Social Media Wants Your Money

By Nick Kossovan The American way (read: capitalism's primary goal), which greatly influences the Canadian way, has always been about separating you from your money. I'd wager that within moments of the Internet becoming available to the public on April 30, 1993, many asked themselves, "How can I use this new medium to hawk stuff?" In 1997, SixDegrees launched the first online social networking site, marking the birth of social media. Almost immediately, Hucksters, charlatans, snake oil merchants, and outright fraudsters tumbled out of the woodwork alongside corporate advertisers. Have you seen the online ad for the Bluetooth-enabled Shiatsu foot massager? How about the one for the organic mushroom supplement powder? How about the micro-magnetic slimming earrings? Initially, social media thrived on feel-good content. However, social media companies have bills to pay and profits to make; thus, understandably, monetization became their focus, resulting in social media being flooded with ads for cheap, bright, and shiny items. Today, you can't scroll through your feed without being inundated with ads promoting supplements, subscription services, or self-proclaimed "experts" teaching a craft they've never mastered. Remember the days of browsing the Internet and having to venture off to visit the seller's website? The creation of social commerce—the marriage of e-commerce with social media—eliminated the need to venture off. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok now have native social commerce features baked into their respective platform. This feature, when leveraged by Svengali-like marketing strategies introducing you to products you didn't know existed, not surprisingly, leads to impulse purchases. Who knew there was an avocado slicer 3-in-1 tool for hassle-free avocado preparation for only $3.47? According to the ad, there are less than 400 left. At that price, it's a must-have. Never mind that I can't recall the last time I ate an avocado. As kitchen junk drawers, closets, garages, basements, and storage lockers will testify, creating fear of missing out (FOMO) by offering a cheap product and claiming inventory is dwindling is a proven marketing strategy. It's anyone's guess what percentage of our online and offline consumerism are impulse buys. Thanks to social commerce, a "marketer" can present you with a well-priced hoodie as you scroll through TikTok. To take advantage of this deal without overly interrupting your viewing of shuffle dance videos, simply click "Buy." I find it exhausting to scroll through my social media feeds, feeling that everyone is trying to sell me something. Social media has become cluttered with "Buy me!" and become an algorithmic traffic driver for targeted advertising. Then there's the fakery factor. · Despite all the claims, there's no "free." Everything has a price: time (attention) and/or money. · There's no genuine "I want to help you" advice, only pitches and sales funnels. · The freebies are shallow. A life improvement e-book offered for "free," in exchange for your email address, is just recycled advice you've already heard or read. There's nothing revolutionary or exclusive about the advice, as was promised. How many businesses behave on social media irritates me. Naively, I assumed social media would evolve into a people-to-people medium, like the whole world sharing one big kiss, as opposed to the business-to-consumer digital marketplace it has become. Weight loss programs, get-rich-quick schemes, influencers shilling products that don't produce results, Facebook friends selling beauty products, salons pushing Botox and fillers and ads that intentionally make asterisk text impossible to read. Companies that stretch the definition of "free," "guarantee," and "unlimited." Products designed to wear out quickly. Subscription-based models for everything. At some level, social media and the Internet thrive on veiled scams. My angelic side believes that those behind the transformation of social media into a Turkish bazaar simply want what we all want: money to buy time and freedom. Because our economic system works like a Ponzi scheme, everyone, to some degree, tries to make money, to move around with their consumerism, by taking advantage of others. In other words, who am I to judge those who sin differently than I do? When you consider how social media companies generate their revenue, it's hard to condemn their monetization efforts. Your role in social media isn't that of user. You're the product offered to advertisers and those who are dreaming of making money on social media. Platforms aggregate your attention (aka views), which they then sell to advertisers. It shouldn't come as a surprise that your attention span and actions are being commodified when you're on social media. In economics and finance, there's an adage that's especially relevant here: "There's no such thing as a free lunch." From an economic perspective, nothing is ever free. In general, if something appears to be free, like a social media account, you're paying for it in some tricky way. Always consider where your money is going. Consider your life goals more carefully. Don't let social media dictate your dreams. Sadly, social media has replaced the American dream of working hard and making money with the dream of not working hard and making money, resulting in our social media feeds being inundated with shameless attempts to separate us from our money. _____________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

Large Bowel Cancer in Younger People on the Rise

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford New statistics published by the American Cancer Society should be alarming. The numbers point to an increase in colon malignancy in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Yet, there’s been a decrease in large bowel cancer among those over the age of 65. In people under 50, the rate has been increasing by about two percent a year since the 1990s. This data goes against a basic law. Most malignancies occur in older people, and this has been true of colon cancer. This new data sends up a red flag that should not go unnoticed. Moreover, this is not just a North American trend. Large bowel cancer is on the also rise around the world. The question is, why has this occurred. Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men under the age of 50. And it’s the second leading cause for women under 50 years of age. Large bowel cancer and rectal cancer are often linked together. And there is evidence that this increase may be related to an increase in rectal cancer. But it does not totally explain the increase. Do genes play a role in the earlier onset of malignancy? A family history of the problem is a factor for some people. For others, doctors have suspected that cell mutations may be the driving force. The presence of large precancerous polyps in the colon means a greater risk. But questions remain about why there is a rise in large bowel cancer among younger people. Could it be that changing lifestyles all over the world play a role? Despite talk of healthier diets, people are eating more red meat than ever – up over 10% in the last decade and more of it consumed after processing into convenient foods. People are eating other highly processed foods, downing too much sugar, and binge drinking alcohol. Researchers have shown that some individuals have good bacteria in their intestines, others bad bacteria. There are also questions about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These pain killers may have an adverse effect on the gut. Clusters of malignancies are seen in some areas. In southern Mississippi, people living near chemical plants are exposed to trace elements such as nickel, arsenic, and chromium. Could these potentially toxic materials be associated with the increase in cancer? Researchers are also aware of another pandemic, and not a viral disease lasting just three years. It’s the much worse global crisis of obesity, a long-enduring pandemic. The increase in obesity mirrors the increase in malignancies. But not all patients with colon cancer are overweight. Experts contend there is no single smoking gun responsible for cancer. Multiple risk factors need to be addressed. What can people do to decrease the risk of dying from colon cancer? People need to assist their doctors with early diagnosis. First, never assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Second, colonoscopy is the only way to rule out malignancy. This requires laxatives that clean the bowel of fecal material. Then doctors insert a lighted instrument to examine the large bowel. This can be done under full anesthesia or with medication to relieve the minimal discomfort. Please, do not listen to scaremongers saying colonoscopy is a painful procedure. It’s better labelled a discomfort. Sedation-free procedures are safe, and people can return to normal activities right away. How many people with rectal bleeding have said, “No one is going to a colonoscopy on me,” and now are dead? Dying from a metastatic colon malignancy is many times more painful than the temporary discomfort of a colonoscopy. Don’t make this terrible mistake. 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_jonesBy W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford New statistics published by the American Cancer Society should be alarming. The numbers point to an increase in colon malignancy in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Yet, there’s been a decrease in large bowel cancer among those over the age of 65. In people under 50, the rate has been increasing by about two percent a year since the 1990s. This data goes against a basic law. Most malignancies occur in older people, and this has been true of colon cancer. This new data sends up a red flag that should not go unnoticed. Moreover, this is not just a North American trend. Large bowel cancer is on the also rise around the world. The question is, why has this occurred. Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men under the age of 50. And it’s the second leading cause for women under 50 years of age. Large bowel cancer and rectal cancer are often linked together. And there is evidence that this increase may be related to an increase in rectal cancer. But it does not totally explain the increase. Do genes play a role in the earlier onset of malignancy? A family history of the problem is a factor for some people. For others, doctors have suspected that cell mutations may be the driving force. The presence of large precancerous polyps in the colon means a greater risk. But questions remain about why there is a rise in large bowel cancer among younger people. Could it be that changing lifestyles all over the world play a role? Despite talk of healthier diets, people are eating more red meat than ever – up over 10% in the last decade and more of it consumed after processing into convenient foods. People are eating other highly processed foods, downing too much sugar, and binge drinking alcohol. Researchers have shown that some individuals have good bacteria in their intestines, others bad bacteria. There are also questions about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These pain killers may have an adverse effect on the gut. Clusters of malignancies are seen in some areas. In southern Mississippi, people living near chemical plants are exposed to trace elements such as nickel, arsenic, and chromium. Could these potentially toxic materials be associated with the increase in cancer? Researchers are also aware of another pandemic, and not a viral disease lasting just three years. It’s the much worse global crisis of obesity, a long-enduring pandemic. The increase in obesity mirrors the increase in malignancies. But not all patients with colon cancer are overweight. Experts contend there is no single smoking gun responsible for cancer. Multiple risk factors need to be addressed. What can people do to decrease the risk of dying from colon cancer? People need to assist their doctors with early diagnosis. First, never assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. Second, colonoscopy is the only way to rule out malignancy. This requires laxatives that clean the bowel of fecal material. Then doctors insert a lighted instrument to examine the large bowel. This can be done under full anesthesia or with medication to relieve the minimal discomfort. Please, do not listen to scaremongers saying colonoscopy is a painful procedure. It’s better labelled a discomfort. Sedation-free procedures are safe, and people can return to normal activities right away. How many people with rectal bleeding have said, “No one is going to a colonoscopy on me,” and now are dead? Dying from a metastatic colon malignancy is many times more painful than the temporary discomfort of a colonoscopy. Don’t make this terrible mistake. 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

An Honest Appraisa

l from Wayne & Tamara When Jeff and I met 15 years ago, we truly believed we were soul mates. Till this day we’ve never been bored with each other. We spend hours together talking, playing, laughing, scheming. People say he worships the ground I walk on. He’s always been sexual in a boyish way, and when we first met, he said he no longer lusted after women. He was married to his first wife then, and she later informed me he would always cheat, even on me. Three years into the marriage my 18-year-old son saw Jeff and a woman outside his apartment. Jeff asked my son if he could use his place for a while. Confused, my son agreed and left. I found out about this five years later when my son felt he had to tell me. When confronted Jeff denied it. There was always something suspicious about Jeff. There were cards, letters, and pictures that suggested he was cheating all through the marriage. All of the women seemed to be of the same makeup: weak, uneducated, and single. Jeff denied everything, tearing up the evidence before my eyes. Two years ago a woman called me to say she had been having an affair with Jeff. In fact, on our anniversary, he bought her flowers. We had a knock-down, drag-out fight and he was arrested. Like most wives I dropped all charges. After each episode, Jeff acts his usual cheerful self as if nothing happened. It makes me want to go out and do the same to him, but I just can’t. Mind you, I’m a good-looking woman with style. Men are attracted to me. Maybe it sounds crazy, but when Jeff and I are together, I feel loved. But I also feel betrayed. There was no more evidence of cheating until a few days ago during our wonderful vacation in Belize. I traced a hang up call back to a woman who Jeff was seeing. She said she wouldn’t have been involved unless he was getting a divorce, which he said he was. I’m numb. I haven’t slept in days, I can’t eat, I haven’t spoken 20 words to Jeff. I can’t even imagine a future anymore. Yet I know Jeff will never leave on his own. Everything is in my name and my accounts. I feel sorry for him because I’ve always been the breadwinner. I offered to pay him $10,000 to leave. He refused. He doesn’t want money. If I leave or put him out, what excuse can I give the family? They believe we are just like honeymooners. Telling the truth would destroy him, their relationship with him, everything. Why can’t he be faithful? Hillary Hillary, asking why he can’t be faithful is almost like asking why he can’t be taller. He just isn’t. You feel loved by him. So do all the other women. Making a woman feel loved, overcoming her scruples with lies, is what he is good at. After each episode he acts like nothing happened. That is because nothing has happened to him. He is doing what he has always done. He is like the boss who tells prospective employees they will have to work overtime and on Sundays. Once hired, their complaints fall on deaf ears, and rightfully so. Why? The boss forewarned them and they accepted the terms. Being the breadwinner is your plus. That is why he is with you instead of another woman. He turned down your cash offer because you are worth more to him than $10,000. You are his base of operations. Unwittingly you provide him with the means and leisure to court other women. Your family, like your son, may well know the truth of your relationship. You offered them the image of honeymooners. If you stick with this lie, you will be stuck with it the rest of your life. Wayne & Tamara SEND LETTERS TO: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell and The Young Woman’s Guide to Older Men—available from Amazon, Apple, and booksellers everywhere.

Are the U.S. Presidential Candidates Too Old?

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford It’s a question on the minds of most Americans, and others too. Biden is 81 and Trump 77. Are they sufficiently health of body and mind to be President? Neither candidate has agreed to a comprehensive and transparent assessment of their mental health. But their state of mind is important, particularly now, when Putin is threatening the use of nuclear weapons. Are they both afraid of getting a D result? And what about being honest with the American public, knowing they face an exhausting campaign? At their ages, with a ton of luck, both have a life expectancy of around eight years. As for the chances of remaining healthy during that time, we would not bet on it. Biden walks with a stiffness now and it will increase with time. Trump faces a greater problem due to obesity. He is a walking model for cardiovascular disease, the big killer. How well do they sleep? We have little doubt that Biden sleeps better. He also appears to be happily married, and that’s a huge plus. If better rested, he will have more energy to deploy his political skills to the campaign. But does Trump ever sleep soundly? How can anyone believe he is happily married? He also must keep one eye on his many legal problems and other eye on his financial debts. Our bet is he tosses around in bed, a big negative for his overall health. What about the inner character and soul of these two candidates? We are grateful to have spent many years of study and work in the US and we have lifelong friends there. But we wonder why half the population adores (or puts up with) Trump who lies through his teeth, demeans women, tried to buy votes, and could not accept a fair defeat. We would suggest that Trump desperately needs a psychiatrist, and we have questions about half the population of this great democracy too. Could not another candidate be found? Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a professor of neurology at the Harvard Medical School, says we need a neuropsychological examination of both Biden and Trump. This involves a series of 31 tests that can detect dementia and other brain dysfunction. It’s frightening what the figures show. Between the ages of 65 and 69, three percent of people have dementia. By age 90, it increases to a whopping 35 percent! The critical fact that we all, including presidents, have to accept is that getting older is very hazardous for the brain and all other parts of the body. But why do Biden and Trump want this top job at their advanced ages, a job that is so demanding day after day in light of domestic challenges and the Russo-Ukrainian and Israel-Hamas wars? Of course, being President of the greatest country is the obvious answer. Moreover, a ton of privileges go with the task. What will voters and the press have to accept? They must realize that Biden and Trump will continue to make elderly gaffes during interviews and speeches. Other age-related problems need to be anticipated. Trumps family history must also cause some concern. His father suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in his mid 80s. According to the experts, Trumps chances of this disease increase by about 39 per cent. And both candidates must be extremely wary of falling. From 65 to 84, it’s the second leading cause of injury-related deaths. How will this end? We believe there will be a medical tragedy due to their ages. We hope both of them choose healthy and extremely wise vice-presidents. 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

Excuse me I am Canadian

By Dale Jodoin As Canadians, we pride ourselves on being fair, polite, and reasonable. But there comes a point where even the most patient among us can't stay silent anymore. We're beyond fed up with the mess our Prime Minister has made, and the so-called "unbiased" news that keeps covering for him is just adding fuel to the fire. Let's talk about the trucker protest, for starters. Regular Canadians from all walks of life—different races, religions, and backgrounds—came together to stand up against government policies they didn't agree with. What was their reward? Our Prime Minister immediately branded them as racists and extremists. He even went as far as to claim they were getting money from some of the worst hate groups out there. And like clockwork, the news media lapped it up and spit it back out, painting these hardworking Canadians as villains on national TV. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. When people started to question where all the taxpayer money that's been sent overseas was going, the government's response was to shout "racism" from the rooftops. They say we're against freedom because we want accountability for billions of dollars? That’s not just misleading; it’s downright insulting. We have every right to demand transparency about where our money is going, especially when it's going abroad with no clear plan or payback. And when the news finally started reporting on foreign interference in our elections—something incredibly serious—the Prime Minister dismissed those concerns by attacking the character of anyone who dared bring it up. First, he labeled them as racists or homophobic, and then tried to bury the whole thing under a mountain of secrecy. But when documents surfaced proving he knew about the interference all along, he simply shrugged and denied everything. We've had enough of the lies and the sneaky tactics. The Prime Minister is supposed to unite the country, not divide it with false accusations and political games. He's supposed to lead by example, not by manipulation. Our schools aren't immune to this mess either. Public education is pushing political ideologies, teaching kids that communism is something to aspire to. They’re not learning to think critically; they're being taught to conform. Parents are right to be worried. Our children should be getting a balanced education, not being indoctrinated with radical ideas under the guise of progressivism. And let's not forget how all this political drama is hitting us where it hurts the most: our wallets. Housing prices are through the roof, gas prices are a nightmare, and despite our country's efforts to be carbon neutral, we're still getting hammered with carbon taxes. These taxes are supposed to help the environment, but all they're doing is draining our bank accounts and hurting businesses. The young people of this country, the ones who are supposed to be the future, are turning their backs on this Prime Minister. They're tired of empty promises and high costs of living. They want change, and they want it now. When the next election rolls around, don’t be surprised if the Prime Minister tries to play the same old cards, calling anyone who opposes him a racist or extremist. But we know the truth. We’re not extremists. We’re average Canadians, stuck in the middle of a political mess, just looking for fair treatment and a government that actually listens. It's time for a new government. One that will go after the real problems, like the indoctrination in our schools and the unchecked spending. We need a leader who will sit down with provincial heads and tackle our issues head-on, not one who spends his time defending his poor decisions and dividing the nation. We want a country where everyone, young and old, can afford a home and live without financial fear. A country where immigration is managed fairly and education is unbiased. Most importantly, we want a country where no group is set above another, where all Canadians can enjoy a peaceful life. Our patience has run out. It’s time to stop the name-calling, stop the lies, and start fixing what’s been broken. It’s time to kick the real troublemakers out of office and bring in leaders who will restore the fairness and respect Canada is known for. We deserve better, and we’re going to fight for it at the voting booth. Call us what you want, but we believe in a fair Canada, a peaceful Canada, for all.

Guide Your Job Search With These Two Universal Truths

By Nick Kossovan There's no shortage of job search advice floating around that contradicts. · Resumes (formatting, length, how to beat the employer's ATS, as if that's possible) · Cover letters (Include or don't include?) · Whether using LinkedIn's #OpenToWork green banner feature makes you appear desperate. · Interview advice All job search advice, including mine, is subject to bias. My first The Art of Finding Work column was titled There Is No Universal Hiring Methodology. In this column, I explained that hiring is more emotional than logical and, therefore, a highly subjective process. Protest all you want; the fact remains that hiring is heavily influenced by biases and gut feelings, resulting in no two recruiters or hiring managers assessing candidates the same way. One interviewer's deal breaker may not be another's. Self-proclaiming career coaches like to claim that the formula for successful job hunting is A + B + C = "You're hired!" Predictably, they also claim they have the formula for you to purchase (book, webinar, becoming a client of their coaching service). My question: How can a formula exist with gut instinct being the driving force behind hiring decisions? I've hired: · a candidate was more than 20 minutes late for their interview. · candidates who asked, within five minutes of starting the interview, "How many vacation days will I get?" · candidates who've been unemployed for more than nine months. · candidates (lost count of) who were over the age of 50. · a candidate who brought her cat, Duchess, who'd undergone surgery that morning, to the interview. (This hire was a stretch even for me, but I couldn't ignore her career story, set of skills, and strong personality.) Another hiring manager would have likely rejected these candidates. Vice versa, candidates I've rejected inevitably went on to be hired by hiring managers who didn't consider why I rejected them relevant. Rather than trying to juggle all the conflicting job search advice you're receiving—attempting to please all employers—focus on, better yet embrace, these two universal truisms. 1. Your success depends on what others think of you. Nowadays, the standard "life advice" is to not care what other people think about you. This advice, which I strongly disagree with, has led to the prevalence of self-centred behaviour. Being successful is highly dependent on your image and what others think of you. Searching for a job involves actively seeking approval. First you need the employer to approve—like what they see—your resume and LinkedIn profile. Then, to be approved for an in-person interview, you must pass a phone screening. Then, your interviewer must approve you for a second interview or to be hired. All these approvals required someone to think you deserve a "yes." If everyone actually didn't care what others thought of them, social media wouldn't be filled with approval-seeking posts, and rejection wouldn't hurt. Yet, job seekers constantly complain about being rejected (read: not approved) without receiving feedback, suggesting they care what their interviewer thought of them. As you realize how others perceive you is the key determining factor to your success, you'll ask yourself: How do people experience me? Be honest. How do people experience you? How do people feel in your presence? A challenge: 1. Solicit the opinion(s) of family members and friends regarding how they perceive you. 2. Based on the feedback, adjust your behaviour and shift your thinking. 3. Make it your mission to give those in your presence a memorable interpersonal experience. 2. Image is everything. People watch in a mall, restaurant, or on a busy street. You'll notice that most people don't take their image seriously or subscribe to the "don't care what other people think of you" advice. Whether you like it or not, humans are wired to judge a book by its cover. Therefore, how someone experiences you begins with your appearance. When it comes to interviewing, having an off-putting appearance will overshadow—not in a good way—your answers. When interviewing, you must be the best version of yourself. Consider this uncomfortable question: Those times when you aced, at least thought you did, the interview but didn't get the job, could it have been because of your appearance? According to research, a person's opinion of you is formed in just three seconds. Psychologists call it "thin slicing." Your interviewer will make four snap judgments when meeting you for the first time: 1. Are you trustworthy? 2. Intelligence level 3. Your professionalism 4. Whether they like you Everything I mentioned can be influenced, starting with how you dress and by looking your interviewer in the eye. Then, check your mannerisms and communication skills; both are imperative to your job search and career success. Looking your best gives you the mental state you need more than ever in today's competitive job market: Confidence. Commit to the following: · Exercising · Eating healthy · Getting enough sleep · Wearing proper fitting age-appropriate clothes · Smiling (Your teeth' role in how people perceive you can't be overstated.) Hire an image consultant if you need one; it’ll be money well spent. Don't underestimate, or worse, deny, the correlation between how your physical appearance impacts your life experiences and opportunities. _____________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

Canada’s recent immigration policy and the unforeseen effects

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East In its well-meaning effort to encourage immigration, the Trudeau government showed bad timing by increasing the immigration numbers at a time when Canada is confronted with an unprecedented housing crisis, issues in the health care system and a downturn in the economy. The Liberals have nearly doubled the number of permanent residents being admitted to this country, from 260,400 in 2014, to a projected 500,000 next year. Canada is now bringing in more immigrants than at any other time in its history. Last year, a record-breaking 431,645 permanent residents entered Canada, an influx almost exactly equivalent to the entire metro population of Halifax. This level of immigration is even higher than seen in the brief period before the First World War when Canada was frantically hustling in steamships full of Eastern European immigrants to settle the prairies. Today, however, there does not seem to be any plan on the part of the government or plan from the opposition to create new settlements in order to develop Canada’s resources. These totals are also well beyond the totals of another country historically big on immigration, the United States. On a per capita basis, Canada is now bringing in four times more immigrants than the Americans. And, Ottawa is looking to push it higher still. By 2025, Canada is set to receive up to 500,000 newcomers per year. In just the next three years, Canada is planning to bring in enough new Canadians (1.45 million) to equal the entire population of Manitoba. While Canadians have not abandoned their national love of immigration, there are clear signs that people are nervous about the tempo, amid crunches in the health system, housing and other infrastructure. As a result, broad public support for immigration, the cornerstone of multicultural Canada, is eroding. At the core of the problem we also have badly thought-out migration of international students to Canada. The flood of international students – there are now more than a million – who have been coming into Canada in recent years has created a huge problem, especially in housing. Many of these students get a sound education, land good jobs, and eventually become valued Canadian citizens. However, others show up at so-called puppy mills: pop-up private colleges noticeably lacking in academic rigour, without much in the way of classrooms or teachers. This clearly illustrates poor coordination between the Federal government responsible for immigration and the Provincial governments responsible for education. Both of them are putting political gains before the interests of Canadians. The Federal government ostensibly demonstrates its openness and responsiveness in taking measures to compensate for an aging work force by increasing the number of immigrants. However, their lack of vision and planning in pursuing this policy, demonstrates that they are only looking to increase their political base, not to build this country. At the same time, Provincial governments are relaxing education standards, claiming that they are showing openness and inclusivity for immigration. No immigrant comes to Canada to have their children get a watered down education, so this too, is a ploy for increasing political base rather than working for the good of the electorate. In fact, it does not matter which party is in power either federally or provincially. Immigration is seen primarily as a tool for political advantage, rather than a way to benefit the nation. Here we are then, with a major problem on our hands, as millions of newcomers compete with those already here, for a place to call home. The result is that Canada has the worst housing crisis in the G7. Government politicians are fighting with their respective opposition members, but apparently neither of them have real solutions for the problems they have created. The quick integration of newcomers into the Canadian way of life has many obstacles, which both the Federal and the Provincial governments have totally neglected to deal with. One of the main obstacles is the provincial system of regulating the professions through self-regulatory bodies. Unfortunately, these entities are out of touch with the times in which we live. They are primarily self-serving with no government over say in their activity. Legislatively they could have crucial input, but they prefer not to exercise it most of the time. These obstacles create a brake on the productivity of the country with most immigrants finding that their qualifications are not accepted, so they cannot work in their field of expertise. This is not good for either the immigrants or the country, especially now, when Canada is seeing a collapse in its productivity. One solution would be for the Federal government, which has jurisdiction to enter into international agreements, to work with the provinces to negotiate mutual recognition of degrees from foreign countries, and then eliminate this obstacle to accessing professions. The provinces should also have better input and overview on professional designations and practice, as they have a role in the professions acts and regulations, which they rarely exercise. I personally hope that Canada will continue to be a welcoming country for immigrants, but there is a dire need for politicians to work with Canadians in order to work out the right policy for immigration. What do you think?

STUGOTS $1.80

STUGOTS $1.80 By Rosaldo Russo Allow me to begin this column by thanking the Oshawa/Central newspaper for allowing me the opportunity and access to the press. Not to many if any allow an average person like me to tell the world what I see and think. In my opinion. The Editor/Publisher is a real upstanding type of guy. He shoots from the hip and hold traditional core values. My name is Rosaldo Russo. I came to this great country to make a better life for myself and my family. I thank Canada for everything it has allowed me to do and earn. I worked construction all my life. I know the value of hard work and honesty. I remember as a boy my father always telling me to work hard and buy land. So I did. I remember days when I did not have enough to eat. I go to work... but I did not wait for hand outs. I rounded up my pride my skill and my determination to succeed and went to work. In those days the only benefits we received was the fact we were employed. Before retiring I was the owner and operator of local material supply company that allowed me to retired without worry. Now that I have time to enjoy life. I look around me and have some concern for future generations. I see that the world is finished. Before anyone gets offended. Let me explain what Stugots means.... Stugots is Italian mob slang lingo - Italian term that refers to the male genetalia. It is used to describe an idiot or a jerk. Now, I think that later is more descriptive of how our government treat us. The first more like those we elect to office. I read a report on Monday warning me that by the end of the week the gas could go up as much as fourteen cents. Managia, fourteen cents... Che Fai, then they tell us on Wednesday that lucky us we may see gas prices drop as much as four cents. Now am I blind, stupid or plain retarded? They raise 14 on Friday, the following Monday they drop four cents... They still stuck it to us for ten cents... But this is not the worst. This mathematical conundrum is an open license for grocery stores to jump their prices in the name of high fuel costs. I say, Bull dingy. This is an outright rip off. Not only is it bad that people can’t pay for the inflated food prices. Now they will not be able to afford gas to go to work and make the little they make to pay for groceries. Come on people. Where is the Canadian red blood? Is it not time for Canadians to grow some grapes and call the government out. We can send millions if not billions to fight loosing foreign wars. We can’t take care of young families wanting to start a new life but can’t due to the outrageous house prices. Now they can’t even afford to drive to work. They surely will not be able to pay for food. $14.00/lb for beef at some stores. Hamburger almost $10/lb. Are you kidding me. But wait. We the apologetic people of Canada may go hungry and homeless before we figure it out. WE ARE GETTING SCREWED AND FORCED TO LIKE IT. Let’s send a clear messages that those Stugots we elected will not treat us the hard working tax paying Stugots like a bunch of Stugots. Oh Canada... Our home and native Stugots.

Safe streets act

Safe streets act By Dale Jodoin In a significant legal development, the Ontario courts have partially overturned the Safe Streets Act, specifically targeting provisions that have long been a cornerstone in regulating public solicitation. The court struck down sections related to "aggressive solicitation" and location-based restrictions, such as near ATMs, public toilets, and transit stops, deeming them unconstitutional. These sections were criticized for violating the freedom of expression and the presumption of innocence. The ruling has not completely dismantled the Safe Streets Act. Certain elements, like the ban on stepping onto roadways to solicit funds from drivers and engaging in solicitation aggressively, still stand, highlighting a compromise between public safety and individual rights. However, this decision stirs a complex debate about the impact of panhandling on local businesses and public safety, particularly in downtown areas. Before this ruling, it was rare to enforce the now-overturned restrictions rigorously, yet they offered a sense of security to businesses and pedestrians. The presence of panhandlers around sensitive areas like banks and businesses historically created a tense atmosphere, with incidents of aggression when panhandlers were refused money. This, understandably, sparked fear and discomfort, contributing to a perception of insecurity that could drive businesses out of downtown cores. Critics argue that the relaxed restrictions may lead to a "free-for-all" situation, where increased panhandling could negatively affect local commerce. Business owners, who contribute significantly to municipal taxes, feel particularly aggrieved. They argue that their taxes help fund social services that assist the homeless and other vulnerable populations, yet their businesses suffer from the very issues they help address. Furthermore, the economic strain on everyday citizens is palpable. With taxes rising to accommodate social programs and the cost of living increasing, the public’s capacity to give charitably is stretched thin. The frustration is evident as people feel pressured into giving directly on the streets, while also contributing through taxes. This scenario creates a double-edged sword: there is a desire to help those in need, but resentment builds as personal financial burdens grow. The court’s decision h

as opened a can of worms regarding the balance between individual rights and community welfare. The question arises: were the judges and policymakers out of touch with the daily realities of downtown businesses and safety? The original intent of the Safe Streets Act was to protect both the public and the vulnerable, yet its partial repeal raises concerns about whether true balance can be achieved. As Ontario grapples with these changes, the future of downtown safety and economic stability hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen how this decision will affect the dynamics of charity, business, and public welfare in the long term. For many, this ruling is not just about constitutional rights but also about maintaining a quality of life that keeps downtown areas thriving and safe for everyone.

Side Hustle Culture: Extending Our Working Hours to Keep Up Appearances

By Nick Kossovan I'm sure you're aware of all the side hustle evangelists online touting that everyone should have a side hustle, peddling their "side hustle formula" and "get-rich-quick" schemes. They portray having a side hustle as a glamorous pursuit of ambition, masking the fundamental motivator: additional income to keep up appearances. Having said this, I can't make this assertion without acknowledging that the workplace has become an existential nightmare. AI, automation, and robotics eliminating jobs, social media's emergence and CEOs creating headline-making layoffs every time the economy sneezes are partially fueling the side hustle culture; however, these aren't the primary reasons for the trend. The reason is the implied social contract—never promised—of working 40 hours per week in exchange for enough money to live on defaulted long ago. Nine-to-five has become an existential nightmare. Many millennials and Gen Zs, enough for employers to make sweeping generalizations about their work ethics, have come to feel that nine-to-five offers little in return for all the demands they feel it places on them. Putting in an eight-hour workday, plus commute time, is unappealing—downright distasteful—when carrying the sense of entitlement narrative "I'm better than this." What is appealing is the "Image is everything" lifestyle social media influencers and marketing propaganda promote. Having a second, sometimes third, job to supplement one's income to pay the bills and make ends meet has always been common. However, our consumerism—bills—have dramatically changed since the advent of the Internet and social media. Today, our consumerism revolves around looking rich and impressing. What ends—what bills—are those with a side hustle trying to meet? Based on my observations, I'd say that most people who claim they have difficulty making ends meet prioritize having the latest iPhone, wearing designer clothes, and living in a house larger than they need over being prudent with their money. Most North Americans could downsize their lifestyle by half and live far more comfortably than most worldwide. Contrary to our first-world lifestyle, characterized by financial waste and its multitude of negative environmental impacts, according to the World Bank Group, half of the global population lives on less than $6.85US a day. Westerners live a lifestyle most of the world's population doesn't come close to living. Easy access to credit makes it possible to make $60K a year and appear, by your spending, to make $120K a year. However, credit requires interest-bearing repayment. Instead of cutting back on using credit (read: downsizing your lifestyle), many start a side hustle—Grind! Grind! Grind!—to keep their facade of prosperity visible. Thanks to constantly evolving psychologically penetrating marketing techniques and social media, a godsend to marketers, keeping up with the Jones has never been more prevalent. Apart from lottery winners and those who received an inheritance, rich people are rich because they've adopted the habit of prioritizing saving and investing BEFORE spending. (Paying yourself first, while not sexy, is stoic money management advice that, when followed, significantly benefits your financial health.) Your only glimpse of the rich is how they spend money on things you wish you had. Unseen: Most of their income goes towards savings and investments. They only spend a portion of their income. Many people have a hard time managing their money because they copy the spending style of those with money rather than how they earn and manage their money. Many will cite that the side hustle culture offers an opportunity to "pursue one's passion." What does this even mean? Is making money from one's passion a requirement? A person who says they're passionate about ceramics certainly doesn't mean they're passionate about spending several hours a week researching social media trends, handling paperwork, and marketing their hand-made pottery business. Turning your hobby into a side hustle is turning your hobby into work. Furthermore, if the money generated from that work is to help finance keeping up appearances, is it still a work of passion? We need three things to survive: food, water, and protection from the elements (shelter and clothing). Everything else exists for comfort; hence, most things only exist for us to buy and for someone to make money. The side hustle culture trend didn't arise out of survival necessity, to make financial stability (read: savings, investing) fashionable or because people have become more ambitious. It emerged because someone saw, and many others followed, they could profit from our fear of how others will judge our lifestyle. Ultimately, the side hustle culture reflects a broader societal problem: our obsession with appearances and materialism. Our pursuit of material wealth comes at the cost of being trapped in a cycle of consumerism, constantly chasing the latest trends and accruing debt. Our respective finances and the environment would greatly benefit from starting and embracing a new trend that celebrates contentment and financial prudence over keeping up appearances. Let's call it aligning your lifestyle with your income. _____________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

Does AI help level the playing field for SMEs?

By Daryl Ching, CFA | Managing Partner Vistance Capital Advisory Artificial intelligence has dominated the news with pundits suggesting that this could be biggest game changer in business since the invention of the internet. To what extent have SMEs been adopting AI and is it a game changer to the extent it levels the playing field against larger businesses? My name is Daryl Ching and I am the founder and CEO of Vistance Capital Advisory a fractional CFO, accounting and capital raising firm. I am a big believer in adopting technology to create efficiencies in processes. Working with SMEs, I am constantly researching the capabilities of AI and how it can help our clients and ourselves. Many SMEs have adopted AI into their marketing content. Andrew Crook runs PC275 Realty, a real estate brokerage and business advisory firm and has used AI to create graphics and manage marketing performance data. He spends about $1,000 a month for AI tools for services that would normally cost about $5,000 per month through a marketing agency or hiring internal staff. He also uses AI to generate content for business strategy sessions through his consulting practice. While AI has not necessarily transformed his business, it has freed many hours of time which has improved his quality of life and allowed him to spend more time with his family. Many SMEs have figured out how to use AI to perform administrative tasks. Ilya Peskov, CEO of Focus 21, an IT software company has used AI to generate transcripts of meeting notes, review grammar and spelling and review legal documentation to ensure all clauses are captured. As a result, Ilya’s team has been able to spend their time on less administrative and more value-added work. Olga Pawluczyk, CEO of P&P Optica has developed a unique smart detection imaging system to detect foreign materials in food processing. The entire premise of the business required machine learning and AI to create the product. Had it not been for AI, the task of analyzing a lot of information to detect foreign materials on a production line, at line speed, would be impossible. P&P Optica is an example of an SME that couldn’t deliver a product at all without the use of AI. While I feel the advance of AI technology is a net positive for SMEs, it is worth discussing some of the risks. AI is only as good as the information it is fed to make decisions. As more information is fed into the system, it becomes more and more difficult to validate the accuracy and source of information. I also fear the possibility that AI will have the effect of reducing critical thinking by individuals as they take results from AI as gospel. Ilya Peskov believes that AI has generated about a 30% savings in time for his coders using Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. However, he recalls his early days in IT education where he used Stack Overflow and was required to learn grass roots coding. With AI, he is cognizant of a risk that at some point in the future developers will lose the rudimentary skills of programming and coding. As AI evolves, we believe that it can be a game changer for SMEs. However, it important to ensure that we keep AI in check, question the results, validate the sources and make sure people do not turn off their critical thinking. However, if used correctly, it can certainly help level the playing field for SMEs.

Political suppression is a dirty game

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor In a democratic society, the suppression of opposing political views is not only immature but it undermines the principles of democracy. We see it more and more each day how politicians are using their power to silence dissenting voices and manipulate certain narratives. Persistently engaging in a game of dirty politics, eroding the integrity of the democratic process. The longer we allow this dirty game to continue, the more we risk creating an authoritarian environment, that stifles open dialogue and debate which is your right as a Canadian. By now we have all witnessed politicians, at all levels of government who are so driven by their desire to maintain control, resort to abusing their power by taking fellow politicians with opposing views to the integrity commissioner or other authorities. This manipulative tactic aims to silence critics through sanctions and penalties, wasting taxpayers' money in the process. Such actions divert resources from addressing pressing issues that affect the public, highlighting a disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to them. Politicians who engage in suppressing opposing views often resort to manipulating words and context to control the narrative. They selectively highlight certain statements while ignoring the broader context, aiming to discredit their opponents and their character. This manipulation of information not only distorts the truth but also creates a false narrative that serves their own interests. Such immature tactics undermine the transparency and honesty that are vital to a functioning democracy. By suppressing opposing views, politicians undermine the democratic process itself. Democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas, open debates, and the active participation of citizens. When politicians silence dissenting voices, they limit the diversity of perspectives necessary for informed decision-making. This erosion of democratic values weakens the trust of the electorate and damages the very foundation of a democratic society. Citizens vote for politicians based on their promises to represent their interests and concerns. When politicians use their power to silence dissent, they disregard the voices of those who elected them. This breach of trust is nothing short of betrayal to the electorate and erodes the democratic legitimacy of elected officials. Fostering disillusionment among the public. When politicians resort to suppressing opposing views, they create a culture of fear and intimidation. This not only hinders the free expression of ideas but also discourages individuals from participating in the political process. A healthy democracy relies on active civic engagement, where citizens feel safe to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. It is crucial to hold politicians accountable for their actions, demand transparency, and promote an open and inclusive political debate. True leaders understand the value of open honest dialogue and debate. They have the skills to participate in and open themselves up to the power of constructive criticism. So for all those Politicians who are not mature enough to play nice on the political chessboard, may I suggest you move over and let someone else show you how to play the game with honesty and integrity. Everyone deserves the right to be heard. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

FERRARI MASERATI PISSASHITY

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - I say Bravo to all those that can afford a Ferrari. They are the ones that can drive fast but like to take it nice and slow and smooth... as to almost showboat their lifestyle. I say Bravo to all those that can afford to drive a Maserati. The ultimate in class and elegance. I say Bravo to all the salesmen that had the talent to sell want to be Ferrari, Maserati drivers a Honda, Hyundai, Toyota calling them sports cars.... Or in my new high performance category called ‘The Pissashity’s’. Pissashity’s are the ones that pass you on the highway at the speed of light. Inches from your vehicle as if playing some sort of video game were human life is not a factor. I don’t know about you. But, the 401 has become a death grind. Almost every other day there seems to be a fatal accident. As a driver on the highway, I can tell you that various factors contribute to the horrific accidents. Without notice the Pissashity drivers. You can tell that most of the Pissashity’s are young punks with little or no real driving experience. Champs on the computer in the make believe world of Grand Theft Auto. An arena that has the user crashing into all kinds of obstacles only to re-warp back to life a few seconds later. Very entertaining but very different in real life. I remember one evening coming back to Oshawa. These two Pissashity’s flew past me. Weaving in and out of lanes and passing people as if cars were parked. Not to long after they passed. I heard a loud bang and smoke. Well surely enough. The Pissashity’s were scrap metal. A horrible accident including various cars and a truck. People do not realize. Sport cars handle differently. They are design for particular high performance driving. Pissashity's are just average cars painted a sporty color. Some with modified suspensions and exhaust. At the end of the day. A Pissashity is a Pissashity. You can’t expect a real sport car with high performance suspension and 19 inch wheels to perform the same as an off the assembly block suspension with 14 - 17 all seasons. The other huge difference is power. Going fast does not mean your pissashity become a sport car or that it will handle like one. I remember the driving culture shock. When I was young I had purchased my first 300ZX twin Turbo. One of the first to come off the assembly line. I remember I had to take a course on how to drive it. A course that prepared you for all kinds of conditions and weather. Much like Porsche offers to some drivers. This was an eye opener. Going from a rusted out 1978 Buick Biscane to a brand new 300ZX. My Buick went fast and if it could talk I be doing 10 - 20 at Kingston Pen. Pissashity drivers. Please, slow down. You are putting your life and those around you in danger. Remember some day you may own a Ferrari, Maserati. For the mean time enjoy the Pissashitty in the middle lane like everyone else and for god sake signal when changing lanes.

The Frog Boiling Method

By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor Many people in today’s society seem to struggle when confronted with the truth and this struggle my friends is very real. In my own personal experiences, I have had to confront my demons and struggles to gain a deeper understanding of the truth. The whole process was not only intimidating and unsettling at times, but downright frightening and eye-opening, as it forced me to confront uncomfortable truths of what is happening in the world today, and at the same time face my own vulnerabilities. I keep going back to that famous courtroom scene in “A Few Good Men” (1992) where Jack Nicholson, played the character of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup and the very moment he was pushed so hard that he yelled out the iconic quote, “You can’t handle the truth” Once one can understand how if you can open yourself up to this kind of a pivotal moment you will start to not only see what everyone else see’s, but you will be able to use critical thinking skills and start to think differently. If one would only take the time and allow themselves to realize that perhaps not everything we see or hear that is being pushed on us by celebrities, news media, institutions, governments, and nongovernmental institutions to name a few, is truth, you too may have a transformative experience that allows you to see the truth in a new light, bringing a profound shift in your thinking and understanding. Instead of facing the truth head-on, some choose to blindly conform and follow along. I personally link this type of behaviour to the “Frog boiling method” where gradual changes go unnoticed until it is too late. For those who may be unfamiliar with this metaphor, it is about a frog sitting in a cool pot of water thinking everything is ok. As the heat gradually increases the frog does not take notice until it is too late and he is being cooked in a pot of boiling water. This metaphor highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of using critical thinking skills to become aware of subtle changes in our surroundings and circumstances. One should always seek to educate themselves by adopting a behaviour in which to also seek alternate sources of information not only to consider different viewpoints but to weigh evidence and form a well-rounded opinion based on a more comprehensive understanding of the topic at large. Rather than taking the time to listen to what others have to say and participating in open honest dialog or debate, some individuals are quick to jump in that cool pot of water filled with criticism, insult, name calling, and labeling one as being a bigot, racist, transphobe, without taking a critical well needed moment to research or participate to see what is the truth. Calling one a conspiracy theorist or deeming the information as misinformation without truly understanding the intentions of the speaker has become an alarming trend driven by the desire to push personal agendas and discredit others. It has also become more and more concerning to observe people in today’s society, attacking people far beyond mere name-calling to targeting individual's jobs and livelihood’s, in an attempt to make them suffer simply because of a divergence in values or opinions. The fact that some individuals would display such vindictiveness and turn against their fellow human beings for holding opposing views is truly a character trait that shows they lack having moral principles of determining the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. We all have demons, and it’s time to start looking in the mirror and confronting those demons head-on. This self-reflection will be frightening at times, but once you start to pull back the curtain, you may realize that not everything is how it seems. It can be hard to come to terms that the institutions, governments, media, and celebrities that we have religiously relied upon for years, may have deliberately deceived or misled us. Time to get out of the pot and do your own research. Once you do this, I promise you that your life will evolve as you will then be able to treat those with opposing views with honesty, fairness, integrity, compassion, and respect that they deserve. Remember the Golden Rule: “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you” Then you will no longer choose to participate in these petty games of hate and vindictiveness but will learn to agree to disagree. My doors always open if you need help in your journey of seeking the truth. “Speaking the truth can be a challenging path, for it unveils the raw realities that some may find uncomfortable. Yet remember that those who react with hate or choose to bully are merely seeking solace in their ignorance. Stay steadfast, for your words have the power to inspire change, even if it takes time for others to truly listen” Lisa Robinson 2023 "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

A Failing Grade in Basic Mathematics

By W. Gifford-Jones MD and Diana Gifford Have even one in a thousand North Americans ever heard of Kissick’ s Law? More than 25 years ago, if you were reading the Ontario Medical Review, you would have seen an article, written by Dr. Samuel Vaisrub, explaining the message. Kissick stated that if the U.S. Declaration of Independence was written in contemporary times, it would declare the pursuit of health, rather than happiness, after life and liberty, as the third inalienable right of Americans. About 50 years ago Kissick, a professor at the renowned U.S. Wharton School of Business, stunned Canadians and Americans with a showstopping speech about the economic laws of health care economics. Considering the ongoing healthcare mess in both countries today, it’s a shame his wise council never took hold. What did Kissick recommend? It was about what every family in North America knows. If you spend more than you earn, soon enough the laws of economics will trigger bankruptcy. Kissick’s warning was simple arithmetic. Readers should get up, find a pen, and write this principle down over and over. No society in the world has sufficient money to provide all the healthcare services its population is capable of using, Kissick warned. But he was not finished, so keep you pen handy and keep writing. He added that even if the nation’s gross national product were expanding at record-setting rates, it would still not be enough. People have a voracious appetite for spending on their health. If left to the forces of demand, healthcare spending would consume the nation’s entire budget. He said the problem was similar to giving his credit card to his daughter and saying, “Darling, go buy anything you want, and I will pay all the bills.” Kissick hesitated for a moment, and then added, “If what I have told you doesn’t alarm you,” he said to the audience, “I’ll loan you my daughter!” Economists have been saying the same thing. For decades, healthcare spending in many places around the world has been outpacing economic growth. It’s simply not sustainable. We are no longer approaching the time when we will be forced to accept the consequences. We have reached it. The pursuit of healthcare has limitations. Our collective psyche must face the reckoning. We will have less, not more, healthcare spending. And if refusing to accept this, then we will have worse roads, backed-up sewers, poorer education, and you name it, a lot less to invest in everything else that we like to take for granted. An old joke offers the definition of a healthy person. It’s someone who hasn’t been seen by enough doctors or had enough tests done. And this is true. Inevitably, everyone will find one health problem or another. But being obsessive about health, always wanting more and more care, is neither advisable nor feasible. As governments face the hard reality of cancelling their healthcare credit cards, you can be sure they’ll never tell you straight up about it. Voters don’t want to hear about it, especially that enormous cohort of the population that is aging into retirement years. There is a better alternative. People should be less obsessive about healthcare and more determined to avoid the need for it. The human body is an amazing organism, but only if not abused by cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs, both legal and illegal, by junk food, by lack of exercise, and by the long list of environmental and other global problems. Can we make the shift? Or do we need to pray for divine intervention to avoid this disastrous train wreck. 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

NATIONAL NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS By Lisa Robinson - Pickering City Councillor The City of Pickering has recently become the subject of National News bringing with it a newfound awareness of the realities of how things are run at the Municipal level and other related institutions. This awakening, if you will, is an important step in holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions. Being a newly elected official of 2022, I have been doing my best to shed light on the underlying corruption I have witnessed during my short time on the Council. I have been steadfast in questioning the motives and “best practices” of those entrusted with decision-making while upholding my Declaration of Office. I had to solemnly promise and declare that: I would truly, faithfully, and impartially exercise this office to the best of my knowledge and ability; that I have not received and will not receive any payment or reward, or promise thereof, for the exercise of this office in a biased, corrupt or any other improper manner; I will disclose any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third. While my Declaration of Office does not commit me to prioritize the needs and best interest of the people I represent, my focus is and will always be on the well-being and interests of the community, which is the very essence of why I persevered to join this political arena in the first place. Despite my attempts to make friends or become popular, I was quickly cautioned by various individuals within the City staff by a recurring cautionary note that struck a chord with me that I will never soon forget: “Councillor Robinson, these people are not your friends.” Today I find myself humbled by the wisdom of those words and realize just how accurate they were. I have grown from these very words and now champion myself to be not a nice person but rather a good person. In my humble opinion, a nice person is someone who wants to be liked and be popular. They will do anything they can to make sure they win the next election even if it is morally wrong and goes against the good of the people. A yes nodder, who doesn’t question one-sided narratives being pushed forward in fear of being disliked. A good person, however, does not care about being liked or popular. A good person will refuse to base their decisions on whether or not it serves their best interest and gets them re-elected. I want to be known as a politician who is a good person, one who consistently speaks the truth and is genuinely honest, putting the needs of the people first above all else. A good person who will not be coerced into political posturing, by colleagues or special interest groups just to win a popular vote. I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to being a principled independent thinker. I refuse to conform or vote along with my colleagues just for the sake of agreement. I thoroughly research topics brought forward in my agenda and ask pertinent questions. If I cannot obtain any, or at least satisfactory answers, then I refuse to vote in favour of said agenda item with my colleagues. I am still trying to understand how anyone can make informed decisions and prioritize the best interests of the community without having answers. Because I have the ability to see what everyone else can see, but I can think differently, raises grave concerns in some instances, resulting in many 6 to 1 votes, and judging by the transparency of staff and council expressions, my perspective of not following along is not popular and frowned upon. The same goes with my three draft motions that I was trying to bring forward for my constituents in which I lost one-quarter of my first year's salary under the recommendation of Principles Integrity. Whom I believe was biased, and based their report on double hearsay, her personal opinion and her personal views, while attacking my character and concluding that the following three draft motions somehow showed to be transphobic and homophobic in nature: a draft motion asking that we as a Municipal Government should remain neutral by only flying government flags (and the poppy/Veterans flag) on all government buildings; a draft motion that would give boys, girls, men, and women the choice to use either their biological changeroom or the choice to use a universal changeroom that is inclusive to all genders and/or families; and a third draft motion that would have placed an age restriction on drag queen story time and pride events. Unfortunately, none of my colleagues supported having open dialog surrounding the implementation of these policies, and instead voted to sanction my pay on the recommendation of “Principles Integrity.” I have since initiated a Judicial review of their report, and it is also worth noting that there seems to be a trend with “Principles Integrity” who were fired from another Municipality in 2022 on similar allegations of having a biased opinion and the way they attacked another Council member's integrity. Recently, I have become aware of the City’s decision to withhold payment for an ad I authored in this very newspaper at the end of last year. It seems they are dissatisfied with my proactive approach in reaching out to constituents and sharing information regarding all the 6 to 1 votes I lost during my initial year on Council. Consequently, The Central newspaper will be compelled to take legal action against the City of Pickering to obtain payment that was rightfully allocated within my 2023 budget. The punitive measures of depriving me of monetary amounts due to my exercise of free speech and expression, on top of my monetary sanction, serve to demonstrate the City of Pickering’s vindictive stance against me and the constituents perspectives I represent. It doesn’t stop there, as just the other week, on my way to a meeting, I overheard a conversation where a senior member of staff, who happens to be the mayor’s right-hand man, was instructing staff to meticulously scrutinize all my videos, social media, and op-eds in an effort to find grounds for code of conduct charges against me. I find it deeply concerning that the mayor has been engaging in this type of targeted action with the intent to undermine and harm me because I tell the truth, I ask too many questions, and I refuse to sit silently and obey. Not only does this type of behaviour violate the principles of fairness, respect, and professionalism as outlined in our Code of Conduct, but it is compromising the trust and integrity of the Council as a whole. Not to mention that this attack on me comes at a cost to you, the taxpayer, showing the lengths of just how spiteful and vindictive our mayor is willing to go to silence my right to free speech and challenge the status quo. CUPE 129 and PPFA have joined in, following the mayor’s narrative of calling me a racist for publicly stating a personal opinion, in a timely fashion. A classic playbook strategy in which they executed flawlessly, as they need to protect their interests and make sure their concerns are taken into consideration in future decision-making processes. Despite my willingness to engage in open dialogue, no one has directly approached me to discuss my opinion. Not the Mayor, Council members, staff, or either union. Instead, they have chosen to act against me covertly, betraying my trust with their secret meetings, whispers in the halls, emails, and phone calls. You the taxpayer should be concerned with this ongoing trend as this is not how leaders should behave. These undemocratic actions do not align with the principles outlined in our Charter of Rights and the Bill of Rights which should be guiding the conduct of these elected officials, and leaders of the community. As challenging as my path has been thus far, it only reinforces that more than ever I need to uphold values and fulfill the responsibilities that my constituents elected me to do. As for those individuals who take joy in resorting to hatred, name-calling, insults, and mocking my appearance through memes, I understand that your emotions may be sensitive, but I will always prioritize truth over feelings. Perhaps one day, you too will come to see this perspective. Until then, embrace the love within you, for it has the power to illuminate even the darkest paths of your journey. "Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It"

Is Your 'Job Snobbery' Keeping You Unemployed?

By Nick Kossovan Judging is part of human nature. Everyone is a snob about something, the most prevalent being job snobbery. You encounter job snobbery when you meet someone for the first time and, after judging your appearance, they inevitably ask: "What do you do"? Based on your response, they're either delighted to meet you or look at their watch and excuse themselves. Asking, "What do you do?" is how we evaluate a person's respectworthiness. This is why many people are concerned about their job title, which often they manipulate. Who has more status? "I'm the CEO of Logifire." (Logifire is a yet-to-make-a-profit startup with 6 employees.) or "I manage a McDonald's." (You have 46 employees.)? Answer honestly: If you wanted to improve your golf game, who’d you rather work with, a Golf Instructor, a Golf Pro, or a Golf Performance Coach? Due to conditioning, we associate our identity with our job title. I know people who've declined a better-paying job with advancement opportunities because of the title. Such a high level of status anxiety baffles me. Western society prioritizes what a person does for a living over who they are. (e.g., a supportive partner, a food bank volunteer, a caretaker for an aging parent, bakes the best ginger molasses cookies) Sadly, most people don't try to get to know someone beyond their job title. Experience that's humbled me has taught me that a person's job title is an unreliable shortcut to assessing their character. We grossly overvalue our work and job titles. There's no moral argument for working a 40-70 hour week, chasing promotions that may or may not happen, trying to build a career. Regardless of how you answer, "What do you do?" your job does what every job does; it earns you money. I say all this to raise this point; job seekers know they’ll be judged by their job. This "knowing" greatly influences their career choice and, therefore, their job searches. There's no question that job seekers who seek jobs based on their perceived status have a much more frustrating and prolonged job search than job seekers simply seeking to earn a living, who are of the mindset that work is work. Three recent encounters: 1. At the beginning of this year, my wife and I purchased a new bed from a major furniture retailer. We were assisted by a knowledgeable salesman who appeared to be in his mid-50s and seemed to enjoy his job. 2. Several weeks ago, my wife and I had dinner at a popular steakhouse with my niece and sister-in-law. Our server, who I'd also place in her mid-50s, was friendly, engaging, and forthcoming in telling us she was approaching 30 years of being a server at that steakhouse. 3. During a recent visit to a company's business unit, I spent a few minutes talking with the receptionist. She told me she's been the receptionist for over 24 years and was happy. All three encounters highlighted that making a living, even a good life, is possible when you put aside your job snobbery and seek out jobs that, because they lack status, are much easier to land. However, the key isn’t simply to land a job as a server but to master skills that'll make you an outstanding server, resulting in substantial tips and repeat customers. The salesperson who sold my wife and me our bed interacted with us professionally and had extensive product knowledge. He was serious about his job; selling furniture wasn't a stop-gap job. Contrary to popular belief, it's possible to make decent money as a... · Server, bartender (The key is to work in a high-end establishment, where the average spend is higher and hence the average tip is higher.) · Furniture, clothing, electronics, or car salesperson (A retail job offering a base salary plus commission can be financially rewarding for those who hone their sales and customer service skills.) · An orderly · Custodian · Inside Sales (I know you're thinking "telemarketing," "cold calling." There are inside sales positions paying a base salary plus commission, where you're making calls to existing customers.) The above-mentioned jobs, and many more, especially if they involve labour, are plentiful and, therefore, much easier to land than covenanted laptop jobs with fancy titles. As a job seeker, when you consider all the other candidates vying for the job you want, it's liberating to just look for "work" (READ: a paycheck) where you have less competition. Searching for "work" per se doesn’t require a radical pivot, such as obtaining more education, certification, or apprenticing. Your pivot is entirely mental. There's no shame in having been laid off from your marketing director job and, after months of job hunting in today’s hyper-competitive job market, taking a job selling cars at your local Ford dealership. As long as you're supporting yourself and your family, why care what others think? With the competition for white-collar jobs intensifying—it’s an employer’s market— job seekers would be wise to put aside their job snobbery, disregard the views of others, and consider jobs that serve what should be their primary goal: to earn a living. ___________________________________________________________________________ Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

Canada looking forward to 2024

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East The year just beginning could be an interesting one, with turning points in politics, economics and culture, provided that common sense and moral clarity will prevail both here and abroad. Frankly, the geopolitical situation in the world is most concerning. The two regional wars in Ukraine and Gaza have the potential to spread, provoking direct confrontation between NATO and the western democracies in general, versus Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. Ukraine now stands to lose significant international interest and support. In the United States in particular, it has become a distant second (and increasingly third or lower) policy priority. The conflict is likely to escalate with unforeseen consequences. In the conflict between Israel and Hamas, there is no obvious way to end the fighting. Whatever the military outcome, a dramatic increase in radicalization is a certainty. On the one hand, the Israeli Jews feel globally isolated and even hated after facing the worst violence against them since the Holocaust. On the other hand, the Palestinians face what they consider a genocide. With no opportunities for peace and no prospect of escape, this situation has the potential of developing into a wider conflict in the region. Deep and dangerous political divisions over the conflict permeate the Middle East and run across over one billion people in the broader Muslim world, not to mention the United States and Europe. Some new and problematic situations are developing in the Arabian Sea, in South America between Venezuela and Guyana, not to mention the increasing tensions in the South China Sea. None of these major military conflicts has adequate guardrails preventing them from getting worse. Most problematically, none of the belligerents agrees on what they are fighting over. Upcoming elections in 2024 pose additional challenges. Fully one-third of the global population will go to the polls this year. However, in terms of world security, stability and outlook, the unprecedentedly dysfunctional US election will be the most consequential by far. The outcome will affect the fate of 8 billion people, and only 160 million Americans will have a say in it. The winner will be decided by just tens of thousands of voters in a handful of swing states. The losing side, whether Democrat or Republican, will consider the outcome illegitimate and will not be prepared to accept it. One of the most powerful countries in the world faces critical challenges to its core political institutions: free and fair elections, the peaceful transfer of power, and the checks and balances provided by the separation of powers. The political state of the union is troubled indeed. In the face of all this turmoil, Canada has generally been missing in action on the international scene. Even worse, our country has sometimes undermined its own international standing. To sit at the international table requires a moral compass, professionalism, determination and not being a military free-rider. Canada’s decision to act as a self-important virtue-signaller irritates allies who must shoulder our share of the burden, as well as third-world countries who see Canada’s posturing as post-colonial arrogance. On the domestic scene, Canada is facing a challenging year both economically and politically. There is a real prospect of recession and a future depreciation of the standard of living if no measures are taken. It seems that the Liberal government has lost its direction; overwhelmed by the issues, it seems to have no solution for upcoming events, and continues to be influenced by the policies of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The World Economic Forum, which will meet in session in mid January, continues to try to influence global governmental, industrial and social agendas. Its “Great Reset” envisages a new economic and social order based on a futuristic globalist approach that would reduce national interests through pervasive oversight mechanisms, including central bank digital currencies. In essence, it is encouraging woke social and economic policies in order to implement a new futuristic globalist world order following a trend in line with “deja vue” Marxist theories but certainly more sophisticated and deceiving. Forum chairman Klaus Schwab assured elite Davos attendees that “The future belongs to us”. Comforting words for those jealously guarding their influence and accustomed to ignoring rules that apply only to the plebe. Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney are on the WEF board of trustees and Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party certainly reflects its centre-left technocratic view. On the economic front, Canadians’ personal prosperity, as measured by GDP per capita, is projected to decline this year by more than two per cent. To address affordability and the dismal outlook for long-term productivity, the federal government needs to shift focus from identity politics and climate obsession to economic growth, fiscal responsibility and raising Canadians’ standard of living. In the hope that this year will be a better one and our politicians will put the national interest and the wellbeing of our citizens in the forefront, let us be optimistic. The year has just started. I hope you will take all these thoughts in the spirit they are intended: We have entered a year of grave concern, but supported by the hope that tough times bring out the best in us. Happy New Year 2024!