Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Saturday, August 9, 2025
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.
Labels:
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham
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
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham
Saturday, August 2, 2025
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
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
economy,
Facebook,
Football
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.
Labels:
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
economy,
Facebook,
Football
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.
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
economy,
Facebook
*** 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.”
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
economy,
Facebook
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.
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham
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!
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
economy,
Facebook,
Football
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.
Labels:
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
economy
Saturday, July 26, 2025
The EV Mandate Is Not About the Environment It’s About Control
The EV Mandate Is Not About the Environment It’s About Control
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
In just six months, the federal government will begin
phasing out your ability to buy a gas-powered car in Canada.
Starting January 1, 2026, automakers will be required to ensure that 20% of all new vehicle sales are electric. By 2035, that number rises to 100%. You won’t be allowed to buy a new gas car — at all.
They say this isn’t a ban. But if you can’t buy one, what else would you call it?
This isn’t just about vehicles — it’s about freedom. Your freedom of movement. Your freedom to choose. And your freedom to live without being micromanaged by unelected bureaucrats, global bodies, and digital tracking systems.
Let’s be honest: electric vehicles are not realistic for the average working Canadian. They’re expensive, impractical, and pose safety and environmental risks most people aren’t being told about. Yet instead of listening, the government is doubling down — threatening automakers with $20,000 fines per gas vehicle sold above quota, unless they buy “credits” from companies like Tesla.
So who profits? Not Canadian families. Not our auto workers. While we get punished, companies like Tesla cash in.
That’s not environmental policy. That’s economic manipulation dressed in green.
Here in Pickering, this agenda is already in motion. On June 9, 2025, Council voted to expand EV chargers across the city — at fire halls, libraries, and community centres. This, despite the fact that our current chargers are underused, financially unsustainable, and losing money.
There is no mass demand. There is no local mandate. And yet the rollout continues — paid for by you, the taxpayer.
Let’s be honest: most residents in Pickering cannot afford a $70,000 electric vehicle. But they’re now being asked to subsidize chargers for those who can. This isn’t equity. It’s upward redistribution — and it’s not right.
Worse still, EVs come with risks no one wants to talk about. Their batteries burn longer and hotter than regular cars — and are difficult to extinguish. They leach toxic chemicals into the environment. Less than 5% of these batteries are actually recycled. And the materials used to make them? Often sourced through child labour in the Congo, and mined in ways that devastate ecosystems around the world.
This is what they call “sustainable.”
But this isn’t just about batteries, or even cars. It’s about the digital infrastructure being quietly built beneath it all.
Every EV charger logs your location and data. Every networked grid ties into a broader vision — one that includes smart cities, 15-minute zones, carbon credit systems, digital ID, and even restrictions on when and where you can travel. Not to mention, they can be shut down by a push of button, without your consent. These aren’t conspiracy theories. They’re published goals. And they’re happening right now under the guise of climate action.
Pickering is part of ICLEI — a global network aligned with the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and Agenda 2030. Their motto is: “Think globally, act locally.” But when did you vote for that?
You didn’t. And neither did I.
These policies are being pushed through local councils, often quietly, with little to no public consultation. But the consequences are national — and generational.
Make no mistake: this isn’t about reducing emissions. It’s about increasing control. Because once you accept that government can dictate what you drive, it’s only a matter of time before they dictate where you go, how often you go there, and whether you’re even allowed to drive at all.
What starts with your car ends with your freedom.
I didn’t run for office to stay silent. I ran to stand up. I opposed the EV charger expansion in Pickering because I believe we should be listening to the people — not pushing global agendas disguised as local policy.
This isn’t about being anti-environment. It’s about being pro-choice — in the most fundamental way. You should have the right to choose how you live, how you move, and how you provide for your family.
This isn’t just about cars. It’s about freedom, fairness, and the future of Canada.
It starts in six months. And it ends only when you say you’ve had enough.
Councillor Lisa Robinson The People’s Councillor
“Strength does not lie in the absence of fear, but in the courage to face it head on and rise above it.
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
economy
Our Self Deceptions Are Being Watched
Our Self Deceptions Are
Being Watched
By Diana Gifford
I’m writing this column with a pencil and paper, in a therapeutic affirmation that what results comes only from me and my thoughts. I’m making a point about authenticity. There is something truly cathartic – and healthy – about “being oneself”. One’s authentic self. No mirrors. No makeup. No pretenses.
Authenticity is hard to define. Put simply, you might say it is an alignment between a person’s internal state and external expression. I wonder how many people feel they have achieved personal authenticity. How many even try for it?
Common sense would suggest being authentic is tied to health and happiness. But I need to set down my pencil and resort to a keyboard and research repositories to find out how significant the relationship is.
And it turns out, the results are compelling and not surprising. Authenticity is a key mechanism producing healthy personal relationships. It reduces strain at work and is associated with higher job performance and satisfaction. In online contexts as well, authenticity is positively associated with self-esteem and negatively with anxiety.
But humans have a self-destructive gene. Why do so many people engage in foolish behaviours that are so clearly not in their best interest? Smoking is the obvious example. But there are many, many more. And the consequences are detrimental. When people consistently make outward life choices that don't align with their internal values and beliefs, it triggers a chronic stress response – one that ultimately takes a toll on their health.
Think about what you are doing now, tonight, or tomorrow. If you are not comfortable with it being splashed on the frontpage of the national newspaper, then reevaluate and get things fixed! It may mean coming to terms with hard habits to break. It may mean a few tough discussions. But beware, because the days of being able to hide our private problems are coming to an end.
We are being observed. And listened to. The humourous advice used to be, “Don’t pick your nose in the front yard.” The neighbours could be watching. Now, in the privacy of your own home, you can’t express dissatisfaction with a mess on the floor without an advertisement for a vacuum cleaner popping up on your smart phone sometime soon after.
For better or for worse, the world has become – in large part thanks to the unrelenting tsunami of invasive technology – a fine habitat for the exposure of inauthenticity, because we are being watched even when we think we have some privacy.
We must adapt or perish.
So no better time than now to be your authentic self. Take a moment to recalibrate. What would you not want broadcast on a jumbotron? What misdoings need your management and corrections. How can you fix your problems before they get out of hand?
It seems to me there are just two options. One, cut out of your life anything you currently feel you need to hide. Get rid and be done with it. If you can’t talk about it with your spouse, your kids, or your neighbours, you had better have a good reason – as in, you are an intelligence officer – otherwise, dismantle these things and banish them forever away.
Alternatively, talk about them. Bring them out in the open. Invite reasonable minds to work out the details with you, so that you can be an authentic individual.
We are up against tough circumstances, bitter fighting, and dangerous affairs in this crazy world of ours. We’d all be a lot better off if we accepted each other for who we are and stopped all the fooling around.
_________________________________________________________________________
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
DEAL BREAKER…
DEAL BREAKER...
By Wayne and Tamara
As I sit on my computer emailing a woman I could start an affair with, I search for answers. Your explanations about infidelity are plausible, reasonable, and thoughtful, but I still have questions I would like to ask.
I would like to start by saying I love my wife, but we are at a crossroads. My wife seems to have an unknown mental aversion to sex, something neither of us recognized upon meeting the first time. She saved herself for marriage, only to find she did not care for sex.
We have been and are in counseling. Our therapist has tried to give my wife tools and direction to focus on our sex life, while telling my wife and me she is surprised by my understanding, support, and patience. Unfortunately, in seven years not much has changed, and I'm looking for a balance between self and marital preservation.
I work with someone who obviously has issues of her own with her marriage, and she introduced the idea of having an affair. I'm not one to complain about my wife openly, nor did I confide in this woman, prior to her offer, about my own marital problems. It simply was based upon a mutual unconscious attraction, as best as I can tell.
Prior to having anyone in mind, I once asked my wife if she would allow me to have an affair. While crying and shaking her head no, she told me that I could. I am old enough to know I am reaching middle age where I will be more interested in planning my retirement than becoming the table-dancing, lampshade-on-the-head guy at the next wild party. I do not want to go into those years without a fulfilling, active sex life.
My wife is the kindest, warmest, most caring human being I know. She would do anything for anyone, but she is greatly struggling with what her husband wants and needs. We work together to raise our children, pay our bills, and juggle our finances. So, standing upon the precipice of infidelity, I'm asking for advice. I’m beyond asking my wife and our therapist for help because the result is the same.
Don
Don, a fulfilling, active sex life is not something you can purchase at Walmart. You think your wife is standing between you and a given. It is not a given. You have a mental picture of what things will be like, but having an affair could change your life in ways you cannot imagine.
You want a great sex life with someone who wants sex, but the woman who suggested an affair has more on her mind than a roll in the hay. She wants out of her marriage and a new man. Women don’t give away sex for free.
A young girl having sex isn’t getting anything out of it except to say, “He’s my boyfriend, he loves me.” A mature woman may get pleasure from sex, but her underlying desire is still love. If you find a woman who wants only sex, you will get a woman who has been altered or damaged in some way. If you find a woman you have great chemistry with, you will think you love her and want to be with her.
The idea of saving yourself for marriage goes hand in hand with the idea sex is for procreation, not pleasure. Perhaps your wife is the way she is because of religious conditioning. Possibly she is one of those women who are nonorgasmic. Since she is not excited about sex, it is a gruesome event.
We don’t know what her issue is, but we do know she shook her head no. That’s her answer. The body doesn’t go along with lies coming from the mouth. It boils down to this. You have to decide what you want: wife and kids, or the risks that come from going outside your marriage.
Wayne & Tamara
A Sense of Sonder How Everyone is Connected Through Emotion and Human Experience
A Sense of Sonder
How Everyone is Connected Through
Emotion and Human Experience
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
As individuals, our daily lives are crowded with personal worries, from our finances to the future to what we’re eating for dinner. We are so fixated on ourselves, that we rarely slow down to look at the bigger picture; not just the bigger picture of our own lives, but of the lives of others. We are one of 8.2 billion people currently living on Earth, and yet we often act as if we are the only person who matters. Every person you see throughout your day is experiencing their own complex life, filled with worries both similar and unique to yours. Lives in which you are a background character, just as they are to you.
If we take a moment to analyze the human experience, we would be filled with countless emotions, meanings, and adventures. However, I think most of humanity can be described by one word: sonder. The term was coined by John Koenig in 2012, when he published the book The dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. According to dictionary.com, sonder means, “the realization that every other individual you see has a life as full and real as your own, in which they are the central character and others, including yourself, have secondary or insignificant roles.”
When first considered, this may seem obvious; of course others are experiencing their own lives. However, there is something special when you really analyze the realization. The human experience is something to be shared, and there are billions of people to share it with. While I am writing this column at my desk, there are mothers giving birth, teens interviewing for their first job, and couples getting married. At the same time, young hearts are being broken, families are losing their loved ones, and countless individuals are getting rejected from their dream lives. Regardless of what we are going through, we are just one person in a community of billions, connected by both the love and loss which makes life worth living.
To some, the sense of sonder can cause loneliness and desperation, a feeling that nothing you do has any importance. Why would my life matter, when I am just one of the 117 billion people which have lived on Earth? However, the reality isn’t that our stories aren’t important, it’s just that our stories are among many others of equal value.
Our lives can still be reached for and learned from, and they are still worth experiencing. When we consider the lives of others, we realize we are never alone. It is a comfort that my stress isn’t a prominent issue in the grand scheme of things. I may have failed a test, or lost a competition, but those experiences are not new ones. Millions of other individuals have undergone the exact same things as I have, and they have overcome them, just as I will.
We may be the centers of our own lives, but none that of others. We need to remember this and act upon it everyday in order to find peace and sincerity. Maybe someone cut you off in traffic, but that’s because they’re trying to make it to the hospital before their wife gives birth. Perhaps your coworker got the promotion you wanted, but the new role means they are able to pay the bills they’ve been struggling to cover. You could get upset at the inconveniences, blame others for your misfortune, but that would just be a waste of time. Instead, you could try to open your eyes to the lives of others, as that is where you will find comfort.
Through the sense of sonder, I know I am just one person in a community of billions. No matter what, I will always be a secondary character in the lives of others. So, my goal is to become a secondary character which brings inspiration, happiness and peace. When it comes to the countless people I meet, I hope to bring a smile to their story, as others do to mine.
Job Search Rule #1: Know and Accept What You Can
Job Search Rule #1:
Know and Accept What You Can
By Nick Kossovan
Attributed to Tony Robbins:
"What you focus on is where your energy goes."
Maintaining steady progress towards your goals, such as securing a job, is straightforward: Always focus on what is within your control. Feeling frustrated or angry usually means you're trying to influence or control someone or something over which you don't have authority.
The most effective job search strategy I know is to identify what you can influence and control and then focus your efforts on these areas.
What You Can't Control
Employers' Decisions: It's their business, not yours. Rightfully, employers make hiring decisions that benefit their interests; your interests, or circumstances, aren't part of their hiring equation.
The Job Market: You have no influence or control over the main driving force of the job market, the economy, or the many other factors that shape it, including shifts in consumer demand, automation, AI adoption, changes in age demographics, and government policies.
Other People's Behaviour: Job seekers spend a significant amount of time and energy deluding themselves that they can control the behaviour of recruiters and employers. You have no control over disrespectful behaviour, such as ghosting. All you can control is ensuring that a recruiter's or hiring manager's behaviour doesn't derail your job search efforts. Focus on your behaviour, not those of others, and refrain from judging others for sinning differently than you do.
What You Do Control
Your Behaviour: How you behave publicly, especially on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, impacts your job search. Understandably, job seekers can feel frustrated; however, posts criticizing recruiters and employers show you can't control your emotions, making you someone employers will avoid hiring.
Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: The career story you share on your resume and LinkedIn profile, using quantifying numbers to demonstrate how you added value—employers hire results, not opinions—to previous employers, is entirely within your control.
Your Networking Efforts: If you're not actively networking, then be prepared for a lengthy job search. Reach out to those whom you believe can assist with your job hunt. Offer value upfront! A simple networking tip: When you meet someone for the first time, ask yourself, "How can I help this person?"
How you interview: An interview is a sales meeting; therefore, treat it as such and avoid the common mistake of spending too much time talking about yourself and too little time learning about what the employer is looking for.
Because most job seekers don't focus on what they can control, they fail to understand that they're in complete control of the crucial determining factor of whether they get hired or not: how employers interpret them.
As a job seeker, you're responsible for how employers perceive you. If you want a quick job search, then adopt the mindset of hyper-focusing on managing the aspects that employers use to interpret (read: evaluate) candidates.
Admittedly, in a world where media and social media platforms design algorithms that support their business models, requiring your attention and eyeballs to benefit their advertisers—their revenue—focusing on what is in the best interest of your job search is easier said than done.
Focusing on what's in our best interests is why my wife and I got rid of our TV 15 years ago and made a conscious effort to limit our social media scrolling. We decided we no longer want the media, influencers, and digital strangers telling us what to focus on.
Today, I don't start my day like many others, doom-scrolling on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, or reading and watching the news. No checking layoffs. No reading rants. No listening to pundits talk about tariffs or foreign wars.
Avoiding other people's panic in the mornings has significantly improved my ability to focus on my goals. Before coffee, I was absorbing fear, dread, and large amounts of negativity and drama from mostly strangers. Unsurprisingly, starting my days with a digital toxic diet led to me not fully engaging in my work, and my cynicism was at an all-time high. I kept having "What's the point?" conversations with myself, which wasn't conducive to doing my best work.
So I stopped.
My mornings are now sacred, dedicated "me time." I start my day with my priorities (read: what I control)—exercising, journaling, reading, outlining my next column, creating a to-do list for the day, and replying to emails over coffee—that serve my interests. Avoiding negativity that I can't control has noticeably boosted my energy. Just as eating healthy involves choosing nutritious foods, focusing on what's in your best interests means selecting what will mentally nourish you and help you reach your goals. There's a reason negativity is called "a downer."
You'd be surprised how much time you free up when you're not focusing on what doesn't serve you.
Make two lists regarding your job search:
1. What you can control. 2. What you can't control.
Make peace with what you can't control and commit to focusing only on what you can influence or control. Ultimately, you're steering your job search. Only by taking steps in the right direction will you get closer to your next job.
_____________________________________________________
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
Labels:
#Central,
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham,
Facebook,
Football
$250 Why Not A Million?
$250 Why Not A Million?
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
Municipalities across Durham Region like to go around filling their mouths with... Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.... On how they support local businesses....
Yet, their downtowns are emptying out just as quick as they can roll the hypocrisy off their tongues.
The bottom line... they support no one and the only diversity the practice is patronage to those that support them. Equality to those of obvious minority that they use as political tokens to further their political careers. And Inclusion only to those that don’t question and are good brown nosers.
Just this week I received a post on social media from Clarington that stated:
We’re Reimagining the Waterfront — And We Need You
Share your feedback by July 28, 2025, for a chance to win a $250 VISA gift card
Take 10 minutes today to help shape the future of a place we all care deeply about — our stunning 34-km waterfront along Lake Ontario.
This is the same municipality that is full of controversy when it comes to their water front. This is the same municipality that has fallen victim to their own ignorance of thinking that posting important municipal information on line is the same as having it published in their only in print newspaper.
Yes, they tell the few that actually read Clarington posts online that they have a chance to win a $250 VISA gift card. Why not make it a million?
If I had to bet. Clarington has already selected the names, designs and contractors. This post online is nothing but a formality to ease their conscious.
This is the same municipality that it’s Mayor. Mayor Adrian Foster, did not return phone calls during the recent fired downtown to his only in print municipal regional newspaper. This is the same mayor that ever since “Stong Mayors” power came in affect. He has become and island in himself. I am truly disappointed in you Adrian. The days we would run in to each other at the local service club we belong to. You appeared to be genuine and down to earth.
What happened?
Did you bite from the same apple all the other municipal leaders?
Has COVID got to you? How is it you have stopped supporting your local businesses? Your local media? You are supposed to unite the community under one common goal... To better the quality of life of all citizens. Posting on a technology you do not understand is not pro- business. Alienating seniors and forcing them to go to a computer to see important information is not inclusive. Forcing those less fortunate that can barely put food on the table and pay rent to purchase a computer and or internet is not inclusive.
Adrian... how can you be so cold. This from you that you do not return phone calls to your local media. Open your eyes. Get away from the pack and come back to the people.
To all the people. Not just the brown nosers that push your agenda. I hope I am wrong about you. Prove me wrong call me and tell me how wrong I am... Oh and where do I fill out that ballot to win that Visa gift card... as I am one of the many working hard to feed my family. As I am like many that are being kept in the dark by your municipal post online.
Labels:
#Durham,
#ingino,
#Job,
#joeingino,
Blacklivesmatter,
Canada,
Central,
Chisu,
COVID,
downtown,
Duher,
Durham
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)