Rules Of Conduct

I have been obsessed with a male teacher of mine for months. I am a 16-year-old girl, and he is in his late 30s, married, with young children. We have a nice rapport and are friends in a very appropriate sense. I’ve been to his place to meet his family a couple of times. He is proper and respectful to me, as a teacher should be. However, I have a huge crush on him. I think about him constantly, and every time we exchange a few words, my heart races. I hope this obsession will die down, but in the meantime I want to know what to do. I know we can’t be more than friends, even though I’d love to kiss him. Should I discuss my feelings with him? I want to talk to him about it, but I don’t want him to be uncomfortable. Darcy Darcy, a crush is not a “we thing,” it is a “me thing.” It is something you experience and let pass. Left alone, time takes care of it, and your letter shows you know that. If you believe that is true, then why do you want to talk to your teacher about it? Because you still have a fantasy about making something occur. Some part of you wants to test your powers on him, even though he is not actively seeking a relationship. In legal ethics, there is a principle known as “the appearance of evil.” What it means is that lawyers, and especially judges, should not only avoid doing things which are wrong, they should avoid even what could erroneously be perceived as being wrong. That is the position your teacher is in. For the sake of a romantic play in your head, you could jeopardize this man’s marriage and family life, his career and place in the community. At the very least, you will strain your relationship and make him wary of being in the same room with you. Talking about this can only spoil your relationship. Wayne Dating Principles I’m 42, divorced from my husband of 20 years. The dating scene has changed so much I feel as if I am back in high school trying to figure out the difference between games and reality. I’m an assistant principal and needed to talk with a principal from out of state concerning a new student. During our telephone conversations, we found out we are both single, the same age. We exchanged emails, and he suggested exchanging pictures. I sent mine, and the email stopped. I know what that sounds like. He didn’t like what he saw. I’m a nice-looking woman and take care of myself. I feel so vulnerable and innocent at times. My husband was the only man in my life from college until last year, so I am not very experienced. My questions are simple. How do I know if a man is really interested, or just out for a fun time? When does a man feel a woman is too pushy? Rebecca Rebecca, the quickest way to find out if a man is just looking for a fun time is not to give him one. This doesn’t mean you can’t be a pleasant date or a good conversationalist, it means just leave it there. Let a man get to know you. If he keeps coming back, the interest is in you. Thinking about why this man hasn’t emailed is absolute speculation. It can range from you look like the woman who broke his heart to, at second thought, a long distance relationship is too much trouble. Don’t let “no” prevent you from going forward, presenting yourself with absolute honesty. There is no more powerful appeal than honesty. Honesty is only perceived as pushiness when the other person doesn’t want what you want. “Pushy” is just a negative word for that. Wayne & Tamara Wayne & Tamara write: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are also the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell, What Infidelity Does to the Victim, available from Amazon, Apple and most booksellers.

Edema Is a Common Problem Often Ignored

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones What is one of the most common health problems that develops in people as they age, and also one of the least discussed? The answer is chronic swelling of the legs. At best, it’s a natural consequence of aging. But also known as peripheral edema, there can be medical, nutritional, or lifestyle causes and serious health consequences. Edema is a general term meaning swelling. Peripheral edema occurs in the legs, ankles, feet, as well as arms and hands. Swelling in other parts of the body include pulmonary edema (in the lungs), cerebral edema (in the brain), and macular edema (in the eye). It’s a medical emergency when the lungs or brain are affected, and a life-altering condition when vision is impacted. But in the legs, while victims must deal with pain, weakness, and limitations on mobility, for many, there is a sense of stigma, when once shapely or muscular legs have become less sightly. That’s at least one reason why there’s not a lot of information about how many people are suffering from the condition. In the minds of sufferers, it doesn’t warrant a visit to the doctor, and clothes can help conceal the issue, if not make it go away. One research team at the University of Rochester used data from the American Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of about 20,000 U.S. adults over the age of 51, to estimate prevalence of the condition, which they found to be 19-20% of survey respondents. They also found social disparities among those reporting lower limb edema. Blacks/African Americans and other racial minorities, women, and less wealthy individuals were more affected. As is the case with many other health conditions, the researchers reported, “Minority racial status and lower wealth could be associated with peripheral edema for multiple reasons, including higher rates of other chronic health conditions as well as lower access to healthy foods and preventive care services.” What is causing edema is not always easy to determine. For the individuals involved, it can be hard to know if the swelling is the result of fluid gathering in the tissue. Or is it from the buildup of fat? Known as Lipedema, it is fat, not fluid, that occurs in the limbs, and in the early stage, people do not typically have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. But peripheral edema is an accumulation of fluid. Causes of fluid buildup can be long periods of sitting or standing. Pregnant women can develop the condition, as can people with low levels of protein in the diet. But more sinister causes are also common, including chronic lung diseases or congestive heart failure, when the heart muscle doesn't pump well. Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins fail to carry blood back up to the heart. When valves that normally ensure blood flows toward the heart don't work well, gravity takes over, causing blood to pool in the legs. Depending on the cause, the treatment should be tailored. This is not the time for armchair medicine. An accurate diagnosis depends on a full medical history and potentially a battery of tests to pinpoint the issue. Keep in mind, it’s better to treat the underlying cause than the symptom. Raising the affected limbs will help. Diuretics can also help but need to be used with care as removing too much fluid too quickly can, among other things, impair kidney function. Attention to diet, consistent moderate exercise, and maintenance of a healthy weight should be the goal – early in life, and all lifelong. 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

PHARMACIST

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - The big news today - Pharmacists Now Treating Thirteen Common Ailments and Renewing Prescriptions for Most Medications - What has happened to the pharmacist profession? I remember the days before cell phones, before 911, before land line phones. Places that would have one phone for the town of 200. Normally at the local pharmacy or bar. The phone would ring and someone from the pharmacy or bar would run to your house and holler that you had a call waiting and who it was from. I remember the days when you fell off your horse or scraped your knee. No, 911. No, hospital or ambulance near by. You would walk to your local pharmacist and he would treat you on the spot. Needed, stitches? No problem. Hell needed a tooth pulled. The pharmacist was your man. He would even treat gun shot wounds. Prescriptions what were they? The pharmacist would ask your weight and look at you for a bit and then he would go in to these jars pull out powder, mix it and compress it right in front of you to a pill looking thang. He tell you when to take it and how. Boom. I even remember having the pharmacist mix his mix and put it in an envelop type contraption made out of wax paper and tell you to take a tea-spoon or how much... as needed. I know by making these statements I am aging my self. But history is history.. and modern day society could not survive back then. I remember when being fat meant you were healthy. I remember the days when milk was delivered to your front door in glass jars sealed by nothing more than a foil cap. Or my fav. Having to wait on Tuesdays for the sound of the horse and wagon pulling the fresh caught fish off the peer. The smells, the look f that old wagon insulated by metal sheets dripping from the blocks of ice keeping the fish cool. It appears that today in modern society the pharmacist must acquire degrees to barely read a prescription assigned by a doctor. The pharmacist today are nothing short of pill counters. Many don’t give to much advice as it could hold them liable for misinformation. Others stick to the basics and tell you to go see a doctor. It seems that in modern times. We the people have surrendered common sense and practicality. Everyone needs to be an expert. Everyone needs to protect their best interest. I give my right arm to go back to the old days when your neighbor was like family. When your last name meant something. When people had integrity and basic human decency. Those were the days. REMEMBER ALWAYS Hope for the Best. PREPARE FOR the worst.

Canada and the F-35 fighter jets saga

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Canada has finalized a long-awaited deal to replace its aging fleet of CF-18 fighter jets with 88 of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighters, set to begin arriving in the coming years as Canada finally signed the contract. This, despite the fact that in 2015 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his liberal government committed to never buying the F-35 fighter jets. What an about face, and at what exorbitantly inflated expense to Canadian taxpayers! Indeed the deal directly contradicts a 2015 pledge from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Canada "will not buy the F-35" after controversial cost estimates forced the previous government to put an earlier F-35 deal on ice. While Canadian governments have been in talks about the F-35 since the late 1990s, the former Conservative government formally announced its intent to buy 65 of the stealth fighter jets in 2010. Deliveries at the time were projected to begin in 2016. However, high costs and concerns about inaccurate budgeting dominated headlines over the subsequent years, and in 2012 the auditor general of the day criticized the handling of the sole-sourced deal. In 2010 the former Conservative government claimed that buying 64 F-35s would cost $9 billion. However, the auditor general report shortly afterwards said that those costs failed to account for the money it would take to keep the fleet running over its entire life cycle. With all of those costs factored in, the auditor general estimated the cost would actually be closer to $44 billion. By the time the 2015 federal election rolled around, then-Liberal leader Justin Trudeau vowed he would not buy the F-35 jets, pledging instead to look into a "more affordable aircraft." Despite that promise, the government did not excluded Lockheed Martin from entering the contest for a replacement fleet - and now, seven years later, Trudeau's government has finalized a deal for the fleet it promised not to purchase in 2015. "This is a decision that probably should have been made a decade ago, maybe even five years ago," said Richard Shimooka, a senior fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute. "The delays have been so serious and so long coming that … it's had some serious consequences for Canada's ability to defend itself." Canada's air force has struggled to retain its pilots, and Shimooka said the outdated fleet and everlasting deliberations over a potential replacement did not help this issue. The air force is supposed to have about 1,500 pilots, but was short around 225 at the end of December 2019. According to the Canadian Press, the issue had improved slightly by 2021 - but the air force was still short about 130 pilots. So after several years of delays and dramatic cost increases, the government is now purchasing the F-35 fighter jets. The deal is now $19 billion, but officials said in a technical briefing last week that the cost estimate for the lifecycle of these fighter jets is expected to land around $70 billion. The first aircraft is set to be delivered in 2026, officials said, and the full fleet is expected to reach operational capability between 2032 and 2034. Compare the purchase price at $9 billion versus $19 billion, the maintenance costs at $44 Billion versus 70 billion, and the delivery date of 2016 versus 2026. Now consider the purchase price of replacing its aging fleet of Boeing CF-18 fighter jets in 2017, when the government also said it would buy 25 used jets of the same model from Australia as a bridge toward a longer-term fleet replacement, and you have the whole devastating picture of recklessly misspent taxpayer money. Is anybody being held accountable? "The delay, of course, has impacted quite severely on the Royal Canadian Air Force in terms of recruitment and retention of pilots, fighter aircraft capability, and the world has changed," former defence minister Peter MacKay said recently in an interview with CTV National News Senior Political Correspondent Glen McGregor. Interestingly enough I was in the Defence Committee in the House of Commons during the Harper government's negotiations, and I witnessed first hand the wavering of the government to make the decision to have the contract signed for the F-35 fighter jets. Not signing it was certainly a grave mistake, as the leadership essentially succumbed to uninformed public pressure whipped up by a politically partisan media and the pressure of an imminent election campaign. In today's world, faced with the complexity of defending our long neglected arctic, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the growing tensions in South East Asia with the emerging power of China, we cannot afford future mistakes of this kind. We must have a military capable of defending our country from any foreign threat. We cannot base our defence by proxy on our strong neighbour to the South. What do you think?

Why Do Some People Seem to Have Jobs Fall into Their laps?

By Nick Kossovan We all know someone who seems to get job opportunities dropped into their laps, whose career appears to be a seamless meteoric rise. Job opportunities don't fall into some people's laps more than others; they're available to everyone. What sets the "job opportunities fall into their laps" people apart: 1. They heed the Roman philosopher Seneca's words, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Simply put, putting yourself in the right position creates luck. For example, having a completed LinkedIn profile that shows what you've achieved for your previous employers is much more likely to lead to hiring managers and recruiters contacting you. 2. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, they're open-minded and decisive about whether it will get them closer to their goal(s). Rather than feeling envious of those who seem to have it easier than you or who are achieving the success you wish you had, ask yourself, "How are they creating the luck they have that I wish I had?" Preparation to meet opportunities has many looks, such as how you choose to present yourself to the world, educate yourself, and being assertive. The following are some ways those you envy are attracting job opportunities. - Everybody knows what they do. "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Constructive self-promotion helps you connect with the right people. In addition, it makes you memorable. Therefore, family, friends, acquaintances, and everyone you regularly interact with, think of you when opportunities arise that fit your abilities. Whether reworking your LinkedIn profile, preparing for an interview or navigating networking events, knowing how to promote yourself is essential. - They embrace networking. Networking goes hand-in-hand with self-promotion. Obviously, the more people you know and know about you and what you do and have accomplished, the more opportunities you'll be presented with. So, for better visibility, cast a wide net. Many people who claim to be introverts have adopted limiting beliefs to go along to get along. It's easier to be withdrawn than put yourself out there and risk being rejected. Opportunities are all around you-the caveat is that they're attached to people, which means you have to connect with people. Regardless of how comfortable you are with networking, if you're serious about your job search and career, read Never Eat Alone, Expanded and Updated: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi. TRUISM: The world is made for and run by extroverts. - They're charismatic. I'm going to tell you something all the other self-proclaiming job search experts and career coaches never say. Throughout your interview, your interviewer is asking themselves this one question which determines whether you move forward in the hiring process and get hired: "Do I like this person?" TRUISM: Being likeable supersedes your skills and experience. Four ways to be more charismatic in your job interviews and career: 1. Embrace small talk. 2. Listen with intent. 3. Make eye contact. 4. Ask questions. (show interest) Many believe that charisma comes from within, that it's innate from birth. This is limiting-belief nonsense! Anyone can become charismatic if they put their mind to it. Besides Ferrazzi's book, I recommend reading Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards. - Their personal brand is important to them. Whether you realize it or not, your personal brand (aka, your reputation) says four things about you: - What you value. - What you're great at. - What kind of person you are. - What you're known for. Most people don't give their personal brand any thought. Nor do they want to put in the effort to cultivate a personal brand that'll be invaluable to their job searches and career. People whose careers you admire strategically control their personal brand narrative. I have another book to recommend, Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future by Dorie Clark. - They've positioned themselves as a SME. Since employers hire for results, they look for SMEs (Subject Matter Experts)-thought leaders-who can address specific issues or challenges in their company and industry. Becoming and being recognized as an SME is a lengthy process; however, your efforts to become one will pay off. Begin by learning everything you can about a subject, procedure, or process related to your industry or profession. Online courses, certification coursework, attending conferences, participating in discussions in a community of experts, posting on social media, and keeping up with the latest news and trends are ways to gain knowledge. Once you have mastered your "subject," the next step is the most important one; establishing yourself as an authority or thought leader. You achieve this by managing your social media presence, participating in Q&A websites offering expert advice, writing publications columns, and starting an informative blog or a YouTube channel. The activities mentioned above of those who "appear" to have opportunities fall into their laps are designed to accomplish one goal: to set them up for success. What are you doing to set yourself up for job search and career success? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

TIC-TOC

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - Can it be that those that we elect to lead us be such incompetents. From Hillary and her issued with securing servers or even having the knowledge of a government from a private server. Baffles the mind. Now under the guidance of the Intellegence community. The U.S. government decides to go after Tic-Toc as they are deemed the new evil empire attempting to over throw the American dream. Really.... and the U.S. government have gone as far as deeming Tic-Toc a national threat. REALLY!!! The government in its ignorance will block access to TIC-TOC and it’s users at the white house. It baffles the mind. First. If the U.S. government is so insecure over technology. They must ban all cell phones. They are the bigger threat to national security as any cell phone can be accessed remotedly. This so true that when an Amber alert goes out. So does your individuality and privacy. As a signal is sent across all networks alarming the population at large of any dangers. People wake up. This technology anuls your right to privacy and proves the power of the government to collect information about you without your consent. But wait, this is more than a China - U.S. security issue. This Tic-Toc is about the government putting fear in people’s mind so that we the people keep surrendering our civil rights. The Chinese are listening... Don’t use Tic-Toc or let the government intervene. WRONG. The government of the world for the past 30 years have attempted at all cost to monitor, scensor and control who and what goes online. So far they failed. Now with this new found threat against the people. BINGO - the magic bullet to force U.S. citizens to comply and forfeit on their freedoms and civil liberties. If the government is so interested in protecting the identity of American’s and personal information. How is it that the COMCAST of the world are allowed to send all of our personal information to call centers in Africa, Carribean, South East Asia and South American countries. Do you not think that is a worst national security threat? Companies like Comcast and others volunterr our information without consent from the American public. Are our Intelligence community that stupid to not see it? But wait, Tic-Toc is an issue. No it is not. They are making it an issue so that they can pass laws in order to prevent us access and tighten the control online. This action should be denounced by every red blooded American. Tic-Toc is no different than Facebook or Twitter. No diffrent that any browser you may use. Why the all of a sudden attack on Tic-Toc. Yes you thought it. Politics and government attempt to work their way in controlling what goes on the net. Beware.

The new Canadian Liberal Dream

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East We are at the beginning of 2023, just finishing celebrating the New Year's arrival and hoping for a brighter future. Then, as if the burdens of the housing crisis, high mortgage rate and a faltering economy were not enough, the liberal government has announced a new dream objective for greening themselves even more. The liberal government guru on the environment, Environment Minister Steven Guilibeault, has proposed new regulations recently, under which one-fifth of all passenger cars, SUVs and trucks sold in Canada in 2026 will need to run on electricity. By 2030, the mandate will hit 60 per cent of all sales and by 2035, every passenger vehicle sold in Canada will need to be electric. Wow!!? Ironically enough, Guilbeault's parliamentary secretary Julie Dabrusin said during the recent announcement that the new target is "about making sure that Canadians have access to the vehicles they want." Are these guys for real? This is a clear demonstration of the dream world this liberal government is living in. For the record, geographically, Canada is the second largest country in the world with a relatively small population of just 36 million souls. We have long roads to cover and a cold climate to combat. Are they hoping that leviathan driven global warming and climate change will alter these realities? Unless they do, we will need reliable car batteries and charging points to power the vehicles. Where will they come from? Solar or wind energy? These people have lost their mental compass, infatuated as they are with the new global reset, initiated by the World Economic Foundation (WEF), promoted strongly from elsewhere, and certainly not made in Canada or for Canada. In addition, manufacturers or importers who don't meet the sales targets could face penalties under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act through a phased-in approach. Very encouraging for entrepreneurs and people who are really working and not just talking nonsense. In the first six months of 2022, sales of fully-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles made up just 7.2 per cent of new car registrations. For all of 2021, the proportion was 5.2 per cent. Clairvoyants like Cara Clairman, president and CEO of Plug'n Drive, a non-profit organization (Paid for by Whom?) that encourages electric vehicle use, said the toughest part of promoting the change from gas-powered vehicles is availability. "Long waiting lists are definitely discouraging consumers that are ready to make the switch," she said. "And if we all agree that we're in a climate emergency, we need to help consumers make the switch as soon as possible." Other, more thoughtful people, like Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, said the federal government should be building up necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles before regulating sales. He suggested that Canada's infrastructure is not on track to support a growing fleet - and those who will be driving the new cars. "The vehicles are coming, but we need a supercharged effort to help marketing, and actually make that purchase and make it easy, convenient and accessible," he said. Under the draft regulations, to be formally published soon, the government proposes tracking the sales by issuing credits for vehicle sales. Fully electric cars and trucks would be worth a bigger credit than plug-in hybrid versions, though the government acknowledges that plug-in hybrids will likely remain in demand in rural and northern areas. How considerate of them! The mandate fulfils a 2021 Liberal election promise. It's the first major set of regulations to come out of an emissions reduction plan the government published last April. That plan is Canada's broad road map toward hitting its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors to a level in 2030 that is 40 to 45 per cent below what it was in 2005. Passenger vehicles account for half of all road transportation emissions and about 10 per cent of Canada's total emissions across all sectors. Before this latest move, Canada already had targets for electric vehicle sales. However, they were not enforceable, and the government wasn't successfully compelling car companies to ramp up the number of electric vehicles available for sale. Kingston said the government's approach seems intended to "regulate away global supply chain challenges" - but he said that is not realistic, since a completely new supply chain is being created for electric vehicles. "You can't regulate away shortages, and it simply doesn't work like that," he said. The new policy would decouple Canada's regulatory regime from the United States, Kingston warned, and the impending penalties for vehicles sold outside of the prescribed federal targets could raise the overall cost of operating in Canada. Clean Energy Canada, an advocacy group (hostile to nuclear power) housed at Simon Fraser University, close to la la land, celebrated the latest government announcement but warned that the penalties will need to be legally enforced, "a time consuming process" that will create complexity and uncertainty. Welcome to the newly crafted 'democracy'. So, autocracy is in the works eh… With this hysteria in the making, and no regard for the realities of life we are surely heading for new dark ages led by a "necromonger" government. Joy to the world, and Happy New Year!

Obstacles to Remove From Your 2023 Job Search

By Nick Kossovan We're in the third year of what many call "unprecedented times," which feels accurate when not compared to what earlier generations experienced during the Great Depression and World War II. Today headlines of labour shortages and layoffs coexist. While companies strive to keep costs under control, consumers and employees demand increased corporate investment in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance), including DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). I ask myself: - Will economic pressures drive companies to pause their ESG and DEI commitments? - Will companies cut back on employee experiences? - As employee demands increase, thus increasing their liability to their employer's profit margin, will companies be more inclined to use AI, robotics, outsourcing, and contractors? 2023 will be a year employers and job seekers will be navigating many obstacles. Inevitably, job searching is heartbreaking and frustrating. Therefore, job seekers will benefit from mitigating "obstacles," real and perceived, so they are in a better headspace while searching for employment. For a successful job search in 2023, remove these obstacles. - Accept the fact that companies are wishy-washy. Employers can't predict the near-term economic future. Many economists foresee a brutal 2023 recession. Therefore, businesses are facing the challenge of hiring applicants who can assist them in staying afloat in a recession. Understandably employers are skittish when hiring, hence a lengthy hiring process or putting off hiring. Continuously pursue multiple companies during your job search-create a pipeline of potential employers. Placing all your eggs (READ: hopes) in one basket (employer, industry) isn't a wise job search strategy. - Embrace the fact today's job market is as competitive as ever. Don't be fooled by the media's claim that it's a job seeker's market. Every job opening is fiercely competitive, especially those highly sought-after. Getting a job in today's job market isn't a cakewalk. On the contrary, believing it'll "be easy" creates frustration and heartbreak, obstacles that are difficult to overcome. Believing it'll "be easy" is also why many job seekers don't give 100% to their job search or take networking seriously. - Not following up. Following up consistently and persistently is key to networking, researching companies, and interviewing, which ultimately leads to job search success. A peek behind the curtain: Many hiring managers purposefully don't follow up with candidates. This is because they believe that candidates who follow up are the ones genuinely interested in the position. The logic behind this can't be argued. When you don't hear back, follow up! Show you're serious about the position and joining the company. - Having a sense of entitlement. Among job seekers, I see an entitlement epidemic. Hence, they're increasingly victims of their unrealistic expectations and demands of employers. A sense of entitlement is a massive turn-off with employers, putting you at a disadvantage. You're not owed a job or to make a living. Get rid of any sense of entitlement you may have and accept responsibility for the consequences of your actions and life choices. (You'll make better choices.) - You're a ghost online. Having no online presence severely restricts your visibility to recruiters and employers. A LinkedIn profile with a professional photo is much more visible and likely to be found than one that's incomplete. To get employers to find you think "digital assets" instead of "digital footprint." Having a blog, a website or writing LinkedIn articles showcasing you as an SME (Subject Matter Expert) in your field are excellent ways to get employers' attention. Your digital presence should demonstrate your value, not just that you exist. - You don't think in terms of "innovation." Candidates with more than textbook solutions are whom employers gravitate towards. Employers are looking for creative, out-of-the-box ideas and solutions, especially if the idea/solution will give them a competitive edge. Whether you work in retail or engineering, employers are hungry for ideas that'll generate revenue, save time and money, and enhance profitability. The next time you're interviewing, offer an innovative solution to a pressing problem the employer has or a solution to one of the problems the position you're interviewing for exists to solve. Try to entice your interviewer to say, "That's a great idea. Thanks for bringing it up." - Your salary discussions are all about "the money." The current advice from so-called career and job search experts is "grabbing the bag" and "getting what you're worth." When layoffs happen, which they will throughout 2023, who will be laid off first? The employees who negotiated "what they're worth" or the employees being paid market value? You should, of course, negotiate a fair compensation package (e.g., base salary, benefits, paid time off, commission/bonus structure) in line with your current local job market. Being inflexible regarding your starting salary prolongs your job search. Also, should you find an employer that's "stuck" and therefore agrees to your salary demand, you're now an expensive employee. You don't want to be the employee that has management always wondering, "Is Bob worth what we're paying him?" I hope 2023 is the year you find the right opportunity for you. If I can assist you in any way whatsoever, don't hesitate to reach out. Best of luck in your job search. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

Aging Well at Home

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones It’s been said that parents should be nice to their children. “After all, they are going to choose your nursing home.” So it is punishment or reward when children choose to help their parents stay living in their own homes? Some lifestyle choices are clear as night and day. Don’t smoke. Do exercise. Don’t lose sleep. Do eat a nutritious diet. But there is no clear answer to the question of where it is best to live out the senior years of life, with significant consequences for everyone in the family. Factors affecting in the decision are plentiful. Healthcare needs and cost of care. Housing suitability and safety considerations. Family location and friend groups. Availability of transportation and other services. And there’s no mistaking that as one gets older, these factors change in unpredictable ways. As important as these issues are, another factor might be even more crucial. Attitude plays a vital role in happiness, good health and longevity. A positive attitude has been linked in many studies with improved measures of well-being. A fascinating study conducted 20 years ago by Yale University researchers found that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions. Findings like this offer a strong rationale for a positive mindset. But happy thoughts only go so far when a decision to age at home bumps up against the common, everyday challenges of a world designed for younger people. In the home, being able to open a tin can or a bottle of wine makes the difference between having a good meal and enduring a frustrating barrier to it. Taking out the trash, doing the laundry, or keeping up with home maintenance are significant challenges for people with precarious mobility. Technology’s innovations and solutions have worked wonders for society, but not always for seniors seeking to maintain their independence. The failures of technology to serve the interests of seniors are observable, for example, outside urban concert venues that attract young and old alike. When the event is over and crowds emerge onto the streets, the young jump into waiting Ubers while seniors search for rare taxis or struggle in the dark and cold to put on their glasses so that they can puzzle with their phones to arrange a ride. It’s a rare young person who stops to help, let alone notices the problem. How will today’s society be judged in the future? On the surface, it appears that our eldest citizens are not always the recipients of the care and respect we claim they deserve. The influential baby boomer generation has an opportunity to change things for the elderly. The oldest boomers are now pushing into the second half of their 70s. They are goal-oriented and accustomed to getting things their way. It’s reasonable to anticipate that they will demand enhancements in lifestyle options for their senior years, whether at home or in assisted group residences, which no doubt they will rebrand. But until they do, the realities of senior living are still big challenges for most. For those seeking to stay at home, there are more services today than in the past, from food delivery to in-home healthcare and personal support. The question remains debated whether institutional settings have learned how to protect health while also promoting it. Has the COVID pandemic ignited new thinking among children about helping their aging parents stay at home? So it seems. Occupancy rates in assisted living facilities are down and “aging in place” is a top trend in senior housing. 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

MODERN DAY SLAVERY ALIVE AND WELL

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - I look around me and can’t explain it. How is it that as a society we have become so complaisant? We are led by misconception and uncalled fear. Slavery has to have a sense of fear. A sense of belongnes. A sense of place within a system that is believed to be in place in the betterment of our survival. Slaves do not want to be slaves but are forced our of a series of fears that in part if carefully thought out. Lack rational and or logic. In modern times, we suffer similar fate. All of us are animals of habit. We generally do the same thing day in and day out. We follow norms and laws out of fear of reprisal. Our free will is compromised in the name of surviving. We have to pay this bill that bill our mortgages... We are led by the fear of loss. By the fear of social oppression and or judicial prosecution. The bottom line is we conform to whatever is thrown our way. Our modern day slavery routines are a never ending abyss of surrenders of our civil right, human decency to a system that does not really care about the average person. Take banks, telecommunication companies, insurance companies. They harp they are working in the best interest of clients and reality they have the best interest of their own operations. While punishing those that can’t and filling their pockets with record profits. Look at government. Sending billions over seas to fight foreign wars. To help nations that by their own demise can’t help themselves. Yet, our own nationals are sleeping on streets. Hard working people are having problems paying bills. Our children ownership of homes has become an unreachable dream. While the government keeps taxing, wasting and tightening the noose around peoples throat to comply. COVID - never ending tax increases, so on and so on. We the people need to put a stop to this. We the people have to take our country back. Forget putting in a conservative over a Liberal. They are one of the same. What we need is a new form of governance. One that puts people first. One that caps all politicians pay to a minimum. No more once elected becoming a millionaire over night. No more of the waste of duplicating services. No more waste. We the slaves need to uprise and demand that we be taken care. Not made to conform and pay for others successes.

When Job Hunting Your Image is Everything (Part 2)

By Nick Kossovan This column is the second of a 2-part series discussing an aspect that most job seekers ignore, the image they project to employers. Part 2: The second hardest part is getting them to fall in love with you. "A stunning first impression was not the same thing as love at first sight. But surely it was an invitation to consider the matter." - Lois McMaster Bujold, writer. Lois's words remind us that a positive first impression is a prerequisite for someone to consider if you're worth falling in love with. For the sake of this column, I'm using the term "love" broadly. Congratulations! You passed the employer's vetting of your resume, digital footprint and, most likely, phone interview. Now you're sitting in reception waiting for your interviewer to meet you. Now's the time, or rather when you were choosing what to wear to your interview, to heed the advice I received years ago from an executive of the company I was working at, "What others think of you determines whether or not you move forward." All these years later, I still remember his words. Right or wrong, people judge your character and professionalism based on their first impression of you. Do you appear to be... - someone who can be trusted? - someone who's easily approachable or rather to be avoided? - someone who's a member of their tribe? - someone who's confident or timid? - someone who's competent, intelligent, and presumably educated? - someone who's well-mannered? Have you ever asked yourself this uncomfortable question: How do people probably perceive me when they meet me for the first time? TRUTH BOMB: Often, hiring decisions are based more on a person's social fit than on their skills and experience. Being seen as easy to work with is a massively underrated career skill. There's no one right image. There's no good or bad image. Instead, there's an image that either supports or doesn't support your career and personal goals. Your image matters in your professional and personal life because it helps you advance. The physical image (READ: nonverbal communication) you project comprises of: - Your appearance (nonverbal communication) - Your behaviour (verbal and nonverbal communication) Your communication (verbal communication) Imagine your interviewer walking into the reception area and seeing you for the first time. Your image should make people like you and trust you as soon as they see you. Do you think your image, your first impression, attracts people? Do you think your image makes people want to spend time with you and have a conversation with you? - Based on your appearance, do you seem likeable? - How does your appearance make people feel? Image matters because it's about trust. It's your responsibility to take responsibility for the way you are perceived. You're the only person in control of the first impression you make and your ongoing image. Your outer presence reflects your qualities; therefore, it's imperative that your appearance supports the message of authenticity, honesty and reliability. Looking good and feeling good is a recipe for success. Confidence in your appearance leads to self-confidence. More importantly, your interviewer's initial impression and gut feeling-all hiring decisions come down to "gut feel"-about you will be positive, as opposed to them thinking, "This person isn't going to work out. I'm wasting my time interviewing him." More than once, upon meeting a candidate for the first time and noticing their appearance and how they greeted me, I said to myself, "This is going to be a short interview." When it comes to making a positive first impression, keeping your appearance clean and neat is essential, as well as greeting your interviewer with a smile, a firm handshake and making eye contact-body language that indicates you're self-assured. Your goal is for your interviewer to focus on you and your skills, not your clothes, grooming and mannerisms. Your appearance is your interviewer's first glimpse of your judgment skills. For example, if you're applying for a high-level managerial job in the financial industry where tailored suits are the norm, showing up in anything less indicates either poor knowledge of industry expectations or a disregard for established professional image standards. Likewise, if you're interviewing for a job as a hospice nurse and show up in a vintage evening gown, you show you don't understand the environment you'd be working in. Your choice of attire exhibits that you're serious about landing the job and understand and respect the company's culture. Don't kid yourself; your overall appearance, along with your communication skills and mannerisms, will be used to determine if you'll fit easily into the workplace dynamics you'll be working in. TIP: Every company has an unofficial dress code-an unsaid uniform. Research what the unsaid uniform is for the company and position you're interviewing for, and dress accordingly. As I've mentioned in previous columns, being perceived as a fit is the key to getting hired. Therefore, you should project an image that communicates that you'll fit seamlessly into the company's culture. From the moment your interviewer meets you, you want them to begin considering whether they'll love having you as an employee. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

Seeds Of Understanding

from Wayne & Tamara

My husband has two children from a previous marriage and shares custody with his ex. They have been divorced over three years. Our problem is scheduling holidays, arranging meeting times, or adjusting the visitation in any way. His ex-wife screens calls and will not return messages. On the rare occasions she answers the phone, she claims she will get back to us but never does. At our swap location, she rolls up the car window and drives off rather than discussing things. She is so skilled at manipulating that my husband must concede to her or be made to look like he does not want to spend time with his children. His son, 11, says his mother told him now that his father is married, he would be too busy to spend time with him. I am a hospital administrator and need to plan travel schedules, evening events, and vacations in advance. My husband is a teacher with set vacations. This ex-wife does not work other than cleaning two houses a week on a cash basis. I am stymied. Is the next step contacting an attorney? Her refusal to schedule in advance has resulted in one too many situations where my husband missed a work-related social event at the last moment, or I lost my option to schedule vacation days. Gloria Gloria, second wives often have a tough row to hoe, and this woman is doing all she can to plant weeds. You can't make her give up her emotional resentment and jealousy, but there are some things you can do. Your husband, for example, could message his son every day at the same times. Each day his son will know his father is thinking of him. The ties that bind your husband to his children don't always have to be physical ones. You can also draw a comparison for the children. Let them understand that just as they have school rules they must follow, so rules of the workplace govern your lives. Share the demands of your schedule with them. Let them know the things you must do don't reflect a lack of love for them. Young children are concrete thinkers, but they are capable of understanding the difference between what you must do and what their mother chooses to do. Unfortunately, legal solutions seldom solve emotional issues. Wayne & Tamara Somebody Knows Help! What do we do? We have a 40-year-old son, married, children, lovely wife. He has stepped away from his parents. Why? He cannot explain it to his wife or family. We visit when he is at work and just go on with our lives. We have always been a close family, there for each other no matter what. His wife will not get involved as she feels it is his baggage. His father spoke to her to let her know we are getting up in years. I am sure she has tried her best, but our son doesn't seem to care. Dixie Dixie, the first thing to be grateful for is that you are still in touch with your grandchildren and your daughter-in-law. She has done what she can and probably feels reluctant to align herself against her husband's wishes. There are reasons for everything. Sometimes small resentments are nurtured until they result in extreme behavior. Sometimes an undiagnosed mental illness is present. But we have to tell you that in our experience the origin of the problem is usually a family secret. This secret could involve sexual or physical abuse, alcoholism, or the constant belittling of one child. You haven't provided any details, but if that is the case here, you should realize there can never be a resolution without shining a hard light on a very dark corner of his life and your family life. Wayne & Tamara write: Directanswers@WayneAndTamara.com Wayne & Tamara are also the authors of Cheating in a Nutshell, What Infidelity Does to the Victim, available from Amazon, Apple and most booksellers.

Think Twice Before Shoveling the Snow

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones What should we conclude when health experts say people over 45 should not shovel snow? That’s a young age! What could be so threatening about clearing the snow to people in the prime of life? A winter storm may inspire some to curl up under a blanket. But for others, it’s a call to arms. Driveways must be cleared. Sidewalks too. And there’s no point in doing only half the job. But caution is the order. Shoveling snow can be a dangerous activity. Several years ago, the Canadian Medical Association Journal reported on the link between heart attack and snowfall. Researchers matched weather data against hospital data for the 65,000 heart attacks in Quebec between 1981 and 2014. Among men, who tend to do more shoveling than women, they found a heavy snowfall of 20 cm was associated with a 34 per cent relative increased risk of death! In the United States, between 1990 and 2006, almost 200,000 individuals made emergency department visits for snow shovel–related incidents, averaging about 11,500 individuals annually. Cardiac arrest was the deadly result of shovelling for 1,647 people. Other hazardous results included soft tissue and lower back injuries. The exertion of shoveling was not the only concern. Slips and falls while shovelling accounted for one of five patients. A further 15 percent of patients had been hit by a shovel! Heavy snowfall does make for uncommon risks, even among northern dwellers. In Finland, in 2010, quite astonishingly, there was an epidemic of accidental falls from rooftops by people attempting to clear snow. During a three-month period, just one hospital saw 46 victims. In Japan’s northern Akita prefecture too, between December 2009 to March 2012, 352 people required emergency department visits because of falls from heights while clearing snow, and of these 16 died. Even after a public service campaign about the hazards, between December 2015 and March 2018, another 168 people fell from heights while clearing snow. Seven of them died. Most people don’t stop to consider the risks before setting out to clear snow. But an explanation might get them thinking. Dusting off the deck after a light snow is probably not going to cause a cardiac event. But shovelling heavy snow even for a short time is akin to a hard workout. To do it on a single occasion, without gradually working up to that heavy level of exertion, is inviting trouble. People with high blood pressure should be especially cautious, as should those who are overweight, smoke or have an inactive lifestyle. Why? Because shovelling will raise both blood pressure and heart rate. These are the conditions that invite plaque build-up in the arteries to rupture, forming a blood clot that causes a heart attack. What’s the solution? Common sense and moderation. Don’t shovel after eating or drinking alcohol, just as you wouldn’t go for a heavy workout at such times. Would you workout in a snowsuit? Probably not, so be ready to take layers off as your body heats up. Unless you’ve prepared for a heavy workout, approach the task in smaller pieces. Take breaks and drink water. Experts also recommend another lifesaving measure – everyone should learn CPR. When heart attack occurs, bystanders can significantly improve the chance of survival by starting CPR quickly. One final recommendation might be the most sensible one. Make arrangements with someone under 45 to shovel your snow! The youthful age limit relates to research showing that 85 percent of U.S. adults aged 50-plus already have underlying coronary artery disease. 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

THANK YOU - THANK YOU HAPPY NEW YEAR

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you... to all that have played a role in the success of Durham’s Number One Independent Newspaper. Without your support, contributions and encouragement. We could not have done it and or continue to do it. I remember 28 years ago when we first opened. The Oshawa Times had closed it’s doors in Oshawa after 123 years of service. Those were big shoes to fill. I remember the many questioning our goal, purpose and longevity. Well 28 years later. Here we are, stronger and bigger than ever. What does that mean for Oshawa/Durham region? Bigger and better can only mean one thing. We have won one reader at a time. The success comes from our many columnists, reporters, journalists, affiliate, contributors and associates not only locally but across the globe. I like to personally thank Corneliu Chisu for his years of contributing a very well thought out column. A gentleman and a scholar in his field of expertise. His life experiences and insight in politics make his columns rich. His topics are revealing and eye opening. He writes from a conservative perspective that entices all spectrum readers to enjoy a well presented argument. Many letters come in praising his topics and style. From all of us at the Central Thank You. I also would like to thank Nick Kossovan. A fountain of knowledge. His topics are employment related that are a must for anyone looking to secure employment. Nick’s columns bring the newspaper to life as it is very refreshing to read on topics that assist those looking for work in a high tech world. Thank you Nick. Look forward to future contributions. Dr. W. Gifford-Jones, MD and Diana Gifford-Jones, have been a long standing contributors to The Central Newspaper. His topics are mind blowing as they not only rely on science but on the good doctors life experience and research. Dr. W. Gifford-Jones is a renown columnist with thousands of published columns. Thank you for your support and contributions. The Central truly appreciates your contributions. The Central Newspaper through the years has made history time and time again. Did you know that the Central newspaper was the first newspaper to be publishing online across the planet. The very first. Did you know that the Central under the name of THE WAVE radio was the first radio station across the planet to be broadcasting live radio online. Before pod-cast, you tube and all the others. We look at the future to continue making progress. To continue to bring you a world class newspaper. Without our great staff and you the readers it could not happen. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Canada and Christmas 2022

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East Barely out of the Corona virus pandemic, Canada has entered into a dangerous area of high inflation. The politicians and the Bank of Canada are trying to resolve the problem but there is only a faint hope that they will succeed. So, here we are, trying to celebrate Christmas in an optimistic way and hoping for the best for the New Year, 2023. The World, including Canada, has finished 2022 grasping for some kind of relief in view of the war in Europe and a worsening economy. The year 2023 will be decisive in giving us the highly desired optimism for finding the road that will get us back to a new palatable normal. By now most countries' economies are in shatters. Such an insecure global outlook hardly makes for a secure context for economies to make a quick recovery. However, let us hope that the strongest economies will continue to show a resilience in the midst of the worsening geopolitical environment as government relief programs continue to offer some kind of support. How long this support will be in place is hard to predict. On the positive side, financial markets have done better than expected despite the earlier doom and gloom pronouncements prophesied nine months ago. Certainly, some things in the present world have clearly changed, and perhaps permanently. The global job market has been ravaged by COVID, especially in the service and tourism sectors, where typically low wages left millions vulnerable and highly dependent on government stimulus measures to survive. The prospects in this area are not very optimistic at present, with the war in Ukraine entering a new and more dangerous phase. The chances of small to medium sized businesses having to close their operations for good are strong and worrisome, as this is bound to create unprecedented hardship for many people and their families. The future doesn't look good, as the World Bank contends that Covid-19's wide-ranging effects will result in an increase of the poorest by up to 150 million people. The success of the past 30 years, where the numbers of the world's poorest declined from 36% of the 1990 global population to 8% just prior to the pandemic, has now been devastated. This is a tragedy of significant proportions. Yet we are still optimistic that the Western economies, including Canada's, are capable of rebounding despite a new insecure world which is devastating much of their productivity, just as we looked for recovery to commence. Unlike the Great Recession of 2008-2009, when economists felt they understood the ground and how to rebuild, our current predicament has left these same financial experts scratching their heads. They are aware the unemployment numbers will remain stagnant for perhaps decades. Our present economic challenges are on a global scale and the reverberating effects will remain unknown for years to come. Health concerns and the recent war in Ukraine have paralyzed us and have transcended everything as civilization seeks to survive something it can't even see. Our recovery will take much more than we actually think. Just when trust and cohesion are required at the societal level to wade through this calamity, increasing numbers of citizens and businesses are deeply concerned about where the economy is going. The wobbly decisions made by governments both provincially and federally add ferment to a badly deteriorating situation. The societal unease and fragmentation arising from this uncertainty could become an element for endless partisan divisions in upcoming provincial and federal elections. There will certainly be positive global changes on the societal scene and new trade opportunities with Canada's traditional allies in America, Asia and Europe. Let us hope we will have a new vision with the ability to focus on Main Street, not only on Wall Street. Canadians will look forward to effective and fair societal changes in line with their values and traditions and a more collaborative form of politics at all levels of government. This will be our life in 2023 - more uncertainty, slow economic recovery, rising divisions within the temporary hegemony caused by COVID, increased tensions with Russia and China, and the ever-present politically motivated climate change challenge. But for now, let's focus on enjoying the holiday season, look forward to the traditional Christmas festivities with our families, and hope for a better and more optimistic future. Will Canada remain a reasonable and reasoning country? The answer to that question is within our control, although much of our fate in 2023 will be determined elsewhere. How it will unfold and how drastically these external forces will influence us remains to be seen. So shall it be 'Bah, humbug!' or 'Merry Christmas!' Your choice.

A Fast for the Holidays

W. Gifford-Jones, M.D. and Diana Gifford-Jones As 2022 comes to a close, grave existential questions loom. Is the doomsday clock ticking louder? Have we harmed our planetary home beyond repair? Is the global economy headed for collapse, or will a reckless war end all things? These are some of the debates that friends and families will have when they gather in groups around the dinner table. This year, those holiday meals themselves may be the source of despair. The higher costs for food make entertaining large groups an expensive proposition. It may not be practical to suggest fasting as an alternative. But it’s good food for thought. And research findings suggest ample benefits. As a new year’s resolution, fasting could have personal health and economic benefits. A global trend towards more mindful eating would be a welcome development for the planet too. Narrowly defined, fasting means not eating. But there are different approaches with varying levels of austerity. Longer fasts, 24 hours or more, are hard to do and not generally recommended. Intermittent fasting is far easier and can result in a wide array of health benefits, including weight loss, improved brain health, reduced insulin resistance, reduced inflammation in the body, and improved blood pressure. What is intermittent fasting? It can take different forms. Time-restricted fasting limits food intake to specific hours of the day. Alternate day fasting involves eating normally one day and eating very little the next. The common theme is a longer-than-usual gap between eating. What happens when food intake is absent? For a typical person, after about 12-16 hours without eating, the body starts to react as if there is a threat, turning to stored energy and activating biological alerts. People who are fasting will experience hunger, but they also have increased performance, for example, on memory tests. Another element of fasting shouldn’t be ignored, and that is the reduced consumption of food that would have been eaten in the absence of a fast. Fasting during the holidays isn’t the social thing to do. But if the food on the table is loaded with fats, sugars and salt, then a fast is a good friend. Put another way, fasting well should also mean eating well. There must be a reasonable balance between calorie restriction and healthy caloric intake. There is no good that comes from fasting one day if the next day involves a binge. For people who are underweight, emotionally unwell, or managing complex medical conditions, and for breastfeeding mothers, fasting is not a good idea. But for the majority of people who are carrying extra pounds, the greatest benefit of fasting is healthy weight loss. If fasting helps reduce weight and maintain weight loss, then this means a decrease in risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The connection between fasting and cognitive function is an area of recent research. Scientists are studying how cells react to the deprivation of energy and how they then respond afresh when food finally arrives. There’s some indication that fasting helps neurons and brain cells build resilience against deterioration of neural connections brought on with aging. Unfortunately, most people eat three meals a day, plus multiple snacks. At this time of year, the meals tend to be big and decidedly not healthy. The snacks are often worse. Also at this time of year, we tend to get more mail. It’s encouraging to hear from long-time readers indicating how this column has helped them in one way or another. We wish all of you a happy and healthy new year. 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

When Job Hunting Your Image is Everything (Part 1)

By Nick Kossovan This column is the first of a 2-part series discussing an aspect that most job seekers ignore, the image they project to employers. Part 1: Getting noticed is your image's job. "Image is everything. You don't spare any expense to create the right image. And word of mouth is critical. Once you get a good reputation, momentum will carry you." Haruki Murakami, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage Four questions you should ask yourself as a job seeker: - Who am I? - What do I do, or what would I like to do? - Why does it matter? - How do I want others to perceive me? In answering these questions with definitive answers, you'll become more strategic regarding how you present yourself (physically and verbally), which influences the impression people have of you. "Image" is one of the oldest forms of nonverbal communication used to attract others. A person's appearance is often used to judge their integrity, credibility and level of professionalism. The right image can open doors, draw attention to strengths and qualities, and open doors to life-changing possibilities. Since first impressions are everlasting, my first rule when job searching is: Image is everything. (My second rule: Don't look for a job. Instead, look for where you'll be accepted. Think: "I'm not looking for a job; I'm looking for my tribe!") The notion that your image significantly impacts your career-actually, your image influences all aspects of your life-makes many uncomfortable. The majority of people would rather be heads-down, focusing on their work, with their fingers crossed that their work alone will propel them forward, not their image. However, as creatures of our environment, we form perceptions based on what we see. By being aware of this and how your image is directly correlated with how you're perceived, you can craft an image that attracts opportunities rather than repels them. People don't have much imagination when it comes to other people. What you show them-what they see-is the only thing they'll first know about you, which we all learn at an early age; thus, why "What I show is what they'll know" is ground-zero social guidance. Hence, we have a fashion industry, sexy sports car models, plastic surgery, Invisalign, and multiple brands to self-identify with for essentially the same product (e.g., soft drinks, coffee, jeans, etc.). The constant effort to create an image in the hopes of being noticed and accepted is why for many people, "approval nods" are essential to their self-esteem. Consequently, when employers don't give approval nods, their egos and self-confidence suffer badly and why heartbreak is a frequent occurrence when conducting a job search. A stranger form a first impression of you in about seven seconds. In today's increasingly open and interconnected world, where employers can easily research you to determine if you're interview-worthy, your overall presentation is increasingly important to your job search and career success. Then there's the initial meeting when the interviewer's opinion of you will determine whether you advance in the hiring process. As much as it may offend you, your interviewer's opinion of you will be based on your image. When I was starting out, still trying to reach the first rung of the ladder, an advertising executive gave me this advice: "Create the image you want the world to see and constantly work at living up to it." Then to emphasize his point, he mentioned Madonna, Norman Mailer, Tupac Shakur and Mother Theresa as examples. Your what I call "pre-screen image," which includes your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other digital footprints, is what gets you in the door-in front of those who'll judge your suitability for the job and your fit with the company's culture. In other words, are you one of them? This "Are you one of us?" judgment is why I view employers as exclusive clubs. Afterwards, once you've been selected for an interview, you must look "the part." Forget facts and logic, especially at the initial stages of the hiring process. Recent research reveals that a person's image and emotional projections far outweigh facts and logical conclusions about them. According to studies, people understand images faster than words and remember them for longer periods. Whenever there is a discrepancy between what we see and hear, our brains tend to believe what we see. A potent image speaks to us on a symbolic level, feeding us information by intuition and association. TRUTH BOMB: Seeing is believing. Before you return to your job search, ask yourself this question: What does my image say about who I am? It's common for me to hear a job seeker tell me they are this and that… blah, blah, blah, yet what I see contradicts what they're trying to convince me to believe about them. In other words, their image makes it hard for me to believe what they're saying about themselves. Does your image work in your favour or against you? In my next column, I'll discuss the second hardest part of your image's job, making employers fall in love with you. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com

GOODBYE INTERNET

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. - ONE DAY AT A TIME - It has taken the government 30 years to figure out how to regulate and control not to mention censor the internet. As one of the pioneers in internet technologies I can tell you first hand that as soon as the internet became commercialized. The governments of the world have been licking their chops on finding ways to take control. How to monetize. Well in this modern age of protecting ‘US’ bull shit. The government has found the silver bullet. The government both in Canada and the U.S. are calling necessary to block internet users from the internet in the name of National security. I say malarkey. I say this is just another example of how government controls the population at large. Take note that the internet in it’s pure form is a system set up as ‘FREE WARE’. This means anyone has access. This system was set forth to be the ultimate in communication with self governance as the primary regulator. As everything that has been created for the good of man. It ends up being a tool for commerce to make money and for government to be used as a tool against it’s people. Personally, I believe that if the government is successful in passing laws that will give them rights to restrict users from receiving material from parts of the net. The net as we know is finished. It is not bad enough that as it is, that we have Google and the likes polluting the broadbands of the net with ads, tracking technology and intel gathering on users. Now the government? You got to be kidding me. The worst of it is that if anyone attempts to by-pass their restriction. They will be deemed and enemy of the state and face some serious criminal allegation and be labeled a terrorist or one that supports foreign enemy. I am beyond words on how the government plans on monitoring use and prevent from foreign countries to send info in. Think about it. It is a web. This means that there are endless points of entry. Not only that. The web was designed specifically to prevent anyone to block others from navigating it. Then now how is it that the government is so advanced in the field of internet technology? THEY ARE NOT. What the government will do. They will monitor usage and anyone that is found to be dealing or receiving/interacting with any sources the government deem a threat. The user will be blocked. This means that every Canadian citizen will be monitored and censored. We are giving up our civil liberty and our privacy. We are being forced once again under the guise of a threat of foreign governments to comply and give up privacy. Does this not sound familiar to the COVID situation? The government will accomplish this feat of monitoring every citizen with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence is a series of system designed to compute at a higher rate never seen before. These systems are already in use in many of the countries we deem enemy of the state. Such as China, Korea. This technology is being forced upon us as a good thing. I say, thank you but no thank you. We the people are ignorant of the fact. We must stop be made to fear and demand our governments do their jobs and assure our security not by taking our rights and freedoms instead by identifying the enemy and take proper diplomatic avenues to address any threat. No, once again we the people take the brunt of their neglect and failure to act on our behalf.

Canada in need of a comprehensive industrial strategy

by Maj (ret'd) CORNELIU. CHISU, CD, PMSC, FEC, CET, P. Eng. Former Member of Parliament Pickering-Scarborough East In an uncertain world, Canada needs to have a plan for the future. A plan that is realistic, and takes care of the interest of Canadians first. Just as the giant south of the border takes time to think ahead for the future of the nation, despite the fact that it is politically embroiled in a polarized fight. The United States has made it clear that it would pursue an aggressive industrial strategy to ensure its competitiveness vis-à-vis China in key advanced industries and technologies. The reality is that the United States has a plan and Canada does not. Instead of focusing on a dream world and fantasy projects Canada should seriously think about its own industrial strategy. In the context of rising geopolitical tensions Canada would be ill-advised not to prepare for the resurgence of the importance of industrial policy. The need to do that is evermore pressing with the ongoing conflict in Europe and the rising tensions in South East Asia. Essentially, there are three families of technologies that will be of particular importance over the coming decade: first, computing-related technologies, including microelectronics, quantum information systems and artificial intelligence; second, biotechnologies and bio-manufacturing; and third, new, efficient, non-polluting energy technologies. However, it is also important that we do not lose elementary manufacturing skills, which were outsourced overseas for cheap, short term gain. Canada must find a solution for itself in terms of its industrial policy. It should not necessary be by means of central economic planning lead exclusively by the government of the day, with many political interests involved. The solution must be one which maximally limits political interference, is based on the positives of a "free-market" dynamic, and acts in symbiosis with the government. Today we need to be aware of the dynamic interaction between technological change and national security. In the context of intense technological rivalry and national-security imperatives, any future industrial policy needs to take into consideration: the semiconductor industry, critical minerals, the pharmaceutical industry (vaccines for example), and it must ensure key supply chain resiliency. However, no policy has value if there is no clear way of implementing it. Americans have successfully done so before, and even Canadians, during WW2 under the leadership of a competent engineer, have done it well. Obviously, there is a need of somebody as well oriented and capable as C.D. Howe was. We should never forget to learn from the past, and we can learn a lot from Howe. During a crucial time in Canadian history, he was able to transform the Canadian economy from agriculture-based to industry-based. During the Second World War, his involvement in the war effort was so extensive that he was nicknamed the "Minister of Everything". The question is: Is there a modern-day C.D. Howe in Canada when we really need one? and what does this all mean for Canada? To be sure, there will be some North American integration on industrial policy and supply chain resiliency. That is only common sense and we need to take it into consideration. In an era of protectionism, a politically influenced globalist economy and recent geopolitical issues to complicate matters, it would be a mistake to think that the Americans will carry the day for us. What is abundantly clear today is that the United States seem to have a robust, comprehensive and ambitious industrial strategy with a clear roadmap to implement it; while Canada is tinkering in the margins of both. One wonders where the priorities of the Trudeau government are today. The challenge is clearly two-fold: First, it has yet to articulate, coherently and in detail, what Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland calls Canada's "muscular" industrial strategy; and second, we need to raise the degree of sophistication and policy focus that is necessary to implement what is said. Unfortunately, there are no signs of real action, only a slew of lawyer-generated wordings with no real substance. Lately we have seen a trumpeted movement on electric vehicles, in which the federal government has made important strides in attracting key investments in the automotive sector and parts of the EV supply chain. This has made labour and provincial politicians ecstatic. The question is whether the Canadian market is ready for them, and whether the heavy subsidies from public money are worth it. Yes, electrical vehicles are interesting, but several key questions arise regarding their suitability for Canada and just how 'green' they are. For example, how well do they work over the long distances and low temperatures in Canada? And how environmentally friendly are the batteries they use? There are more questions, but I think these two penetrate to the heart of the matter. Furthermore, providing subsidies to companies in one sector is not a comprehensive industrial strategy. Nor is it a substitute for reimagining our national environment for innovation. It only adds to our already overgrown bureaucratic structures. As a key component in an industrial strategy, we need a modern incarnation of what used to be corporate labs. There, industrial research was conducted through collaboration between governments, universities and businesses, leading to real innovation at scale in the economy. Canadian policy makers need to think strategically about fundamental and common-sense actions rooted in Canadian reality. In the context of national-security considerations and intense strategic competitiveness at the technological level, they should identify sooner rather than later, what sectors a modern Canadian industrial strategy should focused on. We really do need to be clear, right now, on our key objectives and outcomes for Canada. The question is: How will Canada ensure clarity of purpose, consistency in execution, and long-term commitment to the protection of our economic vibrancy, national security, and the well-being of all Canadians? I'll leave it to you to reflect on that.

Swallow it’s good for you

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” No you perv’s it is not that kind of column. Now that we cleared the air sort of say. What is it with government that thinks we are that stupid. Or wait. Could it be that we are. It makes common sense that if you have tooth ache that you go to a dentist and not a gynecologist or proctologist. Vise versa if you have to have a historectomy you don’t go to a dentist. Points of entry can make a world of difference and the complexity to achieve either task would be long, painful and unpractical. Then if these statement stand true. Why are we as a general population being fed the line that it is good for us.... Take for example the corporate and private as well as government. They tell us that we must conform in the name of convenience. Use your credit card. Meanwhile the credit cards make billions each day from users being fooled to believe that it is convenient. During the COVID out break and in part even today. We are led to believe that the vaccine reduces risk of severity and spread. Much like in my opening statement. They are telling us without real knowledge or thought that it is ok to go to a gynecologist to have a tooth removed. The vaccine even today. Almost a year after the fact is being questioned as to it’s effectiveness, it’s real purpose and the after affects on the human body. Have we accomplished a tooth extraction from a wrongful entry and now attempting to justify it? Now it is a matter of ‘SWALLOW IT’S GOOD FOR YOU’ mentality being challenged by the same science that forced us to take it and like it. We live in a world that has no real direction. One government follows the lead of another. The essence of democracy as for the people by the people no longer applies. It appears that governments of the world rule on misinformation and forced social compliance. We the people are stupid. We the people allow it to happen. We the people are not ignorant of the facts but instead ignorant of period. Never surrender that of which others have sacrificed for you to exercise. We the people ar not numbers. This in part is our demise and we keep swallowing thinking it is good for us.

AMBER ALERT

By Joe Ingino Editor/Publisher ACCOMPLISHED WRITER/AUTHOR OF OVER 800,000 Published Columns in Canada and The United States “I live a dream in a nightmare world” Always Remember That The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Decode Your Life By Living It Without Regret or Sorrow. “AMBER ALERT” - should be an “RED ALERT” for all of us. How is it that the government can send out such a message to all cell phone numbers? Have we as consumers... as citizens surrendered the right to our privacy? If the government can send us a message. It rationally can be thought that the government utilizing similar technology can access our cell phones through our numbers. Oh you shake your head and question that logic? Think about it. Your smart phone is smart alright... This is why they issued it to a dummy like you and me. We barely know how to dial it and use some of the apps that have been tested on lab chimp. You think that anyone of us truly know the actual threat to privacy these phones are? To entrust that our government would never do that to us... that the government and all it’s agencies work above board and no one is above the law is nothing short of lunacy. The fact is that our privacy is violated on a daily basis. In the field of technology. A signal that can be sent out is a signal that can be received. The ability lies on the operator and the knowledge they have on how to manipulate the electronic logistics within any device. With the advancements in modern electronic technology today nothing is impossible. I remember back in 1993. When we at the Central began working within the internet framework. The Central was the first newspaper to publish on line across the globe. Believe it or not. Right here in Oshawa we made global history by being also the first commercial entity to be broadcasting live music online across the planet. At that time the technology was primitive in comparison to what we have today. At that time we could literally find anyone in the world by using and IP address and some fancy written computer language. NO GOOGLE. NO GOOGLE MAPS. Now if we could do that then. Imagine what can be done today. I remember ICQ, one of the very first social media outlets. A simple way to chat with people all over the world. Way before FB. We could technically utilize that technology to listen to different environments by manipulating the code. Highly illegal. Highly sophisticated for the time. Imagine what can be done today. We as a media company much like the police and security entities at times rely on utilizing technology to give an edge. Not that we can utilize any of that information gathered but we much like the police sit on it... and what things play out. Now back to the so called ‘AMBER’ alerts that have been sold to us as good for us. As part of saving life bullshit. Amber alerts save no lives. In my opinion as a internet sophisticado with years of active experience. I believe that the amber alerts are nothing short than a refresh on the intelligence systems servers that tally all active cell phone number available. Numbers that can and are being used to monitor, track and carry on sophisticated surveillance on all citizens. We the dummies using smart phones allow it as it is being sold to us as good for us. That we are helping save lives. Malarkey. Much like personal information that we entrust with Rogers, Bell and others that is sent to over seas phone centers. Information that is bought and sold in the information black market. I suggest to all that you disable your amber alert from your phones. That you learn about the technology and keep your cell phones off when not in use. Then again. Did you know that all cell phones once you turn them off they still can send out of your where abouts? Privacy is just another word much like love. We all think we have it.