reading, and they never will. In school, we are forced to study books such as Romeo and Juliet, The Outsiders, and The Lord of the Flies. Most students believe these books are tedious and boring, and I don’t blame them.
In high school, we are all forced to read the same content in the same way, which is rarely enjoyable for the students. So, they choose to watch a movie adaptation or read chapter summaries instead of doing assigned readings. If a teen doesn’t enjoy the homework, they declare they hate reading, that it’s a waste of time. However, that’s rarely the truth. I believe everyone has the potential to love reading if they find the right book. When you find the literature that works for you, reading is never a waste of time, but an opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy yourself.
I am an avid reader who enjoys a variety of different genres. I love mystery, realistic fiction, classic, dystopian, fantasy, and even wellness novels; however, you will never see me reading a book regarding sports or war. I know which genres interest me, and I stay away from the ones which don’t. This understanding is critical to developing a young reader. When choosing a book, it’s important to experiment and find what suits your interests. Just because you disliked the classics you read in school doesn’t mean you’ll hate a fantasy novel or a comic book. Despite the common belief, the enjoyment of reading is not limited to academic overachievers or introverted bookworms, it’s something that can and should be experienced by everyone.
Enjoyment is just one of the many benefits of reading. Studies have shown reading for just 30 minutes a day improves your critical thinking, vocabulary, writing skills, focus, creativity, compassion, and comprehension, regardless of the genre. When reading, we come across new words and styles, therefore increasing your vocabulary and writing skills. Critical thinking and comprehension is strengthened when analyzing a complex issue within a book, and focus is tested when reading for a long period of time.
Choosing books with different perspectives broadens your understanding and
compassion by directly putting you in the shoes of others. Literature has even been
directly connected to good grades by a 2023 Cambridge University study. This study revealed adolescents who read for pleasure at a young age scored higher on assignments and tests in almost every subject. It is clear that picking up a book is a crucial step in youth development, from grades to compassion to critical thinking.
With the right book, you don’t think of reading as learning; instead, reading is a coping mechanism to de-stress. Literature is capable of transporting you to a new world, free from realistic worries, stressors, and pressures. I must admit, tragic books have brought tears to my eyes more times than I can count, but to me, this is a reason to keep reading. Connecting to literature is a great way to experience your emotions in a healthy way, whether those be positive, neutral, or heart shattering. This emotional connection will only deepen if you find a book which you directly relate t0; there are millions of novels currently published, and I am sure you can see yourself in many of them. Not only can you connect with these books, but you may also find like-minded individuals who feel the same way about a particular theme. Book clubs, local libraries, and online platforms are great ways to connect with others through your love for reading. Through literature, you can build a strong, understanding community, one chapter at a time.
My hope is that next time you pass your local library, you choose to enter. That you take a few minutes to browse through the sections and pick up a few books which interest you. Maybe you ask a few people for suggestions, make connections through literature. Then, you can start reading. In those pages, I can promise you will find much more than a collection of words; you will find knowledge, friendship, compassion, and growth 
The Dangerous Silence: Who’s Really Shutting Down Free Speech?
The Dangerous Silence: Who’s Really Shutting Down Free Speech?
By Dale Jodoin
American Christian singer Sean Feucht is being banned from more cities, not because he broke the law or sparked violence but because he holds traditional Christian views on abortion and marriage. His concerts are peaceful. Families sing, worship, and go home without incident.
So why is he being shut down?
City officials claim it’s to “protect the public” from possible violence. But no violence has ever come from Feucht or his supporters. The threats are coming from outside groups of radical protesters who say they’ll cause chaos if the events go ahead. These aren’t right-wing mobs.
They aren’t white supremacists or hate groups.
The real threats are coming from the far-left: masked agitators, campus activists, and street-level radicals who now make up what many call the woke army. They’re the same people behind protests that turn violent on university campuses anytime a speaker with conservative values is invited. They shut down others, smash windows, and burn flags and they get away with it.
These activists belong to what’s now being called cancel culture. They don’t want conversation. They want control. And they’re being protected by the left-leaning government, which looks the other way when violence is promised by its own supporters. When a conservative voice is punished for their beliefs, the silence from leadership is deafening.
In Canada, it’s the same story.
Christian groups are pushed out of public spaces. People are fired for quoting scripture. Parents are warned to stay quiet at school board meetings.
The message is clear: agree with us or disappear.
It’s not just about Sean Feucht anymore. It’s about a dangerous pattern: people being shut down for what they believe, while violent mobs are allowed to operate without consequence. And the worst part?
The media won’t touch it. Where is CBC? Where is CTV?
Why isn’t the Toronto Star asking who’s threatening the peace? Why isn’t anyone asking why the concerts are really being cancelled?
If the threats were coming from the far-right, it would be headline news. But when the violence comes from the far-left, the media goes silent. That silence isn’t accidental. It’s protection.
This isn’t about public safety. It’s about politics. The same cancel culture mobs show up time and time again. And one group in particular Antifa has crossed the line. It should no longer be treated as a protest group. Antifa should be declared a left-leaning terrorist organization.
They use threats, violence, and fear to shut down political opponents.
That’s terrorism, no matter what side it comes from.
Most Canadians aren’t extreme. They don’t want violence. They just want to believe what they
believe, speak freely, and raise their families in peace.
But right now, they’re being silenced by a small, aggressive group that screams “tolerance” while showing none.
The people being shut down aren’t dangerous. They aren’t causing harm. The real danger is coming from the ones threatening violence. And the fact that cities, schools, and governments are giving in to them proves just how far we’ve fallen. Maybe it’s time we stop being afraid of the wrong people.
Sean Feucht represents millions of quiet, peaceful people who are now treated as if they’re a threat just for believing something different. If we let these mobs decide who’s allowed to speak, sing, or even gather, we’ve already lost freedom in this country. And if the media won’t report the truth, we have to ask: What is their agenda?
Why are they protecting the violent? Why are they hiding the facts? Why is it only called “hate” when it comes from the right?
We need to stop pretending this is about justice or inclusion. It’s about power and fear.
The left-leaning cancel mobs are growing bolder because no one is holding them accountable. And the people in charge are letting it happen.
This isn’t normal. This isn’t safe.
And it’s not democracy. It’s control. And if we stay quiet, we’re next.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Creating or Consuming Why Creating Art is Necessary in Everyday Life
Creating or Consuming
Why Creating Art is Necessary in Everyday Life
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
Creating art is a key component of humanity, something which our species has done for thousands of years. From parietal art to historical sculptures, we naturally gravitate toward creating throughout our lives. From a young age, we engage in arts and crafts, dancing, drawing, and storytelling. These activities are not just for entertainment purposes, but also to improve problem solving, communication, confidence, memory, and intelligence.
Despite these benefits, we often disregard creativity in pursuit of simplicity and conventionality as we grow older. We instead spend our days consuming the content which has already been made, forgetting our individual crafts. This artistic oversight can be extremely harmful, as we begin to miss out on the countless benefits of creativity.
When we think of art, we often consider professional, timeless pieces, such as Van Gogh's paintings or Shakespeare's plays. We envision perfection which has been passed down for generations, analyzed for deeper meanings and significance. Studying these impactful pieces can give us great insight into societies past and present, however it can also be the root of our issue. Our society has placed an unrealistic standard of perfection on art, which has caused most people to abandon the true point of creating;
it’s not about fame or audience, but expression and connection. Not every piece needs to be worthy of greatness, they just need to be authentically yours.
Until recently, I never considered myself a creative person. I have always disliked drawing, painting, and dancing. I am clueless regarding musical instruments, and I often give up on writing projects. I felt uninspired and talentless until last year, when I committed to theatre. Through my school's regional arts program, I have learnt to express myself through words, movement, and execution. I have directed, designed costumes, analyzed characters, managed backstage, interpreted soundtracks, and acted in multiple productions, with each task teaching me something different about both the arts and myself. Through these experiences, I have built a strong community of friends, developed critical thinking skills, and further evolved my sense of self.
Since I discovered my passion for theatre, I have begun to understand creativity's role in everyday life through common tasks and hobbies. In my daily life, I am creative through baking, crafting, journaling, sewing, and taking photos. Day by day, we have the opportunity to learn, experiment and create, in whichever way works for us. You do not need to paint or act to be creative; you just need to experiment and express yourself.
Art acts as an expressive outlet for our emotions and thoughts, which develops a thorough sense of self not otherwise possible. Emotions are rarely straightforward, making it difficult to understand what you’re feeling and why. Through paintings, film, theatre, dance, poetry, and music, many individuals are able to express and understand their emotions with a unique depth. Additionally, creativity has been tied to stress reduction, confidence in accomplishments, and brain stimulation. Engaging in the arts can serve as both a strategy to understand emotions and to redirect your energy, proving useful to every individual's mental health.
In 2025, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the content which floods our lives, making it difficult to understand who you are and what you want.
The art of creating can keep you grounded, connected, and understanding of yourself, rather than living through the eyes of others. It does not matter what you make and your purpose for making it, all that matters is that you continue despite the difficulties. It’s time to stop consuming the opinions and pressures of others; instead, it’s time to pick up a pen, a guitar, or a script. Instead, it’s time to create.
Canada’s Bill C-2: A New Threat
Canada’s Bill C-2:
A New Threat
By Dale Jodoin
Canada’s Parliament is debating Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act. The government says it will stop smugglers, fight organized crime, and keep Canadians safe. But hidden in the bill are sweeping surveillance powers that reach far beyond border checks.
Bill C-2 would let police, border agents, and intelligence services:
Demand personal details from phone and internet providers.
Track travel history, financial records, and online accounts on “reasonable suspicion.”
Share that information with foreign governments, including the United States, with weak safeguards.
These powers bypass the oversight of judges. Traditionally, warrants ensured that police only entered private lives when evidence justified it. Bill C-2 breaks that safeguard. Once powers like this are written into law, they rarely vanish. They survive governments, ready to be used by whoever is in charge.
Why Oversight Matters
Oversight is the shield of democracy. A warrant system forces government agencies to justify intrusion. Lowering that standard to “reasonable suspicion” invites abuse.
Security experts warn of mission creep: powers granted for one purpose slowly expand to others. A law written for smugglers could easily be turned on critics, protesters, or journalists.
Governments argue these tools are needed for safety. But once surveillance becomes ordinary, it grows quietly until freedom shrinks without anyone noticing.
The Shock from England
For proof, look at England. In 2016, the UK passed the Investigatory Powers Act, often called the Snooper’s Charter. It promised protection against terrorism.
The law required internet providers to store everyone’s online history for a year. Security agencies could access that data without a judge. Police were given authority to hack into devices and read private messages.
At first, this was framed as anti-terror. But over time, the scope expanded. Protest organisers, journalists, and ordinary citizens became subjects of surveillance. Public order rules combined with spying powers to manage dissent. In some cases, people faced police visits or fines simply for statements critical of government policy.
The chilling effect was immediate. Activists moderated their language. Journalists thought twice before pursuing sensitive stories. Citizens held back their opinions. Safety had become the excuse for control.
The Canadian Risk
The parallels with Bill C-2 are undeniable. Both laws:
Promise security but grant wide surveillance.
Reduce judicial oversight.
Use vague definitions of “threat.”
Permit broad data-sharing abroad.
Canada risks following the same path as England. Once the tools exist, they will be used — and not just at the border.
Free Speech at Risk
Free speech is more than the right to talk. It is the confidence to speak without fear. If Canadians believe their words and messages are being stored, many will go silent.
That silence weakens democracy. Debate narrows, media hesitates, and citizens avoid speaking against government policy. In England, that reality is already visible. Bill C-2 could bring the same culture of self-censorship here.
The Conservative Opposition
Conservative MPs have raised alarms, arguing Canada already has laws to fight smuggling and crime with judicial oversight. They warn that Bill C-2 tips the balance, giving the government unchecked power.
Their concern is for the future as much as the present. Surveillance powers do not fade away. They grow stronger with each new crisis and each new government.
A Choice for Canada
England shows what happens when freedoms are traded for safety. Rights are not lost in one moment. They are chipped away, one small step at a time.
Canada faces that same choice. Do we accept a law that prioritises surveillance over liberty? Or do we demand security measures that also respect the rights of citizens?
Three Word Warning
The warning is simple: Democracy in Danger. Bill C-2 may not punish critics today, but it creates the framework for future governments to do so.
We should not wait until Canadians are questioned for their words to recognise the risk. By then, the system will already be in place.
A Word to Our Readers
If this investigation has shown you what is at stake, act now. Contact your Member of Parliament. Ask where they stand. Speak to your friends and neighbours.
And if you value journalism that investigates threats to democracy, let our office know you appreciated this work. Reader feedback ensures that freedom, privacy, and accountability remain part of Canada’s national debate.
Your voice matters in Parliament, in the press, and in the defence of democracy itself.
THE SIXTH OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS - Rick Kerr
Glamorizing Sexuality in Schools is Harming Our Kids
Glamorizing Sexuality in Schools is Harming Our Kids
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
This year, it’s time to raise strong, confident children who know their value comes from being human — not from a label.
As the 2025 - 2026 school year begins, parents, teachers, and students must ask: are we truly preparing children for life — or are we exposing them to confusing messages and adult agendas that could harm them?
Schools should teach reading, writing, math, and character.
Yet many classrooms have become social experiments, filled with identity labels, sexual themes, and divisive categories that pit students against each other.
No child should ever be bullied or feel unsafe because of who they are. That is obvious. But the current approach is not protection — it’s confusion. It sends a message: some children deserve the spotlight, while others are invisible.
Consider straight students who receive no recognition while other sexualities are celebrated. Every child wants to feel special, to be seen and recognized. When straight children are overlooked, some may go along with what is being presented — even if it doesn’t reflect who they are — just to feel acknowledged. That is not equality — that is favoritism.
Glamorizing sexuality in front of children is not protection. It is adult content thrust on minds that are not ready. And then we wonder why anxiety, confusion, and even suicide rates among youth continue to rise.
Parents need to be informed. Children should never be placed in situations where they are told to hide things or lie about what is happening in school. No safe, no good adult would ever instruct a child to deceive their parents — ever. Teachers, staff, and administrators must remember that respecting family boundaries is part of protecting children.
If we truly care about children’s mental health, we must:
Teach respect, kindness, courage, and resilience.
Stop dividing students by labels and identities.
Protect children from bullying without pushing ideology.
Remind every child — straight, gay, religious, or non-religious — that their value comes from being human, not from a label.
Remind children that it’s okay to be young. Childhood is not a rehearsal for adulthood — they do not need to rush into adult decisions or activities. Their childhood is valuable and deserves protection.
Fantasy is not reality
Every child deserves to be seen — not for a label, but for who they are.
That is real equality. That is fairness. That is how we will actually reduce youth suicide — not by injecting identity politics into every classroom.
Children need stability, not confusion. They need role models, not agendas. They need schools that build them up, not break them down.
This school year can be different. It can be better. Let’s stop glamorizing sexuality. Let’s stop giving attention and praise based on who a child says they are attracted to. Let’s raise strong, grounded, confident young people who know they matter — not because of a label, but because they are human beings of infinite worth.
Parents, teachers, and children: let’s put our children first this school year. Let’s make this a year of clarity, respect, and real support for every child.
Let children be children
“No label defines a child. No agenda owns their childhood.” - Lisa Robinson 2025
Then my name,”……
Kind regards,
Lisa Robinson
“The People’s Councillor”
City of Pickering
“Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” -
Lisa Robinson 2023
‘RESPECT’ THE FORGOTTEN WORD
‘RESPECT’
THE FORGOTTEN WORD
By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
I don’t know about you. But I am so tired of watching news clips showing punks going nose to nose with police officers. Or the many politically motivated demonstrations assaulting police officers. Then when the police react... the protestor claim that it is his/her right to protests. What they forget that they have the right to ‘PEACEFUL’ protest.
What has become of our duty to civility. To respect and common sense. Personally, I think the police use to much leniency. It has become fashionable to run from police... or to interpret the word, “STOP” as run faster. All in the name of fear for the police. Ideally, no one should fear the police. Do as instructed and in 99.9% of the times. You will walk without a scratch.
But if you start telling police how to do their business or attempt to educate a police officer on law or your rights. You may just end up in jail.
People show respect. Respect for the badge as they must comply with officers instruction and respect for themselves as they have a duty to co-operate in the name of civility.
So what does Respect mean?
Respect means having a high regard or admiration for someone or something, which involves acknowledging their worth, valuing their feelings and views, and treating them with consideration and care. It can also involve upholding basic rights and safety, accepting individuals for who they are, or showing deference to authority or rules. The act of respect is often learned and can be demonstrated through attentive and kind actions, fostering a sense of trust and safety.
In this case recognize the authority of the badge. Respect your self worth and follow procedure in order to maintain the integrity of the badge and your physical integrity.
Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or deferential action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.
For both you and the officer. You must uphold that respect. If not then you get what you get. The police exercising their right under law. Meaning, you will be man handled and you may be arrested. You compromised your self respect and in turn that of the authority of law.
For those protesting. I can’t believe how many riot police officers show so much patience and restrain.
An assault on a police officer occurs in Canada when someone intentionally applies non-consensual force to a peace officer while they are lawfully performing their duties, or to someone assisting them. This includes any intentional physical contact or force without consent, and may even involve gestures that cause a reactive or defensive physical response. To secure a conviction, the Crown must prove the intentional application of force, the defendant's knowledge that the victim was an officer, and that the officer was acting in their official capacity.
In other words. Let the police do their jobs and you will not feel as your rights are being violated and or you end up being assaulted by police in the process of being handcuffed.
I feel for the police as they have a big job to do. Judgement plays a key role on whether they go home at the end of the shift... Police need to not back down in confrontation but show clear authority and use force to convey the consequences of someone getting in their face.
Punks will be punks if we keep allowing them to continue thinking they are invincible.
2025 - Canada Under Fire
2025 - Canada Under Fire
by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC
FEC, CET, P.Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
As the summer plods along with challenging domestic and international problems, Canadians also face an unprecedented rash of forest fires with many communities affected from coast to coast to coast. It has really been a season and a year of extremes.
Currently, Canada is in the grip of its second-worst wildfire season on record, with flames now stretching beyond the West into the Prairie and Atlantic provinces including Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre says 7.5 million hectares have already burned in 2025, surpassing the 10-year average and reinforcing warnings that wildfire seasons are growing longer, more destructive and less predictable.
Regions such as Alberta have been hit hard, with significant damages reported in popular areas like Jasper. Over the past weeks, raging, out-of-control wildfires have forced tens of thousands from their homes nationwide. In Manitoba alone, the Canadian Red Cross reports that it has helped more than 32,000 people evacuated from about 12,000 households.
Recent years have been particularly challenging, with 2023 marking the worst wildfire season on record, where approximately 16 million hectares were scorched. The previous year also saw over five million hectares burned, highlighting a troubling trend in wildfire intensity and frequency across the country.
In summary, the wildfire situation in Canada is critical with extensive areas affected, requiring ongoing efforts to manage and contain the fires.
Drought is one example of root causes of wildfires. Canada is a big place and it is always dry somewhere, but not like this year. Agriculture Canada's map shows most of the country was abnormally dry. Large stretches of the Prairies were under at least moderate drought conditions, reaching extreme proportions in southern Alberta.
In British Columbia, once the "wet coast," 28 of 34 river basins were at the province's top two drought levels. Ranchers were selling cattle that they could not grow enough hay to feed, and low stream flows threatened salmon runs.
However, the effect of the prolonged heat was not restricted to the land. Waters off all three Canadian coasts have never been warmer. Hudson Bay is up to 30 C warmer. The Pacific coast is between 20 C and 40 C warmer. Both the Atlantic and Arctic coasts are 50 C above average.
Then there were the fires that spread smoke across the continent and into Europe, where "Canadian wildfires" made headlines from the New York Times to Europe's nightly news.
All 13 provinces and territories have been affected, often at the same time. Tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes, hundreds of houses were destroyed and firefighters have been killed.
If we look at the history of forest and vegetation fires in Canada in general, since the 1970s and 1980s, the total annual number of wildfires in Canada has decreased while the total area burned has increased, though there is variability from year to year. The number and size of large fires has increased since 1959, and the average fire season has become longer by about two weeks. In Canada, wildfire season usually starts in May. The 2023 fires have been compared to the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire and the 2021 Lytton wildfire, but the fires this year were second worse.
When people revert to blaming the now well-known slogan of “climate change” perpetuated by humans, we might do well to consider that the so-called ‘climate change’ is a natural and cyclic phenomenon depending on many variables, including the path of the earth in space. At the same time we must not ignore the basic issue of forest management. It seems that the political elite and elite scientists do not see the forest for the trees.
Lightning causes roughly half of all wildfires in Canada; lightning strikes and lightning-caused fires are happening more frequently. Lightning-caused fires account for about 85% of land burned, often occurring in clusters in remote locations. The other half of wildfires in Canada are human-caused, often unintentionally sparked by discarded cigarette butts, abandoned smouldering campfires, sparks from braking trains and the like. However, let us face it: forest management is also a big factor in the cause/management of wildfires. So here we are; because Canada's forest management has focused on fire suppression, dry vegetation has accumulated on the forest floor. Canada has generally stopped performing controlled burns, which help reduce the risk of larger and more dangerous fires. It is difficult to get permission for controlled burns, especially for Indigenous groups who have historically performed them and are such disproportionately affected by wildfires. Canada lacks a national firefighting service, and local resources are stretched thin due to budget cuts.
Pollution due to a global increase in wildfires has created widespread, long-term impacts on human health. Due to wildfire emissions, Canada has broken its record for annual carbon emissions several times.
Have any of the so-called climate scientists calculated the contribution of forest fires to the total carbon emissions in Canada? Well ????
Furthermore, is there anyone in government or the public service working on or even considering establishing better forest management practices; a service long neglected by all levels of government in Canada?
The answer seems to be a resounding NO. They introduce carbon taxes in various hidden forms, they subsidize fashionable electric vehicle batteries and spend on other politically correct projects, when the recent rash of forest fires in Canada has broken the record on carbon emissions and has made us the laughingstock of the world.
It is time to seriously consider and invest in better forest management, rather than continue to spend huge amounts of money overseas and on politically correct pet projects.
The forests are burning and people are suffering from coast to coast to coast, while politicians and their advisers in the Canadian public service are fiddling.
Enough is enough! Canadians can do without more Neros!
What do you think?
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Use Your Head to Check on Quick Health Fixes
Use Your Head to Check on Quick Health Fixes
By Diana Gifford
There’s no harm in being gullible when the stakes are low or when you are having fun. Being open to the incredulous is part of being a curious person. And playing along with a friend’s tall tale strengthens your connection while giving you both a good laugh.
But in matters of your health, you don’t want to be so open-minded about cure-anything remedies that your brains fall out.
Clark Stanley was the self-proclaimed “Rattle Snake King” of the 1880s. He held live demonstrations in which he killed snakes in front of his audiences, then hawked bottles of snake oil with the promise to cure rheumatism, gout, headache, toothache, sore throat, indigestion, frostbite, partial paralysis… and his list goes on. He was finally charged as a fraudster in 1916 and fined a laughable $20. But for decades, a lot of people believed him.
Nowadays, con artists have a lot more tools for trickery, most notably a far more powerful marketing machinery. But their motive is the same: to get rich at your expense.
So how do you tell if the products and services being offered to you are worth your attention?
First, figure out who is doing the talking and what’s their motivation. Are you dealing with a product promotor, or with a health advocate respected by experts? Does someone credible answer your questions when you ask?
Second, look at the evidence yourself. If a product is back by a single study with a dozen participants or if a company doesn’t have any independent research to back their product claims, then be extra cautious.
Third, think about whether the product makes biological sense. If a product claims to detox your body, ask what toxins it removes, where they go, and how it’s different from the work your liver and kidneys already do all day long for free.
The intent here is not to suggest you need to scrutinize ever detail of the health remedies on the market. That’s what food and drug regulatory bodies do.
Rather, just run your purchases through a mental sieve. If a product fails on points one, two or three, then pause. You need to do more investigation before spending your money.
But here’s another thing. Don’t fall victim to the opposite problem. There are plenty of doctor-approved drugs, also prominently okayed by top health regulatory authorities, that may be effective. But they may not be the right choice. Why? Because there is a natural alternative that does the same job, but without the side-effects of pharmaceutical products. A perfect example is mild insomnia.
Many people reach for prescription sleeping pills (like zolpidem/Ambien) or over-the-counter sedatives (like diphenhydramine/ Benadryl) to “knock themselves out,” when research shows non-drug approaches can work better, last longer, and avoid side effects.
Another example is chronic lower back pain. How grateful we are for ibuprofen or other painkilling pills to ease the pain. Yet, strengthening core muscles and working on improved flexibility may resolve the problem, and the daily exercise will have so many other benefits for general health too.
The truth is, there are plenty of genuine health remedies that aren’t glamorous. They’re the boring, unprofitable things like moving your body daily, eating a variety of foods, sleeping enough, and building strong social connections. No influencer gets rich from telling you to take a walk with a friend.
The key to all this? Your own thoughtfulness.
Next time you see a health claim that sounds too good to be true, think of the snake oil salesman. The packaging has changed. Human gullibility hasn’t.
_________________________________________________________________________
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments,
contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones
The Treadmill
The Treadmill
By Wayne and Tamara
Ten years ago I discovered a condom in my husband's jacket pocket. I assumed he was having an affair at work. On confronting him, he admitted to sex with prostitutes. He was devastated he had hurt me and, of course, I was never meant to find out.
I tried to understand it from his point of view. We didn't have sex often, mostly because he was cold toward me, bossy and critical. Just when I had enough and threatened to leave, he would soften and things would settle down for awhile. This cycle went on for years.
I went for counseling to explain both sides of the picture, as he made me feel it was my fault we weren't getting on. I must have been mad. Two years ago, shortly before my mother died of cancer, I discovered I had genital herpes, and my husband moved into the spare room.
I assumed he was having sex with prostitutes though he assured me he was faithful. I wanted to believe him, but I never really trusted him after the first disclosure. I should have left or made him leave, but I felt powerless. Three months later I looked up sex addiction on the Internet. After reading many articles, I felt this was my husband's problem.
I wrote him a letter saying I would stand by him, if he admitted this was the problem. One evening he asked me to come into his room. He was pale and shivering. He disclosed 15 years of sex addiction--sex with men in parks and public toilets, prostitutes, and an affair.
I was living in a nightmare you can't wake up from. He made an appointment with a psychiatrist the day after he told me, and I went for more counseling. We went for couples counseling, he started seeing a psychologist, and now we are seeing the psychologist together.
We have read books on relationships, sex addiction, and forgiveness. Today we talk intimately, dance, and have good sex, but I don't think I am going to get over the betrayal. Though I have a great job, children who keep me busy, a grandchild, and good friends, I feel I am in limbo.
Our psychologist says we are both still healing. I am not sure why I wrote you. I suppose I would like to hear your opinion.
Vanessa
Vanessa, your psychologist used the word “healing.” Is that a metaphor, or an accurate description of what is going on?
Years ago Wayne fractured his clavicle. It was a bad break, and the x-ray showed wide separation between two parts of bone. But in a few months the bone knitted together. Wayne never gives it a thought. Why? Because it healed.
What your psychologist calls healing sounds more like getting used to something distasteful. As a girl, you didn’t dream your husband would be meeting men in public toilets for sex. That’s like trying to get used to living in a prison: forget about the outside world, you’re in here for life. Forget about your dreams and what you were raised to believe marriage is.
When we don’t live from our authentic self, occasionally our true desires break through. Your desire was for an honest, faithful, loving husband. His desire is to be who he really is, when no one is looking.
When you prompted your husband to admit an addiction, you trapped yourself. If he has a disease, that makes you a bad person if you want to leave him.
Ask yourself if the latest round of counseling has simply gotten you more caught up in his story? To go to counseling with your husband is to let others alter your perceptions. You’ve read all the books and talked to the psychologists. Ten years ago you were trying to decide whether to stay or go. Ten years later you are still trying to decide.
Wayne & Tamara
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)