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

From Physical Activity to Smelling the Roses - The Neglected Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors

From Physical Activity to Smelling the Roses - The Neglected Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors By Camryn Bland Youth Columnis The majority of a teenager's day is spent at school, with the remainder being occupied by homework, extracurricular activities, and digital entertainment. However, that schedule lacks one crucial thing; time spent outside. Whether you are passing time at a local park, an outdoor sports event, or simply in your backyard, time spent outdoors is critical for adolescent health, both physically and mentally. Most teenagers are busy, which makes it easy to forget about fresh air and sunshine. The issue is, this forgetfulness causes adolescents to miss out on the countless health benefits of being immersed in nature. Studies show individuals between the ages of twelve to twenty should spend one to two hours outside daily, yet most teens dedicate less than thirty minutes a day to the outdoors. This deficit cannot continue to be normalized; instead, adolescents need to get off their phones and get into nature. So, what are teens really missing out on when they neglect the outdoors? Some of the many physical benefits of spending time outdoors include increased physical activity, improved eyesight, vitamin D, and better sleep. I am not a particularly athletic individual, however, the outdoors always encourage me to engage in physical activity, whether that be by walking, riding my bike, swimming, or participating in a game of basketball. Just by sitting outside, you are improving your health, as natural sunlight is better for your eyes than the blue light of electronics, and sunshine provides your body with vitamin D to strengthen your bones and immune system. Spending time outdoors improves more than physical health; it also benefits mental health, as it connects you to nature, provides a break from stressors, and improves mood. Whenever I find myself overthinking or having a bad day, I walk my dog or ride my bike. This forces me to reflect on and review the natural beauty aroundme, which significantly increases my mood. When I look around and analyze what I am going through, I ask myself, is this really relevant in the grand scheme of everything around me? The answer is usually no, and that’s freeing. When you’re stuck indoors,you feel confined to personal issues, which feels both overwhelming and hopeless. Time outside removes you from an anxious headspace and into a new one of gratitude and contentment. After outdoor reflection, I often realize my problem was not as serious as I originally thought, or that a solution was available the whole time. Time spent outside can also be a large inspiration and creative influence in our lives. From writing to painting to photography, nature has always been a muse for those who create, whether they be professional or amateur. So, appreciate the grace; let yourself observe. Observe the sounds, images, and smells which you come across, and be inspired. Listen to the birds sing, look at the flowers, and smell the roses. Use that inspiration in everyday life, in whatever way it applies to you. Time outside will fuel your creativity and imagination in ways you would not originally expect, you just have to let it. Being immersed in the outdoors is one of the most productive and meaningful uses of time, regardless of the activity you are engaged in outdoors. The parks, gardens, and forests which surround us are all sources of health, reflection, recreation, and inspiration, we just have to take the time to use them as such. So, next time you find yourself bored or unproductive, take a break from your routine and connect with nature. Through this, you will find an abundance of benefits which will change your life for the better.

5 Traits the 'Best Candidates' Display

5 Traits the 'Best Candidates' Display By Nick Kossovan Today's job market is a seductive dance, where talent is getting lost in the fog of red tape and endless applications. (I'm a fan of Norman Mailer's prose.) The 2025 job market is a dumpster fire; therefore, I've been receiving more emails asking for job search advice, which most often can be summarized as: 1. Don't look for a job; look for your tribe. 2. Stop trying so hard; approach your job search strategically. Job search norms from the past are long gone; nonetheless, many job seekers conduct their job search as if it's 2005, which is why they're experiencing a prolonged job search. The key to expediting your job search is accepting that an employer, as the business owner, establishes its hiring process and operates its business as it sees fit. The best candidates don't resist how an employer chooses to hire; they accept that this is beyond their control. Regarding the current job market, hiring continues, though on a smaller scale. The candidates who stand out as the best are those who demonstrate the five traits that employers deem attractive. 1. Comfortable and Authentic When conducting interviews, I most relate to candidates who come across as relaxed and authentic. Many job seekers try to put on a "performance," rehearsing their responses and striving for perfection in every aspect. In contrast, relaxed candidates demonstrate that they have the one non-negotiable personality trait I look for: confidence. I relate more to candidates who are confident and unafraid to admit their past mistakes and weaknesses they're trying to overcome. "To be human is to be beautifully flawed" - Eric Wilson. Authenticity connects with people; your interviewer is "people." The best candidates don't give scripted answers; they naturally follow the interviewer's lead, easing "interview tension" and building a genuine connection that makes them memorable. Although it may seem counterintuitive, keep in mind that I only speak for myself, sharing self-disqualifying information fosters trust and openness. This leads to the question I often get from readers: Do I hire candidates who are brutally honest and self-deprecating? Answer: Yes I've hired numerous candidates who've admitted to making mistakes, some were significant. I'm drawn to candidates who are confident enough to be brutally honest with me. When candidates discuss their mistakes, I find them more credible than candidates who focus solely on their successes. A candidate who talks about their achievements but can't acknowledge their mistakes is someone I hesitate to hire. Worth noting: Based on interview confessions, the most common mistakes are: · Not proofreading an email before sending, and · Not asking for clarification about an assignment. Never assume! 2. Not Overly Eager, but Interested Candidates who seem too eager are likely to be seen as insincere, desperate, and salesy, which are major turn-offs. Conversely, showing no interest can come across as aloofness, which is just as off-putting. The best candidates seek to learn more. They ask thoughtful and challenging questions that demonstrate their curiosity and engagement. Their nuanced interest sets them apart. They're exploring options and weighing their choices. (Even in this job market, if you're skilled and visible, you'll have employment opportunities.) Employers prefer not to hire candidates motivated only by a paycheck. 3. Positive and Good Frame of Mind Interviews aren't therapy sessions. However, surprisingly, as if they didn't know better, many candidates vent their frustrations about past employers or experiences during interviews or online (e.g., LinkedIn). I don't know any hiring manager who hires candidates with a negative attitude. The best candidates display a positive attitude and focus on what they can bring to the employer, which makes them desirable hires. 4. Researched and Prepared A well-prepared candidate is impressive. With all the available resources job seekers have at their disposal, no excuse for walking into an interview without thorough knowledge of the company, its culture, and their interviewer(s). (Google and LinkedIn are your friends.) The best candidates have comprehensive knowledge about the company and the position they've applied for, and therefore, pre-interview, have a sense of whether it's a company they want to join—a mindset that significantly impacts their interview performance. 5. Desire to Make an Impact This is the big one! Because I don't hire candidates who are "me" focused, I've lost track of how many interviewees have asked me questions about their wants (compensation, benefits, time off, opportunities for advancement). While it's understandable to have some focus on earning money and progressing your career, solely highlighting your "wants" makes you a candidate who won't be focused on what's most important to an employer: their self-interest. "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country" - John F. Kennedy's inaugural address (January 20, 1961) The best candidates lead with a desire to make an impact on the employer's business. They understand that, foremost, an employee's role is to deliver measurable results aligned with their employer's goals. Therefore, they communicate how they plan to contribute and provide examples of how they've achieved this for past employers. A job seeker who explains how they'll add value is much further ahead than those with an "I need a job!" mindset. ___________________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

Nexus, Gender, and the Return to Reality

Nexus, Gender, and the Return to Reality By Councillor Lisa Robinson On August 6, 2025, Canada quietly announced that non-binary gender markers will no longer be accepted on Nexus card applications. If you don’t choose “male” or “female,” you won’t get a card. And if you already have a Nexus card showing something other than those two options, it will remain valid only until it expires. Why the sudden change? Because the United States — under a Trump executive order — now requires all federal identification to reflect one of only two sexes: Male or Female. Not feelings. Not identities. Biological reality. And since Nexus is a joint U.S.–Canada program, Ottawa had no choice but to align with Washington’s policy. For years, we’ve been told that gender is a spectrum, that biological sex doesn’t matter, and that acknowledging two sexes is somehow hateful. But now, at the border, ideology collides with law — and reality wins. This is not about hate. It’s not about erasing anyone’s lived experience. It’s about the limits of fiction in the face of law, security, and international agreements. Trusted traveler programs, passports, and visas must be grounded in something verifiable, consistent, and legally recognized. That means: Male or Female. Some will call this exclusionary. But we can care about people while still telling the truth. We can show dignity and compassion without rewriting the foundations of biology. And this isn’t a new conversation for me. When I was elected in Pickering, I stood up for the rights of boys and girls to access changerooms based on biological sex — not self-declared identity. For that, I was sanctioned and lost two months’ pay, and am still facing an ongoing battle. The message from the establishment is very clear: stand up for common sense, and you will be punished. When reality is bent too far, it eventually snaps back. First Nexus. Then passports. Soon, perhaps sports, prisons, shelters, and hospitals will have to face the same reckoning. This isn’t hatred. It’s clarity. Canada tried to erase sex. The nited States just said: “No more.” Whether we like it or not, the world runs on truth — not trends. And maybe this isn’t the end of inclusion, but the beginning of a return to common sense. Because there are only two sexes. And deep down… we all know it. XX “Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” - Lisa Robinson 2023On And Rise Above It: Lisa Robinson 2023

D-BIKES!!!

D-BIKES!!! B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States The reports keep pouring in on the many accidents caused do to E-Bikes on our roadway. Before, I continue. For the anal readers. The title is correct. “D-Bikes.” In my eyes. These contraptions are Death wishes on wheels. Many of our municipal elect are quick to allow these death wishes on our road as they fall for all the hype and the photo opportunity, making it look like they are actually doing something. The reality. Our sons and daughter pay with death and injury. I agree in part that these E-bikes may be useful at tourist destinations or on remote trails as to give access quickly to visitors. Unfortunately, in a city like Oshawa. There is barely room for traditional bicycles. We now are going to ad to the formula a bicycle powered by a battery that can go 40km/hr. Not only that. We are going to put this contraption in the hands of our youth. Youth that have barely learned to ride a normal bike. Or worst as the police reposts have indicated. Some of these riders are seniors. So on the one hand we take away licenses at 85 for most. Then we turn around and out of desperation encourage these same individuals to take up E-biking. Now I am no expert and far from a genius. But to me. It is a matter of time before we loose more lives. Oshawa/Durham has no place for E-bikes as they become “D-bikes”. Riders need no licenses. Barely a helmet in some cases. The region is not bicycle friendly. This has been proven time and time again through the many accidents reported. Look at what is taking place in Toronto. Toronto moved quick to create bike lanes. Only to come to the realization that on main roads there is no room or place for bikes. We may look at all foreign models to try to justify that bikes are the way to go only to wake up to the reality that in our type of traffic. E-bikes = D-bikes. So what is the solution? Simple. Have these e-bike riders get a license. Same with the e-scooters. This would put a quick stop...as the e-scooter operators would have limited clients using their service. E-bikers would be pulled over and removed from the road as most would not be able to afford licensing and plates. (Remember that e-bike users are normally those less fortunate that have no means of transportation). Look at the police reports. Let’s prevent injury and death. We are not a tourist destination. We are a City, a Region. Let’s put our people safety first.

Canadian Universities and the changing world

Canadian Universities and the changing world by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East We face dramatic changes and challenges in the world today, which make higher education, especially in technical fields i crucial to the development of nations. Countries, which realize the importance of a quality higher education and capitalize on it, will progress while others are left behind. This realization and pursuit will be an important factor in assuring a better quality of live and better economic wellbeing for their citizens. At this point, Canada is not paying attention to concentrating on excelling in higher education in technical field, nor on creating proper financial and living conditions for foreign students. This environment has created a lack of interest in Canadian Universities among foreign students, in sharp contrast to the trend in previous decades. This is a clear first indication that Canadian Universities have a problem, one that has to be resolved in a timely manner to avoid creating further, more dangerous problems that will affect the general wellbeing of Canadian society. Canada's higher education institutions are facing significant challenges as the international student market, a critical revenue stream for many universities, suffers a series of setbacks. A financial fallout and no-show epidemic is hitting Canadian universities as many international students consider other options. International students, who contribute billions to Canada's economy, have become an essential pillar of the country's post-secondary education sector. However, a combination of lowering teaching standards, bureaucratic hurdles, inflationary pressures, and shifting immigration policies is leading to alarming drops in enrollment and a record number of no-shows. Apart from it being revenue-generating to Canadian universities, international students bring a wide array of benefits to Canadian society, our economy, and our educational system in general. Their presence is a cornerstone of Canada’s global reputation as a hub for quality education and multiculturalism. It also helps address skill gaps in Canada’s workforce, contributing to the country’s economic growth and innovation. International students, who have traditionally accounted for a substantial portion of tuition revenue, are now proving to be a double-edged sword for Canadian universities. According to a report from University Affairs, the fallout from a decline in international student arrivals is hitting university budgets hard, especially at institutions that rely heavily on these students' tuition fees to balance their finances. Canadian universities have seen rising costs and have been forced to rethink their financial strategies in the face of declining numbers of international students. These students contribute nearly $6.9 billion to Canada's economy annually, with many institutions receiving a large share of their tuition revenue from this demographic. The financial loss is particularly significant for universities with large international student populations, which rely on these funds to maintain and expand operations. However, beyond the numbers, the problem is also reflective of a larger issue in Canada's immigration and education systems. A CBC News article sheds light on some of the reasons why students are either deferring their studies or abandoning their plans to study in Canada altogether. Increased inflation and the cost of living have made it much more difficult for international students to afford their education in Canada, while stricter visa processes and delays in immigration approvals have caused uncertainty for many students. These factors have led to a phenomenon where students are simply not showing up for classes as expected. The situation has been compounded by an alarming number of no-shows, which were recently reported by The PIE News. In just two months, nearly 50,000 international students across Canada have failed to arrive at their respective institutions, leaving schools scrambling to adjust. This issue is not just a small blip in the system; it signals a worrying trend for universities that rely on international enrollments for both revenue and diversity. For many students, the decision to study abroad is a complex one that involves considerable time, financial investment, and effort. As inflation has risen globally, many students have been unable to afford their original plans to study in Canada, while some may have opted for more affordable or less restrictive options in other countries. Compounding these economic concerns are delays and complications in Canada’s immigration and visa processes. The complexity and uncertainty surrounding visa approvals have left many international students in limbo, preventing them from securing necessary documentation in time for their studies. The Canadian government's focus on international students has been largely positive over the past few years, with initiatives aimed at attracting global talent to bolster the country’s economy. However, there have been some notable shifts in immigration policies that are beginning to raise concerns among prospective international students. One significant challenge is the increased scrutiny of study permits, which has led to delays in visa processing times. A CBC article highlights how these delays have made it increasingly difficult for students to arrive in Canada on time, resulting in a situation where many students are forced to defer their plans or cancel them altogether. In addition, the financial burden on international students has been exacerbated by the rise in tuition fees and living costs. While Canadian universities have long been considered an attractive destination for international education due to their quality and relatively affordable tuition rates compared to other international destinations, these advantages have been undermined recently. In the coming months, Canadian institutions will need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape of international education. If they fail to respond effectively to these challenges, the impact on their finances, academic diversity, and global reputation could be profound. However, with thoughtful policy adjustments and increased support for international students, Canada’s universities have the potential to not only recover but also thrive in an increasingly competitive international education market.

Going Natural for Male Vitality

Going Natural for Male Vitality By Diana Gifford Mark Twain said, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." But for many aging men, it matters a lot when their prized male organ starts to lose the vitality of youth. One of the most common yet often unspoken challenges is the decline in testosterone levels, a natural part of aging that can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being. Starting as early as the mid-30s, testosterone levels in men begin to decrease by approximately 1 percent per year. This gradual decline can lead to symptoms like fatigue, reduced muscle mass, irritability, and perhaps most distressing for many, a diminished libido. Not everyone aspires to be Don Juan. But for many, having sufficient upbeat libido is what drives life’s most intimate joys. Plus, having positive and healthy intimate connections can be an indication of broader good health. How many readers know that erectile dysfunction (ED), for instance, is often a precursor to cardiovascular problems? The healthy performance of the male organ can be an indication of the healthy performance of the heart. And when the former declines in prowess, one may surmise the heart is also losing vitality. But here’s the rub. Many men have trouble discussing their sexual health – with their partners and their doctors, both. The personal relationship with their partners suffers needlessly as a result. Those who do act make two common mistakes. The first is to leap immediately to pharmaceutical solutions that come with potential side effects. The second is to scour the Internet for promising products, nearly all of which are dubious. Searching the Internet causes another problem – the invitation for algorithms to send more and more trashy content that will certainly embarrass when popping up on the screen as someone else is watching! There’s a Gifford-Jones law that says, “Try natural remedies first.” Fortunately, there are some products available at natural health food and supplements stores that are tested and proven solutions to reignite men’s testosterone production and renew sexual interest. One example is Testo Charge, produced by Certified Naturals, a firm that specializes in clinically studied ingredients, uses no artificial additives, and packages capsules in the dosage scientists have tested in trials. Testo Charge is made using patented LJ100 tongkat ali, an extract derived from a Southeast Asian plant having a long tradition as a natural aphrodisiac and vitality booster. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in boosting testosterone levels, improving sexual performance, and enhancing mood and energy. There’s something to be said for another natural approach to macho manhood. Don’t forget that a little romance can a powerful aphrodisiac. Build a menu of loving options, each one of which is priceless – a kiss, a caress, a lasting cuddle. There need not always be a main course when the appetizers are filling enough. It’s perfectly natural for intimate relationships to evolve as the years go by. What’s often underestimated is the importance of talking about how personal abilities change. Yet being the one to open up such discussions is often very, very hard. Years ago, we told readers that bananas go well with hanky-panky. That’s because bananas are loaded with potassium, a nutrient that lowers blood pressure. Bananas also contain magnesium and calcium, nutrients that can help to ease strained muscles. We recommended putting a banana on the bedside table as a fun way to signal romantic intentions to a partner. Since laughter is such good medicine too, why not write to us with your stories of the amorous effects of your own bedside banana? We’ll print the best ones in a future column. _________________________________________________________________________ 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

HELLO

HELLO By Wayne and Tamara I am not sure why I am writing, but I have to know why this is so hard for me to forget. A week ago a man I worked with two years ago called and told me he still thinks about me all the time. He knew I was married and so he never did anything about it. He would give hints, but I thought he was being nice. I have been married to a wonderful man for 13 years. We both have never cheated, and he has dealt with my spending habits. We have two children. The other man has a girlfriend now, and after speaking to him Saturday night, I have not spoken to him again. I know I am not happy and do not think I can stay with my husband. I love him but am not in love with him and haven’t been for a long time. I think this heartfelt admission from another helped me see this, though I am not sure why he would call after all this time, and then not call or email again. Pattie Pattie, you’ve been carrying around an unloaded rifle, and now someone has put a live round in the chamber. The question you ask is, should I pull the trigger? One phone call is basically nothing, yet one phone call from one man on one night, and you are ready to leave your husband. Who knows what triggered the call. Your former coworker may have been drunk or lonely or feeling amorous. You praise your husband for dealing with your spending habits, and that may be the red flag. Have you reached the end of the line with using money to buy moments of happiness? You say you don’t love your husband anymore, but we are wondering if you ever loved him. Actual love builds and builds. There is only one thing to do. Look in your heart and figure out how you went from accepting a marriage proposal to being willing to abandon a marriage after a single phone call. Wayne Innocent Bystanders My wife and I are good friends with a couple whom we often accompany to blues festivals and other music venues. The last two times we have been out my buddy’s wife has spent at least an hour or two in the company of two other men she met at these events. She just disappears. My buddy has made several comments about her “blues boyfriends” and seems not happy about the situation. My wife and I definitely felt uncomfortable both times. In all other regards they seem to be perfectly happy together and enjoy a good relationship. My question is this. Does this sound like normal behavior? Even if the behavior is innocent on her part, most of the guys I know who hang around other women are usually interested in one thing. And why the heck do I care enough to write you about this? Vern Vern, a few years ago Wayne was driving on a highway when a man in a new pickup truck passed him. He was a nice looking older man, and Wayne got a good look at him. When the pickup was well ahead of him, Wayne noticed a tractor trailer approaching the highway from a side road. The tractor trailer suddenly lurched forward to beat the traffic. In an instant Wayne foresaw what would happen, but he was powerless to stop it. White and blue smoke poured from tires and brakes as the pickup slammed under the larger truck and exploded. Some men and women can just be friends, but this feels like the last few seconds before an accident. There are elements in the lives of others which make it impossible for us to befriend them. Seeing shock on the faces of bystanders may help this couple face the conflagration they are trying to ignore. Tamara

8 Stoicism Principles for Job Search Success

8 Stoicism Principles for Job Search Success By Nick Kossovan Stoicism is an ancient school of Hellenistic philosophy that teaches us to focus on virtue, reason, and living in harmony with our circumstances. It encourages us to concentrate on what's within our control—our thoughts and actions—while accepting what we can't change, such as being ghosted. Applying Stoic principles to your job search will give you the mental resilience needed to navigate today's fiercely competitive job market and improve your chances of hearing "You're hired!" sooner. 1. Focus on What You Can Control By focusing on what you can control and influence, you're taking the reins of your job search. You can't control the job market, the number of applicants, or the whims of hiring managers. As Seneca said, "We suffer more in imagination than in reality." Your energy goes where you focus, so focus on what you can control: · Your resume · Your LinkedIn profile and activity · Your networking efforts · Your digital footprint · Your interview preparation Whenever you apply for a job and don't hear back, don't dwell on it. More importantly, don't post on LinkedIn a rant about employers not knowing how to hire. Anti-employer posts are public displays that potential employers will read, showing that you can't control your emotions. 2. Accept What You Cannot Rejection is an unavoidable part of job searching. Accept that many factors influencing a hiring decision are beyond your control, such as how an employer structures their hiring process, rude behaviour, interviewers who are indifferent, and that there's always someone younger, more skilled, and hungrier than you. Then there's the "I'm a victim of [whatever]!" narrative job seekers often use, which hopefully you aren't participating in. Accepting what you can't control isn't a sign of weakness, but a wise choice that frees up crucial mental space to focus on your job search. Not getting the job, being ghosted, not receiving feedback, and other job search irritations aren't gross injustices as many would have you believe. 3. View Adversity as an Opportunity for Growth When it comes to job searching, you must overcome—either positively or negatively, the choice is yours—the many 'you can't win them all' challenges you'll inevitably have to deal with. Instead of expressing your frustrations publicly, damaging your job search, think of these setbacks as learning opportunities. Ask yourself, "What could I have done better?" Perhaps, when networking, you should try offering value first (TIP: When you meet someone for the first time, ask yourself, "How can I help this person?") or focus on quantifying your achievements on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Viewing adversity as a growth opportunity is key to keeping your job search moving forward. 4. Live Virtuously A virtuous job search approach fosters the crucial element for hiring a specific candidate: trust. Desperation has led many job seekers to exaggerate and lie on their resumes, hence making honesty and integrity a competitive advantage, which is a sad commentary on our times. As the number of 'bad actors' populating the job market rises, being transparent about your experience and skills sets you apart, since candidates who are transparent are becoming increasingly rare. 5. Practice Gratitude Your mindset is essential for making your job search more effective and sustainable, rather than scattered and hopeless. It's easy to be overwhelmed by negativity, especially from other frustrated job seekers. Practicing gratitude shifts your focus to the positive aspects of your job search journey, and establishing the faith that, ultimately, you'll find yourself in a better place, as I've experienced several times. A daily practice that'll keep you motivated and resilient is maintaining a gratitude journal. Every morning, write down what you're thankful for, whether it's supportive family and friends, the recruiter who accepted your LinkedIn connection invite, a new skill you've learned, being healthy, having tomatoes in your garden, or any of the countless other reasons to be grateful for being alive and having another day to experience life. 6. Embrace the Present Moment You can't control the past (what happened) or the future (what will happen). While planning is important, obsessing over what's next distracts you from the present, which is within your control. Embracing the moment means fully engaging with your current tasks, whether it's networking, applying for jobs, or preparing for an interview. Focus entirely on the task at hand and trust that the results will follow. 7. Cultivate Wisdom Cultivating wisdom involves the ability to discern what's truly important in life, which, as a former chaser of the almighty dollar, I can tell you isn't money. Practically every job seeker I speak with talks about getting paid what they're worth, hence they're chasing their "supposed" worth, which is highly subjective and entirely at the employer's discretion. From experience, chasing happiness is much easier and more rewarding than chasing after your "supposed" worth. 8. Treat Others with Kindness In a world that often feels self-centred, showing kindness sets you apart. Never mimic the bad behaviour of others and childishly justify your behaviour with "Well, if they can act this way, why can't I?" The Golden Rule—treating others as you want to be treated—applies throughout your job search and in all areas of life. _____________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

OXYMORONIC!!!

OXYMORONIC!!! B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States City of Oshawa may think it is drinking from the fountain of youth when it comes to their pereception of the City. In reality we all can see through it and realize that the toilet they are attempting to have the rest of us drink from is far from the fountain of youth. Just look at the crap they post on their own City web page, as to give themselves some sort of journalistic creditability. The hypocrites that claim they support local small businesses when they far from support any local business unless they are one of the chosen brownosers in their inner circle. Look at the state of the core. Yes, they support local small businesses... Keep drinking the Cool-Aid, Mr. Mayor. Does he know where the core is? On the City own web page they post: For the latest City news and factual information Subscribe to City News & Alerts and follow us on - LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, (Twitter) X. This is the same City that likes to think they are inclusive,diverse and equitable? What a joke. Instead of supporting a local business that has been serving for over 30 years. They rather have taxpayers go to a public toilet for censored releases by the City. This is type of posting lacks any journalistic integrity. It lacks the essence of reporting as it is far from arms length and heavily censored by the municipality. This is not news. To boot they post these ‘factual information’ on social media posts. The ultimate modern day information public toilet forums. At least on a public toilet they make it clear. Male/Female. On social media posts they call the ability to defecate a whole array of catching names like FB and the many others. What disgrace that they city is so cold to force tax payers to buy computers, to pay for internet services to read their censored information passed as ‘factual’. What a disgrace. As not to confuse anyone with the title: "Oxymoronic" describes something that contains or uses an oxymoron, which is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. Essentially, it's when two words with opposite meanings are used together to create a new meaning or highlight a point. (factual/information) (censored by the city, not arms length). In this case we can leave the OXY out and the City own admittance of factual is far from factual but censored and bias. They do not hold the expertise or experience to deem their censored material as news. Leaving them looking like a bunch of morons. This is why our taxes keep going up. Our businesses empty out and our street turned into drug addict heaven. Shame on you City of Oshawa for the deception. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES

WARRING NATURES

WARRING NATURES By Wayne and Tamara I recently moved in with a man I love deeply. We’ve been together almost two years, and the only problem we haven’t worked out is the amount of affection I want. I have a higher sex drive than him, and I think that may be part of it. Whenever he is around, I want to throw my arms around him and give him kisses. While he has never outright denied the affection I want to give him, I can tell sometimes it may be too much for him. I find myself lying awake nights wishing he would put his arms around me without me having to initiate it, or hoping he would want to spend more time alone with me cuddling. Sophie Sophie, Timothy Treadwell, the subject of the movie “Grizzly Man,” lived among brown bears for 13 summers. Treadwell believed he loved brown bears and sometimes even crooned “I love you” as he approached a grizzly. In the end, the bears loved him back; they loved him to death. He and his girlfriend were eaten by bears. Timothy Treadwell’s life illustrates the nth degree of wanting what we cannot have. Treadwell thought because he loved bears, bears should love him. You think because you want cuddling, your boyfriend should want to cuddle. You and Treadwell act as if there is no will on the other side. What about the bears? What about your boyfriend? What if it is not their nature? The amount of physical affection a person desires depends on many things, including the nurturing they received or failed to receive in the opening years of life. It is a pattern etched into the brain. You can berate, torture, or soothe your boyfriend into sometimes giving you what you want, but that is not his natural state. You seek a way to get what you desire because you won’t acknowledge what he is like. Acknowledging what he is like implies change on your part, and perhaps, ending the relationship. If you stay with your boyfriend, either you will be sick of pushing him, or he will be sick of your demands. When a fox and a hare try to share the same den, they are in for a lifelong battle. Wayne & Tamara Bound To Fail My fiancée and I have a difficult relationship. I entered the relationship with lingering feelings for my previous girlfriend. It came down to ultimatum time, and I told the woman who is now my fiancée to move on. We carried on as before except for physical intimacy. She started dating another but told me, “He’s just a friend.” I believed her. As the prospect of losing her for good became real, I panicked. I opened up to her in ways I never had. I proposed and she said yes. We began planning the wedding, but under pressure from me she started dropping bombs about being sexually intimate with him. Can I trust her? Gregg Gregg, tit for tat, measure for measure, a taste of one’s own medicine. Is that what this is about? You pushed her away after being intimate with her. You wanted another woman who didn’t want you, and you let her know it. She dated someone else and lied. Why? Because she hoped you would come around. She didn’t want to be left with no one, if you continued to shove her away. When you decided she was better than nothing, you proposed. Part of wanting her was someone else wanting her. Now you’ve interrogated the truth out of her—so you can shove her away again. You don’t want to be with her, and you don’t want the insecurity of trying to find another. If this engagement goes to marriage, one day you will be standing at the altar, while your friends in the pews take bets on how long the marriage will last. Wayne & Tamara

Nature, Nurture, and Neuroplasticity -The Key to Understanding What Influences the Person You Are Today

Nature, Nurture, and Neuroplasticity -The Key to Understanding What Influences the Person You Are Today By Camryn Bland Youth Columnist Every morning, you wake up, brush your teeth, and get ready for the day. Then, you head out the door, and live your daily life as you choose. But the question is, what made you choose that life? Why did students choose the courses they did, and what impacts an adult's career choice? Why did an individual choose to eat that for lunch today, and what inspired their outfit? Every detail of your life is related to the unique per son that you are, but what influenced that personality? Many people frame these philosophical questions as nature versus nurture. The big question has always been, are we born who we are, or do we become ourselves due to the world around us? Science has proved both to influence our identity; genes and physical traits play a large role in human behavior, but so does childhood, education, and socioeconomic status. When it comes to these two components, I have always found myself more interested in nurture, how our everyday choices affect our identities. I believe that although our DNA and inherited traits influence us, our complex nurture ultimately decides who we are and what we do. I am a teenager who loves to write, read, bake, debate, and act. I have strong morals, I spend most of my time studying, and I tend to overthink everything. When I analyze my identity, I realize I may not be the same person I am now if just one small thing about my past was different. If my mom didn’t encourage me to read when I was younger, I may not be the bookworm I am today. If I didn’t transfer schools in the seventh grade, I may not be interested in theatre, as I wouldn’t have known about the arts school I now attend. If I didn’t force myself to attend debate tryouts, I wouldn’t have developed the research and critical thinking skills which I gained from hours of tournament preparation. I am the person I’ve become due to my experiences, and I know my identity will continue to develop as I experience more of what the world has to offer. Our nurture is not just one isolated influence, it is made of many components which each affect us in different ways. These factors include, but are not limited to, our friends, pastimes, socioeconomic status, and cultural expectations. Childhood and early family life both have a large impact on your characteristics and personality. If an individual is exposed to violence as a child, they may develop a tendency to physically lash out at others when angry, they may become passive in an attempt to cover their negative emotions, or they may turn to friends and romantic partners with similar abusive habits. If parents are too controlling of their child, then they may not develop independence, however if they are too permissive, children may not understand boundaries or follow rules. Small, seemingly insignificant details from our childhood or adolescence may seem inconsequential, however, they may influence us for the rest of our life in ways we do not realize. Childhood and adolescence are not the only times when our identities are influenced; our everyday actions have a large impact on our character, regardless of our age. The human brain has neural pathways it is accustomed to using, which are formed by our daily routines. When we begin to practice new routines and habits, the brain creates new pathways. This is known as neuroplasticity, which is formally defined as, “the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience.” Scientists have proven that with time, we are always able to grow, learn, and adapt, regardless of past conventions. Every time we think, feel, or do something, the communication between our nerve cells are stimulated; the more we do that thing, the stronger the nerve connections, and the easier the activity becomes. As individuals, we are always changing, even if we don’t realize it. If we act consciously, we are able to do anything we put our minds to, regardless of how challenging it may seem at first. Neuroplasticity can be seen in our everyday lives, especially in relation to the media. We are constantly consuming information from news companies, social media books, movies, and even musical artists. The average person spends over two hours a day consuming media; therefore, the perspectives of the media we consume are ones we are constantly practicing, which causes the brain to adopt that thinking style. For example, if we are constantly exposed to media discussing the disasters of our society, we are constantly going to feel anxious and upset. However, if we watch media which is uplifting, inspirational, and enjoyable, we will more often feel confident and hopeful. Being mindful of our media consumption is a necessary step in understanding what influences our attitude and behavior, and it may be the solution to changing habits from ineffective to productive. As individuals, our identities are constantly being influenced by many components, such as our daily experiences and the media you consume. Your past and present affect you in ways you may not realize, from intelligence to your favorite color. For hundreds of years, philosophers have been debating whether we are made of our nature or nurture, but they’ve been asking the wrong questions. We now understand we are products of both, but we’ve also realized each component is far more complex than we thought. Nurture isn’t just our early childhood, it’s made of everything in our daily lives, from the moment you are born to the day you die. The key to understanding yourself comes from analyzing every experience, everything you consume, and everything you practice. Only through this reflection can you begin to truly understand what makes you, you.

Employers Are Not Responsible for Your Chosen Lifestyle

Employers Are Not Responsible for Your Chosen Lifestyle By Nick Kossovan Recently, I came across the above picture of a man during the Great Depression wearing a sandwich board advertising that he was looking for work. Aside from the number of people who'll see it, his sandwich board doesn't differ much from the 'I'm now available' posts I see on LinkedIn. The picture made me think, '90 years ago, job seekers made the same mistake as they do today, saying what they want instead of explaining what they can do. Did he expect employers to stop and ask him what the three languages and trades he speaks and knows are? Did he think broadcasting that he'd fought for three years and has three children would motivate employers to hire him? Today, job seekers have the Internet and social media, especially LinkedIn, to broadcast (advertise) that they're looking for work—no need to wear a sandwich board—and are making the same mistake that the man in the picture made. Like me, you probably see the many 'Open to Work' posts on LinkedIn from newly minted job seekers sharing what they want—remote work, a six-figure salary, unlimited PTO, benefits to start immediately—when they should be touting their skills and sharing quantifiable achievements that demonstrate the value they can bring to an employer, such as: · Willing to work on-site. (Don't underestimate how attractive this is to employers.) · Speak English, French, and Spanish fluently. · Certifications (e.g., Project Management Professional (PMP), AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker) · Managed a portfolio of projects valued at $47 million, ensuring a minimum ROI increase of 25%. · PMO head with over 15 years' experience managing portfolios ranging from $50 to $100 million and leading global IT teams of up to 100. · Over the course of 12 years, I sold 513 Corvettes in Las Vegas. (A candidate actually told me this, and I ended up hiring him. Within three months, as part of an inside sales team of 39, he was leading in POS sales.) · In 2018, I secured over $85 million in mortgage loans for clients. · I'm the person behind the EcoBrew "Sip Sustainably" campaign. · Answered between 60 and 80 calls daily. Since 2022, I have consistently maintained a client satisfaction rate of 95% or higher. · Delivered over 30 keynote speeches at national banking conferences and industry events, engaging audiences of up to 1,500 people. I believe most people are willing to help job seekers if they can, which is good news since companies are comprised of people. Therefore, right now, there are job opportunities all around you attached to people (employees), illustrating the importance of networking. The caveat is that you need to make it easy for people to help you, starting by giving them more context than "I'm looking for a job." Do you think someone, especially someone in a position to hire you, takes unsubstantiated opinion statements like "I'm a team player," or "I'm detail-oriented" seriously? Is using statements such as "I have rent and bills to pay" or "I'm running out of savings" an attempt to guilt employers into hiring you? When posting an 'Open to Work' announcement, include the essential information—context, clarity—that hiring managers, recruiters, directors, executives, and an employee needs to evaluate whether you can add value to their company. To further reduce friction and boost your chances of receiving help, follow my one rule—a goal to aim for—for writing bullet points for a resume, LinkedIn profile, or an "Open to Work" announcement: Write each bullet point so that the reader thinks, "I must meet this person!" At the risk of sounding overly blunt, each of us freely created our respective lifestyles or bought into marketing propaganda that influenced us to create it. Employers didn't create your lifestyle, so why would you expect employers to be responsible for it? Your worth to an employer isn't determined by your lifestyle or the cost of living. Your worth, from an employer's perspective, is solely based on the value they believe you can bring to their business. Therefore, the more specific value you can demonstrate—and provide evidence of, such as "Grew TikTok followers from 0 to 10,000 in four months with creative video content," [link to video added]—rather than just saying "Managed social media"—the more likely your 'Open to Work' post will generate engagements that could lead to your next job. An employer-employee relationship, as anyone who has been in the corporate trenches should know, is a business relationship, not a personal one. Thereby, not an employer's concern: · The lifestyle you choose to live. · The cost of living going up. · Your career. If you want your "I'm looking for a job" broadcasting efforts to pay off, then start hyper-focusing on showcasing your value to employers. The more you demonstrate your value add, whether when posting your 'Open to Work,' throughout your resume, LinkedIn profile, while networking and interviewing, the shorter your job search will be. Job searching isn't about making employers guess what you can offer; it's about communicating your value without expecting employers to be responsible for your lifestyle. _____________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

*** A CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT BELL ***

THE THIRD OF MY SUMMER SERIES COLUMNS *** A CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT BELL *** THE HERITAGE OSHAWA COMMITTEE continues to be well served by my friend Robert Bell, a man who truly cares about the history of his community. His photographs on social media number into the tens of thousands, and he has long been regarded as the unofficial photographer of all things Oshawa. This is his story. Born at Oshawa General in 1959, Robert has made it his mission to share all that makes his hometown a great place to live – and for him the reason is simple: “Our collective experiences form the basis of the human condition.” In this regard he has become a sort of pioneer, seeking to put on record all that may represent the best examples of community bridge-building among those he likes to call “connector people”. Robert’s father was a postman, and Robert himself attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1983 with a 4-Year BA Honours in Economics and Political Science. When I asked him as to the key to his success in such a rigorous program, he said with confidence “I was required to read many books, and in every instance I would try to become one with the author, taking on his mindset to the point where I could write my own quotations on his behalf.” The costs of his education were met through creative means, and his summer jobs included a stint at Dupont in Whitby, however the bulk of my friend’s income was derived through furniture refinishing. “In point of fact, most of the raw material came from local landfills.” Robert explained it this way: “I would venture out to the dump each week, and always come back with more than I went out with.” Unlike most, my friend can boast local political ties within his own family, being a descendant of Abel Wilder Ewers, an early Ontario County politician, and a radical of his time. Ewers was a Reach Township man, much given to the ‘cause of the people’. Further such family political ties include a connection to Ruth Bestwick, who served for 14 years on Oshawa Council. As to his possibly running for office, he said his penchant for always reaching a consensus is reason enough for his disqualification. “Elected officials are duty bound to ultimately reach a decision, even when the facts are perhaps less than clear, and I can’t see myself making such a commitment when there exists even an element of doubt on my part.” The two of us then discussed Oshawa’s future, and I asked him to provide a few insights on the subject. He instantly delivered: “One should always start with a historical perspective, and an appreciation of history by linking our future to our past.” he said. “We were a community long before we became a city, and it’s people that make the difference.” In his view, we must always seek to modernize, and he illustrated this point by referencing the renovation of the Genosha Hotel, a historic building that maintains its outward identity, but with a focus on the future and new opportunities. Robert obtained his real estate license in 1986, at the urging of those who knew of his buying and selling antiques. Looking back, he says “My friends thought I was a natural born salesman, and that gave me the necessary encouragement to take the plunge and get into the world of real estate.” Among those who played a major role in the development of his career was Lloyd Corson, a well-known Oshawa realtor who started Guide Realty in 1961, and who passed away at the age of 95 in 2012. Also prominent in his career was Keith Peters, another well-known realtor who passed away in 2018. Fast forward to today, and you’ll see Robert’s name on Coldwell Banker signs, as he enjoys a productive business relationship with his colleagues. When not at work, my friend spends his time collecting books and antiques, chatting on social media, and enjoying his time as a member of the North Shore Amateur Radio Club. His collection of radio equipment is impressive, and the work of a serious enthusiast, however, it is his interest in photography that has gained him a significant presence on social media and throughout the community. At the age of five, he was given his first camera, a Kodak 127 model. After years of taking photos on family outings and during special occasions, it was Robert’s entry into real estate that caused him to purchase a professional camera, eventually upgrading to digital. What he calls “the biggest transformation” occurred in 2012, when he purchased a Cannon 60D. From that day on his interest in photography exploded. To illustrate this, he looks to his Facebook and Twitter accounts, and talks of having uploaded many thousands of photos, with almost two million views. He has attended too many local events and gatherings to count, and the number of people who have been captured by Robert’s lens is staggering. According to my friend, his experiences have shown most people to be naturally drawn towards the camera, wherever he may be, and for him that’s a good thing. At this point in what amounted to a very long and interesting conversation, we decided to venture out to one of Robert’s favourite spots for a fish and chip takeout, and as usual my friend was immediately recognized by one or two regulars, and a hearty conversation began. I moved over to the counter where the owner of the shop was gently wrapping fried fish in newspaper – a tradition I had thought long gone. She told me of the many people who have come to know “the man in the suit” and how customers look forward to chatting with my friend about whatever may be happening around town. As Robert and I made the journey back in a car filled with the aroma of fish and chips, I told him he was certainly liked and respected by the people in the restaurant, and I suspect this is true wherever he may venture throughout the city. He laughed modestly and told me of a book he was reading, a book about the power of families and neighbourhoods. With a grateful tone, he said, “the author writes about communities, and how all of us bear a responsibility for each other, and I think that’s true.”

They’re Turning Pickering Into a Nuclear Dump — And They’re Doing It Quietly

They’re Turning Pickering Into a Nuclear Dump — And They’re Doing It Quietly By Councillor Lisa Robinson Something is happening in Pickering, and most people don’t even know it. The federal government — through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has quietly approved a new nuclear waste storage structure at the Pickering Waste Management Facility (PWMF). You weren’t notified. You weren’t consulted. And unless you’ve been tracking federal regulatory bulletins, you probably didn’t even hear about it. But make no mistake — it’s happening. This facility is located right on the Pickering Nuclear site, just steps from the shoreline of Lake Ontario, and directly adjacent to residential neighbourhoods, schools, and parks. It’s operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and is already used to store low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste — things like contaminated tools, filters, and building materials from inside the reactors. So what’s the big deal? This new structure is being built to handle waste from two sources: The decommissioning of Reactors 1 to 4 — which are already offline or being phased out. And — this is key — the possible future refurbishment of Reactors 5 to 8. Now here’s what they don’t want to say out loud: The refurbishment of Units 5 to 8 has not been approved. The formal application won’t even be heard until 2026. And yet — they’re already building the storage site for the waste it would create. This is what happens when decisions are made before the public has a chance to speak. The hearing is still a year away, but the groundwork is already being poured — physically and politically. Let’s talk numbers: Out of a city of over 100,000 people, just nine members of the public submitted feedback on this waste facility. Nine. There was no mailing. No town hall. No door-knocking. No real attempt to inform or involve the community. That’s not public consultation — that’s engineered silence. And while all of this is happening behind the scenes, look who’s suddenly setting up shop in Pickering: SNC-Lavalin — now rebranded as AtkinsRéalis — the same company tied to one of the biggest political scandals in Canadian history. They now own CANDU Energy, the engineering firm that handles nuclear refurbishments. They’ve worked on reactors at Bruce and Darlington — and now, they’re clearly positioning themselves to take on the refurbishment of Pickering’s Units 5 to 8. So let’s put it all together: A new waste facility has already been approved. A refurbishment that hasn’t been approved is being prepared for. A company with political ties is moving in early. And the people of Pickering have been completely cut out of the process. They’ll tell you this is about energy, progress, and modernization. But when radioactive waste is being stored beside homes — for reactors that haven’t even been given the green light — and residents aren’t even told? That’s not modernization. That’s a betrayal of public trust. Let’s be absolutely clear: This is not a done deal. The future of Units 5 to 8 is still subject to public hearings. But what’s being built — and who’s moving into town — tells you how little they care about what you think. So here’s what I’m asking you to do: Demand a public meeting. Ask OPG and the City why you weren’t consulted. File a Freedom of Information request. The paper trail matters. Talk to your neighbours. Most people still don’t know this is happening. Share this op-ed. Get the truth out before it’s too late. Make it clear: Pickering is not Canada’s nuclear dumping ground Email me your thoughts at lrobinson@pickering.ca “Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” - Lisa Robinson 2023On And Rise Above It: Lisa Robinson 2023

DID I GET IT WRONG? MUST I BE 17!!!

DID I GET IT WRONG? MUST I BE 17!!! B.A. Psychology Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States Excuse me... Has my mind gone south so badly that I am getting it wrong. You work hard all your life to feed your family. You sacrifice day in and day out all while keeping a smile on your face. You teach your children to be good people.... only to pick up local newspaper and read how 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 year olds are getting busted for drugs and weapons possession. 1st question. Do I really want these types of youth next to mine? Do, I want them in my tax paid school system? 2nd. I am driving home in my paid for car on my paid for road. Having had to pay for insurance, gas and repairs only to be pulled off the road by a police office checking if I am wearing my seat belts. Now don’t get me wrong.  I have nothing against police officers doing their jobs. But when teens are running around our streets with guns dealing drugs. I have a problem with the way justice is being dispensed. Not only that. If I want to buy a gun to protect my property and family. I must spend thousands of dollars. Go to courses, get licenses and the God’s know what other obstacles I will be made to jump. How did these individual, these kids get guns? I know the old cry.... Oh they come from broken homes. They are lost souls in a society that pushes them to crime. I say bull. Children are children. Crime is crime. Let’s not cross the line and then blame it on the child’s upbringing. I think police services should hold parent or guardians responsible for their kids actions. No soft love. Bring discipline to the family. Now I do not mean abuse. I mean structure, where everyone has a responsibility and a role. A family institution that has worked. In past generations there have been many that come from broken homes. From homes with abuse, substance issues and yes drug use. Many of those victims managed to have the enough sense to get out and make a life for themselves. What has gone wrong from then to today? The answer is simple. Event though homes may have been broken. The family structure was still the root of social development. Today, with all kind of violence found in games, television. Children are brought up without discipline and the believe that they have special rights to do as they please. This compounded with crime. We have what we have today. Let’s take charge of our families and work on improving our future generations.

A Short History of the Canada US Tariffs War

A Short History of the Canada US Tariffs War by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC FEC, CET, P.Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East We are fast approaching a difficult deadline in negotiations in the tariff war between Canada and United States. In a couple of days we may be in for a shattering awakening. The United States has recently made preliminary agreements with Japan and the European Union for a tariff of 15%. However, for the moment, Canada is still being threatened with a 35% tariff and no signs from President Trump that he may eventually lighten the load. Was he deliberately mocking us when he stated a few days ago that Canada is not a priority for him? Surely, he jests. The 2025 Canada–United States tariff war marks one of the most serious trade disputes in the modern history of the two countries. As two of the world’s closest trading partners, Canada and the United States have long benefited from free trade agreements such as NAFTA and its successor, the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency in January 2025 set the stage for a dramatic shift in American trade policy. President Trump campaigned on a strong protectionist platform, promising to revive American manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports. On February 1, 2025, he signed executive orders imposing sweeping tariffs: 25% on most Canadian imports and 10% on Canadian oil, gas, and potash. He justified these measures on the grounds of national security and unfair trade practices, invoking sections 232 and 301 of U.S. trade law. The tariffs officially took effect on March 4, 2025. Canada responded immediately by imposing 25% tariffs on approximately CA$30 billion worth of U.S. products, targeting politically sensitive sectors such as steel, aluminum, household appliances, and certain agricultural goods. Both governments adopted an increasingly confrontational tone, with President Trump threatening even higher tariffs if Canada did not agree to new trade terms. In the following months, the U.S. introduced increasingly stringent measures. Tariffs on steel rose to 50%, and auto parts not fully produced in North America faced 25% duties. Canada expanded its retaliation, increasing tariffs on additional U.S. goods and filing challenges at the World Trade Organization. By mid-spring, the trade dispute had disrupted key industries, particularly in the automotive, steel, aluminum, and forestry sectors. On May 28, 2025, a U.S. trade court ruled that some of the new tariffs exceeded the president’s authority under emergency powers. However, tariffs imposed under national security (Section 232) and unfair trade (Section 301) provisions were deemed fair, and were therefore upheld. That left most of the measures in place. The tariff war caused immediate economic disruption. The automotive industry, deeply integrated across the United States–Canada border, reported billions of dollars in losses. Stellantis, a major automaker, alone projected a US$1.7 billion hit in 2025 as shipments fell by about 25%. United States tariffs on Canadian lumber were increased to an effective rate of around 35%, pushing up housing and construction costs in the United States. Canadian aluminum producers began diverting exports to Europe and other markets to reduce reliance on the U.S. For consumers, prices of imported goods rose on both sides of the border. Small and medium-sized businesses reported difficulties claiming USMCA exemptions, meaning that they were paying full tariffs even on qualifying goods. The Canadian public reacted strongly to what many people perceived as United States economic bullying. Consumer boycotts of American goods and travel to the United States gained widespread support. Politicians from across the spectrum called for Canada to diversify trade relationships, deepen ties with Europe and Asia, and reduce its economic dependence on the United States. Through mid-2025, trade talks between the two countries remained deadlocked. Trump set an August 1, 2025 deadline for a new bilateral trade deal, threatening to impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports if no agreement was reached. At the same time, he floated the idea of a universal “world tariff” of 15–20% on imports from all countries, which could further harm Canadian exporters. Canadian officials, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, describe the current talks as being in an “intense phase,” but they acknowledge that a comprehensive deal before the deadline is unlikely. Canada has continued to prepare new retaliatory measures and pursued formal disputes through the World Trade Organization. The 2025 Canada–U.S. tariff war has underscored the fragility of even the closest trade relationships when political priorities shift. While the two countries remain bound by the USMCA, the conflict highlights the limits of trade agreements in constraining unilateral tariff actions. As of late July 2025, the outcome of the negotiations—and the future of North American trade integration—remains uncertain, with significant economic and political consequences looming for both nations. Let us hope for the best, and good luck to Canada in making the best possible deal for its people!

Terminations by Employers for Off Duty Conduct

Terminations by Employers for Off Duty Conduct By Tahir Khorasanee, LL.M. Senior Associate, Steinbergs LLP When an employee’s misconduct occurs outside of office hours, employers must tread carefully between protecting their reputation and respecting individual privacy. Striking that balance has become a pressing challenge as social media and public visibility blur the line between personal life and professional role. Legal experts agree that discipline for off‑duty behaviour is only justified when there is a clear connection to the employment relationship. An employer needs to show that the conduct undermines its business interests, damages its reputation, or directly impacts workplace harmony. Without that link, disciplinary action risks violating privacy laws and human rights protections. Certain positions carry an elevated duty of public trust, making off‑duty discipline more readily defensible. Police officers, teachers, health‑care professionals and high‑level executives are held to a higher standard because misconduct outside work can erode public confidence and impede effective job performance. In one recent British Columbia case, a special provincial constable was terminated after an off‑duty altercation that received local media coverage. The court upheld the dismissal, noting the incident’s serious damage to the constable’s credibility and the force’s integrity. By contrast, employers should think twice before disciplining rank‑and‑file employees for private‑life choices. Courts have ruled that social media posts or lifestyle decisions, however distasteful, warrant discipline only if they are illegal or if they create a foreseeable risk in the workplace—such as disclosing confidential information or harassing co‑workers online. Employers need very strong, narrowly tailored policies to intervene in off‑duty conduct. To reduce legal exposure, organizations are advised to adopt clear, accessible off‑duty conduct policies that define the scope of prohibited behaviour, outline potential disciplinary measures, and provide examples of real‑world scenarios. Regular training for managers ensures consistent application and guards against unconscious bias. “A well‑drafted policy is your best defense,” says HR consultant Laura Patel. “Ambiguity invites disputes.” When an incident arises, fair process is essential. Employers should investigate thoroughly, afford the employee an opportunity to respond, and apply progressive discipline where appropriate. Immediate termination without warning may be defensible in extreme cases—such as violent or criminal acts—but risks being overturned if the employer cannot show prior guidance or if the conduct bears no direct link to the workplace. Beyond legal risk, off‑duty discipline carries reputational stakes. Public perception of an employer punishing someone for harmless personal conduct can prompt social‑media backlash, harming morale and consumer goodwill. A well‑known retailer learned this lesson after briefly suspending an employee over controversial political views expressed on social media. Public outcry prompted a swift reversal and a costly public apology. Experts also note the importance of proportionality. If an employee’s off‑duty conduct has no tangible effect on job performance, a verbal reminder may suffice; more serious infractions might call for written warnings or temporary suspension. In determining an appropriate response, employers should weigh factors such as the nature of the misconduct, its frequency, the employee’s disciplinary history, and the potential impact on co‑workers and clients. For companies operating across multiple jurisdictions, local legislation adds another layer of complexity. Privacy statutes in Canada, for example, protect employees from overly intrusive inquiries into personal social‑media activity. Employers must ensure that any monitoring or investigation of off‑duty conduct complies with provincial privacy laws and applicable human rights codes. As the boundary between personal and professional lives continues to blur, balancing organizational interests with respect for individual rights grows ever more complex. Employers that invest in clear policies, manager training, and fair investigative processes position themselves to respond effectively when off‑duty issues arise—protecting both their brand and their employees’ fundamental rights. In an era where a single social‑media post can reach thousands within minutes, the question is not whether off‑duty conduct will come to light, but how employers will respond. The answers lie in thoughtful policy design, consistent enforcement, and a measured approach to discipline that respects both the workplace and the private sphere.

Are Regular Canadians Racist or Just Tired of Being Ignored?

Are Regular Canadians Racist or Just Tired of Being Ignored? By Dale Jodoin Are you a racist if you say the word “deport”? What if you say “illegal immigrant”? What if you simply want your family to get help before newcomers do? Lately, it feels like regular Canadians, especially working-class ones can’t say anything without being called a racist. But is it really racism? Or is it just plain frustration? Let’s get something straight. The average Canadian is tired. Tired of paying high taxes. Tired of watching their grandparents struggle on fixed incomes. Tired of single moms working two jobs just to afford groceries. And while all that is happening, we see newcomers getting free housing in hotels, bonus cheques, legal support, and fast-track programs. If you question that, you're racist. If you ask why a hotel was turned into a shelter for people who just arrived, you're far-right. If you say “my kid deserves a fair shot,” you're hateful. It’s gotten so backwards, it’s laughable. And it’s not just here. This same pattern is happening across Europe. In France, Germany, the Netherlands, the U.K. regular people are being silenced, shamed, or even punished for raising concerns. Say the wrong word, and you're branded dangerous. We’re not talking about bigots waving signs. We’re talking about quiet Canadians truck drivers, janitors, grandmothers, hockey moms who’ve stayed silent for too long. Now they’re speaking up. And instead of being heard, they’re being labeled. We were told diversity was our strength. Fair enough. But now it feels like we're being told to shut up and move over in our own home. You can’t call that “inclusion” if it means exclusion for the people who built the house. People are watching their daughters lose spots on sports teams to biological males and get told it’s progress. When they speak up, they’re shouted down. Racist. Bigot. Transphobe. But most of them aren’t any of those things. They’re just parents. They’re just trying to protect their kids in a world that keeps changing the rules. And it’s not just Canadian parents British families, German parents, French citizens who are dealing with the same fights. Speak up and you’re silenced. Not because what you said was wrong, but because it didn’t match the official narrative. Here’s the new rule: If you’re most regular Canadians or anyone in the West with traditional values everything you say is taken the wrong way. You say you care about border security? Racist. Do you want immigrants to follow the law? Racist. You think your daughter shouldn’t have to compete against a 6'2” man in a dress for a volleyball scholarship? Bigot. But who’s really dividing the country? Is it the people trying to protect their culture, language, and values? Or is it the politicians, the activists, the university mobs who say nothing is sacred anymore? When you see people attacking Jewish Canadians in the streets and nobody stops them because the attackers are “international students,” something is broken. When you say “they should be deported,” and they call you racist for wanting to uphold the law something is very wrong. You don’t get to punch someone in the face, then hide behind your student visa. And Europe is seeing the same thing: students calling for the destruction of Israel while attacking Jews in broad daylight, with governments too scared to step in. Try calling that out in London, and you’ll get police at your door for a hate crime complaint. Let’s say this out loud. Regular Canadians are not racist. They’re exhausted. They’ve watched their wages get eaten by inflation. They’ve seen their tax dollars fly overseas while the food bank down the street runs out of peanut butter. They’ve seen their local emergency room shut down while the government cuts a check to help another crisis somewhere else. They’ve been told their history is shameful. Their traditions are offensive. Their faith is outdated. Their accent is wrong. Their skin colour is a problem. And still, they work. Still, they give. Still, they hang on. But now they’re angry. Not because of someone’s race or religion but because the system they paid into is failing them. And when they ask questions, they’re told to shut up. That’s not democracy. That’s bullying. And it’s spreading across Europe, across the West regular people are being scolded for wanting the country they were raised in to still feel like home. And now, globally, there’s another group pushing regular folks out of their lives the rich. Wealthy elites from Canada, the U.S., and Europe are buying up property in poor countries Mexico, Portugal, Thailand and driving the prices sky high. Locals can't even afford to live in their own neighbourhoods anymore. Gentrification has gone global. The people with money bounce from country to country, driving up the cost of housing, food, and land while calling it “investment.” What used to be affordable homes are now overpriced Airbnbs. What used to be communities are now playgrounds for expats. This isn’t just about immigration anymore. It’s about class, control, and a growing gap between those who make the rules and those forced to live under them. Let’s take a real look at what’s going on. People are flooding into Canada, some legally, some not. Some want to be part of the country. Others want to change it into the one they left behind. When a Canadian questions that, suddenly they're worse than Hitler. But when a group of international students chants slogans calling for violence and attacks people on the street, that’s just “free speech”? No. That’s hypocrisy. And here’s the worst part: the media plays along. The government funds the same outlets that shame the people footing the bill. The same news anchors who sip coffee in downtown Toronto call farmers in Saskatchewan “dangerous extremists.” They call tired dads "alt-right" because they post a meme. They call moms "bigots" for standing up at school board meetings. All for saying what any parent would: “Leave my kid alone.” And in Europe, it's the same: regular people are the new villains if they ask where their taxes are going or why their neighbourhood has changed overnight. When your heating bill is $800, and you see money going to luxury housing for newcomers, you get angry. When your son can’t get a job but your city is handing out welcome bonuses to people who just arrived, you ask why. When you say you want Canadian values protected, and you get told you’re a threat, you start to wonder: who really owns this country anymore? These aren’t racist thoughts. These are survival instincts. It’s the voice of someone trying to feed a family while the people in charge are throwing your money out the window and calling it charity. The same voice is rising across Europe: regular people who’ve had enough, who feel forgotten, who’ve watched their communities change without their say. And now it’s rising from towns in Mexico to cities in Portugal where locals watch their homes turn into resorts for digital nomads who fly in with cash and leave everyone else behind. Let’s stop pretending it’s racist to care about your country, your family, your future. You can love your neighbour without letting them walk all over you. You can support fair immigration without wanting your kids pushed aside. You can be proud of being Canadian or British, or French without being ashamed of your values, your roots, or your voice. The real racists? They’re the ones who believe only certain groups have the right to speak. The real danger? A society that silences its own citizens and praises outsiders for breaking the rules. We’re not going to let that happen. This isn’t hate. This is heartbreak. This is frustration. This is the voice of someone who’s had enough. Canadians and millions of others across Europe and beyond are done being quiet. We’re not racists. We’re realists. We pay the bills. We work the jobs. We keep these countries running. And we’re tired of being told we’re the problem.