Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Health Is the Good Fortune You Make
Health Is the Good
Fortune You Make
By Diana Gifford
When it comes to health, my father always told me that good luck is as important, if not more so, than good genes. Like genes, luck is allocated at life’s outset. Watching nightly news on wars, famine, and other disasters has always made me grateful to have been born in Canada. Yet, there’s something to be said for manufacturing your luck too. Sometimes the greatest good fortune comes not from happenstance, but from the choices you make. And among the most consequential of choices is the selection of a life partner.
People commonly equate getting married with happiness. But it is every bit as important to health. Research shows that being teamed up doesn’t only add years to life, which on average it does. It also means quicker recognition of symptoms of a health problem, a supportive push to see the doctor and assistance in getting there, and caring advocacy for best interests.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who lived to 100, credited his 77-year union with Rosalynn as “the best thing I ever did”. Comedian Rita Rudner said: “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” Herein, two commonly unrecognized elements of how marriage generates health: love and laughter. If you are lucky, you get both.
In addition to the benefit of living longer, people in committed partnerships recover more quickly from illness, and face lower risks of depression, dementia, heart disease, and even cancer. But the quality of the union matters. Stress-filled, resentful partnerships are like slow-acting poisons, raising blood pressure and weakening the immune system.
The healthiest marriages, in fact, are not fairy tales. They are long experiments in teamwork, patience, forgiveness, and stamina. Healthy unions generate happiness. But they also test the ability to recover after inevitable ruptures – little ones or big ones. In finding good health, resilience is more important than avoiding every risk. The healthiest people are not those who never fall ill, but those who rebound well. The same is true in relationships. A marriage that can heal after conflict, adapt through change, and find laughter in the middle of the mess is often the strongest of all.
Think of it like inflammation. In the body, chronic inflammation erodes health, quietly damaging arteries, joints, even the brain. In a marriage, unresolved resentment does the same. Forgiveness, like an anti-inflammatory, doesn’t erase the injury, but it allows healing to begin.
How do shared struggles strengthen your bond and lead to better health? Couples who weather illness, financial strain, or any kind of trouble with children often emerge closer than before. A new kind of bond develops from hardships. Much like bones that sometimes heal stronger at the fracture site, marriages can become most resilient at their breaking points. Unfortunately, too few people know this. It’s not taught. People give up, and therein lose a great deal.
It seems wrong to be overly calculating about marriage. Falling in love is so much more romantic than arranged marriages. But there does come a time in any partnership when it’s useful to develop skills of appreciation. Both individuals in a couple need to know that arguing about the thermostat can be an opportunity for expressing care for each other. Whatever the issue, when tempers flare, you’ll be wise to remember how much stronger the team is than the sole player. Years on, you won’t recall who ‘won’ the thermostat battle, only that you fought it together.
Don’t aim for a perfect partnership. Aim for a resilient one. Done well together, this is its own form of health.
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HARMS WAY
HARMS WAY
By Wayne and Tamara
My younger brother and his wife called me days before my first child was born. I thought they were calling to see if the baby had arrived or to congratulate us, as I made a huge effort to fly out east when they had their first child. I helped them financially as well. However their call was stressful and rude.
I never expected them to treat me so horribly at the birth of my son! I moved across the country when I was 18 to go to college. My mother, adoptive father and I have been estranged ever since. Our parents were extremely destructive, emotionally and physically abusive. So much so I was diagnosed with PTSD and suffered from depression for many years.
My brother was favored. I have been back east to celebrate his milestones, yet my family treated me like garbage in front of my fiancé, who they were meeting for the first time. In the years I’ve lived out west they have never visited. None of them—including my brother who I took good care of when growing up—made an effort to attend my wedding!
I did not understand how this phone call started so tense and became so draining so fast. When my husband came home, he insisted I get off the phone. I try to set boundaries with my brother, but he bullies me.
Later I sent my brother an email. I told him I love him and would speak to him after my son was born. The next day I was sent the ugliest most abusive letter from my sister-in-law. She attacked my character left and right, yet I flew out when her daughter was born, and we gave them thousands of dollars to help them buy their house. I’ve never mentioned that to them.
My husband and I took our only vacation to fly out and offer support when their daughter was born. I thought my brother and I were survivors who would stick together. I always thought of him with love. What should I do?
Bonnie
Bonnie, poker is interesting because it is not only a mathematically sophisticated game, it is psychologically sophisticated as well. Poker players say poker is not a card game; it is a people game played with cards.
In poker there is a basic rule known as the fundamental theorem. The fundamental theorem states that every time your opponent plays as if he can see your hand, he gains. While every time you play as if you can see your opponent’s hand, you gain.
With your brother, you are playing as if you have no knowledge of his hand. In fact, you have perfect knowledge. Give and he will take; defend yourself and he will abuse you. His strategy is no more complicated than that.
When you arrived on the planet, you were dealt an unplayable hand: an abusive stepfather, an uncaring mother, and a favored brother. At 18 you escaped, but you are still hoping to turn losing cards into a royal flush. A good poker player would tell you it’s time to mix up your play.
Is the way your family treats you just? No. Is it fair? No. Would a psychologist recommend you stay in this game? No.
A behavioral psychologist would say by treating your brother to money, time, and attention, you are strengthening his bad behavior. A developmental psychologist would say you were damaged growing up, so you must repair the damage to yourself and protect your children. Allowing them to be in contact with people who abuse their mother abuses them.
Game theory, justice, and psychology all point in one direction: minimize or eliminate contact with these people. Being estranged from your family is nothing to be ashamed of. No fault attaches to you. It is what you must do to protect your children, your husband, and yourself.
Wayne & Tamara
Are You Ready For Retirement?
Are You Ready For Retirement?
By Bruno M. Scanga
Deposit Broker, Insurance & Investment Advisor
Retirement is a milestone many eagerly anticipate – a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of years of labor. However, for some, this dream can turn into a financial nightmare due to poor money management. While every retiree’s situation is unique, several common mistakes can derail even the most carefully laid plans. Avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for a secure and comfortable retirement.
1. One of the biggest errors is underestimating longevity.
People are living longer than ever, and a retirement that initially seems well-funded can be stretched thin over 30 or more years. Outliving retirement savings, force difficult choices and the potential of relying on limited government benefits. A sound retirement plan should project expenses over a potentially long lifespan, factoring in inflation and unexpected healthcare costs.
2. Another frequent misstep is overspending in the early years.
The first excitement of retirement can lead to a surge in spending. Travel, hobbies, and home renovations are tempting ways to enjoy newfound freedom. However, this “go-go” phase can deplete savings quickly, leaving insufficient funds for later years when health issues or other unexpected expenses arise. A balanced approach is key, allowing for enjoyment while maintaining a sustainable budget throughout retirement.
3. Ignoring inflation is another critical oversight.
The cost of living steadily increases over time, meaning that the purchasing power of your savings decreases. What seems like a comfortable nest egg today might not cover essential expenses a decade or two down the line. Retirement plans should incorporate realistic inflation projections and adjust spending accordingly to maintain a desired standard of living.
4. Not diversifying investments is a risky strategy.
Putting all your eggs in one basket, whether it’s a single stock or a concentrated real estate holding, can expose you to significant losses. A diversified portfolio across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, helps mitigate risk and provides a more stable return over the long term. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is essential to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and retirement goals.
5. Not planning for healthcare costs is a major oversight.
Healthcare expenses tend to increase significantly in retirement, particularly as people age. Unexpected medical bills, long-term care needs, and rising insurance premiums can put a significant strain on retirement finances. It’s crucial to research health insurance options, estimate potential healthcare costs, and explore long-term care insurance possibilities to protect your savings.
6. Finally, procrastination is a common enemy of sound retirement planning.
Putting off saving and investing until later in life makes it significantly harder to accumulate sufficient funds. The power of compounding, where investment earnings generate further earnings over time, is most effective when started early. The sooner you begin planning and saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow.
Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, not financial stress. By avoiding these common mistakes, retirees can significantly improve their financial security and enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. Seeking professional financial advice can also be invaluable in creating a personalized retirement plan that addresses individual needs and goals.
Black Is The New White
Black Is The New White
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
Event though it is widely practiced across the planet against all colours. In North America due to the historical historical implications. Race relations are being
distorded and pushed to irrational compromises of that of which is obvious.
Take for example the melange of confusion at Trent Durham Launches Black Studies Specialization and Research Lab to Advance Equity and Community Knowledge. The fact that they are isolating one colour in itself is that not racist?
Is the agenda to educate or push agenda in the form of forced compliance?
The release by Trent continued: The Black Life and Community Knowledge Lab opens new pathways for equit focused education and research. A new research hub and Sociology specialization focused on Black knowledge, experiences and community collaboration are launching at Trent University Durham GTA, equipping students with the insights and tools to lead meaningful social and equitable change. ‘Meaningful social and equitable change’... Is that the agenda peaking it’s head as something positive for all colors and races? Or is it another way to say. Accept no matter what or else?
“With this new programming, we are working towards our goal to celebrate Black knowledge, not just in theory but in practice,” says Dr. Adwoa Onuora, an associate professor of Sociology at Trent Durham.
I think this statement is an insult to academia. For the longest time academics and intellectuals alike have criticized how post secondary education has become nothing but a business. Graduating people that are not qualified to obtain employment in the field of study. That some post graduate institutions are hubs for pushing social/political agenda in the hope to influece society to change it’s standards, it’s intellectual integrity. This Dr. Adwoa Onuora in my opinion is such a character. We as a people. As a civilization should not be celebrating ‘Any race or color knowledge’ as this is something that should be attained by hard work and education. Not some course and or handing out of degrees/certificates. We as human race are better than that.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
The Uniform of Popularity The Teenage Pressure to Fit In and its Consequences on Mental Health
The Uniform of Popularity
The Teenage Pressure to Fit In and
its Consequences on Mental Health
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
Every individual is unique in their own, interesting way. Through our appearances, talents, and personalities, each human is a snowflake, distinct from one another. Yet, we often hide our differences in order to appear similar to others. This behavior is most prominent in high school, where popularity and acceptance feels most prominent. Teenage years are often the height of insecurity, when we feel isolated, disliked, and misunderstood. To feel more popular, teens decide to change themselves in whichever way necessary to fit in; they may alter their clothes, hair, or even passions.
Although this may seem socially beneficial, in reality it causes more issues for the individual and can significantly damage their mental health.
When teens compress their individuality, trends begin to surface in practically every teenager.
There seems to be a self-inflicted uniform for those who are “likeable.” Boys wear all-black, baggy clothes and have identical hairstyles. Most girls straightened their hair, wear similar clothes, and do the same makeup style. High schools seem void of unique personalities, instead filled with cookie-cutter students mimicking popularity.
This constriction applies to more than popular students. Secondary education is commonly known for its challenging social life and complicated cliques, which makes finding trustworthy friends a laborious task for any individual. A student may not feel smart enough to befriend traditional nerds, or athletic enough to play with classic jocks.
No matter where one goes and who they choose to associate with, they may always feel misplaced; this again leads to a shift in identity. It’s a system of change and stress, one that feels impossible to overcome.
Although these patterns may seem like an insignificant scene from Mean Girls, (2004), it is a much larger issue than you’d originally expect. Today's youth are no longer choosing to express themselves, instead conforming with others. This significantly harms mental health, as adolescents lack confidence and experience a
misunderstood sense of identity. How many changes do we need to make until we realize there’s a stranger in the mirror? How long until we notice the individual with a different style, different morals, and different identity?
For the entirety of high school, fitting in seems to be the most significant aspect of life; however, this is far from the truth. The all-consuming stress of popularity and social acceptance begins to fade once graduation arrives. In the adult world, your true character is far more important than the friends you had in high school or the attention you received in a crowded hallway. What once felt like the center of your life is revealed to be a temporary distraction when compared to the opportunities and challenges that come after graduation.
As simple and elementary as it may seem, the solution to this dilemma is to be yourself. Wear what you feel confident in, and spend your time doing what makes you happy. Work hard towards personal goals and act aligned with your morals. Popularity may reward similarity, but life beyond it celebrates difference. Genuine relationships, opportunities, and individuality come once you stand out in a way that feels true to who you are. Only through this uniqueness can you be accepted for your true self.
7 Hard Truths That Will Help Your Job Search (Once You Accept Them)
7 Hard Truths That Will Help Your Job Search
(Once You Accept Them)
By Nick Kossovan
As a constant reminder of my place in the world above my desk, I display this quote by Ayn Rand: "You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality." I'm also partial to Jack Welch, having said, "Face reality as it is, not as it was or wish it to be."
The essence of job searching is finding your place in the world where you're accepted; therefore, it involves navigating the world (read: people) as it is, not as you wish it to be or feel entitled to.
Avoiding job search truisms is why many job seekers experience a prolonged search.
The shortcut to shortening your job search: Stop ignoring truisms that won't change, no matter how much you complain, get frustrated and angry over, or wish weren't true. Spend 15 minutes reading LinkedIn posts and comments, and you'll see job seekers refusing to accept truisms like the following:
1. Employers don't owe job seekers anything.
"Don't believe the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing–it was here first." - Robert Jobes Burdette
Job seekers who have the expectation, likely fueled by a sense of entitlement, that employers owe them (e.g., an easy hiring process, a chance, a job, and feedback) are the reason for all the frustration and anger in the job market. Ideally, a job seeker should have minimal expectations.
In my opinion, employers owe four things to those who apply to their job postings.
1. Don't misrepresent the work.
2. Treat candidates as if they are a customer.
3. Recognize that interviews are a two-way street.
4. Inform candidates if they're not selected.
Do all employers do the above-mentioned? Of course not. Can I do anything about this? No. Based on my experience, if you want to become an outcast and live a life filled with anxiety, frustration, and anger, try changing people.
2. Employers are risk-averse.
Hiring involves assuming a liability risk. Candidates often, without realizing it, present themselves in a way that gives employers the impression that hiring them would be risky. For the most part, hiring comes down to selecting the candidate who appears to be the least risky; hence, you can never go wrong by focusing on coming across as someone who'll be easy to manage.
3. Employers hire results, not opinions.
Every job exists to achieve results that the employer's business needs to maintain its existence. Yet, I still see resumes and LinkedIn profiles void of quantifying numbers, which begs the question, "What tangible results has this person achieved for their employers? If employers aren't reaching out to you, they probably don't see that you were valuable to your previous employers and therefore won't be to them.
Throughout your job search, communicate your numbers as proof of your impact on your previous employer's business.
· Signed up no fewer than 120 new subscribers in each quarter of 2024
· Solicited 12 new donors in the first half of 2023 for $4.2 million in additional revenue
· In 2024, produced 40 product videos that generated over 7M impressions
4. Image is everything.
Your image is crucial to your job search success. Your image matters because it's about trust. It's your responsibility to take control of the first impression you make and your ongoing image, which reflects who you are and your qualities. Thanks to social media, we judge people more than ever by their appearance; therefore, take your appearance seriously, as it determines whether you'll be accepted or not.
5. Being likeable supersedes your skills and experience.
I've never met a hiring manager who hired a candidate they didn't like; therefore, a job seeker's most valuable asset is being likeable. A job search is a people-contact activity, so work on your personality. Bar none, the best book on how to make others like you is Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People; it's the psychopath's Bible, but in a good way.
6. Employers own their hiring process.
Employers own their business, and therefore, they own how they design their hiring process. Just because an employer's hiring process doesn't work for the job seeker doesn't mean it doesn't work for the employer. The hiring system isn't broken; employers are getting the candidates they need—if they weren't, they'd change their hiring process.
An aside thought: When a job seeker makes it through an employer's hiring process, do they still think it's "unfair"? Of course not! As soon as they get a job, they stop complaining on LinkedIn about how employers don't know how to hire. When you criticize employers while unemployed and stop once you're employed, you're being hypocritical.
7. Pursuing remote jobs lengthens your job search.
As remote jobs decline, serious job seekers acknowledge that there is less competition for on-site jobs than for remote ones, and that since the employer pays the salary, they have the right to decide where the work is to be performed.
Accepting job search truisms—fundamental facts—and applying them to your job search efforts, like filling your resume and LinkedIn profile with measurable achievements and letting go of any sense of entitlement, is how you become a candidate employers will say "Yes!" to.
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Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
Multiculturalism at a Crossroads: How Much Is Too Much?
Multiculturalism at a Crossroads:
How Much Is Too Much?
By Dale Jodoin
Immigration has always been a difficult subject. In recent weeks, news stories from Great Britain, France, and other countries have been filled with arguments over one simple but heavy question: how many immigrants is too many? At what point does a country reach a tipping point where new arrivals no longer blend into the culture but start to reshape it in ways people didn’t ask for?
Canada is often held up as the shining example of multiculturalism. For decades, we’ve called ourselves a multicultural country. The meaning of that has usually been clear: Canada has its own culture, but we welcome newcomers to share parts of theirs with us. It’s why you can eat Indian curry one night, Jamaican jerk chicken the next, and pierogis the night after. It’s why Toronto is famous for being one of the most diverse cities on earth. But lately, the question has become sharper: what happens when multiculturalism starts to mean not “sharing” but “replacing”?
Accepting Some, Not All
When we talk about multiculturalism, most Canadians think of food, music, art, and language. Those are parts of culture we gladly accept. They enrich us. But culture is more than food and music. Culture also includes traditions, laws, and beliefs about family and honour. And here lies the problem.
Some cultural practices don’t fit with Canadian values. Take the tragic issue of so-called “honour killings.” These happen when a daughter refuses to follow family orders, such as marrying a man chosen for her in the old country. There have been cases where young women in Canada have been murdered by their own families for disobeying. The excuse given is that it’s part of “their culture.” But Canadians look at this with horror. Murder is murder.
India offers another example. For centuries, some groups were labelled “untouchables,” a caste so low that others wouldn’t go near them. That practice was based on tradition, but it created a society divided by hate. Should a country like Canada, which believes in equality, ever accept that?
Multiculturalism should never mean importing systems of hate, class division, or violence. It should mean sharing the best parts of cultures, while leaving the worst behind.
When Old Conflicts Travel
One of the biggest worries people have is that immigrants don’t just bring food, festivals, or hard work. Sometimes, they bring old hatreds from their homelands. Civil wars, religious feuds, and tribal rivalries don’t always stay in the past. When large groups of people from the same background arrive, they can recreate the same divisions here. Instead of adopting Canada, they demand Canada adopt them.
We see this in Europe right now. In France, large protests have broken out because of tension between immigrant groups and the native population. In Britain, debates over grooming gangs groups of men targeting young girls have shaken communities. The problem is not with all immigrants, but with certain networks that bring cultural practices which clash directly with Western laws and values.
This raises a hard question for Canadians: are we prepared for the same thing?
Why Canada, Not Their Neighbours?
There’s another twist. Many of the people who come to Canada are not welcome in other countries near their homeland. Across much of the Middle East, for example, certain religious minorities are persecuted. In some cases, they are even killed. They flee to the West because it is safe. Canada gives them a new start.
But then, instead of fully embracing Canadian life, some demand Canada reshape itself around their old ways. This frustrates Canadians who feel they are being forced to change the very culture that gave these newcomers safety in the first place.
Drawing the Line
So where should Canada draw the line? That’s the heart of the debate. It’s not about rejecting all immigration. Most Canadians support newcomers who come to work hard, follow the law, and contribute to society. Our economy needs immigration. But Canadians are also saying clearly that some parts of other cultures don’t belong here.
No country should allow practices like forced marriage, grooming gangs, caste divisions, or honour killings. Those are not “cultural differences.” They are crimes. If a person insists that their “culture” gives them the right to do these things, Canada has every right to deport them. Multiculturalism doesn’t mean tolerating the intolerable.
Becoming Tribal
The risk, if we ignore this, is that Canada becomes tribal. Instead of one country with many backgrounds, we end up with many countries inside one border. Each group follows its own rules. Each group defends its own grievances. That isn’t unity, it's division. And division can turn violent.
Already, words are heating up. Groups accuse each other of hate. Immigrant activists sometimes claim to be victims, even when they are the ones importing practices Canadians find hateful. Native Canadians, meanwhile, feel silenced, afraid of being called racist for pointing out real problems. The truth is that multiculturalism has limits. It works when people bring their best, not their worst.
The Canadian Way
Canada’s strength has always been its ability to blend. Italians brought pizza, and it became Canadian. Jamaicans brought reggae, and it’s played on Canadian radios. Indians brought samosas, and they’re sold in corner stores everywhere. But none of these groups demanded that Canada abandon its own laws or values. They added, they didn’t replace.
That’s the Canadian way.
So the debate isn’t about whether immigration is good or bad. It’s about what kind of immigration strengthens Canada and what kind weakens it. It’s about recognizing that some parts of “culture” are actually cult-like practices of control, violence, and hate. Those must never be excused in the name of diversity.
Canada is at a crossroads. If we accept multiculturalism as “everything goes,” then we risk importing the very divisions and hatreds people fled from in the first place. But if we say multiculturalism means sharing the best of each culture while keeping Canada’s own identity strong, then we can continue to thrive.
No one wants to see honour killings, forced marriages, caste systems, or grooming gangs on Canadian soil. No one wants tribal conflict to replace Canadian unity. Most Canadians are ready to welcome newcomers. But they also want to know those newcomers are ready to be Canadian too.
That’s the tipping point. And it’s a debate Canada cannot afford to avoid.
Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes in Retirement
Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes in Retirement
By Bruno M. Scanga
Deposit Broker, Insurance & Investment Advisor
Retirement is a milestone many eagerly anticipate – a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of years of labor. However, for some, this dream can turn into a financial nightmare due to poor money management. While every retiree’s situation is unique, several common mistakes can derail even the most carefully laid plans. Avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for a secure and comfortable retirement.
One of the biggest errors is underestimating longevity.
People are living longer than ever, and a retirement that initially seems well-funded can be stretched thin over 30 or more years. Outliving retirement savings, force difficult choices and the potential of relying on limited government benefits. A sound retirement plan should project expenses over a potentially long lifespan, factoring in inflation and unexpected healthcare costs.
Another frequent misstep is overspending in the early years.
The initial excitement of retirement can lead to a surge in spending. Travel, hobbies, and home renovations are tempting ways to enjoy newfound freedom. However, this “go-go” phase can deplete savings quickly, leaving insufficient funds for later years when health issues or other unexpected expenses arise. A balanced approach is key, allowing for enjoyment while maintaining a sustainable budget throughout retirement.
Ignoring inflation is another critical oversight.
The cost of living steadily increases over time, meaning that the purchasing power of your savings decreases. What seems like a comfortable nest egg today might not cover essential expenses a decade or two down the line. Retirement plans should incorporate realistic inflation projections and adjust spending accordingly to maintain a desired standard of living.
Failing to diversify investments is a risky strategy.
Putting all your eggs in one basket, whether it’s a single stock or a concentrated real estate holding, can expose you to significant losses. A diversified portfolio across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, helps mitigate risk and provides a more stable return over the long term. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is essential to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and retirement goals.
Not planning for healthcare costs is a major oversight.
Healthcare expenses tend to increase significantly in retirement, particularly as people age. Unexpected medical bills, long-term care needs, and rising insurance premiums can put a significant strain on retirement finances. It’s crucial to research health insurance options, estimate potential healthcare costs, and explore long-term care insurance possibilities to protect your savings.
Finally, procrastination is a common enemy of sound retirement planning.
Putting off saving and investing until later in life makes it significantly harder to accumulate sufficient funds. The power of compounding, where investment earnings generate further earnings over time, is most effective when started early. The sooner you begin planning and saving for retirement, the more time your money has to grow.
Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, not financial stress. By avoiding these common mistakes, retirees can significantly improve their financial security and enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. Seeking professional financial advice can also be invaluable in creating a personalized retirement plan that addresses individual needs and goals.
ALL KEPT IN THE DARK
KEPT IN THE DARK
B.A. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
Do you have any idea on all that is happening across the region of Durham and no one knows about it? In Oshawa alone there so many calls for good paying jobs by the City. No one knows about them as they only post them online.
The City of Oshawa refuses to post them in their only in print City newspaper. You may be asking why?
POLITICS... No other reason... But let’s forget the jobs. How about the many events. The important road closures, the many developments and bids, tenders not to mention by-law changes that affect you the taxpayer.
How about all the important community meetings, like budget discussion, parks, recreation and general public interest.
ALL KEPT IN THE DARK
Municipalities are under the wrongful impression that posting online is the same as publishing in their local newspaper. Municipalities pride themselves on ‘SUPPORTING LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES’, but by their practice they don’t.
The problem with the internet is that not everyone can afford it or everyone gets on it. Main, reason. Many can’t afford computers or smart phones. Many, especially those living in rural areas have limited or no internet service.
A huge number of the general population do not have the time after a busy day to sit in front of a computer.
This is where the local newspaper plays a role. It unites the community under one print media. It is affordable and delivered right to your own home. It only costs one dollar per week.
Thank you to all that have subscribed across the Region and the many that are signing up on daily basis. Our success is the readership. The Central is the only in print newspaper covering all of Durham Region. The only professional grade newspaper with over 30 years of proven track record.
The Central is an award winning newspaper bringing all the important news from across the region.The Central is the only newspaper in the country that offers to the general public access to the press with no censorship.
We believe in telling it like it is. Bring light to the truth as news happens across the region. We will never keep you in the dark or be compromised by political agenda or interests.
The Central is your newspaper. It our Regional source for news. One newspaper bringing you what matters across the region.
This year we are starting a new program. Want to leave a legacy behind and contribute the championing of freedom to the press? We are accepting in ‘memoriam’ contributions and your name will go on a standing list of contributors over the years. The list will live for ever in your memory...
Canada–China Relations: Current Challenges
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Quercetin Is Part of a Winning Formula for Health
Quercetin Is Part of a
Winning Formula for Health
By Diana Gifford
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a physician, wrote, "It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important." If he’d had his fictional detective Sherlock Holmes investigate the mysteries of nature, he’d have found quercetin – an element of many plant-based foods that is often overlooked.
Quercetin is a flavonoid, found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, with particularly high concentrations in onions, apples, red grapes, berries, and green tea. It takes its name from Quercus, meaning “oak”. So no wonder its strength. Quercetin has powerful immune-boosting properties that help the body fend off infections and reduce the risk of chronic disease. It enhances the activity of immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages, which are a type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates other immune system cells. It’s fair to say that quercetin plays a role in defending the body against pathogens and cancer cells.
Like vitamins A, C, and E, quercetin is a potent antioxidant, meaning it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to aging and a host of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Quercetin is unique among antioxidants due to its ability to regenerate other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E. This synergistic effect amplifies its protective properties and reinforces the body's defense mechanisms.
One of the ways quercetin supports heart health is by improving endothelial function. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, and dysfunction in this layer can lead to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Quercetin helps relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and promoting healthy circulation.
Moreover, quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the arteries, which is a primary driver of heart disease.
Quercetin alleviates allergic reactions and improves respiratory health too. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It does so by inhibiting the release of histamines and other inflammatory compounds.
A consistent intake of quercetin is possible with a healthy diet, but using a daily supplement provides a guarantee. When taken in combination with vitamin C, studies show better absorption of quercetin. This is why I added it to my new heart health formula in CardioVibe, including it alongside vitamin C, lysine, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and l-proline.
But it’s not just your cardiovascular system that benefits from the combination. Diabetics and people with pre-diabetes will benefit. Numerous studies show that quercetin and vitamin C can help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Brain health is another consideration. Both these antioxidants protect neurological cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which may be part of the battle in preventing the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
I recall patients who were perpetually plagued by colds every winter. They would try every over-the-counter remedy but never considered the simplest precaution—boosting their immune systems naturally. I recommended consistent daily supplementation with vitamin C, paired with a balanced diet. The next winter, no colds. Not only that, but their energy levels improved. One patient joked that I saved her marriage because she was no longer grumpy from being sick all the time.
Think of Aesop’s tortoise winning the race against the hare by taking a slow but steady course forward without getting discouraged. It’s this wisdom of thinking ahead and taking small, consistent actions to maintain health that will make the winners. Prevention isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective.
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contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones
From a Mundane Routine to an Exciting Opportunity - How to Make the Most of the 2025-2026 School Year
From a Mundane Routine to an Exciting Opportunity - How to
Make the Most of the 2025-2026
School Year
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
Practically every teenager loves summer vacation, a time filled with sports, friends, travel, and part time jobs. As of Tuesday, September 2nd, summer vacation has officially come to an end, as students begin to fill classrooms for another year. Despite the anxiety which comes from high school, I am a grade 11 student who is excited to resume learning. To me, a new year is about more than a classroom and homework; it’s about seeing my friends, having a stable routine, taking part in extracurriculars, and studying interesting content. When viewed this way, going back to school doesn’t feel mundane or frustrating, but enjoyable and exciting. As a high-performing student and active member of my school community, I’ve discovered a few strategies and lessons to ensure success in the upcoming academic year, which I plan to apply daily.
The back-to-school season begins long before the first day of class. A few weeks prior, stores advertise backpacks, stationary, and uniforms, which is when school preparation begins. Although shopping for these necessary supplies may feel tedious, it can be surprisingly enjoyable with a little bit of planning.
In addition to proper bags and stationary, one item I always recommend is a yearly planner with daily to-do lists and monthly calendars. Planners help keep track of assignments and tests, so you can manage your time accordingly. There are many designs to choose from at Indigo, Staples, and Amazon. A planner is one step to properorganization, the key to a successful school year for every student.
It is easy to get caught up in the preparations and commotion of a new year, however it’s important to reflect before the first day. Take a few minutes to write down your goals for this year; you can make a list, a collage, or a vision board to help visualize what you want to accomplish. Is there a sports team you want to join, or a grade average you’re aiming for? Once you know what you want from this year, consider how you are going to achieve it. You may need to practice your sport regularly, create a study schedule, or build healthy habits. This mindful preparation is the key to achieving your goals, one attainable step at a time.
Getting ready for a new academic year includes more than shopping and goal setting, it’s also important to create a proper routine. There are a few practical steps to take to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. A week before school begins, it’s important to start resetting your sleep schedule, so your body adjusts to waking early.
Some individuals choose to prepare meals at the beginning of each week, so they don’t have to worry about cooking or buying food during the day. Students with busy calendars may create a study schedule, to ensure they have time for everything they need to do. These are just some of the many preparations which can be done beforehand to reduce stress once school begins.
Regardless of what your routine entails, it’s important to add enjoyment to it and romanticize the season. Listen to a playlist and light candles while studying to make the task more amusing. Do your daily homework with friends at a library, or reward yourself for reaching small goals. Find a routine which is both efficient and enjoyable, one that gets you excited for the day and satisfied with how you spend your time. School may feel demanding, but it may also feel rewarding and interesting if you take the time to enjoy it.
Beyond your day-to-day routine, school is also a place to discover unique opportunities. Whether you’re starting at a new school or entering your senior year, it’s never too late to explore something new. Education is a powerful, unique opportunity, not just to learn, but to grow as a person. I have tried out for the school debate team, student council, school musicals, and more. Each activity came with its own worries, and many times, I questioned if I was capable of doing everything. Yet, I tried anyway.
This is the only way to grow as a person, and to make the most of your opportunities; by trying. Whether it’s an academic challenge or an extracurricular adventure, you never know what you’re capable of until you try.
Regardless of your goals for the 2025-2026 school year, I hope you take the time to ensure you have all the necessary supplies, mindfully set goals, create an enjoyable routine, and take risks. School is about more than a diploma or a grade, it’s also about opportunities and life lessons. Do not let your education pass without making the most of it; engage in extracurriculars, take interesting courses, and meet new people. This, in addition to proper organization and an efficient study schedule, will ensure you have a balanced, enjoyable, and efficient academic year.
No Mr. Darcy
No Mr. Darcy
By Wayne and Tamara
I will try to make this brief as I can. My husband and I separated over a lot of issues, the main one being I thought he was cheating. Well, I think he may have been, because we were not even apart a month when I found out he is seeing his mother’s chore worker. I was devastated. I loved him and wanted this marriage to work.
I called near divorce time to tell him where to send the papers. We had nothing but angry words to one another before that call. He was sweet. I told him I was so sorry our marriage ended, but thought of him often and still loved him. I just wanted to cleanse old wounds. One hour later he called back asking to come to my home to clear the air.
We both cried and talked about where we went wrong in the marriage. He asked me to give him time. He said this other woman did not want him; he barely ever saw her. But then he revealed her daughter and her daughter’s husband are living with him. Just give him time to clean up this mess, he said.
When he told the other woman I called, she came running back into his life. He still leads me on and tells me he wants to try. I am getting played the fool, but I am having the worst time letting him go. I try but I can’t. He is the love of my life.
He sees me wanting out, then he spews out words to hook me again. I feel like a fish getting thrown in and tossed back time and again. I know she is not living with him, but she sees him two or three times a week. Then he gets cool and distant toward me. But if she stays away, he leads me down this cruel path.
I have prayed, remained faithful to him, and now I am at my wits’ end. How could anyone do this to another for a second time? Help me let him go, please. I have always been a strong woman, but this time I find no strength to be that woman.
Beatrice
Beatrice, how could he do this to you for the second time? The same way he could do it to you for the first time. This mess is a mess made by him. It was his mess to make, and it was his mess to clean up. But he has made another choice.
He is not willing to do without a body in his bed. If she’s not there warming his bed, he wants you to be there warming his bed, with not a care about how either of you is affected by this.
There is enough of the charmer, or the serpent, about this man that he can receive the benefit of having two of what he should only have one of, at a time. Someone you can spend your life with, share your bed with, share your deepest thoughts with—someone like that is someone not like this man.
In Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice” there is a clergyman named Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins is a bootlicker and dense as a board. But in the novel he says one wise thing. After Lizzy Bennet rejects his offer of marriage, Mr. Collins says, “I have often observed that resignation is never so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our estimation.”
This man is not the love of your life, though you want him to be. You wanted one wedding and one lifetime marriage. You cannot have that with him. You can never rest with an easy head or an easy heart. He won’t stand by you. To free yourself, he has to lose some of his value in your estimation.
Wayne & Tamara
When Classrooms Turn Dark
When Classrooms Turn Dark
By Dale Jodoin
A federal report reveals one in six antisemitic incidents in Ontario schools involve teachers. What happens when blame becomes part of the lesson plan?
Most people want to believe schools are safe spaces. Teachers are trusted to guide young people toward knowledge and fairness. And for the majority, that trust is well-earned.
But a new government study has exposed a dangerous minority. In February 2025, Canadian Heritage released The Report on Antisemitism in Ontario Schools. It tracked more than 780 reports of antisemitic incidents across the province between October 2023 and January 2025.
The number that stood out: nearly one in six of those cases 17 percent involved teachers or school-sanctioned activities.
That’s not playground gossip. It’s government data. And it forces us to ask: what happens when the people meant to protect kids are the ones planting harm?
“Nearly one in six antisemitic incidents in Ontario schools were linked to teachers themselves.”
The Report on Antisemitism in Ontario Schools, Canadian Heritage, 2025
The report tells of Jewish students mocked or shamed in class, made to feel responsible for wars half a world away. One girl recalled that whenever the Middle East came up, classmates turned to stare at her while the teacher stayed silent. Others described slurs that went unchallenged, or comments that made their very identity feel like a crime.
And it’s not just Jewish children. Caucasian boys white boys in general are often singled out, not for behavior, but for skin and gender. The message they hear sometimes openly, sometimes between the lines is that their identity makes them guilty. By high school, many have learned silence is safer than speaking.
The danger is obvious: once schools normalize blaming one group, that same habit can swing toward others.
Words from peers sting. Words from a teacher's scar. Authority has weight. When an adult suggests a child “is the problem,” the message lodges deep.
Psychologists call this internalized blame. It starts in middle school, turns to silence in high school, and hardens into conformity by university. By then, questioning the script is treated not as curiosity but as harm. Students are rewarded for slogans, not reasoning.
We’ve seen this before. Every society that forgets, every system that lets anger turn into targeting, begins with the young. Children are the first to carry the burden of collective blame.
Ontario’s numbers are a warning. One in six isn’t small. It’s a signal.
The Numbers
781 antisemitic incidents reported in Ontario schools (2023–2025)
1 in 6 involved teachers or school-sanctioned events
Nearly 17% of cases were authority-driven, not peer-driven
Report commissioned by Canadian Heritage, published February 2025
Most teachers are not part of this. The majority guide with fairness, challenge respectfully, and protect their students. But a dangerous minority, exposed in the government’s own data, cannot be ignored.
Seventeen percent means this isn’t rare enough to dismiss. It means real children Jewish kids, Caucasian boys, and others are being shaped by shame instead of learning.
If classrooms want to heal, the rules must be simple:
Criticize actions, not identities.
Teach history with multiple perspectives, not slogans.
Protect debate, but punish harassment even when it comes from a teacher.
The Report on Antisemitism in Ontario Schools isn’t just a tally of incidents. It’s a warning flare. When blame enters the classroom, children pay the price first.
Today it’s Jewish students. Yesterday it was Caucasian boys. Tomorrow, it could be someone else entirely.
The saddest part is that we don’t seem to learn. We tell ourselves schools are safer, kinder, more aware and yet kids still sit at their desks feeling ashamed for who they are. Authority, the very thing that should lift them up, is sometimes what pushes them down.
Most teachers are good. They care deeply, and they carry a heavy load. But when even a minority trade education for blame, the echo doesn’t end with one lesson. It stretches for years, shaping how young people see themselves and each other.
We can’t allow that echo to become the new normal.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Creating or Consuming Why Creating Art is Necessary in Everyday Life
Creating or Consuming
Why Creating Art is Necessary in Everyday Life
By Camryn Bland
Youth Columnist
Creating art is a key component of humanity, something which our species has done for thousands of years. From parietal art to historical sculptures, we naturally gravitate toward creating throughout our lives. From a young age, we engage in arts and crafts, dancing, drawing, and storytelling. These activities are not just for entertainment purposes, but also to improve problem solving, communication, confidence, memory, and intelligence.
Despite these benefits, we often disregard creativity in pursuit of simplicity and conventionality as we grow older. We instead spend our days consuming the content which has already been made, forgetting our individual crafts. This artistic oversight can be extremely harmful, as we begin to miss out on the countless benefits of creativity.
When we think of art, we often consider professional, timeless pieces, such as Van Gogh's paintings or Shakespeare's plays. We envision perfection which has been passed down for generations, analyzed for deeper meanings and significance. Studying these impactful pieces can give us great insight into societies past and present, however it can also be the root of our issue. Our society has placed an unrealistic standard of perfection on art, which has caused most people to abandon the true point of creating;
it’s not about fame or audience, but expression and connection. Not every piece needs to be worthy of greatness, they just need to be authentically yours.
Until recently, I never considered myself a creative person. I have always disliked drawing, painting, and dancing. I am clueless regarding musical instruments, and I often give up on writing projects. I felt uninspired and talentless until last year, when I committed to theatre. Through my school's regional arts program, I have learnt to express myself through words, movement, and execution. I have directed, designed costumes, analyzed characters, managed backstage, interpreted soundtracks, and acted in multiple productions, with each task teaching me something different about both the arts and myself. Through these experiences, I have built a strong community of friends, developed critical thinking skills, and further evolved my sense of self.
Since I discovered my passion for theatre, I have begun to understand creativity's role in everyday life through common tasks and hobbies. In my daily life, I am creative through baking, crafting, journaling, sewing, and taking photos. Day by day, we have the opportunity to learn, experiment and create, in whichever way works for us. You do not need to paint or act to be creative; you just need to experiment and express yourself.
Art acts as an expressive outlet for our emotions and thoughts, which develops a thorough sense of self not otherwise possible. Emotions are rarely straightforward, making it difficult to understand what you’re feeling and why. Through paintings, film, theatre, dance, poetry, and music, many individuals are able to express and understand their emotions with a unique depth. Additionally, creativity has been tied to stress reduction, confidence in accomplishments, and brain stimulation. Engaging in the arts can serve as both a strategy to understand emotions and to redirect your energy, proving useful to every individual's mental health.
In 2025, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the content which floods our lives, making it difficult to understand who you are and what you want.
The art of creating can keep you grounded, connected, and understanding of yourself, rather than living through the eyes of others. It does not matter what you make and your purpose for making it, all that matters is that you continue despite the difficulties. It’s time to stop consuming the opinions and pressures of others; instead, it’s time to pick up a pen, a guitar, or a script. Instead, it’s time to create.
Canada’s Bill C-2: A New Threat
Canada’s Bill C-2:
A New Threat
By Dale Jodoin
Canada’s Parliament is debating Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act. The government says it will stop smugglers, fight organized crime, and keep Canadians safe. But hidden in the bill are sweeping surveillance powers that reach far beyond border checks.
Bill C-2 would let police, border agents, and intelligence services:
Demand personal details from phone and internet providers.
Track travel history, financial records, and online accounts on “reasonable suspicion.”
Share that information with foreign governments, including the United States, with weak safeguards.
These powers bypass the oversight of judges. Traditionally, warrants ensured that police only entered private lives when evidence justified it. Bill C-2 breaks that safeguard. Once powers like this are written into law, they rarely vanish. They survive governments, ready to be used by whoever is in charge.
Why Oversight Matters
Oversight is the shield of democracy. A warrant system forces government agencies to justify intrusion. Lowering that standard to “reasonable suspicion” invites abuse.
Security experts warn of mission creep: powers granted for one purpose slowly expand to others. A law written for smugglers could easily be turned on critics, protesters, or journalists.
Governments argue these tools are needed for safety. But once surveillance becomes ordinary, it grows quietly until freedom shrinks without anyone noticing.
The Shock from England
For proof, look at England. In 2016, the UK passed the Investigatory Powers Act, often called the Snooper’s Charter. It promised protection against terrorism.
The law required internet providers to store everyone’s online history for a year. Security agencies could access that data without a judge. Police were given authority to hack into devices and read private messages.
At first, this was framed as anti-terror. But over time, the scope expanded. Protest organisers, journalists, and ordinary citizens became subjects of surveillance. Public order rules combined with spying powers to manage dissent. In some cases, people faced police visits or fines simply for statements critical of government policy.
The chilling effect was immediate. Activists moderated their language. Journalists thought twice before pursuing sensitive stories. Citizens held back their opinions. Safety had become the excuse for control.
The Canadian Risk
The parallels with Bill C-2 are undeniable. Both laws:
Promise security but grant wide surveillance.
Reduce judicial oversight.
Use vague definitions of “threat.”
Permit broad data-sharing abroad.
Canada risks following the same path as England. Once the tools exist, they will be used — and not just at the border.
Free Speech at Risk
Free speech is more than the right to talk. It is the confidence to speak without fear. If Canadians believe their words and messages are being stored, many will go silent.
That silence weakens democracy. Debate narrows, media hesitates, and citizens avoid speaking against government policy. In England, that reality is already visible. Bill C-2 could bring the same culture of self-censorship here.
The Conservative Opposition
Conservative MPs have raised alarms, arguing Canada already has laws to fight smuggling and crime with judicial oversight. They warn that Bill C-2 tips the balance, giving the government unchecked power.
Their concern is for the future as much as the present. Surveillance powers do not fade away. They grow stronger with each new crisis and each new government.
A Choice for Canada
England shows what happens when freedoms are traded for safety. Rights are not lost in one moment. They are chipped away, one small step at a time.
Canada faces that same choice. Do we accept a law that prioritises surveillance over liberty? Or do we demand security measures that also respect the rights of citizens?
Three Word Warning
The warning is simple: Democracy in Danger. Bill C-2 may not punish critics today, but it creates the framework for future governments to do so.
We should not wait until Canadians are questioned for their words to recognise the risk. By then, the system will already be in place.
A Word to Our Readers
If this investigation has shown you what is at stake, act now. Contact your Member of Parliament. Ask where they stand. Speak to your friends and neighbours.
And if you value journalism that investigates threats to democracy, let our office know you appreciated this work. Reader feedback ensures that freedom, privacy, and accountability remain part of Canada’s national debate.
Your voice matters in Parliament, in the press, and in the defence of democracy itself.
Glamorizing Sexuality in Schools is Harming Our Kids
Glamorizing Sexuality in Schools is Harming Our Kids
By Councillor Lisa Robinson
This year, it’s time to raise strong, confident children who know their value comes from being human — not from a label.
As the 2025 - 2026 school year begins, parents, teachers, and students must ask: are we truly preparing children for life — or are we exposing them to confusing messages and adult agendas that could harm them?
Schools should teach reading, writing, math, and character.
Yet many classrooms have become social experiments, filled with identity labels, sexual themes, and divisive categories that pit students against each other.
No child should ever be bullied or feel unsafe because of who they are. That is obvious. But the current approach is not protection — it’s confusion. It sends a message: some children deserve the spotlight, while others are invisible.
Consider straight students who receive no recognition while other sexualities are celebrated. Every child wants to feel special, to be seen and recognized. When straight children are overlooked, some may go along with what is being presented — even if it doesn’t reflect who they are — just to feel acknowledged. That is not equality — that is favoritism.
Glamorizing sexuality in front of children is not protection. It is adult content thrust on minds that are not ready. And then we wonder why anxiety, confusion, and even suicide rates among youth continue to rise.
Parents need to be informed. Children should never be placed in situations where they are told to hide things or lie about what is happening in school. No safe, no good adult would ever instruct a child to deceive their parents — ever. Teachers, staff, and administrators must remember that respecting family boundaries is part of protecting children.
If we truly care about children’s mental health, we must:
Teach respect, kindness, courage, and resilience.
Stop dividing students by labels and identities.
Protect children from bullying without pushing ideology.
Remind every child — straight, gay, religious, or non-religious — that their value comes from being human, not from a label.
Remind children that it’s okay to be young. Childhood is not a rehearsal for adulthood — they do not need to rush into adult decisions or activities. Their childhood is valuable and deserves protection.
Fantasy is not reality
Every child deserves to be seen — not for a label, but for who they are.
That is real equality. That is fairness. That is how we will actually reduce youth suicide — not by injecting identity politics into every classroom.
Children need stability, not confusion. They need role models, not agendas. They need schools that build them up, not break them down.
This school year can be different. It can be better. Let’s stop glamorizing sexuality. Let’s stop giving attention and praise based on who a child says they are attracted to. Let’s raise strong, grounded, confident young people who know they matter — not because of a label, but because they are human beings of infinite worth.
Parents, teachers, and children: let’s put our children first this school year. Let’s make this a year of clarity, respect, and real support for every child.
Let children be children
“No label defines a child. No agenda owns their childhood.” - Lisa Robinson 2025
Then my name,”……
Kind regards,
Lisa Robinson
“The People’s Councillor”
City of Pickering
“Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head On And Rise Above It” -
Lisa Robinson 2023
‘RESPECT’ THE FORGOTTEN WORD
‘RESPECT’
THE FORGOTTEN WORD
By Joe Ingino BA. Psychology
Editor/Publisher Central Newspapers
ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000
Published Columns in Canada and The United States
I don’t know about you. But I am so tired of watching news clips showing punks going nose to nose with police officers. Or the many politically motivated demonstrations assaulting police officers. Then when the police react... the protestor claim that it is his/her right to protests. What they forget that they have the right to ‘PEACEFUL’ protest.
What has become of our duty to civility. To respect and common sense. Personally, I think the police use to much leniency. It has become fashionable to run from police... or to interpret the word, “STOP” as run faster. All in the name of fear for the police. Ideally, no one should fear the police. Do as instructed and in 99.9% of the times. You will walk without a scratch.
But if you start telling police how to do their business or attempt to educate a police officer on law or your rights. You may just end up in jail.
People show respect. Respect for the badge as they must comply with officers instruction and respect for themselves as they have a duty to co-operate in the name of civility.
So what does Respect mean?
Respect means having a high regard or admiration for someone or something, which involves acknowledging their worth, valuing their feelings and views, and treating them with consideration and care. It can also involve upholding basic rights and safety, accepting individuals for who they are, or showing deference to authority or rules. The act of respect is often learned and can be demonstrated through attentive and kind actions, fostering a sense of trust and safety.
In this case recognize the authority of the badge. Respect your self worth and follow procedure in order to maintain the integrity of the badge and your physical integrity.
Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or deferential action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.
For both you and the officer. You must uphold that respect. If not then you get what you get. The police exercising their right under law. Meaning, you will be man handled and you may be arrested. You compromised your self respect and in turn that of the authority of law.
For those protesting. I can’t believe how many riot police officers show so much patience and restrain.
An assault on a police officer occurs in Canada when someone intentionally applies non-consensual force to a peace officer while they are lawfully performing their duties, or to someone assisting them. This includes any intentional physical contact or force without consent, and may even involve gestures that cause a reactive or defensive physical response. To secure a conviction, the Crown must prove the intentional application of force, the defendant's knowledge that the victim was an officer, and that the officer was acting in their official capacity.
In other words. Let the police do their jobs and you will not feel as your rights are being violated and or you end up being assaulted by police in the process of being handcuffed.
I feel for the police as they have a big job to do. Judgement plays a key role on whether they go home at the end of the shift... Police need to not back down in confrontation but show clear authority and use force to convey the consequences of someone getting in their face.
Punks will be punks if we keep allowing them to continue thinking they are invincible.
2025 - Canada Under Fire
2025 - Canada Under Fire
by Maj (ret’d) CORNELIU, CHISU, CD, PMSC
FEC, CET, P.Eng.
Former Member of Parliament
Pickering-Scarborough East
As the summer plods along with challenging domestic and international problems, Canadians also face an unprecedented rash of forest fires with many communities affected from coast to coast to coast. It has really been a season and a year of extremes.
Currently, Canada is in the grip of its second-worst wildfire season on record, with flames now stretching beyond the West into the Prairie and Atlantic provinces including Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre says 7.5 million hectares have already burned in 2025, surpassing the 10-year average and reinforcing warnings that wildfire seasons are growing longer, more destructive and less predictable.
Regions such as Alberta have been hit hard, with significant damages reported in popular areas like Jasper. Over the past weeks, raging, out-of-control wildfires have forced tens of thousands from their homes nationwide. In Manitoba alone, the Canadian Red Cross reports that it has helped more than 32,000 people evacuated from about 12,000 households.
Recent years have been particularly challenging, with 2023 marking the worst wildfire season on record, where approximately 16 million hectares were scorched. The previous year also saw over five million hectares burned, highlighting a troubling trend in wildfire intensity and frequency across the country.
In summary, the wildfire situation in Canada is critical with extensive areas affected, requiring ongoing efforts to manage and contain the fires.
Drought is one example of root causes of wildfires. Canada is a big place and it is always dry somewhere, but not like this year. Agriculture Canada's map shows most of the country was abnormally dry. Large stretches of the Prairies were under at least moderate drought conditions, reaching extreme proportions in southern Alberta.
In British Columbia, once the "wet coast," 28 of 34 river basins were at the province's top two drought levels. Ranchers were selling cattle that they could not grow enough hay to feed, and low stream flows threatened salmon runs.
However, the effect of the prolonged heat was not restricted to the land. Waters off all three Canadian coasts have never been warmer. Hudson Bay is up to 30 C warmer. The Pacific coast is between 20 C and 40 C warmer. Both the Atlantic and Arctic coasts are 50 C above average.
Then there were the fires that spread smoke across the continent and into Europe, where "Canadian wildfires" made headlines from the New York Times to Europe's nightly news.
All 13 provinces and territories have been affected, often at the same time. Tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes, hundreds of houses were destroyed and firefighters have been killed.
If we look at the history of forest and vegetation fires in Canada in general, since the 1970s and 1980s, the total annual number of wildfires in Canada has decreased while the total area burned has increased, though there is variability from year to year. The number and size of large fires has increased since 1959, and the average fire season has become longer by about two weeks. In Canada, wildfire season usually starts in May. The 2023 fires have been compared to the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire and the 2021 Lytton wildfire, but the fires this year were second worse.
When people revert to blaming the now well-known slogan of “climate change” perpetuated by humans, we might do well to consider that the so-called ‘climate change’ is a natural and cyclic phenomenon depending on many variables, including the path of the earth in space. At the same time we must not ignore the basic issue of forest management. It seems that the political elite and elite scientists do not see the forest for the trees.
Lightning causes roughly half of all wildfires in Canada; lightning strikes and lightning-caused fires are happening more frequently. Lightning-caused fires account for about 85% of land burned, often occurring in clusters in remote locations. The other half of wildfires in Canada are human-caused, often unintentionally sparked by discarded cigarette butts, abandoned smouldering campfires, sparks from braking trains and the like. However, let us face it: forest management is also a big factor in the cause/management of wildfires. So here we are; because Canada's forest management has focused on fire suppression, dry vegetation has accumulated on the forest floor. Canada has generally stopped performing controlled burns, which help reduce the risk of larger and more dangerous fires. It is difficult to get permission for controlled burns, especially for Indigenous groups who have historically performed them and are such disproportionately affected by wildfires. Canada lacks a national firefighting service, and local resources are stretched thin due to budget cuts.
Pollution due to a global increase in wildfires has created widespread, long-term impacts on human health. Due to wildfire emissions, Canada has broken its record for annual carbon emissions several times.
Have any of the so-called climate scientists calculated the contribution of forest fires to the total carbon emissions in Canada? Well ????
Furthermore, is there anyone in government or the public service working on or even considering establishing better forest management practices; a service long neglected by all levels of government in Canada?
The answer seems to be a resounding NO. They introduce carbon taxes in various hidden forms, they subsidize fashionable electric vehicle batteries and spend on other politically correct projects, when the recent rash of forest fires in Canada has broken the record on carbon emissions and has made us the laughingstock of the world.
It is time to seriously consider and invest in better forest management, rather than continue to spend huge amounts of money overseas and on politically correct pet projects.
The forests are burning and people are suffering from coast to coast to coast, while politicians and their advisers in the Canadian public service are fiddling.
Enough is enough! Canadians can do without more Neros!
What do you think?
Saturday, August 16, 2025
The Treadmill
The Treadmill
By Wayne and Tamara
Ten years ago I discovered a condom in my husband's jacket pocket. I assumed he was having an affair at work. On confronting him, he admitted to sex with prostitutes. He was devastated he had hurt me and, of course, I was never meant to find out.
I tried to understand it from his point of view. We didn't have sex often, mostly because he was cold toward me, bossy and critical. Just when I had enough and threatened to leave, he would soften and things would settle down for awhile. This cycle went on for years.
I went for counseling to explain both sides of the picture, as he made me feel it was my fault we weren't getting on. I must have been mad. Two years ago, shortly before my mother died of cancer, I discovered I had genital herpes, and my husband moved into the spare room.
I assumed he was having sex with prostitutes though he assured me he was faithful. I wanted to believe him, but I never really trusted him after the first disclosure. I should have left or made him leave, but I felt powerless. Three months later I looked up sex addiction on the Internet. After reading many articles, I felt this was my husband's problem.
I wrote him a letter saying I would stand by him, if he admitted this was the problem. One evening he asked me to come into his room. He was pale and shivering. He disclosed 15 years of sex addiction--sex with men in parks and public toilets, prostitutes, and an affair.
I was living in a nightmare you can't wake up from. He made an appointment with a psychiatrist the day after he told me, and I went for more counseling. We went for couples counseling, he started seeing a psychologist, and now we are seeing the psychologist together.
We have read books on relationships, sex addiction, and forgiveness. Today we talk intimately, dance, and have good sex, but I don't think I am going to get over the betrayal. Though I have a great job, children who keep me busy, a grandchild, and good friends, I feel I am in limbo.
Our psychologist says we are both still healing. I am not sure why I wrote you. I suppose I would like to hear your opinion.
Vanessa
Vanessa, your psychologist used the word “healing.” Is that a metaphor, or an accurate description of what is going on?
Years ago Wayne fractured his clavicle. It was a bad break, and the x-ray showed wide separation between two parts of bone. But in a few months the bone knitted together. Wayne never gives it a thought. Why? Because it healed.
What your psychologist calls healing sounds more like getting used to something distasteful. As a girl, you didn’t dream your husband would be meeting men in public toilets for sex. That’s like trying to get used to living in a prison: forget about the outside world, you’re in here for life. Forget about your dreams and what you were raised to believe marriage is.
When we don’t live from our authentic self, occasionally our true desires break through. Your desire was for an honest, faithful, loving husband. His desire is to be who he really is, when no one is looking.
When you prompted your husband to admit an addiction, you trapped yourself. If he has a disease, that makes you a bad person if you want to leave him.
Ask yourself if the latest round of counseling has simply gotten you more caught up in his story? To go to counseling with your husband is to let others alter your perceptions. You’ve read all the books and talked to the psychologists. Ten years ago you were trying to decide whether to stay or go. Ten years later you are still trying to decide.
Wayne & Tamara
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